Conditions We Treat: Kidney Cancer

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. 


Partial Nephrectomy | Bobby Labonte's Story

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.

Kidney Cancer: Why Choose Johns Hopkins 

  • We use the most advanced treatment options such as robotic surgery, minimally invasive surgical techniques and active surveillance to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient. 
  • Our team includes experts in surgery (urologists), cancer (oncologists) and kidney disease (nephrologists). This multidisciplinary approach is especially important for kidney cancer that may have spread (metastasized). 
  • For aggressive or advanced cancers, our urologic oncologists and medical oncologists use their expertise with the latest treatments and combinations of approaches — including surgery, systemic therapy and clinical trials — to treat cancer. 
  • We actively conduct research into kidney cancer, and apply our findings to treatments. For example, our research shows that many kidney cancer patients with small tumors can be followed safely without the need for immediate surgery. 

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Kidney Cancer | Kevin’s Story

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.

Kidney Cancer Experts

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.

Surgeons

Medical Oncologists

Radiation Oncologists

Daniel Y Song, M.D.

Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD

Help Support Kidney Cancer Research

Gifts to the Brady enable our many physicians and scientists to tackle groundbreaking research, improve patient outcomes and train the next generation of urologists.

Treatment for Kidney Cancer 

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: 

Open Surgery 

Minimally Invasive Techniques 

While surgery is the primary treatment for kidney cancer, some treatments may also include complementary therapies, such as radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy