Radiotherapy and Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Continuing Saga

In Vivo. 2021 May-Jun;35(3):1365-1377. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12389. Epub 2021 Apr 28.

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies of the genito-urinary tract, having a poor prognosis especially in patients with metastasis. Surgical resection remains the gold standard for localized renal cancer disease, with radiotherapy (RT) receiving much skepticism during the last decades. However, many studies have evaluated the role of RT, and although renal cancer is traditionally considered radio-resistant, technological advances in the RT field with regards to modern linear accelerators, as well as advanced RT techniques have resulted in breakthrough therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, the combination of RT with immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted agents may maximize the clinical benefit. This review article focuses on the role of RT in the therapeutic management of renal cell carcinoma.

Keywords: Renal cell cancer; oligometastatic disease; radioresistance; radiosensitivity; radiotherapy; review; stereotactic body radiation therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / radiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / radiotherapy