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

World Journal of Urology
|February 13, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

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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