Novel drugs for renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has undergone significant changes over the past 3 years after a long period of relative stagnation. A better understanding of the biology of the tumor led to the discovery of molecular targeted therapies resulting in significant improvement in outcome for this common malignancy. Objectives: A review of new drugs, both established and investigational, at present used in the treatment of RCC is provided in this article. Methods: A comprehensive free-text search of all available published literature including but not limited to, Medline, Scopus, American Society of Clinical Oncology presentations, National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and information available through other national and international scientific organizations was carried out during the preparation of this manuscript. Conclusions: Targeted therapy in RCC is a prime example of successful translational research. Continuing clinical and preclinical research in drug development holds promise for further advances in this area.

Keywords::

• axitinib
• bevacizumab
• cediranib
• everolimus
• mammalian target of rapamycin kinase
• pazopanib
• renal cell carcinoma
• sorafenib
• sunitinib
• targeted therapy
• temsirolimus
• tyrosine kinase inhibitors
• VEGF
• volociximab