22 Sep 2026
This audit of care received by people diagnosed with kidney cancer examines diagnosis, surgery and systemic treatment. It found that biopsy use remains low, and surgical delays have worsened.
There has been an improvement in the percentage of people with metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma in England receiving initial SACT within 12 months of diagnosis
The report found that 22% of people with a small kidney cancer (4 cm in diameter or smaller) in England, and 46% of people in Wales, had a biopsy recorded to help confirm the diagnosis and guide management decisions.
In relation to treatment, it found that 50% of people with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in 2019–2023 in England received initial systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) within 12 months of diagnosis. 3% died within 30 days of SACT, with an NHS trust Integrated Quality Report of 1–4%. 57% in 2022-2024 in Wales received initial SACT, and 1% of people died within 30 days of SACT treatment.
The report also includes recommendations to: Increase biopsy use; reduce surgical delays; and improve access to surgery and specialist oncology review.
Stay up-to-date: For notifications of future reports from HQIP, sign up to our mailing list.
