Nivolumab alike other immune checkpoint inhibitors has been intensively developed during the last decade. Kidney cancer is among the neoplasm in treatment of which we have accumulated the most experience regarding nivolumab. As improves our understanding of the mechanisms underlying specific cellular immune response, thus improves our understanding of the place the nivolumab holds among other therapeutic options. Recent years brought development of innovative immunotherapy combinations as a method for improving immunotherapy efficacy. This review aims at providing practicing oncologists with key aspects of renal cell carcinoma treatment with nivolumab.