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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

The Use of Reverse Phase Protein Arrays (RPPA) to Explore Protein Expression Variation within Individual Renal Cell Cancers
Published on: January 22, 2013
Targeted therapy for renal cell carcinoma: a new treatment paradigm
1Genitourinary Oncology Program, Department of Oncology, Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. thomas.hutson@usoncology.com
Abstract:
Metastatic clear cell renal cell cancer has traditionally been treated with cytokines (interferon or interleukin-2). Improved understanding of biology has engendered novel targeted therapeutic agents that have altered the natural history of this disease. The vascular endothelial growth factor and its related receptor and the mTOR signal transduction pathway have particularly been exploited. Sunitinib malate, sorafenib tosylate, temsirolimus, and bevacizumab have improved clinical outcomes in randomized trials. Other multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (lapatinib, axitinib, pazopanib) and antiangiogenic agents (VEGF Trap, lenalidomide) have also demonstrated activity in early studies. Combinations of these agents are being evaluated. The future of the therapy of renal cancer appears promising owing to the efficacy of these novel agents.
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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