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Updated: Dec 21, 2025
A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2017
A drug delivery perspective on intratumoral-immunotherapy in renal cell carcinoma
Wilson S Meng1, Nicholas J Salgia2, Ngoc B Pham3
1Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
Abstract:
In less than 5years immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) went from first FDA approval to become first-line options in advanced renal cell carcinoma. Despite that many patients have benefited from ICI, a significant fraction of individuals are refractory to these new immunological treatments. In this review, we discussed using intratumoral (i.t.) route of drug administration as an alternative to systemic therapy to increase the response rates and to circumvent potential drug-induced systemic adverse events. We provided a historic account of i.t. drug treatments in cancer and reviewed the contemporary experience in local drug delivery. We discussed the potential for enhancing the therapeutic impact of ICI by leveraging hydrogels as drug delivery vehicles and presented an outlook for implementing i.t. in renal cell carcinoma.
Insights
Intratumoral drug delivery offers a promising alternative to systemic therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma, potentially improving immune checkpoint inhibitor response rates and reducing side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are now first-line treatments for advanced renal cell carcinoma.
- A significant portion of patients do not respond to current ICI therapies.
- Systemic administration of drugs can lead to adverse events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore intratumoral (i.t.) drug administration as a strategy to improve treatment outcomes in renal cell carcinoma.
- To review historical and contemporary local drug delivery methods.
- To discuss the potential of hydrogels for enhancing ICI efficacy via i.t. delivery.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on intratumoral cancer treatment.
- Analysis of contemporary local drug delivery techniques.
- Exploration of hydrogel-based drug delivery systems for immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- Intratumoral administration may increase response rates compared to systemic therapy.
- Local drug delivery can potentially mitigate systemic side effects.
- Hydrogels show promise as vehicles for localized ICI delivery.
Conclusions:
- Intratumoral drug delivery is a viable strategy to enhance ICI effectiveness in renal cell carcinoma.
- Local administration offers a way to overcome resistance and reduce toxicity.
- Further research into i.t. delivery, particularly with hydrogels, is warranted for renal cell carcinoma treatment.
