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Published on: September 27, 2024
Pharmacotherapies for renal cell carcinoma in Japan
Kazuhiro Yoshimura1, Hirotsugu Uemura1
1Department of Urology, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
The standard treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma has changed dramatically in the past decade, from cytokine therapy to targeted therapy. Since sorafenib was approved in April 2008, four tyrosine kinase inhibitors and two mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors have become available in Japan. Most Japanese renal cell carcinoma patients are treated by urologists who are involved in not only kidney surgeries, but also targeted therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as well as mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors. Optimal treatment methods are selected from theoretically-based global recommendations, such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and European Society for Medical Oncology guidelines; however, real-world clinical practice might be different from that in non-Asian countries. This might be because of different practical conditions; for example, different adverse events and efficacy profiles, different healthcare system, and so on. In the present review, we examine current pharmacotherapy for renal cell carcinoma from evidence-based global data, and compare the reality of Japanese clinical practice to explore the importance of individualized patient therapy.
Insights
Advanced renal cell carcinoma treatment has shifted to targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase and mTOR inhibitors. This review compares global evidence with Japanese clinical practice for personalized patient care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Standard treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) evolved from cytokine therapy to targeted therapy over the last decade.
- Several tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are now available in Japan.
- Urologists in Japan manage RCC patients, including surgery and targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current pharmacotherapy for renal cell carcinoma based on global evidence.
- To compare evidence-based global data with real-world Japanese clinical practice.
- To highlight the importance of individualized patient therapy in RCC management.
Main Methods:
- Review of evidence-based global data on pharmacotherapy for renal cell carcinoma.
- Comparative analysis of global recommendations (NCCN, ESMO) with Japanese clinical practice.
- Examination of potential differences in adverse events, efficacy, and healthcare systems.
Main Results:
- The landscape of advanced RCC treatment has significantly changed with the introduction of targeted therapies.
- Japanese clinical practice may differ from non-Asian countries due to various factors.
- Individualized therapy is crucial, considering specific patient conditions and treatment responses.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies, including TKIs and mTOR inhibitors, are central to current advanced RCC treatment.
- Understanding and addressing the nuances of Japanese clinical practice is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.
- Personalized treatment strategies are paramount for effective renal cell carcinoma management.

