Advanced nccRCC: what therapeutic options in 2022?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nephrology
• Genetics

Background:

• Non-clear-cell renal cell carcinomas (nccRCC) comprise approximately 25% of renal cancers and are highly diverse.
• Papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC), the most common subtype, accounts for 15-20% of kidney cancers.
• Advances in molecular biology have improved the classification of nccRCC subtypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest efficacy data for various compounds used in treating frequent nccRCC subtypes.
• To highlight the evolving standard of care for nccRCC, driven by targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent clinical studies and efficacy data.
• Focus on targeted therapies (e.g., anti-angiogenics) and immunotherapies.
• Inclusion of data for pRCC, chromophobe carcinoma, collecting duct carcinoma, MiT family translocation renal cell carcinoma, and renal medullary carcinoma.

Main Results:

• Emerging targeted therapies and immunotherapies show significant efficacy in nccRCC treatment.
• Specific molecular alterations (e.g., MET oncogene, fumarate hydratase mutations in pRCC) are key therapeutic targets.
• New treatment paradigms are being established for these rare kidney cancers.

Conclusions:

• The management of nccRCC, particularly pRCC, has been transformed by novel therapeutic agents.
• Continued research into the biological underpinnings of nccRCC subtypes is crucial for further treatment advancements.
• This review provides a comprehensive overview of current treatment efficacy for various nccRCC.