The family of late Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has confirmed that the actor died from complications linked to advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Ekubo reportedly passed away at the age of 40 at Evercare Hospital in Lagos after what his family described as a private but courageous battle with the illness.
In a statement shared via the actor’s Instagram page, the family wrote:
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Son, Brother, and Friend, Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke.
“After a brief but courageous battle, Alexx passed away at Evercare Hospital due to complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
“Throughout this difficult journey, he bore his pain with remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and enduring hope, believing that one day his testimony would be shared with the world.”
His death has triggered conversations around metastatic kidney cancer, a serious and advanced form of kidney cancer that often spreads rapidly if not detected early.
What Is Metastatic Kidney Cancer?
Metastatic kidney cancer, also known as stage 4 kidney cancer or stage 4 renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is the most advanced stage of kidney cancer in adults.
The disease begins in the kidneys when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. It becomes “metastatic” when the cancer spreads beyond the kidney to distant parts of the body.
The most common areas where kidney cancer spreads include:
- The lungs
- Bones
- Liver
- Brain
- Adrenal glands
- Lymph nodes
According to medical studies, kidney cancer typically first spreads through the lymphatic system before affecting other organs.
Health experts note that about one-third of patients with renal cell carcinoma already have metastatic disease at the time they are diagnosed, making treatment more challenging.
How Common Is Kidney Cancer?
According to the World Cancer Research Fund, kidney cancer is the 14th most common cancer globally.
The organisation stated that:
- Kidney cancer is the 10th most common cancer in men
- It is the 13th most common cancer in women
- There were 434,840 new kidney cancer cases worldwide in 2022
- The disease caused 155,953 deaths in the same year
The American Cancer Society also estimates that the lifetime risk of developing kidney cancer is about 1 in 45 for men and 1 in 75 for women.
Symptoms Of Metastatic Kidney Cancer
Early-stage kidney cancer may not produce obvious symptoms, which is one reason the disease is often discovered late.
Once the cancer becomes metastatic, symptoms may include:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Persistent back or side pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Anaemia
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the legs and feet
- Abdominal lump or swelling
- Enlarged veins on the right side of the scrotum
- Persistent cough
Secondary tumours in different organs can also produce additional symptoms.
Symptoms Based On Where The Cancer Spreads
Lungs
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic cough
Bones
- Bone pain
- Bone fractures
Brain
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Dizziness
Liver
- Jaundice
- Swollen abdomen
Adrenal Glands
- Back pain
- Digestive complications
Doctors also note that some patients may experience paraneoplastic syndrome, which can trigger high blood pressure, elevated calcium levels, and abnormal red blood cell production.
Risk Factors And Causes
Several factors may increase the risk of developing kidney cancer.
Common risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Long-term use of certain painkillers
- Family history of kidney cancer
- Certain inherited genetic conditions
The disease is more common in men and is typically diagnosed between the ages of 60 and 65, although younger adults can also develop it.
Survival Rates And Prognosis
Metastatic kidney cancer remains difficult to cure, but advances in treatment have improved survival rates in recent years.
According to data from the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for metastatic kidney cancer is approximately 15 to 19 percent.
Historically, median survival ranged between six and 12 months without advanced therapies, though some patients now live significantly longer depending on treatment response and overall health.
Medical experts say prognosis often depends on:
- The number of organs affected
- How aggressive the cancer is
- The patient’s overall health
- Response to treatment
- Tumour biology
While some patients deteriorate rapidly, others respond positively to modern therapies and survive for years.
Treatment Options For Stage 4 Kidney Cancer
Treatment for metastatic kidney cancer depends on several factors, including the patient’s age, general health, and the extent of cancer spread.
Surgery
Treatment may begin with surgery to remove:
- Part or all of the affected kidney
- Nearby lymph nodes
- Areas where the cancer has spread
In some situations, surgery is performed to ease symptoms rather than cure the disease.
However, doctors note that removing the kidney may not improve survival if the cancer has already spread extensively throughout the body.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy has become one of the most important treatments for advanced kidney cancer.
These medications help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy drugs attack specific proteins or pathways that cancer cells depend on to grow.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are among the most commonly used targeted therapies for stage 4 kidney cancer.
Combination treatment involving immunotherapy and targeted therapy has significantly improved patient outcomes in recent years.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation may be used to:
- Shrink tumours
- Relieve pain
- Reduce pressure on organs
- Manage symptoms when surgery is not possible
Palliative Care
Palliative treatment focuses on improving quality of life and symptom management.
This may include:
- Pain medication
- Nutritional support
- Psychological support
- Fatigue management
Why Early Detection Matters
Doctors say early detection dramatically increases survival chances.
When kidney cancer is diagnosed before it spreads outside the kidney, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90 percent.
This is why medical professionals advise people to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as:
- Blood in urine
- Persistent lower back pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing fatigue
Can Metastatic Kidney Cancer Be Prevented?
Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent kidney cancer, health experts say certain lifestyle choices may reduce risk.
Preventive measures include:
- Avoiding smoking
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Managing blood pressure
- Reducing excessive painkiller use
- Exercising regularly
- Going for routine medical checkups
- Seeking medical attention for warning signs early
Awareness, early diagnosis, and access to treatment remain critical in improving survival outcomes for patients living with kidney cancer.
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