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Updated: May 27, 2026

A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2017
Surgery and target agents for renal cell carcinoma treatment: the path between proper interaction
Carlo Ganini1, Bruno Rovereto, Camillo Porta
1Medical Oncology, I.R.C.C.S. San Matteo University Hospital Foundation,Piazzale C. Golgi 19, Pavia, Italy.
Background:
Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 3% of all solid tumors and currently causes about 3,500 deaths/year in the UK. Once an orphan disease, it has undergone an impressive change in its natural history with an improvement in overall survival, thanks to the development of new target agents.
Introduction:
In its management, renal cell carcinoma has been treated with both surgical and medical approaches. Nowadays, many more drugs are available, especially in the metastatic setting, so that we should reconsider the peculiar role of surgery and its interaction with target agents.
Conclusions:
Cytoreductive nephrectomy still plays a major role in the management of the disease, though no really solid data have been still obtained. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings, instead, are still under evaluation, especially new adjuvant therapies involving the numerous target agents we have. Finally, metastasectomy has a controversial role, with some evidence of more efficacy than the medical treatment, though it shows too many biases to be considered certain. The picture that comes out suggests a complex frame, in which we have great power to act, but in which we need to better comprehend the interactions that could be created between surgery and medical therapies, to achieve an optimal multimodal treatment for renal cell carcinoma.
Insights
Cytoreductive nephrectomy remains crucial for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) management, despite limited data. Integrating surgery with novel targeted therapies is key for optimizing multimodal treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Medical Oncology
Background:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) constitutes 3% of solid tumors, causing significant mortality.
- Advances in targeted therapies have improved survival rates for RCC patients.
- Management of RCC involves both surgical and medical interventions, particularly in the metastatic setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the role of surgery in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) management.
- To explore the interaction between surgical interventions and targeted therapies in RCC.
- To define optimal multimodal treatment strategies for RCC.
Main Methods:
- Review of current treatment paradigms for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
- Analysis of the efficacy and limitations of cytoreductive nephrectomy.
- Evaluation of adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and metastasectomy roles in RCC.
Main Results:
- Cytoreductive nephrectomy plays a significant role, though evidence requires strengthening.
- Adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies, especially with targeted agents, are under investigation.
- Metastasectomy shows potential but has controversial efficacy and biases.
Conclusions:
- A complex interplay exists between surgical and medical treatments for RCC.
- Further research is needed to understand interactions between surgery and targeted agents.
- Optimizing multimodal treatment requires a comprehensive understanding of these interactions for improved RCC patient outcomes.
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