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

Insights

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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