The molecular characterization and therapeutic strategies of papillary renal cell carcinoma

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) is an important subtype of kidney cancer with a problematic pathological classification and highly variable clinical behavior. In this review, we summarize the current progression on pRCC in molecular level. Our findings highlight the need for molecular markers to accurately subtype pRCC and may lead to the development of more targeted agents and better patient stratification in clinical trials for pRCC.

Areas covered: This review highlights the need for molecular markers to accurately subtype PRCC and may lead to the development of more targeted agents and better patient stratification in clinical trials for pRCC.

Expert commentary: There are mainly two subtypes of pRCC based on histology. However, little is known about the genetic characterization of the sporadic forms of pRCC and there are currently no standard forms of therapy for patients with advanced disease. Both MET inhibitors and immunotherapy may be effective in advanced pRCC treatment. Therefore, understanding the molecular basis of pRCC and identifying the main goal of treatment is crucial for the selection of the best strategy.

KEYWORDS:

• Papillary renal cell carcinoma
• mutation
• genetic
• the cancer genome atlas
• survival prognosis

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This manuscript has not been funded.