Genomics and proteomics in renal cell carcinoma: diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection

The term renal cell carcinoma (RCC) once referred to a single entity but now encompasses a spectrum of diverse epithelial tumors with a common derivation from the renal tubular epithelium. The variable course of RCC remains problematic for patient management, despite advances in diagnosis and improved understanding of prognostic factors. However, powerful, high-throughput technologies that now analyze the entire genome and proteome promise to elucidate the heterogeneity of this disease and eventually enable a patient-tailored, individualized medicine. This review considers the clinical relevance and general significance of gene expression and protein-profiling studies.