Update on the most promising biomarkers of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

World J Urol. 2021 May;39(5):1377-1385. doi: 10.1007/s00345-020-03528-x. Epub 2021 Jan 2.

Abstract

In the last few years, the standard of care for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC) has changed dramatically with the emergence of the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI): anti-PD(L)-1 used as a monotherapy or as in combination either with an anti CTLA-4 or with an anti-angiogenic molecule (VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)). These combinations are now recommended in first line setting for mccRCC, according to the last European recommendations. In the face of these new therapeutic options, the question of selecting the best treatment arises as well as the optimal sequence. Predictive biomarkers are required to guide the therapeutic choice and provide a personalized treatment for each patient. This narrative review will provide an overview of the main predictive biomarkers assessed in mccRCC treatment, with a particular focus on mRNA panel signatures.

Keywords: Circulating biomarkers; Clear cell renal cell carcinoma; Genomic alterations; Predictive biomarkers; Tumor microenvironment; mRNA signature.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors