Five Things to Consider Before Enrolling in a Kidney Cancer Clinical Trial

There are many different treatments for kidney cancer, from surgery and chemotherapy to radiation treatment and immunotherapy. Your oncologist may recommend certain treatments over others depending on the type and stage of your tumor, your age and your overall health. For instance, a partial nephrectomy may be an option if your tumor is smaller than 3 inches in size, while a total nephrectomy may be more appropriate if your tumor is larger.

With that said, some kidney cancer treatments are only available in certain settings. The newest chemotherapy drugs, for instance, are initially offered only through clinical trials. These important studies allow oncologists to determine if the drugs are as effective as – or more effective than – the currently available options, and if they cause fewer side effects than other medications. The clinical trials process is also used for other new treatments, such as novel surgical procedures and biological therapies.

Deciding to enroll in a clinical trial

If you’re not sure whether a clinical trial is right for you, consider that:

• You’ll likely be among the first to have access to the specific treatment being studied
• You’ll not only be expanding your own range of treatment options, but also improving the body of knowledge that will be used to treat all individuals with kidney cancer
• You’ll be monitored carefully by your oncologists throughout the entire process to determine how well your treatment is working
• You’re able to change your mind at any time, even in the middle of a trial
• You’ll have access to a variety of supportive care services, such as nutritional counseling and support groups

Clinical trials at Moffitt Cancer Center

At Moffitt Cancer Center, clinical trials are at the heart of our kidney cancer research efforts. We are a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, renowned both locally and nationally for our robust clinical trials portfolio.

If you’d like to consult with one of our oncologists regarding a kidney cancer clinical trial, you can do so with or without a referral. To request an appointment, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online.