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Learn more about the medications used to treat kidney cancer. Some pharmaceutical companies have payment assistance programs – these are noted on the individual treatment information pages. 

Drug Information List

Afinitor (everolimus)

Avastin (bevacizumab)

Bavencio (avelumab)

Cabometyx (cabozantinib)

Fotivda (tivozanib)

Inlyta (axitinib)

Intron A (interferon A)

Keytruda (pembrolizumab)

Lenvima (lenvatinib)

Nexavar (sorafenib)

Opdivo (nivolumab)

Proleukin (aldesleukin or high-dose interleukin-2 [IL-2])

Sutent (sunitinib malate)

Torisel (temsirolimus)

Votrient (pazopanib)

Welireg (belzutifan)

Yervoy (ipilimumab)

This information was developed by the Kidney Cancer Association’s Clinical Advisory Board. It was reviewed in 2022.

Understanding Your Blood Tests

The drugs used to treat your kidney cancer can have effects on your blood tests. 

Blood test results are things you may not feel . 

It is very important to keep scheduled appointments and discuss the results of your blood tests with your doctor or nurse. Some of the changes in your blood tests may require a change in your treatment plan or other medications may need to be prescribed to treat these changes in your lab tests.

Some of the common lab abnormalities associated with target therapies are: 

  • Elevated blood sugar
  • Elevated triglycerides
  • Elevated cholesterol
  • Thyroid abnormalities
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Elevated creatinine
  • Excess urine protein
  • Decreased white blood cells
  • Decreased platelets
  • Decreased red blood cells

If you are receiving treatment with an immunotherapy agent (i.e. Nivolumab (OPDIVO), blood tests may need to be done more frequently to monitor your liver or kidney function. If you are experiencing side effects (cough, shortness of breath, nausea, diarrhea, or loss of appetite) please contact your oncology office immediately.