Kidney Cancer: A Year in Research

Kidney cancer is one of the ten most common cancers in the UK, and 2025 has been a year of promising progress. From advances in diagnostic imaging and AI-driven detection to breakthroughs in targeted therapies, this year has brought new hope for earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. In this article, we review the year’s most important kidney cancer research findings and explore how they may shape screening and treatment in the future.

Key Facts

• Kidney cancer is among the top 10 most common cancers globally, with over 400,000 new cases diagnosed each year^1,2.
• Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type, accounting for 85–90 per cent of all kidney cancers³.
• In the UK, around 38 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer every day⁴.
• There are around 14 daily deaths attributed to kidney cancer in the UK⁵. 
• Early detection significantly improves outcomes, with 5-year survival of stage 1 kidney cancer being almost 90 per cent⁶.
• 2025 saw breakthroughs in AI-powered imaging, treatment, and non-invasive screening techniques.

Understanding Kidney Cancer

Causes and Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the risk of kidney cancer include:

• Close family members having kidney cancer⁷
• Obesity⁷
• Smoking⁷
• High blood pressure⁷
• Genetic conditions like tubular sclerosis or autosomal polycystic kidney disease⁷
• Long-term dialysis⁷
• Exposure to toxins like trichloroethylene⁸

Early Detection Challenges

Like many cancers, kidney cancer's early stages are often symptomless. This means that by the time the common symptoms appear, the cancer has advanced. These symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine⁹
• Pain between your ribs and waist⁹
• A lump or swelling between your ribs and waist⁹
• Fatigue⁹
• High temperature and excessive sweating⁹

Early detection of abnormalities or growths on the kidneys is usually found during imaging for an unrelated reason. 

Scans for abdominal pain, urinary tract infections, gallstones, or routine scans for other organs can sometimes detect small masses on the kidneys. In the UK, 60-87 per cent of kidney cancer is found this way, especially during stage 1^10,11. 

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of kidney cancer greatly improves treatment options, survivability, and quality of life. 

Stage 1 kidney cancer can be treated with surgery to remove the growths. If the mass is small, very little healthy kidney tissue needs to be removed with it. This helps preserve kidney function and reduces the risk of needing renal replacement therapy (a kidney transplant or dialysis) later in life⁶. 

More advanced cancer requires more radical surgical intervention, meaning more kidney tissue needs to be removed, sometimes the whole kidney. This increases the likelihood of needing renal replacement therapy later in life. The 5-year survival rate for stage 4 cancer is around 15 per cent, compared to almost 90 per cent at stage 1⁶. 

Multi-organ screening is a powerful tool for early detection of silent cancers, such as kidney cancer. 

2025 Research Highlights

2025 has been a year full of interesting findings and breakthroughs for kidney cancer, ranging from things like diagnostic imaging tools (using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for image analysis and streamlining diagnostics) identifying early markers of kidney cancer in the blood, liquid biopsies, and new screening methods. 

Imaging and AI Breakthroughs

BMVision is an AI tool that can accelerate the analysis of Computed Tomography (CT) scans by 33 to 52 per cent and can boost the detection of non-cancerous growths. Tartu University Hospital in Estonia found that BMVision could automatically detect lesions and generate detailed reports for medical staff to review, improving efficiency and accuracy for kidney cancer diagnosis. These impressive results made BMVision Kidney the first CE-marked commercial AI tool for kidney cancer detection on CT scans, a key EU approval demonstrating that it meets strict safety, health, and environmental standards¹². 

UK researchers at the Francis Crick Institute, Owkin, and several NHS sites used over 1000 kidney tumour samples to map the cancer changes across all stages, which could be developed into a healthcare tool in the future¹³​. 

There is also a UK and US clinical trial (PEAR-TREE2 trial) that is using AI-enhanced 3D tumour models to analyse RCCs and identify personalised treatment options¹⁴.

Blood-Based Biomarkers and Liquid Biopsies

Recent studies last year have identified changes in DNA that can be identified in the blood. This can be used to detect 12 types of cancer, including kidney cancer, with 88% accuracy¹⁵. This simple blood test could make cancer screening more accessible in the future. 

Elypta’s 2025 clinical trial looking at urinary markers of kidney cancer showed that after surgery, 90 per cent of recurrences could be identified using urinary markers and gave 97 per cent accuracy for the all clear without further CT scanning or radiation^16,17.

These tools can be used to distinguish between cancerous and benign growths and reduce the need for invasive biopsies by flagging cancer signals early, improving patient comfort with simple blood or urine samples. This could be particularly useful for screening high-risk populations. 

Advances in Targeted and Immunotherapies

The NHS Genomic Medicine Service sequences people’s entire genetic code from tumours and blood. This can detect mutations that can be used to develop tailor-made, targeted treatments at centres like Cambridge^18,19

UK trials have looked at immune-boosting drugs, like PD-1 blockers, after kidney surgery for high-risk cases. NHS hospitals can use blood tests to spot early cancer recurrence and prevent it from progressing^20,21.

NHS hospitals have tried using drugs based on detailed tests on a patient’s tumour using their genetic code as a guide. One example is Cabozantinib, which is used for advanced RCC. It works by stopping new blood vessels from growing, which can slow or stop the tumour being fed².

Screening and Detection Tools in Focus

MRI and CT Scanning for Early Detection

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): 

MRI scanners are non-invasive, using strong magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images. They are excellent for examining soft tissue and are key for identifying abnormalities and tumours²³. The options of functional MRI (fMRI) or contrast-enhanced scans can provide even greater detail²³. Ezra’s MRI scans the kidneys and 13 other organs in under an hour, with no radiation.

Computed Tomography (CT):  

CT scans are non-invasive and work by taking lots of X-rays from different angles, which are compiled into a detailed 3D image²³. CTs are useful for identifying small abnormalities in bones and soft tissues, including the kidneys and lungs. For kidney cancer, CT is often used for detection, to see the size and if/how much the tumour has spread. Ezra offers CTs for identifying early signs of cancer. 

AI Integration and Risk Assessment

AI is a powerful tool that healthcare professionals use to aid in their efficiency in interpreting scans. 

AI tools can use factors like age, imaging, and existing health records to identify people at low, medium, or high risk for diseases. If someone’s genetic code has been sequenced, they can take that genetic information and identify people who are at higher risk for cancer, even if they have no other risk factors. This opens the door for more personalised screening programmes^24–26. 

Ezra uses AI to help radiologists analyse scans faster and with more precision, supporting the ability to spot abnormalities as soon as possible. 

Who Should Consider Preventive Screening?

No national kidney cancer screening service currently exists in the UK, but some high-risk groups may benefit from targeted monitoring or scans per NHS and Cancer Research UK guidelines^9,27. This includes those with a strong family history of inherited syndromes like von Hippel-Lindau disease who should undergo regular scans of their kidneys, every 1-2 years²⁷. 

Those who are current or former smokers and those with long-term high blood pressure have a higher risk of kidney cancer. While not formally screened, they should report symptoms like blood in the urine promptly for urgent GP assessment⁹. 

Middle-aged adults seeking proactive health checks can arrange multi-organ MRI and/or CT services. 

What You Can Do During Kidney Cancer Awareness Week

Raise Awareness and Stay Informed

• Raise awareness and promote charities like Kidney Cancer UK
• Know the risk factors and symptoms for kidney cancer
• Talk to your GP about potential symptoms or any concerns you have

Support Research and Screening Initiatives

• Participate in clinical trials or fundraising events
• Consider screening options if you are at higher risk
• Seek out or volunteer at local awareness events

Consider a Preventive Ezra Scan

• Ezra offers a multi-organ MRI scan that can screen for signs of kidney cancer and other conditions early
• Non-invasive, radiation-free, AI-assisted
• Learn more and book your scan: Ezra MRI Scan

Summary

2025 was a milestone year in kidney cancer research, with encouraging advances in AI-enhanced imaging, biomarker development, and targeted therapies. Early detection continues to be the key factor in improving outcomes, but many cases still go undiagnosed until later stages. As tools like MRI and AI evolve, personalised and preventive screening is becoming more accessible. Taking proactive steps, such as full-body scans, could save lives by catching kidney cancer before symptoms appear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?

There are no or very subtle symptoms for kidney cancer in the early stages, but more advanced symptoms include unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite, fatigue, blood in the urine, persistent pain between the ribs and waist, high temperature, and excessive sweating.

Can kidney cancer be found during routine scans?

Most kidney growths are found during routine scans of other organs; these could be scans for abdominal pain, urinary tract infections, gallstones, etc. 

Who is most at risk for kidney cancer?

Risk factors include: obesity, smoking,family history, genetic conditions like tubular sclerosis or autosomal polycystic kidney disease, high blood pressure, undergoing long-term dialysis, and exposure to toxins like trichloroethylene.

How does Ezra help screen for kidney cancer early?

Ezra’s MRI scans can provide detailed, 3D scans of 14-organs, including the kidneys. Expert radiologists with AI-enhanced diagnostic tools provide this MRI technology. It is quick, non-invasive, and pain-free.

References

1. Kidney Cancer UK. Unit 1.3 - Renal Cancers. KCUK Health Professional’s Portal. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://healthpro.kcuk.org.uk/courses/kidney-cancer-training-program-2024/lessons/module-1-anatomy-pathophysiology-aetiology-epidemiology/topics/unit-1-3-renal-cancers/ 

2. Cirillo L, Innocenti S, Becherucci F. Global epidemiology of kidney cancer. Nephrol Dial Transplant Off Publ Eur Dial Transpl Assoc - Eur Ren Assoc. 2024;39(6):920-928. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfae036 

3. Kidney Research UK. Kidney cancer: symptoms, prognosis, treatment, causes and stages. Kidney Research UK. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/conditions-symptoms/kidney-cancer/ 

4. Kidney Cancer UK. Incidence of kidney cancer in the UK. Kidney Cancer UK. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://www.kcuk.org.uk/incidents-of-kidney-cancer-in-the-uk/ 

5. Cancer Research UK. Kidney cancer statistics | Cancer Research UK. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/kidney-cancer 

6. Cancer Research UK. Survival for kidney cancer. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/kidney-cancer/survival 

7. Causes of kidney cancer. nhs.uk. June 15, 2023. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-cancer/causes/ 

8. Moore LE, Boffetta P, Karami S, et al. Occupational trichloroethylene exposure and renal carcinoma risk: evidence of genetic susceptibility by reductive metabolism gene variants. Cancer Res. 2010;70(16):6527-6536. doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-09-4167 

9. NHS. Symptoms of kidney cancer. nhs.uk. June 15, 2023. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-cancer/symptoms/ 

10. Rumi L, Szántó Á, Bányai D, et al. Changes in the Characteristics of Kidney Cancer Detection During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cancers. 2025;17(13):2150. doi:10.3390/cancers17132150 

11. Vasudev NS, Wilson M, Stewart GD, et al. Challenges of early renal cancer detection: symptom patterns and incidental diagnosis rate in a multicentre prospective UK cohort of patients presenting with suspected renal cancer. BMJ Open. 2020;10(5):e035938. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035938 

12. Petryshak B, Iljin M, Denissova A, et al. A clinically validated AI framework for kidney cancer detection and characterization. Commun Med. 2025;5(1):541. doi:10.1038/s43856-025-01264-0 

13. The Francis Crick Institute, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation. Owkin, the Francis Crick Institute and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust partner to use AI for kidney cancer evolution - Owkin. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://www.owkin.com/newsfeed/owkin-the-francis-crick-institute-and-the-royal-marsden-nhs-foundation-trust-are-using-ai-to-research-kidney-cancer-evolution 

14. Williams M, Boleti E, Ford V, et al. Transforming kidney cancer treatment through AI-enabled functional precision medicine: The PEAR-TREE2 trial. J Clin Oncol. 2025;43(16_suppl):TPS4615-TPS4615. doi:10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.TPS4615 

15. Maheswaran S, Borea R, de Miguel Perez D, et al. Cancer in a Drop: Liquid biopsy insights from AACR 2025. J Liq Biopsy. 2025;8:100304. doi:10.1016/j.jlb.2025.100304 

16. Elypta. Elypta – Elypta’s urine test shows game-changing potential in kidney cancer follow-up. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://www.elypta.com/news/elypta-to-participate-at-the-2025-european-association-of-urology-congress 

17. Elypta. AURORAX-0087A: Glycosaminoglycan Scores for Surveillance of Recurrence in Leibovich Points ≥5 Non-Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. clinicaltrials.gov; 2025. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04006405 

18. Longley DJ. Renal cancer — Knowledge Hub. GeNotes. Accessed February 3, 2026. https://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/genotes/knowledge-hub/renal-cancer/ 

19. Sosinsky A, Ambrose J, Cross W, et al. Insights for precision oncology from the integration of genomic and clinical data of 13,880 tumors from the 100,000 Genomes Cancer Programme. Nat Med. 2024;30(1):279-289. doi:10.1038/s41591-023-02682-0 

20. Barcellini L, Nardin S, Sacco G, et al. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Targeted Therapies in Early-Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives. Cancers. 2025;17(4):652. doi:10.3390/cancers17040652 

21. Abboud K, Umoru G, Esmail A, et al. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Solid Tumors in the Adjuvant Setting: Current Progress, Future Directions, and Role in Transplant Oncology. Cancers. 2023;15(5):1433. doi:10.3390/cancers15051433 

22. Sosinsky A, Ambrose J, Cross W, et al. Insights for precision oncology from the integration of genomic and clinical data of 13,880 tumors from the 100,000 Genomes Cancer Programme. Nat Med. 2024;30(1):279-289. doi:10.1038/s41591-023-02682-0 

23. Winfield JM, Payne GS, deSouza NM. Functional MRI and CT biomarkers in oncology. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2015;42(4):562-578. doi:10.1007/s00259-014-2979-0 

24. Barros V, Abdallah N, Ozery-Flato M, et al. Preoperative kidney tumor risk estimation with AI: From logistic regression to transformer. PLOS One. 2025;20(5):e0323240. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0323240 

25. Mühlbauer J, Gottstein L, Egen L, et al. AI-driven preoperative risk assessment in kidney cancer surgery: A comparative feasibility study of machine learning models. BJUI Compass. 2025;6(10):e70080. doi:10.1002/bco2.70080 

26. NHS. NHS Ten Year Plan and Cancer | North East London Cancer Alliance. July 28, 2025. Accessed February 3, 2026. https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/news/nhs-ten-year-plan-and-cancer 

27. Cancer Research UK. Screening for kidney cancer. Accessed February 4, 2026. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/kidney-cancer/getting-diagnosed/screening