A Case of Metastatic Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma Responsive to Bevacizumab and Erlotinib

Abstract

Papillary renal cell carcinoma is an uncommon non-clear-cell subtype of renal cell carcinoma, representing about 15% of all renal cell carcinomas. There is relatively little data on treatment of papillary renal cell carcinoma. Historically, this subtype has a poor response to most commonly used systemic agents. However, the altered cellular metabolism in papillary renal cell carcinoma presents a weakness that can be exploited by targeted agents. We present a case of a young patient with metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma who, having progressed on three prior therapies, has an excellent and durable response to bevacizumab and erlotinib. Our case illustrates the importance of recognizing papillary renal cell carcinoma and mutational testing since there are targeted agents that, while not typically considered in renal cell carcinoma, have efficacy and profound impact on patient care