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Published on: January 22, 2013
Molecular marker for predicting treatment response in advanced renal cell carcinoma: does the promise fulfill
Michael Garcia-Roig1, Nicolas Ortiz, Vinata Lokeshwar
1Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
Abstract:
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is largely diagnosed incidentally on imaging taken for unrelated reasons. The management of localized lesions is primarily extirpative with excellent results. Treatment of advanced RCC has evolved over recent years with the use of targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, and antibody-mediated therapies. The treatment response to these targeted therapies is highly variable, with no clear clinical method of identifying patients who will benefit from or not tolerate therapy. The field of molecular markers has evolved significantly in the last decade, with a multitude of markers identified that predict treatment response and drug toxicity. The following review critically evaluates those molecular markers that have been assessed for their utility in predicting treatment response in patients with advanced/metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Identifying the ideal treatment for these patients will improve responses to therapy, minimize morbidity, and save significant healthcare dollars.
Insights
Molecular markers show promise in predicting treatment response for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This review evaluates markers to personalize therapy, improving outcomes and reducing side effects for metastatic RCC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is often incidentally diagnosed.
- Localized RCC management involves surgical resection.
- Advanced RCC treatment relies on targeted therapies with variable responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate molecular markers for predicting treatment response in advanced/metastatic RCC (mRCC).
- To identify markers that can guide personalized therapy selection for mRCC patients.
- To improve treatment efficacy and minimize toxicity in mRCC.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on molecular markers in mRCC.
- Analysis of studies assessing marker utility in predicting response to targeted therapies.
- Evaluation of marker-based prediction of drug toxicity.
Main Results:
- Numerous molecular markers have been identified for predicting treatment response and toxicity in mRCC.
- Current clinical methods lack clarity in identifying patients who will benefit from or tolerate therapy.
- The utility of various molecular markers requires critical assessment.
Conclusions:
- Molecular markers hold significant potential for personalizing mRCC treatment.
- Accurate marker identification can optimize therapy selection, improving patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to validate markers for clinical application in mRCC.
