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Renal cell carcinoma: basic biology and current approaches to therapy
A Belldegrun1, A S Abi-Aad, R A Figlin
1Department of Surgery, University of California-Los Angeles School of Medicine 90024-1738.
Seminars in Oncology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a rare solid tumor. Advances in immunotherapy, including cytokine therapy with interferon-alpha or interleukin-2, show promise for treating advanced RCC, offering durable remissions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an uncommon solid tumor where surgical intervention remains the primary treatment.
- The tumor's heterogeneous nature and rare spontaneous regressions suggest a link to immune system control.
- Recent molecular genetics and immunology research offers new insights into RCC's origin and behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) biology.
- To discuss surgical management of localized RCC.
- To explore biologic therapies for advanced RCC.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent developments in molecular genetics, growth factors, and cytokine-lymphocyte interactions.
- Analysis of clinical data on recombinant human interferon-alpha and interleukin-2 efficacy.
- Examination of combination therapies involving cytokines and activated killer cells.
Main Results:
- Immunotherapy, particularly with cytokines like interferon-alpha and interleukin-2, has demonstrated reproducible tumor responses in metastatic RCC.
- Durable clinical remissions are achievable in advanced RCC patients using cytokine therapy alone or combined with activated killer cells.
- Current research provides a foundation for novel treatment strategies targeting RCC.
Conclusions:
- Immunotherapy represents a promising avenue for managing advanced renal cell carcinoma.
- Combining cytokine therapy with other immunomodulatory approaches may enhance treatment outcomes.
- Further research into RCC biology and immune interactions is crucial for developing more effective therapies.