Introduction: What Is Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)?

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is a type of kidney cancer that starts in the lining of the tubules in the kidney. RCC is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults and is responsible for approximately 90-95% of cases. A significant concern with RCC is its potential to metastasize to the brain, which can complicate treatment and prognosis. The spreading of RCC to the brain occurs in about 10% of all cases. Before diving into all aspects of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), we will share a recent case study of a patient we treated at Dr. Ceaser’s Naturopathic Medicine Clinic in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  

Case Study 4: Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastasized to the Brain 

In the final case, a 63-year-old patient faced renal cell carcinoma that had metastasized to her brain. After gamma knife surgery and naturopathic therapies, the patient experienced a significant reduction in brain tumour size and remained healthy three years after her initial prognosis, surpassing expectations. 

Dr. Ceaser’s Recap 

“This is a 63-year-old’s case. The patient was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma, a kidney cancer that has metastasized to the brain. Only 10% of RCC cases metastasize  and move to the brain, but the brain is kind of a common site for cancers to move to as well, and breast cancer can move there commonly as well. So she had metastasis to the brain. Now, brain cancers, as we define them, can be primary, which means that tumours can happen there first in the brain and tend to stay in the brain case. However, this is called a secondary cancer, or a metastasis, where this one has moved there. So, only 10% of kidney cancers turn into this, and unfortunately, she had this happen to her. During her treatment, she had some gamma knife surgery that was done, and that was done three times over a year.  

Gamma knife surgery is a perfect kind of surgery in which gamma radiation therapy is applied very specifically to the brain without having to do any surgery, so that it can be quite a great therapy. After the therapy, she didn’t have treatment, and she came in for a naturopathic assessment and a naturopathic protocol. We worked on a protocol together with her input as well. And what we came up with was treatments here at our Centre. Again, we can’t explain exactly what they were due to Health Canada regulations.  

We worked on diet as well with her, which we do with all of our cancer patients. Diet does not cure cancers, as it is, as you might find online. Still, cancer therapies, including diet, are vital overall to maintain health. We must ensure that there are no foods in there that are causing the cancers to grow, and we go over diet and our therapies. So, therapies can be evaluated using an MRI scan of the brain. As it turns out, with the naturopathic therapies alone that she had undergone for about a year or so without any other treatments, we were able to have it such that there was just a residual small tumour left and that the others had gone on the following MRI. Now, this is no guarantee. So, she continues to get her therapies done, and she’s healthy three years after her treatment started. She has just a 10-month initial prognosis, and she has surpassed that nicely. She continues to be happy and healthy, and we enjoy seeing her each time here at the clinic.”  

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To learn more about brain cancer and brain tumours in general plus read more Naturopathic success stories from Winnipeg, click here.  

Frequent Ask Questions on RCC Related Brain Tumours 

Here are some common questions patients and their loved ones ask about RCC related brain tumours, both from standard and naturopathic care. 

What is RCC? 

Renal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer that originates in the cells of the renal tubules. It is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. RCC can spread to other body parts, including the Brain, lungs, bones, and liver. 

What are the risk factors for RCC? 

Age, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and family history are all risk factors. 

What are the symptoms of RCC? 

Blood in urine (haematuria), pain or discomfort in the side or lower back, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, swelling in legs or ankles due to fluid retention.  

How is RCC diagnosed? 

CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds help visualize the kidneys and detect tumours;  

Biopsies, blood and urine tests to assess kidney function and detect abnormalities. 

What are the treatment options for RCC? 

• Surgery: Removal of the tumour or the entire kidney. 
• Targeted therapies: Drugs that specifically target cancer cells. 
• Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight cancer. 
• Radiation therapy: Used for localized tumours. 
• Clinical trials: Investigational treatments. 

How can I support my overall health during RCC treatment? 

• Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet with adequate protein and hydration. 
• Exercise: Staying physically active. 
• Emotional well-being: Seeking support from loved ones or counselling. 
• Managing side effects: Communicating with your healthcare team about symptoms or discomfort.

What is Naturopathic Medicine?  

Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach emphasizing the body’s innate healing ability. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) use natural therapies, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes to promote health and prevent disease.  

Does Insurance cover Naturopathic Visits?  

Most extended health insurance plans in Manitoba cover naturopathic treatments. 

The Journey RCC To The Brain 

You might be wondering how RCC can affect the brain. Sometimes, the cancer cells in the kidney can break away and travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. When these cells reach the brain, they can form a new tumour. This is called “metastasis”. 

What Is The Prognosis For Renal Cell Carcinoma  

The prognosis for RCC can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the stage of the disease at diagnosis, the patient’s overall health, and their age. Generally, the earlier the cancer is detected, the better the prognosis.  

Conclusion  

Dr. Sean Ceaser’s Cancer Treatment Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, offers hope for brain cancer patients to maintain a high quality of life. The experiences of these individuals demonstrate the potential of naturopathic treatments alongside standard therapies to extend lives and enhance the quality of life. In the face of a brain cancer diagnosis, there is not just hope but a path toward a better future. In the future, patients can benefit from a multidisciplinary care team that integrates the best of naturopathy and traditional medicine. 

Call or schedule an appointment, we’d be happy to chat with you about your options.