Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
06:38

A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies

Published on: April 12, 2017

Targeted treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma and immune regulation

K A Laschos1, K T Papazisis, L F Kontovinis

  • 1Applied Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Theagenion Cancer Hospital, 2, Alexandrou Simeonidi Str, 540 07 Thessaloniki, Greece. konstantinos.laschos@gmail.com

Journal of B.U.ON. : Official Journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology
|July 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Targeted therapies are now standard for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), shifting from cytokine treatments. Some agents like sunitinib boost immune responses, potentially improving effectiveness in mRCC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treatment has shifted from cytokine-based therapies to targeted agents.
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) pathway is a primary target for mRCC drugs, influencing dendritic cell (DC) function and immune responses.
  • Understanding the immunomodulatory effects of targeted agents is crucial for optimizing mRCC treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the immunomodulatory effects of targeted agents used in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).
  • To compare the immune effects of different targeted agents, including sunitinib, sorafenib, and temsirolimus.
  • To discuss the potential role of immune-modulating effects in the efficacy and adverse events of mRCC therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of targeted agents and their effects on the immune system in mRCC.
  • Analysis of drug mechanisms, including VEGF inhibition, B-Raf inhibition, and mTOR targeting.
  • Discussion of clinical trial data and immune responses in mRCC patients.

Main Results:

  • VEGF inhibitors like sunitinib can activate dendritic cells and promote cellular immunity, potentially enhancing cancer rejection.
  • Sorafenib, a VEGFR and B-Raf inhibitor, may downregulate immune responses, possibly explaining its limited benefit in first-line mRCC treatment.
  • Temsirolimus targets mTOR, a component of DC activation, but its in vivo immune effects require further investigation. Combination therapies involving cytokines and targeted agents are under clinical investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted agents in mRCC have significant immunomodulatory effects that can influence treatment outcomes.
  • The immune-stimulating effects of agents like sunitinib may correlate with effectiveness.
  • Further research into the immune-modulating properties of targeted therapies is essential for advancing mRCC treatment and managing adverse events.

More Related Videos

Modeling Spontaneous Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC) in Mice Following Nephrectomy11:27

Modeling Spontaneous Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC) in Mice Following Nephrectomy

Published on: April 29, 2014

Analysis of Human T Cell Activity in an Allogeneic Co-Culture Setting of Pre-Treated Tumor Cells09:04

Analysis of Human T Cell Activity in an Allogeneic Co-Culture Setting of Pre-Treated Tumor Cells

Published on: March 7, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...