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Renal cancer biomarkers: the promise of personalized care
Naveen S Vasudev1, Peter J Selby, Rosamonde E Banks
1The Institute of Cancer Research, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK. N.Vasudev@leeds.ac.uk
Abstract:
Significant advances in our understanding of the biology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have been achieved in recent years. These insights have led to the introduction of novel targeted therapies, revolutionising the management of patients with advanced disease. Nevertheless, there are still no biomarkers in routine clinical use in RCC. Tools used routinely to determine prognosis have not changed over the past decade; classification remains largely morphology based; and patients continue to be exposed to potentially toxic therapy with no indication of the likelihood of response. Thus the need for biomarkers in RCC is urgent. Here, we focus on recent advances in our understanding of the genetics and epigenetics of RCC, and the potential for such knowledge to provide novel markers and therapeutic targets. We highlight on-going research that is likely to deliver further candidate markers as well as generating large, well-annotated sample banks that will facilitate future studies. It is imperative that promising candidates are validated using these resources, and in subsequent prospective clinical trials, so that future biomarkers may be used in the clinic to personalize patient care.
Insights
Urgent need for biomarkers in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) exists. Advances in RCC genetics and epigenetics offer potential for novel markers and targeted therapies to personalize patient care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Recent advances in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) biology have led to novel targeted therapies for advanced disease.
- Current prognostic tools and classification methods for RCC remain unchanged and morphology-based.
- There is an urgent clinical need for validated biomarkers in RCC to guide treatment decisions and predict response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in the genetics and epigenetics of RCC.
- To identify the potential of these insights for novel biomarker and therapeutic target discovery.
- To highlight ongoing research and the importance of validating candidate markers for clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on RCC genetics and epigenetics.
- Focus on emerging research and the development of annotated sample banks.
- Emphasis on the validation of candidate biomarkers through clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Significant progress in understanding RCC's genetic and epigenetic landscape.
- Identification of potential novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
- Generation of resources (sample banks) to facilitate future research and validation.
Conclusions:
- Advances in RCC genetics and epigenetics hold promise for developing much-needed biomarkers.
- Validation of candidate markers in prospective clinical trials is crucial for personalized patient care.
- Future research efforts should focus on translating genetic and epigenetic discoveries into clinical practice.
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