Biomarkers and new therapeutic targets in renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignancy in adult kidneys. The American Cancer Society estimated 62,700 new cases and 14,240 deaths in 2018. Although early detection has improved in recent years, the treatment remains a challenge and reliable biomarkers for poor outcomes become necessary for the prevention of metastases and improve the quality of patients' life during and after treatment. Then, the current status of the search for new RCC biomarkers was discussed, as well as the latest discoveries in the RCC risk and metastatic treatment were discussed in this review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extensive research was carried out in the online databases and full-free text articles published in the last 5 years, or more when convenient, were evaluated. Articles were included that addressed the proposed theme and were published in the English language. RESULTS: The present state of knowledge on biomarkers for RCC carcinogenesis and progression is still much to be understood about RCC risk factors and molecular pathways resulting in metastatic progression. Newest RCC target therapies were discussed, mainly in relation to immunological therapy, and vaccines that have been tested in numerous trials with different cancer types. CONCLUSIONS: The development of targeted therapies has revolutionized the treatment of advanced and metastatic cancers or non-responder patients. Combined therapy between classical chemotherapy and adjuvant immuno-therapies has been modifying the cancer patients prognosis and bringing the hope of a cure in many cases.