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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2017
Exploiting natural anti-tumor immunity for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Katherine A Murphy1, Britnie R James, Yue Guan
1a Department of Urology; University of Minnesota ; Minneapolis , MN , USA.
Abstract:
Clinical observations of spontaneous disease regression in some renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients implicate a role for tumor immunity in controlling this disease. Puzzling, however, are findings that high levels of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are common to RCC. Despite expression of activation markers by TILs, functional impairment of innate and adaptive immune cells has been consistently demonstrated contributing to the failure of the immune system to control RCC. Immunotherapy can overcome the immunosuppressive effects of the tumor and provide an opportunity for long-term disease free survival. Unfortunately, complete response rates remain sub-optimal indicating the effectiveness of immunotherapy remains limited by tumor-specific factors and/or cell types that inhibit antitumor immune responses. Here we discuss immunotherapies and the function of multiple immune system components to achieve an effective response. Understanding these complex interactions is essential to rationally develop novel therapies capable of renewing the immune system's ability to respond to these tumors.
Insights
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) often shows tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) but fails to mount an effective immune response. Immunotherapy offers promise, but suboptimal responses highlight the need for better understanding of tumor immunity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Spontaneous renal cell carcinoma (RCC) regression suggests a role for tumor immunity.
- High levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in RCC paradoxically correlate with immune system failure.
- Impaired function of innate and adaptive immune cells contributes to RCC's immunosuppressive environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the complex interplay of immunotherapies and immune system components in renal cell carcinoma.
- To understand the factors limiting the effectiveness of current immunotherapies for RCC.
- To identify strategies for enhancing the immune system's ability to respond to RCC.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical observations and immunological findings in renal cell carcinoma.
- Discussion of the mechanisms of immune evasion in RCC.
- Analysis of the role of TILs and other immune cells in tumor control.
Main Results:
- Despite TIL presence, RCC exhibits functional impairment of immune cells.
- Immunotherapy can overcome tumor immunosuppression but faces limitations.
- Tumor-specific factors and inhibitory cell types hinder antitumor immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Understanding immune system components is crucial for effective RCC immunotherapy.
- Novel therapies are needed to restore the immune system's anti-tumor response in RCC.
- Targeting tumor immunity holds potential for improved RCC treatment outcomes.
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