RCC (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Survival Time

RCC (renal cell carcinoma) is the most commonly seen malignant tumour in the kidney and makes up 90% of kidney cancer cases. RCC may give no symptoms at an early stage and is generally detected incidentally. However, in the advancing stages symptoms such as blood in the urine, back pain and weight loss may emerge.

A diagnosis of RCC (renal cell carcinoma) is a difficult process for individuals and their families. However, thanks to early diagnosis, advanced treatment methods and patient-centred approaches, survival time and quality are increasing. By determining appropriate treatment approaches according to the stage of the disease and the individual state of health, it may be possible to reach the best results.

RCC Survival Time and Prognosis

In renal cell carcinoma, survival time varies depending on the stage of the disease, the size of the tumour, the level of spread and the patient's general state of health.

1. Early Stage (Localised RCC)

• Stage I and stage II RCC are limited to the kidney and have not shown spread.
• Removal of the tumour with surgery can generally provide complete recovery.
• The five-year survival rate is between 75-95%.

2. RCC Showing Local Spread

• Stage III RCC is the situation in which the tumour has started to spread outside the kidney but has not metastasised to distant organs.
• Targeted treatments can be applied together with surgical treatment.
• The five-year survival rate is between 50-70%.

3. Metastatic RCC (Stage IV)

• The cancer has spread to lymph nodes outside the kidney, to the bones, the lung or other organs.
• Surgical options are limited, and targeted treatment and immunotherapy are the main treatment methods.
• The five-year survival rate is around 10-20%. However, with newly developed treatment methods these rates are gradually improving.

Factors Affecting RCC Survival Time

1- The Stage and Size of the Tumour

One of the most decisive factors on survival time in RCC is the stage of the disease and the size of the tumour. In RCC cases detected at an early stage, the tumour can be completely removed with surgical intervention and patients can live in a healthy way for many years. Stage I and II tumours are generally limited to the kidney and, because they have not metastasised, respond well to treatment. However, in the advancing stages (stage III and IV), because of the spread of the cancer to the lymph nodes and distant organs, treatment becomes more difficult and survival time may be shortened.

2- Genetic and Biological Factors

An individual's genetic make-up is of great importance in terms of the development of RCC and its response to treatment. While some patients respond better to targeted treatments and immunotherapies, for some patients standard treatments may not be sufficiently effective. In addition, genetic mutations occurring in the tumour cells can be directly effective on the course of the disease. Thanks to new-generation genetic tests, more personalised treatment options are being offered to patients.

3- The Patient's General State of Health

The survival time of RCC patients is directly connected not only with the stage of the cancer but also with their general state of health. Cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and other chronic diseases can make it more difficult for the body to adapt to the treatment process. For this reason, adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, eating healthily and keeping chronic diseases under control can help to extend the survival time of RCC patients.

4- Adherence to Treatment and Patient Compliance

There are various RCC treatment methods such as surgery, targeted treatment, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. However, treatment success is closely related to how well the patient adapts to these processes. Patients following their doctors' recommendations, using their medicines regularly and not neglecting their check-ups can increase the effectiveness of the treatment process. In addition, lifestyle changes and psychological support can also affect the patient's general health positively and thereby extend survival time. RCC patients being followed by a multidisciplinary team is one of the important factors that increases treatment success.

RCC Treatment Options

• Surgery: complete removal of the tumour is an effective method at an early stage.
• Targeted treatments: treatment options carried out with medicines that prevent the growth of the cancer.
• Immune system-based treatments (immunotherapy): by strengthening immunity, it helps to destroy cancer cells.
• Radiotherapy: can be applied in metastatic RCC to relieve symptoms.

For more information and an individual assessment you can contact Prof. Dr. Murat Binbay.