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Kidney Cancer Program
Our kidney cancer specialists are recognized for their expertise in treating common, rare, and advanced kidney cancers. In every case, we prioritize compassionate care, custom treatment options, and a highly coordinated approach.
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855-776-4224
Call the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute at 855-776-4224
8557764224
World-renowned care for kidney cancer
Kidney cancer (also called renal cancer) is often highly treatable. Regardless of your stage or type of kidney cancer, our Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute experts are dedicated to customizing your care and supporting your recovery.
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Our approach to kidney cancer care
We treat hundreds of patients every year using the most effective, research-backed treatments. You receive a customized care plan for the best outcomes and quality of life.
Multidisciplinary expertise
Our multidisciplinary team includes urologists, oncologists, radiologists, researchers, nurses, and social workers. Your team will meet regularly to review your treatment plan and options.
Comprehensive diagnostic tests
We conduct the latest diagnostic tests to determine your specific type and stage of kidney cancer. We offer:
- Blood and urine tests
- Image-guided fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy
- Imaging tests, such as MRIs, ultrasounds, CT scans, intravenous pyelogram, and angiograms
Minimally invasive procedures
Kidney surgery (nephrectomy) is the most common treatment for many kidney cancers.
Surgeries include:
- Partial nephrectomy to remove just the tumor, preserving most of the kidney
- Radical nephrectomy to remove a kidney and the surrounding tissue. When indicated, the adrenal gland and nearby lymph nodes may also be removed
We perform minimally invasive surgeries whenever possible. For example, robotic and laparoscopic kidney removal uses smaller incisions than open surgery to help you heal faster. Mass General Brigham was one of the first in the country to offer this procedure.
Intraoperative radiation therapy is also sometimes used to deliver radiation in the operating room after tumor removal.
Nonsurgical kidney cancer treatments
We offer a range of treatments for patients who are not candidates for surgery, including:
- Ablation therapy, such as cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation, to shrink and destroy small kidney tumors
- Immunotherapy, using your immune system to destroy cancer cells
- Targeted therapies, which use drugs and other substances to find and destroy cancer cells in affected blood vessels without harming healthy cells
- Stereotactic body radiation therapy, a highly focused form of radiation that delivers high doses of treatment to a kidney tumor in just a few sessions while limiting damage to nearby healthy tissue
Care for common and rare kidney cancers
Our team of cancer, kidney, and urology specialists work collaboratively to improve the lives of patients with kidney cancer — and for people at risk for inherited kidney cancer syndromes, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease. We offer minimally invasive surgeries and nonsurgical treatments to meet each patient’s unique needs.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria)
- Renal Insufficiency
- Kidney Failure
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Kidney (Renal) Cancer
- Adrenal Cancer Overview
- Simple Kidney Cysts
- Kidney Biopsy
- CT Scan of the Kidney
- Kidney Ultrasound
- Kidney Scan
- Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy
- Targeted Therapy for Cancer
- Immunotherapy for Cancer Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs)
- Renal Angiogram
Our cancer specialists
At every step, your care is guided by a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists. This may include medical, surgical, and radiation oncology physicians, advanced practice providers, radiologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, nurse navigators, and more. You may also work with dietitians, genetic counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals.
primary
phone
855-776-4224
Call the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
8557764224
Cancer clinical trials and research
Our research is shaping the future of cancer care. We offer access to clinical trials and emerging therapies, including treatments that may not yet be widely available. Eligibility depends on a person’s diagnosis, treatment history, and more. Explore our research and clinical trials or talk with your care team to learn about available options.
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Patient resources and support
We offer a range of resources to support patients and caregivers before, during, and after cancer treatment. These services address physical, emotional, and practical needs and are available alongside your medical care.
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Contact the Cancer Institute
Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
primary
phone
855-776-4224
Call the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute at 855-776-4224
8557764224
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International Patient Services
Contact International Patient Services