Cytoreductive nephrectomy for kidney cancer

Cytoreductive nephrectomy removes a kidney with cancer, even when the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. The goal is not to cure the cancer, but to remove as much of the tumour as possible. This can help with symptoms, slow down the cancer, or make other treatments work better.

This surgery is not recommended for everyone. It may be considered if:

• You are in good overall health,
• The cancer has spread to only a few places,
• And the cancer is responding well to medicines.

Your care team will help decide if this is the right option for you.

In many cases, your doctor may recommend starting with drug treatment first. If it works well, surgery may be done afterwards to remove the kidney tumour. This is called deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy (surgery after medicines).

What is the difference between a radical nephrectomy and a cytoreductive nephrectomy?

Both surgeries remove a kidney affected by cancer, but their goals differ:

• Radical nephrectomy is used to try to cure the cancer when it has not spread.
• Cytoreductive nephrectomy is used when the cancer has already spread. It aims to reduce the amount of cancer in the body, not to cure it.

This chapter contains general information about cytoreductive nephrectomy for kidney cancer. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

Last updated: September 2025

Reviewed by: 

• Ms. Claudia Ungarelli (Patient Office EPAG)
• Dr. Gaëlle Margue (YAU Working Group on Renal Cell Carcinoma)