Renal carcinoma: advances in molecular biology and current therapeutic strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62059/kbgm9266Keywords:
Renal cell carcinoma, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, immunotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, tumor angiogenesis, precision medicineAbstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the kidney and accounts for approximately 2–3% of all adult malignancies. Over the past decades, advances in the understanding of the molecular biology of RCC have led to the identification of recurrent genetic alterations affecting key pathways involved in angiogenesis, cellular metabolism, and epigenetic regulation. Among these alterations, mutations in the VHL gene and in chromatin-remodeling genes such as PBRM1, BAP1, and SETD2 play a central role in the pathogenesis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. These discoveries have had a direct impact on the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In particular, the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors and their combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the VEGF pathway has transformed the treatment landscape of metastatic RCC, leading to significant improvements in overall survival, progression-free survival, and objective response rates compared with previously available therapies. This review summarizes recent advances in the molecular biology of RCC, the pivotal clinical trials that have defined current therapeutic standards, and future perspectives in the management of this disease, with emphasis on their relevance for clinical practice.References
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