
This pages gives you information about how we treat Kidney or Renal Cancer at our unit in Broadgreen Hospital. There is information about the support and different options for treatment.
We are the regional centre for kidney cancer in North Merseyside. We provide quick diagnosis and expert treatment using the latest techniques.
Expert treatment
Specialists from different medical areas meet weekly. This is called a multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT) and is central to the way we work. The MDT advise, support and create treatment plans that are personalised for every patient.
Access to latest treatments
The clinical trials programme makes new treatments available to patients – often giving them a better outcome. We aim to have a trial option open to patients at each step of the treatment path.
Specialist surgery
As the regional centre for kidney cancer, we offer complex surgical procedures – like Nephon-Sparing surgery – that are not available at other hospitals and surgery using a high-tech daVinci robot, the only one in Merseyside and Cheshire and one of very few across England. The robot can provide better results and experience for patients who are suitable for this treatment.
The latest facilities
We have a state-of-the-art ‘barn’ theatre at Broadgreen Hospital, which uses clean air technology to prevent infections.
Research-driven care
As a university hospital, we lead research into kidney cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention. We regularly publish research papers that help in the fight against cancer.
Treatment starts as soon as possible after the cancer has been discovered. A specialist nurse will stay with you every step of your treatment journey. The nurse is your key-worker and is available to answer any questions you or your family may have.
Your doctor (GP) will send you to hospital for further investigation if you have kidney cancer symptoms like:
Support
You’ll be assigned a specialist nurse who will be with you throughout your treatment journey, from your first appointment to aftercare. The nurse is your key-worker and will help you with any problems or questions you may have.
We use three investigations to diagnose kidney cancer
Test results
It may take seven to ten days for the biopsy results to come through. If the biopsy confirms cancer, the multi-disciplinary team meets to discuss your treatment options.
Planning your treatment
Your test results are discussed by the multi-disciplinary team (MDT). This is a team of doctors and health professionals who specialise in different aspects of treating kidney cancer.
After surgery
You won't need any further treatment if all the cancer has been removed. However, if cancer cells have been left behind you may have:
Immunotherapy treatment: this treatment uses substances that occur naturally in the body. It works by encouraging the immune system to attack cancer cells.
Radiotherapy: this uses the x-ray radiation to heat up and kill cancer cells. It cannot usually cure kidney cancer, but it can slow its spread, and help to reduce the symptoms of pain.
Palliative care
This is the care of patients with non-curable cancer. Palliative care looks at controlling cancer symptoms and extending and improving quality of life. Palliative treatments include: removing the cancer spread and palliative nephrectomy.
Treatment
Your treatment depends on many factors. One of the most important is how far the cancer has spread in your body. Kidney cancer can be in four different stages:
Kidney cancer treatment types
Members of the MDT include:
You can contact the Cancer Team on 0151 706 2000
Clinical Trials
You may be asked to take part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials help us learn more about the best way to treat specific conditions. To find out more visit the Clinical Research Unit website here