Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Ultra-Fast Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
07:59

Ultra-Fast Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Published on: September 8, 2023

Molecular markers to predict response to therapy

Jesus Garcia-Donas1, Cristina Rodriguez-Antona, Eric Jonasch

  • 1Genitourinary Tumors Programme Centro Integral Oncologico Clara Campal CIOCC, Madrid, Spain.

Seminars in Oncology
|August 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Predictive biomarkers are needed for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treatments. This review discusses challenges and candidates for developing better biomarkers to personalize advanced RCC therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology and Translational Medicine
  • Biomarker Discovery and Development

Background:

  • Current treatments for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) include VEGF inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and cytokine therapy.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors are expected to become a significant addition to the therapeutic landscape for advanced RCC.
  • Personalized medicine approaches are crucial, but validated predictive biomarkers for patient selection are currently lacking in RCC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the urgent need for validated predictive biomarkers in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
  • To discuss the logistical hurdles in developing and implementing predictive biomarkers for RCC treatment selection.
  • To review existing biomarker candidates and explore future directions for enhancing predictive tools in advanced RCC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current research on biomarker development in RCC.
  • Analysis of logistical challenges in biomarker assay validation and clinical integration.
  • Exploration of emerging biomarker candidates and potential predictive strategies for advanced RCC.

Main Results:

  • Significant challenges exist in the development and validation of predictive biomarkers for RCC.
  • Several biomarker candidates are under investigation, but none are yet validated for routine clinical use.
  • The current therapeutic landscape for RCC is evolving, increasing the demand for personalized treatment selection.

Conclusions:

  • Validated predictive biomarkers are essential for optimizing treatment selection in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
  • Overcoming logistical challenges in biomarker development is critical for clinical implementation.
  • Further research into novel biomarker candidates and strategies is needed to advance personalized medicine in RCC.

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase01:11

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase

Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
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...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...