Immune checkpoint inhibitors in renal cell carcinoma

Kirsty Ross1, Rob J Jones2

  • 1Department of Oncology, Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow G12 0YN, U.K.

Insights

The immune system aids in cancer defense, with immune checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab showing promise for renal cancer treatment. Research is ongoing to optimize these therapies for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The immune system's role in cancer defense is well-established, with historical success in immune manipulation for renal cancer.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors represent a significant advancement in cancer therapy.

Discussion:

  • Nivolumab, an anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody (mAb), is approved for advanced renal cancer post-systemic treatment.
  • This highlights the growing clinical application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in oncology.

Key Insights:

  • Renal cancer has historically responded to immune manipulation strategies.
  • Current research focuses on optimizing PD-1 inhibitor therapy timing and combinations.

Outlook:

  • Ongoing clinical trials explore maximizing benefits from PD-1 inhibitors through combination therapies and strategic timing.
  • Further research aims to integrate these novel immunotherapies into standard renal cancer care.

Related Concept Videos

Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
6.1K
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
2.0K
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...
9.0K
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors01:25

Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an intricate physiological pathway involving numerous enzymes and hormones, including renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin I and II, and aldosterone. Imbalances within this system increase the production of angiotensin II and aldosterone. Increased angiotensin II levels promote vasoconstriction and blood pressure elevation. Concurrently, higher aldosterone levels stimulate sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys,...
1.6K
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
359