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Biomarkers in renal cell carcinoma: Are we there yet?
Shuchi Gulati1, Nicholas J Vogelzang2
1Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Oh, USA.
Abstract:
Management of kidney cancer has undergone a paradigm shift with the approval of new therapies over the last two decades. Although these drugs have improved clinical outcomes in patients with kidney cancer, there are still a large number of patients who do not show objective responses. A multitude of investigators, including those for The Cancer Genome Atlas have biologically characterized and sub-classified kidney cancer. However, we have not been able to identify molecular targets to effectively treat patients with kidney cancer. As we familiarize ourselves with newer drugs for patients with kidney cancer, it is important to understand that these drugs may not work in every patient and instead may expose patients to unnecessary toxic effects along with burdening society with the financial impact. As we head toward the era of "precision medicine", validated biomarkers are being utilized to guide treatment choices and help identify pathways of resistance in other tumor types. The current review aims at evaluating the progress made so far in this realm for patients with kidney cancer.
Insights
New kidney cancer therapies show promise, but many patients lack response. This review evaluates progress in identifying biomarkers to guide precision medicine for kidney cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Kidney cancer treatment has evolved with new therapies, yet response rates vary significantly.
- Despite extensive biological characterization, effective molecular targets for kidney cancer remain elusive.
- Current treatments can lead to toxic effects and financial burdens for patients who do not respond.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress in identifying and utilizing validated biomarkers for kidney cancer.
- To explore the application of precision medicine principles in kidney cancer management.
- To assess the current landscape of molecularly guided treatment strategies for kidney cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in kidney cancer research.
- Analysis of studies focusing on molecular subtyping and biomarker discovery.
- Evaluation of clinical trial data for targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in understanding kidney cancer heterogeneity.
- Several potential biomarkers are under investigation, but none are widely validated for routine clinical use.
- The development of targeted therapies is ongoing, with limited success in identifying universally effective molecular targets.
Conclusions:
- Validated biomarkers are crucial for advancing precision medicine in kidney cancer.
- Further research is needed to identify reliable biomarkers that predict treatment response and resistance.
- Integrating biomarker-driven approaches is essential to improve clinical outcomes and reduce treatment-related toxicities in kidney cancer patients.
