We address novelty regarding metabolomic profiling in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients, in an attempt to postulate potential treatment strategies.
A large-scale literature search in existing scientific websites focusing on the keywords "renal cell carcinoma", "clear cell histology", "papillary histology", "metabolomic profiling", and "therapeutics" was performed. Results: The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is key in clear cell RCC metabolism and accordingly several drugs are presently available for routine use in clinical practice. Along this line, new treatment combinations against PI3K/Akt family members are currently under clinical investigation. On the other hand, new developed targets such as c-Met tyrosine kinase domain, glutathione (GSH) metabolism, and histone deacetylases enzymes (HDAC), as well as therapeutic strategies targeting them are currently being tested in clinical trials and here discussed.
In RCC patients, the PI3K/Akt signaling is still the most effective targetable pathway. Targeting other metabolic pathways such as c-Met, GSH, and HDAC appears to be a promising approach and deserve further insights.
Cancers. 2021 Oct 18*** epublish ***
Gaetano Aurilio, Matteo Santoni, Francesco Massari, Alessia Cimadamore, Alessandro Rizzo, Veronica Mollica, Elena Verri, Nicola Battelli, Rodolfo Montironi
Medical Oncology Division of Urogenital and Head & Neck Cancer, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy., Oncology Unit, Macerata Hospital, 62100 Macerata, Italy., Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni-15, 40138 Bologna, Italy., Section of Pathological Anatomy, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, United Hospitals, 60126 Ancona, Italy.