Treatment of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Latest Evidence and Ongoing Challenges

Abstract

Recently, the development of antiangiogenic drugs has changed the therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). As a result, the survival of individuals with advanced RCC has more than doubled. The median overall survival improved from 12 months during the cytokines era to near 30 months with antiangiogenic drugs. In this decade, the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors showed enthusiastic results and is the new standard of care for patients with metastatic RCC previously treated with antiangiogenic drugs. The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors plus antiangiogenic drugs may have a synergistic activity. As a result, current studies investigate the combination for treatment-naïve patients. This may potentially change clinical practice. In this article, we will highlight new therapeutic options available and agents or combinations that are being investigated for metastatic RCC.