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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Development of Human Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Primary Cultures in Monolayers and Three-Dimensional Conditions
Published on: June 13, 2025
Review: Differentiating Various Renal Cell Tumors with Clear Cytoplasmic Features, Old and New, Based on Their
Kevin J Zhang1, Jason M Hafron2, Catherine Xie3
1Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutic Research, City of Hope Chicago, Zion, IL, USA Kezhang@CIH.org.
Abstract:
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the prototypical renal tumor with clear cell features in which the clear cell cytoplasm results from the melted lipid of the cytoplasm after fixation. ccRCC can be associated with a high risk of tumor metastasis.
Methods:
In recent years, several new renal mass entities such as RCC with fibromyomatous stroma (FMS), clear cell papillary renal cell tumor (CCP-RCT), multilocular cystic renal cell neoplasm of low malignancy potential (MCRCNLMP), and eosinophilic vacuolated tumor (EVT) have been recognized with some clear-appearing cytoplasm.
Results:
Previously identified renal tumor entities like chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (Ch-RCC) and translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) often have clear cytoplasmic features as well. While often challenging due to their morphologic similarities, differentiating these renal tumor entities from ccRCC is important given their varying biological behaviors.
Conclusion:
This review will provide a comprehensive roadmap to pathologically differentiate the variants of renal masses with clear cytoplasmic features. In addition, their clinical outcomes and management will be briefly discussed.
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