Rethinking Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: Integrative Genomics, Immunotherapy, and Molecular-Orthomolecular

Marijana Turčić1, Kristian Krpina2,3, Dragan Trivanović4,5

  • 1Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorsko-Goranska County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.

Cancers
|May 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

This review explores novel therapeutic targets and strategies for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), including gene fusions, hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) inhibitors, and immunotherapies. It also examines orthomolecular approaches for managing oxidative stress and tumor metabolism in advanced RCC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a complex cancer with genetic, metabolic, and immune dysregulation.
  • Distinct oncogenic mechanisms drive RCC progression, offering therapeutic intervention targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of RCC therapeutic targets and management strategies.
  • To re-evaluate RCC management through novel molecular and immunological lenses.
  • To present orthomolecular and natural product-based therapies as potential adjunctive treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Review of molecular studies on RCC oncogenic mechanisms.
  • Analysis of therapeutic concepts targeting genomic fusions, hypoxia-driven signaling, and immune dysregulation.
  • Evaluation of novel immunotherapies and orthomolecular strategies.

Main Results:

  • Highlights TFE3 fusion proteins in translocation RCC and HIF-2α inhibitors in clear-cell RCC.
  • Discusses emerging immunotherapies like gene therapy and CAR T-cell therapy.
  • Reviews orthomolecular approaches for oxidative stress, metabolism, and immune effects.

Conclusions:

  • Integrative and precision-guided approaches are crucial for enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity in advanced or treatment-resistant RCC.
  • Novel therapies, including immunotherapies and orthomolecular strategies, show promise for personalized RCC management.
  • Further research is needed to optimize these multidimensional frameworks for improved patient outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...