When is immunotherapy recommended for kidney cancer?

Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. For kidney cancer, the decision can depend on whether the tumour is confined to the kidney, has reached nearby tissues, or has spread to distant organs. It may be given alone or combined with another medicine. Surgery can remain central when the tumour can be removed, while immunotherapy is considered when drug treatment is needed before or after another treatment, or when the disease cannot be treated with surgery alone. Your cancer type, scan findings, kidney function, other illnesses and medicines all affect the choice.

Ask your oncology team to explain the treatment goal, why immunotherapy fits your tumour, and whether testing is needed before treatment. Share any history of autoimmune disease, organ transplantation, lung problems, bowel inflammation or hormone disorders. Keep a record of medicines and supplements. During treatment, report new symptoms early because immune activity can affect the skin, bowel, lungs, liver, kidneys or hormone glands.

Contact your cancer team promptly for persistent diarrhoea, severe rash, yellowing of the skin, reduced urine, unusual tiredness, confusion, chest pain, new cough or breathing difficulty. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, fainting, sudden weakness or a rapidly worsening reaction. These symptoms can have several causes, but timely assessment helps the team decide whether treatment or supportive care needs to change.

Which kidney cancer type and stage do I have? What is the aim of immunotherapy in my situation? Would it be combined with another treatment? How will you monitor kidney function and immune-related effects? Which symptoms should I report the same day?