Renal cancer, medically known as renal cell carcinoma or transitional cell carcinoma, is an overgrowth of cells in the kidneys. Specific symptoms of kidney cancer include weight loss, fatigue, bloody urine, fever and pain below the ribs. Some risk factors for renal cancer include being male, being of older age, smoking and being obese. Fortunately, drugs for renal cancer exist.
Bevacizumab
Bevacizumab is a type of medication taken to curb the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells, according to Drugs.com. Specifically, it says that this drug is used to treat kidney, brain, colon, lung and breast cancer.
Bevacizumab's common effects include dizziness, hair loss, increased thirst and dry mouth. Other common effects include stomach pain, a poor appetite and hair loss. Notify a physician when bevacizumab's common effects remain for more than five to seven days.
Bevacizumab's serious effects include a sudden headache, confusion, fever, chills and body aches. Additional serious effects include rapid weight gain, swelling, chest pain, sweating, nosebleeds and decreased urination. Call a physician when bevacizumab's serious effects develop.
An alteration in bevacizumab's dose may be necessary when suffering from such diseases as heart or liver disease, kidney disease, smoking or blood clots and an open wound.
Bevacizumab is given as an intravenous (through the vein) infusion given slowly over 90 minutes. This is typically given once every two weeks.
Panzopanib
Panzopanib is a medication used to manage advanced renal cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors and works to destroy cancer cells.
Panzopanib's common effects include hair loss, a headache, diarrhea, a poor appetite, nausea and changes in taste. This drug can also lead to weakness, weight loss and vomiting. Phone a physician when panzopanib's side effects remain for more than five to seven days.
Panzopanib's serious side effects include chest pain, black or bloody stools, speech problems, dark urine, vomiting, bleeding or bruising and shortness of breath. Notify a doctor when panzopanib leads to these effects. This drug can also lead to potentially life-threatening liver problems. Signs of liver problems include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) and upper right stomach pain.
Medications such as amiodarone, sotalol and propafenone may interact with panzopanib. Tell a doctor of all the medications taken.
Panzopanib is available as a tablet that should be taken one to two hours prior to eating. This medication should be taken daily or as a doctor indicates.
Temsirolimus
MedlinePlus says that temsirolimus is a medication also used to manage advanced renal cell carcinoma. It is a kinase inhibitor that works to prevent the growth of cancer tumors.
Temsirolimus' common effects include back pain, muscle or joint pain, dry skin, pale skin and a headache. This drug can also lead to weight loss, a poor appetite, bloody urine, depression, trouble sleeping, nausea or vomiting. Call a doctor when these symptoms persist for more than a week.
Temsirolimus' serious effects include dizziness, faintness, shortness of breath, chest pain, trouble breathing or swallowing, a rash, fast breathing and bloody stools. Additional side effects of temsirolimus include weakness of the arm or leg, extreme thirst or extreme hunger. Call a doctor when temsirolimus' serious effects appear.
A change in temsirolimus' dose may be needed when taking such drugs as warfarin, antifungal medications, phenytoin, sirolimus and sunitinib.
Temsirolimus is given as a liquid or as an intravenous (through the vein) infusion over 30 to 60 minutes. This is typically given once a week.
