As the family of deceased actor, Alex Ekubo, reveals the disease he bowed to as ‘metastatic kidney cancer’, the attention of the public has been drawn to it.
Metastatic kidney cancer (Stage IV renal cell carcinoma) occurs when cancer cells spread from the kidney to distant parts of the body, most commonly the lungs, bones, liver, or brain.
According to online sources, while rarely curable, treatments — including targeted therapies and immunotherapy — often manage the disease, relieve symptoms, and improve survival.
About one-third of patients have metastasis at diagnosis, the experts added.
Key Aspects of Metastatic Kidney Cancer:
- Definition & Spread: Also called stage IV, this is cancer that has spread beyond the kidney to surrounding organs (adrenal glands), lymph nodes, or distant organs.
- Common Symptoms: Symptoms vary based on where the cancer spreads, but can include persistent back or side pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, and blood in the urine.
