Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2017
Targeted therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: current treatment and future directions
Daniel Y C Heng1, Christian Kollmannsberger, Kim N Chi
1BC Cancer Agency, 600 West 12 Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4E6, Canada.
Abstract:
An understanding of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways has greatly changed the way metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is treated. Based on available phase III randomized trials, anti-VEGF agents such as sunitinib, sorafenib, bevacizumab-based therapy, and mTOR-targeted agents such as temsirolimus and everolimus have been used in the treatment armamentarium for this disease. Now that agents directed against these pathways have largely replaced immunotherapy as the standard of care, new questions have emerged and are the subject of ongoing clinical trials. The development of new targeted therapies including axitinib, pazopanib, cediranib, volociximab, tivozanib (AV-951), BAY 73-4506, and c-met inhibitors such as GSK1363089 and ARQ197 may potentially expand the list of treatment options. Sequential and combination targeted therapies are currently under investigation in advanced disease as are adjuvant and neo-adjuvant approaches around nephrectomy.
Insights
Targeted therapies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways have transformed metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treatment, largely replacing immunotherapy. New agents and combination strategies are under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treatment has evolved significantly.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways are key targets in RCC therapy.
- Targeted therapies have largely replaced immunotherapy as the standard of care for advanced RCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of targeted therapies for metastatic RCC.
- To discuss emerging targeted agents and treatment strategies.
- To highlight ongoing clinical trials exploring new therapeutic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of phase III randomized trials.
- Analysis of approved anti-VEGF and mTOR-targeted agents.
- Discussion of novel targeted therapies and inhibitors in development.
- Examination of ongoing clinical trials for combination and sequential therapies.
Main Results:
- Anti-VEGF agents (sunitinib, sorafenib, bevacizumab) and mTOR inhibitors (temsirolimus, everolimus) are established treatments.
- New targeted therapies including axitinib, pazopanib, and c-met inhibitors show promise.
- Sequential and combination targeted therapies are under investigation for advanced disease.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies targeting VEGF and mTOR pathways have revolutionized metastatic RCC treatment.
- Ongoing research focuses on expanding treatment options with novel agents and strategies.
- Adjuvant and neoadjuvant approaches around nephrectomy are also being explored.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Treatment Resistent Cancers
Tumor Immunotherapy
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
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...

