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Questions posted in the
The Urology Forum have been answered by urologists from Henry Ford Health System and by Dr. Kevin Pho.
Question Title: Metastatic Kidney CancerForum: The Urology Forum
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2 years ago my husband had his right kidney removed due to renal cell carcinoma. No chemo was done after the sugery because the doctors said it wasn't necessary. 1 year later, spots were found on his lungs. He was given megace for treatment. Now 9 months later, 3 lesions have been discovered on his brain, and the spots on his lungs have grown fractionally. Is this a metastasis of the renal cell? I'm also wondering why chemo wasn't done after the first surgery. I'm also wondering why chemotherapy wasn't done immediately on discovery of the lung lesions. Any ideas? Thanks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Debra, I am sorry to learn of the difficulties that your husband is experiencing. Renal cell carcinoma is not reliably responsive to radiation or chemotherapy. If there is no evidence of local spread at the time of the initial surgery, there is no standard additional therapy given. With proven spread (metastases) over time some oncologic urologists would attempt surgical removal of these while others would consider chemotherapy (assuming that he could tolerate either). There are several experimental chemotherapy protocols for which he might qualify.(Again, if we knew the “right” drug, we’d use it.) If you would like to pursue this further, contact an academic medical facility in your area. I am sure that they will be able to evaluate and suggest treatment. This information is provided for general medical information purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. Dr. Kish (Division of Oncology) at our institution has experience in this disease and I would highly recommend that your husband see her. If you would like to make an appointment [for a second opinion], please call us at (1-800-653-6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any x-rays and pathology slides (not just the reports) as well as any physicians’ notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly. HFHS SAL
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