Hackensack University Medical Center Launches Educational Website for People with Kidney Cancer

Members of the Department of Urology at Hackensack University Medical Center have launched the Kidney Cancer Resource Center, an online educational tool for people diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer. The website provides information to help them better understand the disease and make treatment decisions based on the findings of the latest research.

The site is accessible to current patients as well as members of the community who are not yet patients at HUMC.

The Kidney Cancer Resource Center is funded by a grant from Pfizer Inc. to support approaches designed to improve patient outcomes. "This website helps people with kidney cancer expand their understanding of this disease and links them with the most effective care," said Nitin Yerram, MD, co-director of Urologic Oncology at John Theurer Cancer Center — part of the National Cancer Institute-designated Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University — and director of Urologic Research. Dr. Yerram spearheaded the development of the website.

In addition to surgery, patients with renal cell cancer have numerous treatment options, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. Dr. Yerram and his colleagues designed an educational curriculum that features videos with team members as well as other resources to help patients newly diagnosed with localized or metastatic kidney cancer navigate their treatment options, learn what to expect, and connect with support

The website is a collaborative effort by Hackensack Meridian Health’s leading experts in the field of renal cell carcinoma, including surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, cancer researchers, palliative care providers, and more. Its purpose is to guide patients and their friends, family members, and caregivers through the cancer care journey. Viewers can learn about:

• What kidney cancer is and the different types of the disease
• Tests used to diagnose the disease
• Stages of kidney cancer
• Kidney cancer treatments
• The clinical trials process
• Care team members and their respective roles in patient care
• What to expect when living with kidney cancer

The site is accessible to current patients as well as members of the community who are not yet patients at Hackensack University Medical Center. "This website provides a consolidated way for patients to better understand kidney cancer so they can make more informed decisions about their care when they meet with their doctors," said Dr. Yerram. "Recognizing that information is power, the goal is to empower those impacted by kidney cancer with a thorough understanding of the disease."

"When someone hears they have renal cell carcinoma, it can be daunting to know which treatment options are most appropriate," noted Michael D. Stifelman, MD, professor and chair of Urology at Hackensack University Medical Center. "Our Urology program has some of the highest volumes and strongest outcomes in treating kidney cancer surgically, but surgery is just one option and only part of the patient’s journey. This program makes that decision-making process much easier to navigate."