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Updated: May 31, 2026
11:27
Modeling Spontaneous Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC) in Mice Following Nephrectomy
Published on: April 29, 2014
Renal cell carcinoma: molecularly targeted therapy
William Cáceres1, Alexis Cruz-Chacón
1School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico. wcjn@prtc.net
Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal
|June 21, 2011
Summary
Novel targeted therapies offer improved survival for advanced renal cell carcinoma, a previously treatment-resistant kidney cancer. These next-generation drugs inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis with fewer side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney cancer and notoriously resistant to systemic therapy.
- Advanced RCC historically had dismal long-term survival rates, with interleukin-2 yielding <10% 5-year survival.
- Metastatic disease presents in ~30% of patients, and recurrence affects ~40% of localized cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advent and impact of novel molecularly targeted drugs for advanced renal cell carcinoma.
- To highlight the shift towards targeted therapies based on molecular genetics and tumor biology.
Main Methods:
- Review of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals since December 2005.
- Analysis of the mechanisms of action of novel targeted agents, including small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
- Discussion of therapies inhibiting angiogenesis and tumor growth factors.
Main Results:
- Six novel molecularly targeted drugs have been FDA-approved for advanced RCC since December 2005.
- These agents represent a new generation of cancer therapy with targeted inhibition of malignant cell proliferation.
- Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors demonstrate fewer toxic effects on normal cells.
Conclusions:
- Molecularly targeted therapies have significantly advanced the treatment landscape for advanced renal cell carcinoma.
- Further research into drug mechanisms and combinations is crucial for developing more effective treatments.
- Understanding tumor molecular genetics is key to advancing RCC therapy.
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