Research Study for Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Cycle 1. Patients are randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive either Nexavar (Sorafenib, BAY 43-906; this arm) or matching placebo (see below) for 14 days. Dose range will be depending on hematologic and other toxicity between 400 mg (2 tablets of 200 mg) orally twice bid and 400 mg orally every 2 days. Cycle 2: patients who are eligible undergo nephrectomy. After the post-nephrectomy recovery period, all patients will receive 400 mg of BAY 43-906, twice daily (administered as two 200 mg tablets) in an open-label fashion.Cycle 3+: 400 mg of BAY 43-906, twice daily (administered as two 200 mg tablets) in an open-label fashion.

Cycle 1. Patients are randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive either Nexavar (see above) or matching placebo (this arm) for 14 days. Dose range will be depending on hematologic and other toxicity between 400mg (2 tablets of 200mg) orally twice bid and 400mg orally every 2 days. Cycle 2 and 3: see above (no placebo application)