Management of renal cancer

Targeted anti-cancer agents are used as standard therapies in case of advanced or metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma. Neovascularisation plays an important role in the progression of hypervascularized cancers. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the key molecule in this mechanism. Most of the registered agents inhibit the angiogenesis by blocking the VEGF signalling pathway. It can occur if an antibody binds to the VEGF, so the linkage to the receptor is blocked. This happens in case of bevacizumab. Another mechanism is the inhibition of the intracellular compound of VEGF receptor by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Sorafenib, sunitinib, pazopanib and axitinib belong to this group. Other well-known mechanism of action is the inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) receptor, like temsirolimus and everolimus. Based on randomised controlled trials sunitinib, pazopanib or IFNα-bevacizumab combination is recommended fi rst-line according to the international recommendations in case of good and moderate prognosis. For patients with poor prognosis temsirolimus is the standard therapy. In second-line, after ineffective cytokine therapy, sorafenib, pazopanib and axitinib are the supported options. If TKI is ineffective, everolimus or axitinib can be administered. In the latest recommendations sorafenib is another possible option (off label). After two TKIs, only everolimus is registered for third-line therapy. Life expectancy of patients can further be improved as the number of targeted drugs increases, more effective agents appear and as appropriate sequences and their benefi cial effects are recognised.