Challenges in the Management of Adults’ Kidney Cancer in Kinshasa Hospitals: Current Situation and Descriptive Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Kidney Cancer is one of the deadliest urological tumors. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), epidemiological and clinical data remain limited. This study aims to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic hindrance related to the management of KC in Kinshasa hospitals. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter, and descriptive study with analytical aims, conducted from June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2025 in six hospitals in Kinshasa. Data were collected from the medical records of 38 adult patients diagnosed with renal cancer. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 24.0 with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the patients was 47.2 ± 14.5 years, with a female predominance (55.3%). Hypertension was the main risk factor (21.1%). An abdominal mass was the most frequent presenting symptom (36.8%). The classic triad was present in 34.2% of patients. One-third of the patients had pulmonary and hepatic metastases at the time of diagnosis. Clear cell carcinoma was the most frequent subtype (66.7%). Total nephrectomy was the only surgical treatment performed. Targeted systemic therapy was only available to some patients (7/16 patients) due to its high cost. The overall mortality rate was 23.7%. Conclusion: KC remains an emerging public health problem in Kinshasa, marked by late diagnosis and limited access to systemic therapies.