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Updated: May 18, 2026
A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2017
Biomarkers: the next therapeutic hurdle in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
1Urologic Medical Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
Abstract:
Despite recent advances, metastatic renal cell carcinoma remains largely an incurable disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors have provided improvements in clinical outcomes. High-dose interleukin 2 remains an option for highly selected patients and is associated with durable remissions in a small minority of patients. The toxicity profiles of specific agents and patient characteristics and comorbidities and costs have an important role in the current choice of therapy. Major challenges encountered in developing molecular biomarkers to guide therapy are tumour heterogeneity and standardisation of tissue collection and analysis. Although biomarkers are in their infancy of development, they should be a priority in early preclinical and clinical development in order to guide rational tailored development of emerging agents.
Insights
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma remains difficult to cure. While targeted therapies offer improvements, developing molecular biomarkers is crucial for personalized treatment strategies and future drug development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Research
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) presents significant treatment challenges, with limited curative options.
- Current treatments include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, and high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) for select patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of mRCC treatment.
- To highlight the challenges and importance of developing molecular biomarkers for guiding therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current therapeutic strategies for mRCC.
- Discussion of challenges in biomarker development, including tumor heterogeneity and standardization.
Main Results:
- VEGF and mTOR inhibitors have improved clinical outcomes in mRCC.
- High-dose IL-2 can induce durable remissions in a small patient subset.
- Therapy choice is influenced by toxicity, patient factors, comorbidities, and cost.
Conclusions:
- Molecular biomarkers are essential for personalized mRCC treatment but face development hurdles.
- Prioritizing biomarker research in early development is key for rational, tailored therapeutic strategies.
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