Developments in personalized therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunotherapy
• Medical treatment of renal cell carcinoma

Background:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly improved outcomes for metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC).
• Current mRCC treatment frequently involves combinations of ICIs or ICIs with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
• A comprehensive understanding of these novel therapies is crucial for advancing personalized mRCC treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare the characteristics, efficacy, and safety of five key ICI-based regimens for mRCC.
• To examine treatment options for patients unsuitable for ICIs.
• To introduce potential sequential and second-line therapies following initial combination treatments.

Main Methods:

• Comparative review of five specific combination regimens: nivolumab plus ipilimumab, pembrolizumab plus axitinib, avelumab plus axitinib, nivolumab plus cabozantinib, and pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib.
• Analysis of efficacy and safety profiles for each regimen.
• Discussion of ICI-unfit patient options and sequential treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• Detailed characteristics, efficacy, and safety data for five major ICI-based combination regimens are presented.
• Current treatment choices for ICI-unfit patients are evaluated.
• Potential second-line and sequential treatment options are introduced.

Conclusions:

• Organizing and summarizing ICI-based therapies is essential for personalized mRCC treatment.
• Physicians require in-depth knowledge of these new therapeutic tools to optimize patient care.
• Future directions, including ongoing clinical trials, are highlighted to advance mRCC management.