Targeted therapy for renal cell carcinoma: a new treatment paradigm

Thomas E Hutson1

  • 1Genitourinary Oncology Program, Department of Oncology, Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. thomas.hutson@usoncology.com

Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)
|July 20, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Novel targeted therapies, including vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors and mTOR pathway agents, have significantly improved outcomes for metastatic clear cell renal cell cancer, offering a promising future for treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Medical Science

Background:

  • Metastatic clear cell renal cell cancer (mccRCC) was historically treated with cytokine-based therapies like interferon and interleukin-2.
  • Advances in understanding tumor biology have led to the development of novel targeted therapeutic agents.
  • Key pathways targeted include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the mTOR signal transduction pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of novel targeted therapeutic agents on the treatment of metastatic clear cell renal cancer.
  • To highlight agents that have demonstrated improved clinical outcomes in recent trials.
  • To discuss the potential of combination therapies and future directions in renal cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of randomized clinical trials and early studies evaluating targeted agents in mccRCC.
  • Analysis of drugs targeting VEGF pathway and mTOR pathway.
  • Exploration of multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors and antiangiogenic agents.

Main Results:

  • Sunitinib malate, sorafenib tosylate, temsirolimus, and bevacizumab have shown improved clinical outcomes in randomized trials.
  • Other agents like lapatinib, axitinib, pazopanib, VEGF Trap, and lenalidomide have demonstrated activity in early studies.
  • Combination therapies are currently under evaluation.

Conclusions:

  • Novel targeted agents have significantly altered the natural history of metastatic clear cell renal cell cancer.
  • The efficacy of these new agents suggests a promising future for renal cancer therapy.
  • Continued research into targeted therapies and combinations holds potential for further advancements.

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