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Updated: May 26, 2026

A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2017
[The pathologist's role in the neoadjuvant strategy of renal-cell carcinoma]
Xavier Leroy1, Julien Edeline, Nathalie Rioux-Leclercq
1Pôle de pathologie, CHRU, Lille cedex, France.
Abstract:
The medical treatment of renal-cell carcinoma, and of its most frequent histologic subtype, the clear cell renal-cell carcinoma, has been changed by the emergence of targeted therapies. The development of these drugs has been made possible by more precise knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in the carcinogenesis of these tumors. Three molecular pathways may be involved in clear cell renal-cell carcinoma: VHL/HIF/VEGF, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPKinases pathways. These antiangiogenic therapies are approved for the treatment of advanced and metastatic clear cell renal-cell carcinoma. In metastatic disease, pathologists have significant and different implications: 1) in tumor biopsy, only the diagnosis of clear cell renal-cell carcinoma implies the prescription of antiangiogenic drugs, and 2) after targeted therapies, pathologists must evaluate the therapeutic effects on tumor. Consensus on macroscopic and histologic reports are needed by pathologists.
Insights
Targeted therapies have revolutionized clear cell renal-cell carcinoma treatment by targeting key molecular pathways. Pathologists play a crucial role in diagnosis and evaluating treatment response in advanced disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Context:
- Clear cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC) treatment has evolved with targeted therapies.
- Understanding molecular pathways like VHL/HIF/VEGF, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and MAPKinases is key to drug development.
- Antiangiogenic therapies are approved for advanced and metastatic ccRCC.
Purpose:
- To highlight the impact of targeted therapies on ccRCC treatment.
- To emphasize the role of molecular pathways in ccRCC carcinogenesis.
- To underscore the critical implications for pathologists in diagnosing ccRCC and assessing therapeutic effects.
Summary:
- Targeted therapies, informed by molecular insights into ccRCC carcinogenesis (VHL/HIF/VEGF, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPKinases pathways), have transformed treatment.
- These antiangiogenic drugs are indicated for advanced and metastatic ccRCC.
- Pathologists are vital for initial ccRCC diagnosis, guiding therapy selection, and evaluating post-treatment tumor response.
Impact:
- The emergence of targeted therapies has significantly altered the medical management of renal-cell carcinoma, particularly the clear cell subtype.
- Precise knowledge of molecular carcinogenesis pathways has enabled the development of effective antiangiogenic drugs.
- Pathologists face critical implications in diagnosing ccRCC and assessing treatment efficacy, necessitating consensus in reporting.

