Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Supportive Care Protocol
Primary Stack
Core supplements with strongest evidenceSupports immune function; deficiency common in cancer patients
Supporting Studies (1)
Anti-inflammatory; supports nutrition and may help with cachexia
Supporting Studies (1)
Supporting Stack
Additional supplements for enhanced resultsSupports muscle mass and recovery from surgery
Supporting Studies (1)
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant; studied in cancer supportive care
Supporting Studies (1)
Antioxidant with studied anticancer properties
Supporting Studies (1)
How This Protocol Works
Simple Explanation
Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) is cancer that starts in the kidneys. It's often found incidentally on imaging done for other reasons.
TYPES:
RISK FACTORS:
SYMPTOMS (often none early):
CRITICAL: Kidney cancer requires specialized oncological care. This protocol is SUPPORTIVE ONLY.
TREATMENT:
AFTER NEPHRECTOMY:
* Discuss all supplements with oncology team.
* Some supplements may affect targeted therapies.
* Nutrition supports recovery from surgery.
Expected timeline: Treatment varies by stage. Supplements provide supportive care - always discuss with oncology team.
Clinical Perspective
Renal Cell Carcinoma: Clear cell most common (VHL pathway). Diagnosis often incidental on imaging. Staging: CT chest/abdomen/pelvis. Surgery (partial or radical nephrectomy) primary treatment for localized. Metastatic: targeted therapy (TKIs), immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors).
Supportive care: Nutrition important post-nephrectomy. Protect remaining kidney function. Supplements: limited RCC-specific evidence; CAUTION with targeted therapies (drug interactions). Vitamin D deficiency common. Discuss ALL supplements with oncology team before use.
* Vitamin D (C-grade): Immune support. Review: (PMID: 28750270). 2000-4000 IU daily.
* Omega-3 (C-grade): Anti-inflammatory. Systematic review: (PMID: 27840029). 2-3g EPA+DHA daily.
* Protein (B-grade): Post-surgical. Guidelines: (PMID: 28698222). 1.2-1.5g/kg/day.
* Curcumin (C-grade): Anti-inflammatory. Review: (PMID: 27187333). 500-2000mg daily.
* Green Tea (C-grade): Antioxidant. Review: (PMID: 16432239). 500-1000mg extract daily.
Protocol notes: Staging: CT staging; bone scan/brain MRI if symptomatic. Surgery: partial nephrectomy preferred if technically feasible (nephron-sparing). Active surveillance: for small renal masses, elderly, comorbidities. Systemic therapy: combination immunotherapy or TKI + immunotherapy now standard for metastatic. Drug interactions: TKIs have many interactions; review ALL supplements. Renal function: monitor GFR; one kidney is sufficient but avoid nephrotoxins. Smoking cessation: important for kidney health and cancer outcomes. Blood pressure: control to protect remaining kidney.