Biological Agents
Interferon
Interferon is a type of immunotherapy which works by encouraging the body's immune system to attack its own cancer. The treatment aims to control kidney cancer once it has spread to another part of the body.
Interleukin-2
Interleukin 2 is also an immunotherapy that stimulates the body's immune system and encourages it to recognise and attack its own cancer, through lymphocytes naturally present in the blood to fight infection. This treatment is not commonly given in the UK, mainly because of it's side effects.
Targeted therapies
Sunitinib (Sutent)
This is a drug that interferes with the signals that tell cancer cells to grow. It may be used to treat people with locally advanced kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It can be taken in the form of tablets. It does not cure your kidney cancer but can slow down the development of it. Common side effects include: hand and foot syndrome, tiredness, sore mouth, effects on colour of the hair, thyroid function changes, nausea, high blood pressure and diarrhoea.
You may be aware of a number of cases in the media where patients have not been given funding from their Primary Care Trust. If you are advised to have Sutent by your Oncologist then he will apply for the drug for you. A number of other patients are in a similar situation to yourself. If you wish to speak to other patients about this then please visit the FROG (Friends of Renal Oncology Group) part of this web forum. Your Oncologist will be able to discuss the issues surrounding the prescribing of certain drugs with you.
Sorafenib (Nexavar)
This is a second line drug and can be used when a person has already tried to the drug Interferon- alpha or interleukin- 2. It also is available in tablet form. It also stops the cancer cells from growing. Common side effects: diarrhoea, skin reactions and tiredness.
Bevacizumab (Avastin)
This is a drug used to slow down the growth of cancer. It works by blocking a protein that encourages the cancer cells to make a new blood supply. It is a monoclonal antibody and usually given to patients with stage 3 or 4 disease.
Temsorilimus (Torisel)
This blocks a protein that is responsible for cell survival. It is a treatment used for people who have advanced kidney cancer with more agressive disease and fulfill certain criteria.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is rarely used as an effective treatment for kidney cancer. Please discuss this with your Oncologist if you wish to have further discussion.
Hormone Therapy
Likewise hormonal therapies are rarely effective for the treatment of kidney cancer. If you wish to discuss in more detail please speak to your Oncologist about this too.
Clinical Trials
There are some trials available for kidney cancer at the moment. If you wish to discuss the option of participating in Clinical Trials then please discuss this with your consultant.
