Treatment for kidney cancer can vary widely depending on the tumor’s stage and whether the cancer has spread to other organs. Small tumors may not need immediate surgery, while cancer that has spread will require a complex and multidisciplinary approach.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Labonte was diagnosed with a kidney tumor in 2019, later identified as renal cell carcinoma. After monitoring the tumor’s slow growth over the next two years, Labonte’s tumor had tripled in size, at which point doctors told him it was time for surgery. At the Brady Urological Institute, he had a successful partial nephrectomy to remove the tumor while preserving 90% of his kidney function. Watch urologic surgeons Mohamad Allaf and Nirmish Singla discuss the journey to recovery with Labonte and his wife.
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After being diagnosed with a massive tumor that had grown out of his kidney, up the vena cava and into his heart, Kevin shares the story of the multidisciplinary approach that saved his life.
Each member of our kidney cancer team is dedicated to providing compassionate care while developing the most effective, advanced and personalized treatment plan for you.
Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center (now called Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center), Baltimore, MD
Primary Location: The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Main Entrance), Baltimore, MD
Primary Location: Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD
Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD
One size does not fit all when it comes to kidney cancer treatment. Your surgeon will tailor treatment options depending on the extent of your cancer, whether it has spread to other organs and if you have any other health conditions.
For small tumors that have not spread, you may be a candidate for our active surveillance program, in which you will receive regular observation and imaging, but treatment is delayed unless the tumor grows.
Our experts treat hundreds of patients each year using a complete range of surgical techniques:
While surgery is the primary treatment for kidney cancer, some treatments may also include complementary therapies, such as radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
