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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2017
Recent developments in the pathology of renal tumors: morphology and molecular characteristics of select entities
Benjamin C Yan1, A Craig Mackinnon, Hikmat A Al-Ahmadie
1Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Context:
Renal cell carcinoma is a heterogeneous group of tumors with distinct histopathologic features, molecular characteristics, and clinical outcome. These tumors can be sporadic as well as familial or associated with syndromes. The genetic abnormalities underlying these syndromes have been identified and were subsequently found in corresponding sporadic renal tumors.
Objective:
To review the recent molecular and genetic advancements relating to sporadic and familial renal carcinomas as well as those related to Xp11.2 translocation-associated renal cell carcinoma and renal medullary carcinoma.
Data Sources:
Literature review, personal experience, and material from the University of Chicago.
Conclusions:
Molecular genetic diagnostic techniques will continue to introduce new biomarkers that will aid in the differential diagnosis of difficult cases. The identification of specific signaling pathways that are defective in certain renal tumors also makes possible the development of new therapies that selectively target the aberrant activity of the defective proteins.
Insights
This review covers molecular and genetic advances in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), including sporadic, familial, Xp11.2 translocation-associated RCC, and renal medullary carcinoma. New biomarkers and targeted therapies are emerging for RCC diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a diverse cancer with varying features and outcomes.
- RCC can be sporadic, familial, or linked to specific syndromes, with shared genetic underpinnings.
- Genetic abnormalities identified in familial syndromes are also found in sporadic RCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent molecular and genetic advancements in renal cell carcinoma.
- Focus on sporadic, familial, Xp11.2 translocation-associated RCC, and renal medullary carcinoma.
- Highlight progress in understanding RCC pathogenesis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review.
- Inclusion of personal experience and institutional material.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on RCC genetics and molecular biology.
Main Results:
- Genetic abnormalities in familial RCC syndromes are relevant to sporadic forms.
- Xp11.2 translocation-associated RCC and renal medullary carcinoma have distinct molecular profiles.
- Advancements reveal the complexity of RCC molecular landscape.
Conclusions:
- Molecular diagnostics are improving differential diagnosis of RCC with new biomarkers.
- Identification of defective signaling pathways enables targeted therapy development for RCC.
- Future therapies will focus on specific molecular defects in renal tumors.
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