Challenges and opportunities for converting renal cell carcinoma into a chronic disease with targeted therapies

M E Gore1, J M G Larkin

  • 1Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JJ, UK. Martin.Gore@rmh.nhs.uk

British Journal of Cancer
|February 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Targeted therapies have significantly improved outcomes for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), transforming it into a manageable chronic condition. Future advancements focus on overcoming resistance and optimizing treatment strategies for mRCC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) historically had a poor prognosis.
  • The advent of targeted therapies has markedly improved patient survival and disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the development and efficacy of targeted agents in mRCC management.
  • To discuss current challenges and future directions in mRCC targeted therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of targeted therapies for mRCC.
  • Analysis of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) data.
  • Discussion of clinical trial design and resistance mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Targeted agents have led to significant improvements in PFS and OS for mRCC patients.
  • mRCC is increasingly viewed as a chronic, manageable disease rather than a rapidly fatal one.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapies represent a major advancement in mRCC treatment.
  • Overcoming drug resistance, optimizing treatment sequencing/combinations, and addressing cost are key challenges for future mRCC therapy.

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