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Illustration of Kidneys

I have locally advanced kidney cancer

Locally advanced kidney cancer means the cancer has grown beyond the kidney but not to distant parts of the body. 

Possible treatments

Understanding locally advanced kidney cancer

Locally advanced kidney cancer usually means there is no distant spread. It may include spread into nearby tissues, lymph nodes, blood vessels, or the adrenal gland. It often matches Stage 3 and some Stage 4 cases without distant metastases. 

Your doctor may order imaging scans (CT or MRI) to see if the cancer affects areas near the kidney and to confirm that it has not spread to distant organs.

Illustration showing a stage 3 kidney cancer tumor extending beyond the kidney into surrounding tissue.
In Stage 3 kidney cancer the tumour has spread into the renal vein, the fat around the kidney, or the vena cava.
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Illustration showing a stage 4 kidney cancer tumor extending outside the kidney into surrounding tissues or organs
In Stage 4 kidney cancer the tumour has grown outside the kidney, into nearby tissue and possibly the adrenal gland, without distant spread (no distant metastases).
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Sometimes, nearby lymph nodes are involved, but there is no distant spread.

The renal vein is a blood vessel that carries filtered blood from the kidney to the vena cava. Each kidney has a renal vein. It helps remove waste and balance fluids.

The vena cava is the major vein that collects blood from the kidneys back to the heart.

The adrenal glands are small glands on top of each kidney. They make hormones that help control stress, metabolism, blood pressure, and energy levels.

Lymph nodes are small lumps of tissue that have white blood cells which fight infections.

In some cases, the tumour may form a clot (called a tumour thrombus) in the renal vein or vena cava. This can be removed with specialised surgery. It is complex and usually done in specialised centres.

This chapter contains general information about locally advanced 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: July 2026

Reviewed by (2026 update): 

  • Ms. Rose Woodward (EAU Guidelines Panel on Renal Cell Cancer)
  • Dr. Stephanie Bonn (EAU Guidelines Panel on Renal Cell Cancer)