Action Kidney Cancer

16/10/2026

A new scan for clear cell kidney cancer

A recent study with kidney cancer patients compared two PET/CT scans, which create detailed pictures of the body. Most patients had clear cell kidney cancer.

The researchers were looking for better ways to diagnose kidney cancer. The study compared PET/CT scans using Ga-DPI-4452 with FDG PET/CT scans, which shows how cells use sugar.

For clear cell kidney cancer, the Ga-DPI-4452 PET/CT scan detected almost all of the cancer spots (98%), compared with less than half (47%) using the FDG PET/CT scan. These findings could have changed treatment plans for more than a third (38%) of patients with this type of cancer.

Read more on our website here:

A study of 68 patients with kidney cancer compared two PET/CT scans, which create detailed pictures of the body. Most patients had clear cell kidney cancer. The researchers were looking for better ways to diagnose kidney cancer. Currently, diagnosis is made using CT

16/10/2026

Last weekend we were delighted to attend the 2026 IKCC Global Kidney Cancer Summit in Prague and represent patients in the United Kingdom.

The summit is a great opportunity for us to meet more than 50 patient advocates, healthcare professionals and kidney cancer experts from around the world.

At the summit we had the opportunity to share experiences, knowledge and learn from each other. We also had the chance to strengthen existing relationships and continue the work started to ensure more equitable care for kidney cancer patients globally.

16/10/2026

Immunotherapy for an aggressive form of kidney cancer

A recent study looked at people with sarcomatoid kidney cancer, an aggressive type of kidney cancer that had spread to other parts of the body. It compared outcomes for patients who received immunotherapy – a treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer – with those who did not.

Patients who received immunotherapy lived longer: the midpoint of survival was 31 months, compared with about 8 months for those who did not.

Read more on our website here:

A recent study looked at people with sarcomatoid kidney cancer, an aggressive type of kidney cancer that had spread to other parts of the body. It compared outcomes for patients who received immunotherapy - a treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer - with those who did not. Researchers r...

16/10/2026

A blood test to help find cancer.

A recent study looked at a blood test that can check for signs of several types of cancer at once. It searches for tiny pieces of DNA released into the blood (cell-free DNA, cfDNA) and suggests where a cancer may be, helping doctors choose follow-up tests.

The study included almost 36,000 adults aged 50 or over who were not suspected of having cancer and had not been diagnosed with or treated for cancer in the previous three years.

Read more on our website here:

The PATHFINDER 2 study looked at a blood test that can check for signs of several types of cancer at once. It searches for tiny pieces of DNA released into the blood (cell-free DNA, cfDNA) and suggests where a cancer may be, helping doctors choose follow-up tests. The study included almost 36,000 ad...

15/10/2026

Last week, Sharon Deveson Kell represented kidney cancer patients and families at the Big Cancer52 Conversation in London. This was the eighth Big Cancer52 Conversation. The event brought together around 100 delegates, including charity and industry representatives, clinicians, health system leaders and people with lived experience, to explore and critically engage with the latest developments in cancer research policy.

Read more about this interesting meeting on our website here:

Last week, Sharon Deveson Kell represented kidney cancer patients and families at the Big Cancer52 Conversation in London. This was the eighth Big Cancer52 Conversation. The event brought together around 100 delegates, including charity and industry representatives, clinicians, health system leaders...

14/10/2026

We are supporting and promoting the IKCC Global Patient Survey.
The more surveys completed the better the evidence we have to ensure we help patients in the United Kingdom.
Patients and carers please help others by completing this survey, it will only take 15mins.

Many thanks in advance, please follow link below:

https://actionkidneycancer.org/get-involved/the-5th-ikcc-global-patient-survey-on-kidney-cancer/

05/10/2026

A recently published UK study looked at pembrolizumab after surgery (adjuvant pembrolizumab) for clear cell kidney cancer in NHS care.

Pembrolizumab may be offered after surgery to patients with clear cell kidney cancer who have a higher chance of the cancer returning. However, there is still limited information about how often it is used, its side effects and how well it works in everyday care.

This UK study looked at patients taking adjuvant pembrolizumab in the clinic. Researchers examined how treatment decisions were made, what side effects patients had, why treatment was stopped, and how long patients lived without the cancer returning.

Read more on our website here:

A recently published UK study looked at pembrolizumab after surgery (adjuvant pembrolizumab) for clear cell kidney cancer in NHS care. Pembrolizumab may be offered after surgery to patients with clear cell kidney cancer who have a higher chance of the cancer returning. However, there is still limite...

02/10/2026

Thank you to the Specialist Kidney Cancer Centre at the Royal Free Hospital team for raising awareness of kidney cancer today.
The team provided information to the general public on early signs and symptoms of kidney cancer, shared support available and gave people the opportunity to speak to the team.
People attending the information stall were really engaged and keen to talk to the team about early, signs and symptoms of kidney cancer to look out for.

The team also thanked us for proving accurate, useful information and promotional material.

30/09/2026

Because smoking is one of the main risk factors for the development of kidney cancer, Action Kidney Cancer is supporting the NHS campaign, Stoptober.

Stoptober starts tomorrow! You are doing the best thing you can for your health by quitting – and you don’t need to do it alone. There are plenty of ways to get support, but the best way to get started is to get your free Personal Quit Plan.

Visit our website for more information to help you stop smoking:
https://actionkidneycancer.org/stoptober-starts-tomorrow/

30/09/2026

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) may help people with kidney cancer that has not spread. Surgery is the usual treatment, but it may not be suitable for everyone.

SABR is a non-invasive treatment that does not need surgery or a general anaesthetic. It is usually given as 3 to 5 outpatient treatments over 1 to 2 weeks. More evidence is still needed about how well it works in the long term.

A recent study reports on long-term follow-up for 16 patients who had SABR for their primary tumour.

Read more on our website here: