Characteristics of Clear Cell Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccpRCC)

Renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) is a group of various malignant tumours of the renal cortex displaying distinct clinical, morphologic, and genetic features. Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma (ccpRCC), belonging to this group, shares morphologic features with both clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) and therefore, more strict diagnostic criteria should be developed to avoid misdiagnosis. Despite overlapping features, ccpRCC has also distinct clinical behaviour, histologic characteristics (morphologic and immunohistochemical), and genomic features. The concepts concerning this tumour are constantly developing since its biological potential and molecular basis remains to be fully unravelled. First reports indicated the presence of ccpRCC in end-stage renal disease, and they underlined the enriched development in this group of patients; however, currently, it is known that such tumours can also occur spontaneously in the normal kidney. Numerous studies have demonstrated that clinical outcomes and prognosis of ccpRCC patients is highly favourable. Till now, no convincing evidence of metastatic ccpRCC or death caused by the disease has been found. Therefore, it is of high importance to correctly differentiate ccpRCC from other subtypes of RCC with a much worse prognosis and to introduce appropriate management.