Global management of brain metastasis from renal cell carcinoma

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2022 Mar:171:103600. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103600. Epub 2022 Jan 19.

Abstract

During the last decade, major improvements have been made in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with the development and use of multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Brain metastases in RCC patients (BM-RCC) is associated with poor outcome and their management represents a challenge for clinicians. In most of case, brain metastases in this context require local intervention such as radiotherapy, stereotactic radiotherapy/stereotactic radiosurgery and whole brain radiation therapy. Despite efficacy in extracranial metastases, systemic therapies have modest antitumoral effect on cerebral lesions. In this review, we highlight the benefits and pitfalls of the available therapies in BM-RCC.

Keywords: Brain Metastases; Immunotherapy; Renal Cell Carcinoma; Stereotactic Radiosurgery; Targeted Therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Radiosurgery* / adverse effects
  • Retrospective Studies