Advances in understanding the biology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have resulted in treatment strategies based on molecularly targeted agents that have substantially improved the outcomes of patients with metastatic RCC.
Agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway and the mammalian target of rapamycin have shown efficacy in randomized clinical trials and received international approval for treating RCC. Multiple candidate biomarkers of the biologic activity of such targeted therapies as well as markers of treatment response and patients' prognosis are being evaluated to improve drug development and to identify patients who may obtain the greatest benefit from the various treatment options. This review summarizes recent developments in identifying circulating biomarkers of targeted therapies for metastatic RCC, including soluble proteins and circulating cells.
Written by:
Hernandez-Yanez M, Heymach JV, Zurita AJ. Are you the author?
Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 77030, USA.
Reference: Curr Oncol Rep. 2012 Jun;14(3):221-9.
doi: 10.1007/s11912-012-0231-2
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22434312
UroToday.com Renal Cancer Section