Questions posted in the The Urology Forum have been answered by urologists from Henry Ford Health System and by Dr. Kevin Pho.

Question Title: kidney cancer/dialysis/treatment

Forum: The Urology Forum
Topic: Kidney Cancer

Hi- My mother has only one kidney - one was removed approx. 25 years ago due to an auto accident. The remaining kidney has been
diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. She has recently suffered kidney failure and is now on dialysis 3x a week. She
was supposed to go thru a chemo and medication treatment plan, but now "does not meet the criteria for such treatmnet" Why?
What options do you think she may have as far as treatment?
Should her kidney be removed and would she be eligible for
a transplant? Does she need a kidney if she remains on dialysis?
Do you know who the best doctor for this type of illness is, in our area (Eastern, Pa)? Any info you can provide would be very
helpful I'm sure. My mother is 50 years old and very thin -
approx 110lbs. No other diseases.
thank you, Kim

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Dear Kim
I am sorry to hear about your mother’s condition.
Chemotherapy is usually reserved for metastatic kidney cancer. The chemo would be contraindicated because the kidney function is needed to clear these agents that become very toxic to the normal tissues of the body. Surgery is a big operation and is usually reserved for kidney cancer that has not spread. There are centers performing studies with IL2 ( interleukin 2) and alpha interferon but these protocols have very strict entrance criteria. We would have to find a center which uses alpha interferon on a compassionate basis.
With transplant organs in such short supply , a recipient candidate with a diagnosis of cancer has to wait 12-24 month without evidence of residual disease before they considered for a transplant. The immunosuppressive medications she would have to take will make her cancer grow faster.
I will forward your posting to one of our alpha interferon Oncologist just to check her resources.

More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its urban campuses by calling (1 800 653 6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any physicians’ notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Sincerely;
HFHS-M.D. MS
* Keyword: metastatic kidney cancer

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