Stage 4 kidney cancer involves the growth of tumors throughout the body and is the most difficult stage to treat. Symptoms can vary, but may include pain, fever, blood in the urine, and unexpected weight loss.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that roughly 81,800 people will receive a kidney cancer diagnosis this year in the United States. Of these, around 52,360 are likely to be male, and around 29,440 are likely to be female.

This form of cancer begins in the kidney and may gradually spread to other areas as the disease progresses. The stages of kidney cancer range from 1-4, with 4 being the most advanced.

In stage 4 kidney cancer, tumors may have grown outside the kidney and into the adrenal glands or lymph nodes, as well as other organs. Survival rates for stage 4 kidney cancer are lower than other stages of the condition. However, treatments are available and the outlook varies according to each individual.

This article discusses how staging for kidney cancer works and the symptoms, outlook, and treatment options for stage 4 kidney cancer.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

Following kidney cancer diagnosis, doctors evaluate each person to determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the kidneys. Knowing how much the cancer has spread can aid medical professionals in developing a treatment plan.

There are 4 stages of kidney cancer, with stage 4 being the most severe. These stages include:

  • Stage 1: The tumor remains small and within the kidney.
  • Stage 2: The tumor has grown over 7 centimeters but remains with the kidney.
  • Stage 3: The main tumor may have spread into nearby veins or lymph nodes.
  • Stage 4: The main tumor may be growing outside the kidney or into the adrenal glands, and it may or may not have spread to lymph nodes and other organs.

The stages of kidney cancer may also help to indicate the likelihood of survival. Individuals in the early stages of kidney cancer have a higher chance of responding to treatment than those in stage 4. However, healthcare professionals also assess other factors when determining a person’s outlook.

The symptoms of stage 4 kidney cancer may vary between individuals. In the early stages of kidney cancer people may not experience any symptoms. However, in the later stages symptoms may include:

Anyone experiencing symptoms of kidney cancer should visit a medical professional for a full evaluation.

People living with stage 4 kidney cancer should share new or existing symptoms they are experiencing with their doctor. A doctor can recommend medications and other treatments to relieve pain and manage other symptoms.

The outlook for stage 4 kidney cancer depends on the individual and how far the cancer has already spread before they start treatment.

A 2019 Canadian study analyzed 82 people with stage 4 kidney cancer between 2009-2016. By the end of the study period, 36 individuals had died from the condition.

Acccording to the ACS, if the cancer has spread to distant body parts, a person may have a 14% chance of survival after 5 years.

However, they also note that people who receive a kidney cancer diagnosis now may have a better outlook, as the 5-year survival rates are based on data from 2011-2017.

Furthermore, healthcare professionals also assess other factors when determining a person’s outlook, such as overall health, age, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.

There is no single treatment for stage 4 kidney cancer. Treatment depends on the individual and how far the cancer has spread.

Some individuals with stage 4 kidney cancer may receive surgery to remove part or all of the affected kidney. If tumors have spread throughout the body, it might not be possible to remove them all with surgery. And surgery may not be a safe option for many people in this stage of kidney cancer.

Immunotherapy may also improve symptoms in stage 4 kidney cancer. This form of treatment strengthens a person’s immune system so it can attack cancer cells.

In addition to immunotherapy, targeted therapy is a common treatment option for stage 4 kidney cancer. This therapy involves the use of drugs that target proteins that control cancerous cells to reduce their spread.

A person with stage 4 kidney cancer may also have radiation therapy as a palliative treatment.

People may also choose to enroll in a clinical trial, which tests new treatments that are not yet available to the public or combines existing treatments. A person can speak with a doctor to learn more about clinical trials that may benefit them.

Kidney cancer involves the growth of cancerous cells within the kidney. As the disease progresses, cancerous cells may form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

The stages of kidney cancer indicate how much the disease has spread. Stage 4 is the most advanced form of kidney cancer, and it may involve the spread of tumors to lymph nodes and other organs.

Individuals living with stage 4 kidney cancer should work with a doctor to learn more about their treatment options and individual outlook. A healthcare professional may also recommend ways to manage symptoms in this stage of cancer.