Understanding the Role of Nutrition in Kidney Cancer Care

At the 2025 International Kidney Cancer Symposium, Dr. Michael Staehler, of the University of Munich, highlighted the important role of nutrition in both the development and treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). He emphasized that dietary choices can influence outcomes, stress management, and overall well-being during treatment.

“I want you to understand the role of nutrition in the development and treatment of RCC, what patient’s practice and experience, and maybe optimize recommendations so that everyone has something better on their plate,” Staehler explained in the presentation.

Following a kidney cancer diagnosis, nearly half of patient’s report changing their diet. These changes often include reducing sodium, sugar, alcohol and carbohydrate intake, or adopting structured diets such as the Mediterranean diet, intermittent fasting, ketogenic, vegetarian or high-protein plans. This demonstrates that patients believe diet can impact their disease, though many encounter challenges in maintaining dietary changes. Staehler noted that common difficulties include emotional stress, habit changes, conflicting information, feeling overwhelmed, health concerns, and financial constraints.

Additionally, Staehler reported that roughly 40% of patients take supplements, sometimes spending up to $200 per month on products like probiotics, vitamin B12, vitamin C, turmeric, CBD oil, and marijuana. However, the evidence supporting these supplements for cancer outcomes is limited. He pointed out, “There are 40 randomized control trials on the use of vitamin D, with or without calcium, and it did not have any influence on skeletal or non-skeletal outcomes in kidney cancer.” Likewise, long-term supplementation with vitamin C or vitamin E showed no effect on cancer incidence in large studies.

Risk Factors and Preventive Dietary Approaches in Kidney Cancer

Certain lifestyle and environmental factors increase the risk of developing kidney cancer. Staehler highlighted smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, male sex, family history, and exposure to specific drugs and toxins, such as phenacetin, diuretics, and certain herbicides. Nutritionally, low fluid intake, high sodium, high protein and high-fat diets may also contribute to RCC risk.

Conversely, several dietary habits appear to have a preventive effect. Vegetables, vegetable juices, high fruit intake, anti-inflammatory diets, coffee, tea, and limited red meat are all associated with a reduced risk. The Mediterranean-style low-normal-protein, high-calorie diet is particularly beneficial. Other promising approaches include metformin combined with exercise and diet therapy in metastatic RCC, moderate alcohol consumption, cruciferous vegetables, vitamin C, and two cups of coffee daily. Staehler noted the “obesity paradox,” in which obese patients may have a higher risk of RCC but sometimes experience improved outcomes in metastatic settings.

Individualizing Nutrition During Kidney Cancer Treatment

Staehler stressed that nutritional needs change throughout therapy. Protein requirements, for example, may decrease over time, making diet adjustments necessary. He encouraged incorporating practical food solutions, such as high-protein oral supplements, probiotics, nuts, berries, flaxseed and dark chocolate to maintain weight, support gut health, and improve immunity. Conversely, managing constipation can be aided by prunes or psyllium husk.

Screening and assessment tools help identify patients at nutritional risk early. Staehler recommended routine assessments starting at diagnosis, with early intervention through dietary counseling, high-protein supplements, and, when necessary, escalation to specialized nutrition support. He stressed the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving dietitians, oncologists, nurses, and pharmacists.

Exercise, Lifestyle and Overall Health During Kidney Cancer

In addition to nutrition, exercise plays a critical role in patient outcomes. Staehler highlighted that combining physical activity with dietary interventions improves overall survival. For instance, studies in colorectal cancer have shown a nearly 20% improvement in survival with exercise. He recommends moderate exercise, such as breaking a sweat three times per week, combined with stress reduction and adequate sleep.

Practical recommendations for patients are straightforward: focus on unprocessed, fiber-rich foods, incorporate moderate exercise, manage stress, and prioritize sleep. “Eat healthy, exercise, reduce stress, get enough sleep,” Staehler summarized, underscoring the foundational lifestyle steps that can improve quality of life and potentially impact cancer outcomes.

Optimizing Nutrition for Patients With Kidney Cancer

Ultimately, Staehler emphasized the importance of individualized care. Not every patient will respond to the same diet or supplementation plan, and nutritional strategies should evolve with the patient’s treatment course. Accessible resources, such as the University of Alberta’s cancer cookbook, can help patients implement practical, tasty and nutritionally sound meal plans during therapy.

Staehler’s presentation reinforces the value of nutrition, lifestyle and multidisciplinary care in managing kidney cancer.

“What we put in our bodies might actually not be helpful and contribute to us dying, but not putting anything there, not eating anything, is for sure going to kill us,” he concluded.

Reference

1. “Current Research on Nutrition,” by Dr. Michael Staehler. Presented at: 2025 International Kidney Cancer Symposium ; Nov. 13-15, 2025; Denver, Colorado.

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