The main treatment for cancer of the kidney is an operation to remove it. It isn't usual to have any further treatment after the operation. This is because there aren't any treatments that have been shown to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back more than an operation on its own.

So, it's recommended that, after surgery to remove kidney cancer no further treatment is given but that you are monitored at regular follow up appointments by a specialist.

Many people with kidney cancer are cured by surgery alone. But, some people have a higher risk of the cancer coming back. Having a higher stage or grade of cancer can increase the risk of it returning. Research is going on to try to develop new treatments to help reduce this risk. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether your risk is low or higher and whether taking part in a research trial may be suitable for you.

Established treatments for kidney cancer such as interferon alpha and interleukin haven't been helpful at reducing the risk of cancer coming back after an operation. Because of this doctors are testing newer, more targeted treatments such as:

• vaccines
• monoclonal antibodies
• drugs that stop cancer cells from growing (cancer growth inhibitors)
• treatments that stop cancer cells from developing a blood supply (angiogenesis inhibitors).

It's too early to say if any of these new treatments will help to reduce the risk of a kidney cancer coming back as they are all still experimental. Because of this these treatments are only available in clinical trials.

Usually when a treatment is being tested for use after surgery for kidney cancer it's important to start it within eight weeks of surgery. So, if you would like to be considered for a trial of this type it's best to ask your specialist about this as soon as possible.