Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that originates in the kidneys. It’s the seventh most common cancer in men and the ninth most common cancer in women. There have been significant advances in the treatment of kidney cancer in recent years, offering new hope to patients with this condition. In this article, we’ll explore the latest advances in the treatment of kidney cancer.
Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that stimulates the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. In recent years, there have been significant advances in the use of immunotherapy to treat kidney cancer.
Checkpoint Inhibitors:
Checkpoint inhibitors are a type of immunotherapy that block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells. Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab are two checkpoint inhibitors approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer. These drugs have been shown to be effective in treating RCC by stimulating the immune system to attack cancer cells.
CAR T-Cell Therapy:
CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that involves modifying a patient’s T-cells to target and kill cancer cells. This approach has shown promise in the treatment of various types of cancer, including kidney cancer. Currently, there are ongoing clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy for the treatment of advanced RCC.
Personalised Immunotherapy:
Personalised immunotherapy is a new approach to treating cancer that involves analysing a patient’s genetic makeup and developing a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs. This approach has shown promise in the treatment of various types of cancer, including kidney cancer.
Targeted Therapy:
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that targets specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression. In recent years, there have been significant advances in the use of targeted therapy for the treatment of kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In this blog, we will explore the latest advances in targeted therapy for kidney cancer.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs):
TKIs are a type of targeted therapy that block the activity of proteins called tyrosine kinases, which play a key role in the growth and spread of cancer cells. There are several TKIs approved for the treatment of advanced RCC, including Sunitinib, Pazopanib, and Cabozantinib. These drugs have been shown to be effective in slowing the growth and spread of RCC tumours.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of targeted therapy that block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells. Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab are two immune checkpoint inhibitors approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced RCC. These drugs have been shown to be effective in treating RCC by stimulating the immune system to attack cancer cells.
mTOR Inhibitors:
mTOR inhibitors are a type of targeted therapy that block the activity of a protein called mTOR, which is involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Everolimus and Temsirolimus are two mTOR inhibitors approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced RCC. These drugs have been shown to be effective in slowing the growth and spread of RCC tumours.
Combination Therapy:
Combination therapy, which involves using two or more drugs together, has shown promise in improving the effectiveness of immunotherapy in the treatment of kidney cancer. For example, the combination of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab, another immunotherapy drug, has been shown to improve survival rates in patients with advanced RCC.
Surgery:
Surgery is often the first-line treatment for kidney cancer, particularly for tumours that are confined to the kidney. There are several surgical options available for kidney cancer, including partial nephrectomy, which removes only the tumour and a small portion of healthy tissue surrounding it, and radical nephrectomy, which removes the entire affected kidney and sometimes nearby lymph nodes.
Radiation Therapy:
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a common treatment option for kidney cancer. It involves using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours. In recent years, there have been significant advances in the use of radiation therapy for the treatment of kidney cancer. In this blog, we will explore the latest advances in radiotherapy for kidney cancer.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT):
SBRT is a type of radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation to the tumour while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This precision targeting is made possible by advanced imaging technology, such as MRI and CT scans. SBRT has been shown to be effective in treating kidney tumours that are small and localised.
Proton Beam Therapy:
Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses high-energy protons instead of X-rays to destroy cancer cells. Protons are more precise in targeting the tumour and cause less damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Proton therapy has shown promise in treating kidney cancer by reducing side effects and improving outcomes.
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT):
IGRT is a type of radiation therapy that uses advanced imaging technology to precisely target the tumour while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This technology allows for real-time imaging during treatment, ensuring that the radiation is delivered to the exact location of the tumour. IGRT has been shown to be effective in treating kidney tumours that are difficult to reach with traditional radiation therapy.
Radioembolisation:
Radioembolisation is a type of radiation therapy that involves injecting tiny beads filled with radioactive material directly into the blood vessels that supply the tumour. The beads release radiation directly into the tumour, destroying cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Radioembolisation has shown promise in treating advanced kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Conclusion:
Kidney cancer treatment has come a long way in recent years, offering new hope to patients with this condition. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are two promising treatments that have been approved for kidney cancer, and surgery and radiation therapy are also important treatment options. The best treatment option for each patient will depend on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the presence of any other medical conditions. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with kidney cancer, it’s important to discuss your treatment options with your urologist and oncologist.
Author: Neil A Haldar MBBS MD FRCS
Consultant Urological Surgeon
The Pelvic Specialists