Treatment Strategies in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is associated with a poor clinical outcome. Until recently, treatment recommendations were limited to immunotherapy and nephrectomy; however, an increased understanding of the molecular biology of RCC has led to the advent of targeted therapies directed against vascular endothelial growth factor/receptor (VEGF/VEGFR) or the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways, both major mediators of tumour growth and progression. These targeted agents have significantly improved outcomes in patients with mRCC, revolutionising treatment. These treatments have overlaps and important distinctions in terms of clinical effects, toxicity and patient populations in which they have been investigated. Concerns in terms of the appropriate sequencing of these agents, their combined use and their role in the context of nephrectomy have emerged as clinically relevant and are being actively investigated.