Primary and acquired resistance to first-line therapy for clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Serena Astore1, Giulia Baciarello1, Linda Cerbone1

  • 1Medical Oncology, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome 00152, Italy.

Insights

First-line treatments improve metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) outcomes, but resistance is common. Integrating genetic and immune markers may predict response and overcome resistance to therapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and VEGFR-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treatment has advanced with first-line combinations, yet intrinsic or acquired resistance remains a challenge.
  • Resistance mechanisms are multifactorial, involving angiogenesis, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), and hypoxia, all contributing to RCC's heterogeneity.
  • Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on primary and acquired resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in mRCC.
  • To explore the link between angiogenesis, TIME, and hypoxia in RCC pathogenesis and resistance.
  • To identify potential biomarkers for predicting therapy response and developing strategies to overcome resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on resistance mechanisms to ICIs and TKIs in mRCC.
  • Analysis of the interplay between angiogenesis, TIME, and hypoxia in RCC.
  • Exploration of genetic and immunological markers for therapy response prediction.

Main Results:

  • Resistance to mRCC therapies, including ICIs and VEGFR-targeted TKIs, is a significant clinical hurdle.
  • Angiogenesis, TIME, and hypoxia are interconnected factors influencing RCC heterogeneity and treatment response.
  • Integrating tumor genetic and immunological markers shows promise for predicting therapy response and understanding resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Further research integrating genetic and immunological markers is needed to predict treatment response and overcome resistance in mRCC.
  • An evolutionary approach to understanding ccRCC may aid in patient selection and treatment strategy development.
  • Targeting resistance mechanisms is key to improving long-term outcomes for mRCC patients.

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