Combinations of Bevacizumab With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) exhibits abnormal angiogenesis and an immunogenic tumor microenvironment.
• Systemic therapies like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are key treatments for advanced or metastatic RCC (mRCC).
• Preclinical data suggest that inhibiting VEGF signaling can boost antitumor immunity and potentiate ICI efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the preclinical rationale for combining antiangiogenic agents with ICIs in RCC.
• To summarize the current clinical development status of bevacizumab combined with ICIs in RCC treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical studies investigating the interplay between antiangiogenic therapy and antitumor immunity.
• Analysis of clinical trial data for combinations of bevacizumab with ICIs in mRCC.

Main Results:

• Bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF therapy, has shown prior antitumor activity in mRCC.
• The combination of bevacizumab and atezolizumab (an ICI) proved effective in a Phase III trial for treatment-naive mRCC patients with PD-L1 positive tumors.

Conclusions:

• Combining antiangiogenic therapies like bevacizumab with ICIs is a promising strategy for mRCC.
• Bevacizumab-based combinations are under active clinical investigation for advanced RCC.