The COVID-19 global pandemic is affecting people around the world and is of great concern to many cancer patients. In addition to information about the virus and how to protect ourselves, kidney cancer patients need information about cancer treatment, follow-up care and other cancer-specific details about managing our health during the pandemic.
While the local situation and individual risk of each cancer patient differs, there is a universal need for credible and reliable information. On this page, IKCC has curated information from trusted, evidence-based sources about COVID-19, as well as cancer-specific resources.
If your organisation has information to be included, please contact Julia Black at info@ikcc.org.
The impact of COVID-19 on the kidney cancer community
This report highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the kidney cancer community. The report covers the impact the pandemic has had on patients, their lifestyle and mental health; the impact on cancer patient organisations; the effect on cancer research; and the influence on kidney cancer diagnosis and treatments.
Download the report here: The impact of COVID-19 on the kidney cancer community
COVID-19 vaccines and kidney cancer patients
Vaccination against COVID using approved COVID-19 vaccines has been shown to be effective and safe. There is a small risk of developing an allergic reaction to the vaccine, and discussion of these risks needs to occur with your doctor prior to receiving the vaccine.
There is no clear evidence that the vaccine will be less effective, or side effects to the vaccine will be worsened by receiving either targeted drugs or immune therapy typically administered to patients with kidney cancer, nor is having kidney cancer a reason to avoid the vaccine.
The IKCC Medical Advisory Board believes that the benefits of being vaccinated against COVID strongly outweigh the risks of the vaccines themselves. Ultimately, this is a decision you need to make in conjunction with your doctor.
Guidance on the COVID-19 vaccine for patients with cancer participating in oncology clinical trials can be found here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41571-021-00487-z
International Organisations and Societies:
Information and guidance by country:
Videos/Podcasts
A Podcast by The Uromigos
Discussing COVID-19 and Renal Cell Carcinoma Episode 10
VHL in the COVID Era:
Management Approaches and Modifications