Renal-cell carcinoma: tumour markers, T-cell epitopes, and potential for new therapies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) presents significant treatment challenges with limited efficacy of current biological therapies (<20% response rates).
• Existing predictive markers (histological subtype, immune infiltration, proliferation markers, p53 mutation, growth-factor-receptor expression) have not surpassed tumor stage and histological grade in predictive value.
• Tumor-associated antigens and cellular immune responses are key to developing targeted immunotherapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current markers associated with renal cell carcinoma.
• To evaluate novel treatment approaches targeting tumor-associated antigens and T-cell epitopes for advanced RCC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on renal cell carcinoma markers.
• Analysis of targeted immunotherapy strategies including monoclonal antibodies, radioimmunotherapy, and T-cell therapies.
• Evaluation of T-cell epitopes as a specific target for immunotherapy.

Main Results:

• Despite extensive research, traditional markers have limited predictive power for advanced RCC treatment efficacy.
• Tumor-associated antigens and T-cell epitopes represent promising targets for novel immunotherapeutic strategies.
• Targeted approaches like T-cell therapies hold potential for improved outcomes in advanced RCC.

Conclusions:

• Novel immunotherapies targeting tumor-associated antigens and T-cell epitopes are crucial for advancing treatment in advanced renal cell carcinoma.
• Further research into specific T-cell epitopes may lead to more effective and personalized therapies for RCC.
• Integrating biomarker discovery with advanced immunotherapy development is essential for overcoming treatment resistance in advanced RCC.