Sunitinib and other targeted therapies for renal cell carcinoma

T Powles1, S Chowdhury, R Jones

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, St Bartholomew's Hospital London, Barts and the London NHS trust, Charterhouse Square, London, UK. thomas.polwes@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk

British Journal of Cancer
|January 27, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Targeted therapy has transformed metastatic renal cancer treatment. This review covers current understanding, challenges like biomarkers and resistance, and future clinical research in renal cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nephrology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metastatic renal cancer treatment has been revolutionized by targeted therapy.
  • Six targeted drugs are approved, with more in development.
  • Sunitinib is a common first-line treatment, known for efficacy and toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current state of targeted therapy for renal cancer.
  • To identify knowledge gaps, including biomarkers and drug resistance.
  • To outline upcoming clinical research in renal cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of targeted therapy in renal cancer.
  • Analysis of current drug approvals and ongoing evaluations.
  • Discussion of resistance mechanisms and biomarker research.

Main Results:

  • Targeted therapy has significantly impacted metastatic renal cancer outcomes.
  • Sunitinib remains a widely used first-line agent.
  • Gaps exist in understanding resistance and identifying predictive biomarkers.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapy represents a major advance in renal cancer treatment.
  • Further research is needed to overcome resistance and personalize treatment.
  • Future clinical trials will likely introduce new therapeutic strategies.

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