Case-Based Review

Current Therapeutic Approaches to Renal Cell Carcinoma

Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management. 2016 August;23(8)

Author(s):

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From the Department of Medicine, Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, UConn Health, Farmington, CT (Dr. Namakydoust and Dr. Clement) and the UConn School of Pharmacy, Storrs, CT (Dr. Holle).

Abstract

Objective: To review therapeutic options for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Methods: Review of the literature in the context of a clinical case.
Results: RCC accounts for 90% of all renal tumors. For RCC patients with nondistant metastases, preferred treatment is curative-intent radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy; oncologic outcomes for the 2 procedures are similar. For patients who are deemed not to be surgical candidates, ablative techniques such as cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation may be considered. Systemic therapy for metastatic RCC is based on the histologic type of the tumor. Clear-cell is by far the predominant histologic type in RCC. First-line treatment options for patients with metastatic clear-cell RCC include biologic agents such as high-dose interleukin-2 immune therapy, as well as targeted therapies including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and anti-VEGF antibodies. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor temsirolimus is recommended as first-line therapy in patients with poor prognosis. Second-line therapies in this setting include TKIs and nivolumab (PD-1 inhibitor). If TKIs were used as first-line therapy, mTOR inhibitors can be used in the second line. In addition, after initial cytokine therapy, TKIs, temsirolimus, and the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab are other treatment options. Best supportive care should always be provided along with initial and subsequent therapies.
Conclusion: Multiple treatment options are now available for patients with metastatic or unresectable RCC. Given the aggressive course and poor prognosis of non-clear cell renal cell tumors and those with sarcomatoid features, evaluation of systemic and targeted therapies for these subtypes should remain active areas of research and investigation.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignancy arising in the kidney, comprising 90% of all renal tumors [1]. Approximately 55,000 new RCC cases are diagnosed each year [1]. Patients with RCC are often asymptomatic, and most cases are discovered as incidental findings on abdominal imaging performed during evaluation of nonrenal complaints. Limited-stage RCC that is found early can be cured sur-gically, with estimated 5-year survival rates approaching 90%; however, long-term survival for metastatic disease is poor, with rates ranging from 0% to 20% [2]. Advanced RCC is resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and outcomes for patients with metastatic or unresectable RCC remain poor. However, the recent development of new therapeutic modalities that target tumor molecular pathways has expanded the treatment options for these patients and changed the management of RCC.

Epidemiology and Classification

Median age at diagnosis in the United States is 64 years. Men have a higher incidence of RCC than women, with the highest incidence seen in American Indian and Alaska Native men (30.1 per 100,000 population). Genetic syndromes account for 2% to 4% of all RCCs [2]. Risk factors for RCC include smoking, hypertension, obesity, and acquired cystic kidney disease that is associated with end-stage renal failure [3]. Longer duration of tobacco use is associated with a more aggressive course.