Open Access

REVIEW

Renal cell carcinoma: entering the age of biomarkers

Andrew S. Iskandar, Kevin K. Zarrabi, William J. Tester

Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Address correspondence to Dr. Andrew S. Iskandar, Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 1025 Walnut Street, Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

Canadian Journal of Urology 2024, 31(4), 11921-11930.

Abstract

Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma is as the most prevalent form of kidney cancer, with the clear cell subtype comprising approximately 75% of cases. The identification of predictive and prognostic biomarkers has emerged as a crucial area of research within the field. Despite advancements in treatment, metastatic renal cell carcinoma presents formidable challenges, with survival rates heavily dependent upon the optimal choice of treatment.
Materials and methods: This review summarizes the current literature regarding the prognostic and predictive value of biomarkers in patients with renal cell carcinoma. We conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify studies that reference biomarkers of interest in this domain.
We selected studies based on their relevance, publication date, and the quality of the research. Data from these selected papers were compiled and analyzed to provide an overview of the current understanding and advancements in the field. The findings were then synthesized into a concise discussion highlighting the state of biomarker research in renal cell carcinoma today.
Results and conclusions: While various nucleic acid and protein biomarkers have shown promise in other malignancies, their application in renal cell carcinoma remains limited by the lack of validated predictors. This review aims to highlight the pressing need for robust predictive and prognostic biomarkers in renal cell carcinoma to guide clinicians in tailoring optimal therapeutic strategies. The discussion encompasses the limitations of existing markers and underscores the significance of the most recent advancements within the field. Despite these strides, the clinical application of renal cell carcinoma biomarkers requires further study and validation.

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