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Updated: Jul 7, 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 in renal cell carcinoma
Jean-Jacques Patard1, Damien Pouessel, Karim Bensalah
1Department of Urology, Rennes University Hospital, CHU Pontchaillou, rue Henri le Guillou, 35033 Rennes, France. jean-jacques.patard@univ-rennes1.fr
Objective:
To present an update on anti-angiogenic drugs in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Recent Findings:
A better understanding of molecular pathways that are involved in clear cell carcinomas has led to the development of multiple targeted therapies with significant clinical benefits. Two tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor have been shown to improve the progression-free survival of patients in first-line (Sunitinib vs. interferon-alpha) or second-line treatment (Sorafenib vs. placebo). Temsirolimus, an agent that inhibits the serine-threonine kinase activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin, offers better overall survival than interferon in patients with poor-risk characteristics. Finally, Bevacizumab, which is an antibody directed against VEGF, in association with IFN is providing substantial response rates and increased progression-free survival compared to IFN alone.
Conclusion:
Four major drugs or regimens with proven efficacy are now available in first and second line therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Further studies are needed to determine the optimal combinations of these agents in metastatic disease and to assess their impact in the adjuvant setting.
Insights
New anti-angiogenic drugs targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) improve survival for metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients. Four effective therapies are now available for first and second-line treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treatment has advanced with targeted therapies.
- Understanding molecular pathways in clear cell carcinomas is key to developing new treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an update on anti-angiogenic drugs for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
- To summarize current therapeutic options and their efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data for targeted therapies in mRCC.
- Analysis of drugs targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR).
Main Results:
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting VEGF receptors (Sunitinib, Sorafenib) improve progression-free survival.
- Temsirolimus (mTOR inhibitor) improves overall survival in poor-risk patients.
- Bevacizumab (anti-VEGF antibody) combined with interferon shows improved response rates and progression-free survival.
Conclusions:
- Four major anti-angiogenic drugs/regimens are now available for first and second-line mRCC therapy.
- Further research is needed to optimize drug combinations and evaluate adjuvant therapy effectiveness.
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