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Molecular basis for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma

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Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a heterogeneous malignancy whose incidence rate has notably increased in recent years without any evident reason. Traditionally, RCC has been resistant to classic treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy), with only a small percentage of patients benefiting from cytokine therapy. Different hereditary syndromes have been associated with RCC, Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) being the most important syndrome. Understanding key molecular pathways implicated in the tumorigenesis of RCC has crystallised in the development of more effective therapies. Specifically, drugs targeting VEGF (bevacizumab, sunitinib, sorafenib, axitinib, pazopanib) and PI3K-mTOR (temsirolimus and everolimus) have become the cornerstone of renal cancer treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d’Hebrón University Hospital, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebrón, 119-129, ES-08035, Barcelona, Spain

    Cristina Suárez, Rafael Morales, Eva Muñoz, Jordi Rodón, Claudia M. Valverde & Joan Carles

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  1. Cristina Suárez
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  2. Rafael Morales
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  3. Eva Muñoz
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  6. Joan Carles
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Correspondence to Joan Carles.

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Suárez, C., Morales, R., Muñoz, E. et al. Molecular basis for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Clin Transl Oncol 12, 15–21 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-010-0461-4

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