What Is Metastatic Kidney Cancer — The Disease That Killed Actor Alexx Ekubo

When the news broke of Alexx Ekubo’s passing on Tuesday, it wasn’t just the loss of a vibrant talent that stunned fans; it was the quiet cruelty of the illness itself. His family revealed that the actor had succumbed to “advanced metastatic kidney cancer” following what they described as a “brief but courageous battle”.

The phrase metastatic lingered in the air. It sparked a quiet ripple of curiosity and fear. Most of us have heard the term “kidney cancer”. But this was something else. This was the shadow version.

Let’s walk through what that really means.

Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the kidney grow uncontrollably and form tumours. According to studies, it accounts for about 5% of cancers in men and 3% in women, and is the 14th most commonly diagnosed cancer globally.

WHAT IS METASTATIC KIDNEY CANCER?

Metastatic kidney cancer occurs when cancer cells from the kidney spread beyond the organ to other parts of the body such as the adrenal glands, nearby lymph nodes, lungs, bones, liver or brain.

It is also known as stage 4 kidney cancer, the most advanced stage of the disease.

According to studies, about one in three people with kidney cancer are diagnosed at the metastatic stage, meaning the cancer has already spread by the time it is detected.

While the condition can still be treated and managed, survival rates are generally lower. Research shows that people diagnosed at the metastatic stage have about a 12% chance of surviving for at least another five years.

HOW DOES THE KIDNEY CANCER SPREAD?

Kidney cancer spreads when cancer cells break away from the original tumour and move to other parts of the body through nearby tissues, the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.

As the tumour grows, it can spread into the fatty tissue or major blood vessels surrounding the kidney. It may also extend into the adrenal gland located above the kidney.

When the disease reaches stage 4, the cancer can spread to organs such as:

Lungs
Bones
Liver
Brain
Adrenal glands

According to research, the lungs are the most common site for kidney cancer spread, accounting for about 45 to 80% of cases. Bone metastasis accounts for about 25 to 35%, while lymph nodes represent 20 to 25% and the liver 18 to 20%.

Brain metastasis is less common, occurring in about 4 to 11% of cases.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF METASTASIC KIDNEY CANCER?

Metastatic kidney cancer can cause symptoms that are different from those seen in the early stages of kidney cancer.

According to research, about half of people with kidney cancer may not show any symptoms initially, with the disease sometimes discovered accidentally during medical tests for other conditions.

Common symptoms may include:

Fever
Unexplained weight loss
Cough
Swollen lymph nodes
Enlarged veins on the right side of the scrotum
Swelling in the legs and feet
Blood in the urine
Paraneoplastic syndrome, which may involve high blood pressure, high calcium levels, or an abnormal increase in red blood cells.

Symptoms can also depend on where the cancer has spread to in the body. For instance:

Metastatic cancer in the adrenal gland: Back or abdominal pain and digestive issues
Metastatic cancer in the bones: Bone pain and fractures
Metastatic cancer in the brain: Headaches, seizures or dizziness
Metastatic cancer in the liver: Jaundice or swelling in the belly
Metastatic cancer in the lungs: Shortness of breath

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR METASTATIC KIDNEY CANCER?

Metastatic kidney cancer is usually not considered curable, but treatment can help slow the disease, relieve symptoms and prolong a patient’s life.

According to research, treatment often depends on factors such as a person’s age, overall health, and how far the cancer has spread.

Treatment options may include:

Immunotherapy: Uses drugs that help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: Uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells, although it can also affect healthy cells.

Targeted therapy: Focuses on blocking or destroying specific cancer cells.

Surgery: Removal of the affected kidney, a procedure known as nephrectomy.

Radiation therapy: May be used when the cancer spreads to areas such as the brain or bones.

Regular monitoring: Follow-up scans and tests to track the progression of the disease.

Palliative care: Helps manage pain and improve comfort, especially in advanced stages of the illness.

CAN METASTATIC KIDNEY CANCER BE PREVENTED?

There is no guaranteed way to completely prevent kidney cancer from spreading.

However, research suggests that the risk of kidney cancer can be reduced through lifestyle and health management practices such as:

Quitting smoking
Managing blood pressure
Maintaining a healthy weight
Going for regular medical check-ups for early detection.

If kidney cancer is already present, experts say early diagnosis and prompt treatment, especially surgical removal of the tumour before it spreads, offer the best chance of preventing metastasis.

~ Hot News Reporters
Thursday, 14th May, 2026