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Updated: Sep 20, 2026
A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2017
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Robert C Flanigan1, Steven C Campbell, Joseph I Clark
1Department of Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center and Hines VA Hospital, Maywood, IL 60153, USA. rflanig@lumc.edu
Abstract:
Patients with renal cell cancer (RCC) develop metastatic spread in approximately 33% of cases. The clinical management of patients with metastatic RCC is complicated by the lack of significant efficacy from available therapies. Common sites of metastases include the lung, liver, bone, brain, and adrenal gland, with case reports detailing the capacity of RCC to appear almost anywhere in the body. More than one organ system is often involved in the metastatic process. Metastases may be found at diagnosis or at some interval after nephrectomy. Approximately 20% to 50% of patients will eventually develop metastatic disease after nephrectomy. A shorter interval between nephrectomy and the development of metastases is associated with a poorer prognosis. Patients with metastatic RCC face a dismal prognosis, with a median survival time of only 6 to 12 months and a 2-year survival rate of 10% to 20%. Recent advances in biologic response modifier therapy have brought new hope to a small percentage of patients who respond to this therapy and rekindled interest in cytoreductive nephrectomy as an integral part of the management of these patients.
Insights
Metastatic renal cell cancer (RCC) affects about a third of patients, often spreading to multiple organs. Current treatments have limited efficacy, but new therapies offer some hope for managing advanced kidney cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nephrology
- Cancer Metastasis
Background:
- Renal cell cancer (RCC) frequently metastasizes, impacting approximately 33% of patients.
- Metastatic RCC presents significant clinical management challenges due to limited therapeutic efficacy.
- Common sites of metastasis include the lung, liver, bone, and brain, but RCC can spread virtually anywhere.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical management and prognosis of metastatic renal cell cancer.
- To highlight the challenges posed by the limited efficacy of current therapies for metastatic RCC.
- To discuss recent advances and their implications for patient management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on renal cell cancer metastasis.
- Analysis of clinical management strategies for metastatic RCC.
- Evaluation of prognostic factors and survival rates.
Main Results:
- Metastatic spread occurs in about one-third of RCC patients, often involving multiple organs.
- A shorter interval between nephrectomy and metastasis development correlates with a poorer prognosis.
- Median survival for metastatic RCC is poor (6-12 months), with a 2-year survival rate of 10-20%.
Conclusions:
- Metastatic renal cell cancer remains a significant clinical challenge with a poor prognosis.
- Recent advances in biologic response modifier therapy offer limited but important hope.
- Cytoreductive nephrectomy is being reconsidered as part of the management of metastatic RCC.
