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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2017
Metastatic renal cell cancer treatments: an indirect comparison meta-analysis
Edward J Mills1, Beth Rachlis, Chris O'Regan
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada. millsej@mcmaster.ca
Background:
Treatment for metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) has advanced dramatically with understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. New treatment options may provide improved progression-free survival (PFS). We aimed to determine the relative effectiveness of new therapies in this field.
Methods:
We conducted comprehensive searches of 11 electronic databases from inception to April 2008. We included randomized trials (RCTs) that evaluated bevacizumab, sorafenib, and sunitinib. Two reviewers independently extracted data, in duplicate. Our primary outcome was investigator-assessed PFS. We performed random-effects meta-analysis with a mixed treatment comparison analysis.
Results:
We included 3 bevacizumab (2 of bevacizumab plus interferon-a [IFN-a]), 2 sorafenib, 1 sunitinib, and 1 temsirolimus trials (total n = 3,957). All interventions offer advantages for PFS. Using indirect comparisons with interferon-alpha as the common comparator, we found that sunitinib was superior to both sorafenib (HR 0.58, 95% CI, 0.38-0.86, P = < 0.001) and bevacizumab + IFN-a (HR 0.75, 95% CI, 0.60-0.93, P = 0.001). Sorafenib was not statistically different from bevacizumab +IFN-a in this same indirect comparison analysis (HR 0.77, 95% CI, 0.52-1.13, P = 0.23). Using placebo as the similar comparator, we were unable to display a significant difference between sorafenib and bevacizumab alone (HR 0.81, 95% CI, 0.58-1.12, P = 0.23). Temsirolimus provided significant PFS in patients with poor prognosis (HR 0.69, 95% CI, 0.57-0.85).
Conclusion:
New interventions for mRCC offer a favourable PFS for mRCC compared to interferon-alpha and placebo.
Insights
New treatments for metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) significantly improve progression-free survival (PFS). Sunitinib demonstrated superior PFS compared to sorafenib and bevacizumab plus interferon-alpha.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Treatments
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) treatment has evolved with better understanding of disease pathogenesis.
- New therapies offer potential for improved progression-free survival (PFS) in mRCC patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relative effectiveness of novel mRCC therapies.
- To compare progression-free survival (PFS) benefits of bevacizumab, sorafenib, and sunitinib.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of 11 electronic databases up to April 2008.
- Inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating bevacizumab, sorafenib, and sunitinib.
- Random-effects meta-analysis with mixed treatment comparison, focusing on investigator-assessed PFS.
Main Results:
- Sunitinib showed superior PFS compared to sorafenib (HR 0.58) and bevacizumab + interferon-alpha (HR 0.75).
- Sorafenib and bevacizumab + interferon-alpha did not show statistically significant PFS differences.
- Temsirolimus demonstrated significant PFS benefit in poor-prognosis patients (HR 0.69).
Conclusions:
- Novel mRCC interventions provide favorable PFS compared to traditional treatments like interferon-alpha and placebo.
- Sunitinib emerges as a highly effective option for improving PFS in mRCC.
