Relationship of pathologic factors to efficacy of sorafenib treatment in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the predictive value of growth patterns in patients undergoing sorafenib treatment for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinomas (CCRCCs).

METHODS

Forty-eight patients were analyzed, each of whom underwent nephrectomy and received sorafenib treatment for metastatic CCRCC. Progression-free survival (PFS) was predicted using pathologic parameters, including pathologic stage, Fuhrman nuclear grade (FNG), the presence of a sarcomatoid component, lymphovascular invasion, tumor necrosis, and growth pattern.

RESULTS

Three (6%) patients showed partial response, 20 (42%) patients showed stable disease, and 25 (52%) patients showed progressive disease. Univariate analyses demonstrated that FNG, the presence of a sarcomatoid component, tumor necrosis, and growth pattern were significantly associated with PFS. In the multivariate analysis, growth pattern was the only parameter that was significantly and independently predictive of PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

As a novel histologic prognostic parameter, growth pattern may be useful for predicting response to sorafenib treatment.

Clinically nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid dedifferentiation: Natural history and outcomes after surgical resection with curative intent

PURPOSE

Renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid dedifferentiation (sRCC) is an aggressive malignancy associated with a poor prognosis. Although existing literature focuses on patients presenting with metastatic disease, characteristics and outcomes for patients with localized disease are not well described. We aimed to evaluate postnephrectomy characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of survival in patients with sRCC who presented with clinically localized disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An institutional review board-approved review from 1986 to 2011 identified 77 patients who presented with clinically localized disease, underwent nephrectomy, and had sRCC in their primary kidney tumor. Clinical and pathologic variables were captured for each patient. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were calculated for all patients and those who had no evidence of disease (NED) following nephrectomy, respectively. Comparisons were made with categorical groupings in proportional hazards regression models for univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

OS for the entire cohort (n = 77) at 2 years was 50%. A total of 56 (77%) patients of the 73 who has NED following nephrectomy experienced a recurrence, with a median time to recurrence of 26.2 months. On multivariable analysis, tumor stage, pathologically positive lymph nodes, and year of nephrectomy were significant predictors of both OS and recurrence-free survival. Limitations include the retrospective nature of this study and relatively small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term survival for patients with sRCC, even in clinically localized disease, is poor. Aggressive surveillance of those who have NED following nephrectomy is essential, and further prospective studies evaluating the benefit of adjuvant systemic therapies in this cohort are warranted.

Survival Outcomes and Tumor IMP3 Expression in Patients with Sarcomatoid Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid histology (SmRCC) is associated with poor survival. No data is available from randomized trials on the efficacy of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in SmRCC. We identified SmRCC patients from a single institutional database. To identify predictive and prognostic biomarkers, immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was performed on the tumor samples for downstream targets of VEGF and mTOR pathways. Survival outcomes were stratified by IHC analysis, extent of sarcomatoid component, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), and Heng risk criteria. Twenty-seven patients with SmRCC were included. First line therapy included targeted therapy (n = 19), immunotherapy (n = 4), cytotoxic chemotherapy (n = 1), and no treatment (n = 3). Median OS was 8.2 months (95% CI 3.8-14.2 months). Median survival in months, based on MSKCC and Heng risk groups, was favorable 89.3 versus 84.5, intermediate 9.5 versus 12.7, and poor 3.9 versus 5.1. None of the IHC markers predicted outcomes of treatment with VEGF or mTOR inhibitors. Only tumor IMP3 expression was associated with inferior OS, although not statistically significant (IMP3 negative 14.2 versus IMP3 positive 4.9 months; HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.16-1.21; P = 0.12). The study was limited by small sample size.

Molecular subtypes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma are associated with sunitinib response in the metastatic setting

PURPOSE

Selecting patients with metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (m-ccRCC) who might benefit from treatment with targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) is a challenge. Our aim was to identify molecular markers associated with outcome in patients with m-ccRCC treated with sunitinib.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We performed global transcriptome analyses on 53 primary resected ccRCC tumors from patients who developed metastatic disease and were treated with first-line sunitinib. We also determined chromosome copy-number aberrations, methylation status, and gene mutations in von Hippel-Lindau and PBRM1. Molecular data were analyzed in relation with response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Validation was performed in 47 additional ccRCC samples treated in first-line metastatic setting with sunitinib.

RESULTS

Unsupervised transcriptome analysis identified 4 robust ccRCC subtypes (ccrcc1 to 4) related to previous molecular classifications that were associated with different responses to sunitinib treatment. ccrcc1/ccrcc4 tumors had a lower RR (P = 0.005) and a shorter PFS and OS than ccrcc2/ccrcc3 tumors (P = 0.001 and 0.0003, respectively). These subtypes were the only significant covariate in the multivariate Cox model for PFS and OS (P = 0.017 and 0.006, respectively). ccrcc1/ccrcc4 tumors were characterized by a stem-cell polycomb signature and CpG hypermethylation, whereas ccrcc3 tumors, sensitive to sunitinib, did not exhibit cellular response to hypoxia. Moreover, ccrcc4 tumors exhibited sarcomatoid differentiation with a strong inflammatory, Th1-oriented but suppressive immune microenvironment, with high expression of PDCD1 (PD-1) and its ligands.

CONCLUSIONS

ccRCC molecular subtypes are predictive of sunitinib response in metastatic patients, and could be used for personalized mRCC treatment with TKIs, demethylating or immunomodulatory drugs.

RNA-seq reveals aurora kinase-driven mTOR pathway activation in patients with sarcomatoid metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Sarcomatoid metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is associated with a poor prognosis, and the biology of the disease has been inadequately characterized. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on adjacent benign, clear cell, and sarcomatoid components from clinical specimens with sarcomatoid mRCC. M phase and cell-cycle pathways were enriched in sarcomatoid versus adjacent clear cell components, suggesting greater cell proliferation. The expression of aurora kinase A (AURKA) was increased as part of these pathways, and its increased expression was validated by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis revealed that AURKA levels were increased in sarcomatoid tissue compared with their benign or clear cell parts. The increase in AURKA correlated with increased mTOR pathway activity, as evidenced by increased expression of phosphorylated mTOR (S2448) and ribosomal protein S6K (T389). When AURKA was stably expressed in a RCC cell line (Renca), it resulted in increased expression and activity of mTOR, suggesting that overexpression of AURKA can activate the mTOR pathway. These results warrant the analysis of a larger clinical cohort and suggest that targeting AURKA and/or mTOR in patients with sarcomatoid mRCC should be explored.

IMPLICATIONS

Comparative RNA-seq of adjacent sarcomatoid and clear cell histology of RCC indicates a proliferative phenotype and increased AURKA-dependent activation of mTOR signaling in sarcomatoid RCC, which could be targeted by available agents.

Using percentage of sarcomatoid differentiation as a prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to determine if the percentage of sarcomatoid differentiation (%Sarc) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can be used for prognostic risk stratification, because sarcomatoid RCC (sRCC) is an aggressive variant of kidney cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgery for RCC at our institution between 1999 and 2012. Pathology slides for all sRCC cases were reexamined by a single pathologist and %Sarc was calculated. %Sarc was analyzed as a continuous variable and as a categorical variable at cut points of 5%, 10%, and 25%. Potential prognostic factors associated with overall survival (OS) were determined using the Cox regression model. OS curves were generated using Kaplan-Meier methods and survival differences compared using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

One thousand three hundred seven consecutive cases of RCC were identified, of which 59 patients had sRCC (4.5%). As a continuous variable %Sarc was inversely associated with OS (P = .023). Predictors of survival on multivariable analysis included pathologic (p) T status, tumor size, clinical (c) M status and %Sarc at the 25% level. OS was most dependent on the presence of metastatic disease (4 months vs. 21.2 months; P = .001). In cM0 patients with locally advanced (≥ pT3) tumors, OS was significantly diminished in patients with > 25 %Sarc (P = .045). However, %Sarc did not influence OS in patients with cM1 disease.

CONCLUSION

Patients with sRCC have a poor overall outcome as evidenced by high rates of recurrence and death, indicating the need for more effective systemic therapies. In nonmetastatic patients, the incorporation of %Sarc in predictive nomograms might further improve risk stratification.

A novel prognostic model for patients with sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate sarcomatoid differentiation is an independent prognostic feature for patients with grade 4 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with or without distant metastases. To identify independent predictors of survival, evaluate the correlation between the amount of sarcomatoid differentiation and cancer-specific survival (CSS), and to design a multivariate prognostic model for patients with sarcomatoid RCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used the Mayo Clinic Nephrectomy Registry to identify 204 post-nephrectomy patients with sarcomatoid-variant RCC, as well as 207 patients with unilateral grade 4 RCC without sarcomatoid features for comparison. All slides were reviewed by one pathologist. CSS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The associations of clinical and pathological features with death from RCC were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

RESULTS

For all patients with grade 4 RCC, the presence of sarcomatoid differentiation was associated with a 58% increased risk of death from RCC (P < 0.001). For patients with grade 4 non-metastatic (M0) RCC, the presence of sarcomatoid differentiation was associated with an 82% increased risk of death from RCC (P < 0.001). For patients with sarcomatoid RCC, the 2009 primary tumour classifications, presence of regional lymph nodes and distant metastases, coagulative tumour necrosis, and the amount of sarcomatoid differentiation were each significantly associated with death from RCC in a multivariate setting. After adjusting for other prognostic variables, each 10% increase in the amount of sarcomatoid differentiation was associated with a 6% increased risk of death from RCC (P = 0.028). Patients whose tumours contained ≥30% (median amount) sarcomatoid differentiation were 52% more likely to die from RCC compared with patients whose tumours contained <30% sarcomatoid differentiation (hazard ratio 1.52; P = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with grade 4 RCC, either with or without distant metastases at surgery, sarcomatoid differentiation is significantly associated with adverse survival in a multivariate setting. We also suggest for the first time that the percentage of sarcomatoid differentiation is an independent prognostic feature in a multivariate setting. The 2009 primary tumour classifications, regional lymph node status, the presence of distant metastases classifications, coagulative tumour necrosis, and the amount of sarcomatoid differentiation are independent predictors of survival for patients with sarcomatoid RCC.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic factors of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

We seek to summarize the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic factors of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (SRCC), an uncommon type of renal cell carcinoma.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between 2004 and 2012, 23 patients with SRCC were treated at a large urology center in south central China. We collect patient's clinicopathologic features from medical records to assess diagnosis, prognostic factors and efficacy of systemic therapy. Clinical data were absent in 3 cases, and 20 patients were enrolled in the final study.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemically, almost all SRCC expressed cytokeratin (91%), epithelial membrane antigen (87%) and vimentin (100%). Sarcomatoid differentiation occurs in various kinds of subtypes of RCC with almost the same probability. The median tumor size was 10.5 cm. The CT findings of these tumors revealed low-density (n = 5; 25%) or mixed (n = 15; 75%) masses with necrotic areas and often showed an infiltrative morphology (n = 15; 75%). All 20 cases demonstrated heterogeneous enhancement, and eleven (55%) cases demonstrated >50% necrosis. Six cases complicated with calculus and hydronephrosis. Sixteen (80%) patients demonstrated invasions of tissues localized in Gerota's fascia, and 8 (40%) tumors invaded beyond Gerota's fascia. Fifteen (75%) patients demonstrated lymph node metastasis, and sixteen (80%) patients had distant metastasis. Five patients received systemic therapy, and one patient given high-dose interferon-α had a completely response, and one patient received chemotherapy based on gemcitabine had partial response. The median overall survival of all patients was 5.8 months. Patients without distant metastasis had a median overall survival of 35 months compared with 3 months of those with distant metastasis (P < 0.002). The percentage of the sarcomatoid components did not have an obvious influence to the prognosis (P = 0.197).

CONCLUSIONS

Heterogeneity, hugeness, infiltration and necrosis are typical image features of SRCC. The prognosis of SRCC is poor and clinic stage especially the existence of distant disease is the important factor influencing prognosis.

Systemic therapy for non-clear cell renal cell carcinomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Clinical data supporting the use of targeted agents for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are based predominantly on patients with clear cell histology. Little is known about the efficacy of these drugs in non-clear cell variants.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of different clear cell RCC (ccRCC)-approved targeted agents among patients with non-ccRCC compared with ccRCC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We conducted a systematic review of electronic databases to identify publications evaluating the outcomes of patients with non-ccRCC treated with targeted agents approved for treatment of ccRCC. Patients with sarcomatoid variant RCC were excluded from the main analysis but were evaluated as an independent cohort. End points of interest were response rate, median progression-free survival (PFS), and median overall survival (OS). Where possible, data were pooled in a meta-analysis. For studies of unselected patients with RCC, the outcomes of patients with non-ccRCC histology were compared with ccRCC. In exploratory analyses, outcomes of non-ccRCC with nonapproved agents were assessed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 49 studies comprising 7771 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 1244 patients (16.0%) had non-ccRCC, 6300 (83.1%) had ccRCC, and 227 (2.9%) had sarcomatoid tumours. The overall response rate for non-ccRCC with targeted agents was 10.5%. In studies directly comparing non-ccRCC and ccRCC, there were significantly lower response rates for non-ccRCC (odds ratio for response: 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.68; p<0.001). For non-ccRCC treated with targeted agents, median PFS and OS were 7.4 and 13.4 mo, respectively; for patients with ccRCC, these were 10.5 mo and 15.7 mo, respectively (p value for difference<0.001 for both parameters).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (non-ccRCC) have significantly lower response rates and poorer median progression-free survival and overall survival than those with ccRCC. The optimal treatment of patients with non-ccRCC remains unclear and warrants further study.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Systemic treatments for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tend to be significantly less effective for non-clear cell RCC, with lower response rates and worse progression-free survival and overall survival when compared with clear cell RCC. Optimal therapy remains unclear and warrants further study.

Understanding pathologic variants of renal cell carcinoma: distilling therapeutic opportunities from biologic complexity

CONTEXT

Once believed to represent a uniform malignant phenotype, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is now viewed as a diverse group of cancers that arise from the nephron.

OBJECTIVE

To review the pathologic characteristics, clinical behavior, molecular biology, and systemic therapy options of recognized RCC histologic subtypes.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of English-language articles was performed using the Medline and Web of Science databases. Manuscripts were selected with consensus of the coauthors and evaluated using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) criteria.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The major findings of the evaluated manuscripts are discussed with an emphasis on the description of the pathologic features, clinical behavior, prognosis, and therapeutic strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Classification schemes for kidney cancer have undergone dramatic changes over the past two decades. Improvements in these classification schemes are important, as pathologic variants differ not only in disease biology, but also in clinical behavior, prognosis, and response to systemic therapy. In the era of genomic medicine, further refinements in characterization of RCC subtypes will be critical to the progress of this burgeoning clinical space.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Kidney cancer can be subdivided into related but different cancers that arise from the kidney's tubules. In this article we review current classifications for kidney cancer, discuss their characteristics, and provide an overview of each subtype's clinical behavior and treatment. We stress that each subtype harbors unique biology and thus responds differently to available treatment strategies.

Renal cell carcinoma with rhabdoid and sarcomatoid features presented as a metastatic thigh mass with an unusual immunohistochemical profile

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may metastasize anywhere in the body and sometimes the primary tumor is missing and necessitates extensive investigations to detect. In this report, we describe a case of RCC metastasizing to the thigh in a 70 year old male with a highly pleomorphic morphology suggesting a high grade sarcoma that showed unequivocal positivity for desmin directing the diagnosis for pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma. After completion of 33 cycles of radiotherapy, the patient developed large intraabdominal mass that showed conventional areas of RCC with immunoreactivity for CD10, CK, EMA, carbonic anhydrase IX and vimentin. The tumor cells in other areas resembled that of thigh mass which raised suspicions whether the two masses represented the same tumor or not. Surprisingly, the tumor cells of thigh mass showed diffuse positivity for CD10 and focal expression for CK, EMA and carbonic anhydrase IX. Extensive investigations failed to detect any primary renal lesions. The present case demonstrated that RCC can metastasize to virtually any body site and can have significant morphologic overlap with other non-renal neoplasms. Absence of primary origin of RCC according to radiological and operative data should not hinder the diagnosis of metastatic RCC. RCC with sarcomatoid and rhabdoid features carries aggressive behavior manifested by great metastatic potential and short survival time.

Sarcomatoid features, necrosis, and grade are prognostic factors in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma with vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapy

Various clinical and laboratory parameters are used to determine the prognosis of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but the prognostic significance of histologic features has not been fully examined in patients with metastatic clear cell RCC receiving vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI; VEGF-TKI)-targeted therapy. To define prognostic clinicopathological factors, 83 such patients were retrospectively analyzed. Of these patients, 38 (45.8%) showed response to VEGF-TKI, whereas 45 (54.2%) were nonresponsive. Response to VEGF-TKI was associated with less than 10% sarcomatoid features and less than 10% tumor necrosis. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor necrosis was independently prognostic of VEGF-TKI response. During a median follow-up of 18 months (range, 1-62 months), 54 patients (65.1%) showed disease progression and 44 (53.0%) died. Shorter progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) were associated with a period less than 1 year from initial diagnosis to VEGF-TKI initiation, high Fuhrman grade, at least 10% sarcomatoid features, and at least 10% tumor necrosis. In addition, thrombocytosis was associated with shorter OS. Multivariate analysis showed that sarcomatoid features was independently prognostic of progression-free survival, whereas time from initial diagnosis to VEGF-TKI initiation and sarcomatoid features were independent prognostic factors of OS. In summary, sarcomatoid features, tumor necrosis, and tumor grade are histologic prognostic factors and should be considered in determining whether to initiate targeted treatment in patients with metastatic clear cell RCC.

Treatment outcome with mTOR inhibitors for metastatic renal cell carcinoma with nonclear and sarcomatoid histologies

BACKGROUND

The clinical trials that reported benefit of the rapalogs temsirolimus and everolimus in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were primarily conducted in patients with clear-cell histology (ccRCC). We assessed outcome with these mammalian target of rapamicin (mTOR) inhibitors in two subsets of kidney cancer: sarcomatoid variant ccRCC and nonclear-cell RCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Baseline clinical features, information on prior treatment, and histologic subtypes were collected for patients previously treated with rapalogs for metastatic RCC of either nonclear phenotype or ccRCC with sarcomatoid features. Outcome was assessed centrally by a dedicated research radiologist for determination of tumor response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Eighty-five patients received temsirolimus (n = 59) or everolimus (n = 26). Nonclear-cell phenotypes included papillary (n = 14), chromophobe (n = 9), collecting duct (n = 4), translocation-associated (n = 3), and unclassified (n = 32) RCC. Twenty-three patients had clear-cell histology with sarcomatoid features. The response rate in assessable patients (n = 82) was 7% (all partial responses); 49% of patients achieved stable disease, and 44% had progressive disease as their best response. Tumor shrinkage was observed in 26 patients (32%). Median PFS and OS were 2.9 and 8.7 months, respectively. Nine patients (11%) were treated for ≥1 year, including cases of papillary (n = 3), chromophobe (n = 2), unclassified (n = 3) RCC, and ccRCC with sarcomatoid features (n = 1). No tumor shrinkages were observed for patients with collecting duct or translocation-associated RCC.

CONCLUSIONS

A subset of patients with nonclear-cell and sarcomatoid variant ccRCC subtypes benefit from mTOR inhibitors, but most have poor outcome. Histologic subtype does not appear to be helpful in selecting patients for rapalog therapy. Future efforts should include the identification of predictive tissue biomarkers.

Recommendations from the Spanish Oncology Genitourinary Group for the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma

Clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney cancer. New treatment options of localized RCC recently incorporated include laparoscopic surgery, nephron-sparing surgery, ablative techniques and active surveillance. But 50 % of patients may develop disease recurrence attributable to subclinical metastases. In these cases, and considering the low benefits of chemotherapy, new targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors have been developed as first- and second-line treatment. Both sunitinib and pazopanib are TKIs that constitute the first-line treatment option in patients with metastatic RCC. As second-line treatment, sequential therapy with a second TKI or a mTOR inhibitor is recommended. This review has collected together a series of recommendations issued by the Spanish Oncology Genitourinary Group with the aim of facilitating the treatment of these patients. Each recommendation is accompanied by the level of evidence and grade of recommendation on the basis of the available data.

Optimal management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: current status

The armamentarium for the systemic therapy of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has undergone dramatic changes over the past 6 years. While high-dose interleukin (IL)-2 remains an option for highly selected good and intermediate risk patients with clear-cell histology because of durable complete responses in a small fraction of patients, cytokine-based therapy including interferon (IFN) has been supplanted by vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors. Treatment decision is initially based on prognostication of the disease. As metastatic RCC (mRCC) is commonly an indolent disease, a period of observation should always been considered. For good and intermediate risk disease, pazopanib, sunitinib or the combination of bevacizumab plus IFN are considered. Notably, recent data suggest non-inferiority for the efficacy of pazopanib compared to sunitinib coupled with a better toxicity profile. A novel VEGF receptor inhibitor, tivozanib, is expected to be approved based on improvement in PFS when compared to sorafenib in the first-line setting. The use of temsirolimus for poor risk disease is supported by a phase III trial dedicated to this group of patients. The role of cytoreductive nephrectomy in the context of VEGF and mTOR inhibitors is being studied in randomized trials. Selected patients with solitary or oligometastatic disease may be eligible for metastatectomy. Following first-line VEGF inhibitors, second-line therapy with everolimus and axitinib have demonstrated benefits in progression-free survival (PFS). One phase III trial comparing sorafenib and temsirolimus in the post-sunitinib setting showed no difference in PFS, the primary endpoint, but did show a superior overall survival for sorafenib. Sorafenib, pazopanib and axitinib have all demonstrated clinical benefit following cytokines. Therapy following first-line mTOR inhibitors remains undefined, although VEGF inhibitors have demonstrated activity in this setting. Optimal sequencing of agents and individualized therapy based on biomarkers is undergoing investigation. Today, the choice of therapy is based on patient and physician decision, which is a function of comorbidities, toxicity profiles and costs. Clinical trials evaluating novel agents and combinations should be preferred when available since agents in the current therapeutic arsenal have not yielded cures despite extending median survival to greater than 2 years. One noteworthy new class of agents that has yielded durable responses is programmed death (PD)-1 inhibitors, which target a T-lymphocyte checkpoint and are heralding a resurgence of immunotherapy. Finally, optimal therapy for non-clear cell RCC remains to be delineated, although sunitinib, everolimus and other VEGFR-TKI or mTOR inhibitors have all demonstrated modest benefit.

[A case of renal spindle cell carcinoma]

An asymptomatic 67-year-old woman was found to have renal tumors by chance on a screening abdominal ultrasound examination. Although surgical resection was planned for both a diagnostic purposes and treatment, she suddenly developed hemorrhage from the cerebral metastasis in the left thalamus, and the surgical procedure was postponed. Irradiation with a gamma knife was performed to treat the cerebral metastasis; however, the patient's general condition quickly worsened, and she died six months after diagnosis. An autopsy showed typical spindle cells in the primary lesion with multiple metastases. Renal spindle cell carcinoma is a relatively rare type of the renal carcinoma that is both very aggressive and exhibits a poor prognosis, with few established treatments. Hence, obtaining an early diagnosis on abdominal ultrasound is important in such cases.

Prognostic factors associated with the response to sunitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the prognostic clinicopathologic factors associated with overall survival (os) and progression-free survival (pfs) in the once-daily continuous administration of first-line sunitinib in a consecutive cohort of Turkish patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (rcc).

METHODS

The study enrolled 77 Turkish patients with metastatic rcc who received sunitinib in a continuous once-daily dosing regimen between April 2006 and April 2011. Univariate analyses were performed using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 18.5 months. In univariate analyses, poor pfs and os were associated with 4 of the 5 factors in the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (mskcc) score: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or higher, low hemoglobin, high corrected serum calcium, and high lactate dehydrogenase. In addition to those factors, hypoalbuminemia, more than 2 metastatic sites, liver metastasis, non-clear cell histology, and the presence of sarcomatoid features on pathology were also associated with poor pfs; and male sex, hypoalbuminemia, prior radiotherapy, more than 2 metastatic sites, lung metastasis, nuclear grade of 3 or 4 for the primary tumour, and the presence of sarcomatoid features were also associated with poorer os. The application of the mskcc model distinctly separated the pfs and os curves (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified prognostic factors for pfs and os with the use sunitinib as first-line metastatic rcc therapy and confirmed that the mskcc model still appears to be valid for predicting survival in metastatic rcc in the era of molecular targeted therapy.

Recent developments in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) management has been imbued with new interest, in large part due to the recent success of new treatment options for advanced and metastatic disease. This has also been accompanied by less generally well known advances in the understanding of the molecular characterizations of subtypes of RCC with potential to lead to new therapeutic options. Additionally, the urologic oncology community is focusing on nephron-sparing surgical approaches with limited surgery if possible, and in conjunction with interventional radiologists, on ablative procedures for incidentally determined small renal masses. This report reviews some of the new biologic findings of adenocarcinoma of the kidney, and reviews the new therapeutics which continue to change the landscape for treatment of RCC.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor-induced vasculopathy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: an unrecognized antitumour mechanism

AIMS

To evaluate the pathological features of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and to elucidate the mechanism of action of TKIs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty cases of CCRCC treated with TKIs (sorafenib or sunitinib) were retrospectively analysed: 16 were patients who had undergone radical nephrectomy after neoadjuvant TKI therapy, and four were autopsy cases of patients who received TKI treatment. All tumours had two distinct regions: one characterized by necrosis and/or degeneration, indicating antitumour activity; and the other characterized by no or few pathological changes, indicating the absence of antitumour activity. Vasculopathy of tumour vessels was observed in or adjacent to the necrotic or degenerative areas; a decreased density of endothelial cells was noted in the tumour vessels. Few or no changes of vasculopathy were observed in tumour vessels in the other CCRCC areas, indicating the absence or low levels of antitumour activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first pathological report of vasculopathy in TKI-treated CCRCC cases. Our data suggest that TKIs initially induce vasculopathy in tumour vessels, and consequently cause reduction or diminution of blood supply to the CCRCCs, resulting in antitumour activity characterized by necrosis and hyalinization.

Spontaneous regression of metastatic pulmonary renal cell carcinoma in the setting of sarcomatoid differentiation of the primary tumour

We present a case of spontaneous regression of pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with sarcomatoid differentiation, prior to intervention. The patient presented with conventional type RCC with Furhman Grade 4/4 and sarcomatoid differentiation, complicated by pulmonary metastases. Palliative systemic therapy was planned, but prior to the onset of treatment, serial computed tomography scans demonstrated regression of metastatic disease. Spontaneous regression of metastases is rare, but well-documented in conventional clear cell RCC. To the best of our knowledge, this has not previously been described in the setting of sarcomatoid differentiation of the primary tumour.

Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer on the basis of the Allred scoring system

BACKGROUND

Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is found in many types of neoplasms. The aim of the study was to evaluate EGFR expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) specimens and to determine whether EGFR expression correlates with clinicopathological data and overall survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Tissue specimens from 181 consecutive CRC patients treated at the Military Institute of Medicine in 2006-2010 were collected and examined for EGFR expression, by immunohistochemistry staining. The staining intensity and percentage of cells with membranous EGFR expression were scored and then grouped according to the parameters of the Allred Scoring system. Cutoff values were subjected to further statistical analysis. Univariate tests and a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model were used in data analysis.

RESULTS

EGFR was overexpressed in 96 of 181 CRC specimens (53%). EGFR expression was not correlated with other clinicopathological variables. On univariate analysis, overexpression of EGFR, determined by PS (percentage score) (>3) and total score (sum of PS and intensity score) (>4), was associated with poor overall survival. On multivariate analysis, EGFR overexpression (PS > 3) was an independent adverse prognostic factor (hazard ratio [HR] 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-2.53). Elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) serum concentration before treatment, performance status (Word Health Organization [WHO]-2), and tumor localized in colon and liver metastases were also independent unfavorable prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

EGFR overexpression (PS > 3) in a CRC patient population was an independent adverse prognostic factor. Implementation of the Allred Scoring system criteria into clinical practice might facilitate treatment decisions in CRC patients.

Targeted therapies and the treatment of non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Targeted therapies have shown profound effects on the outcome of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the optimal treatment for RCC of non-clear cell histology (nccRCC)-typically excluded from trials of targeted agents-remains uncertain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

By carrying out extensive searches of PubMed and ASCO databases, we identified and summarised research into the biological characteristics, clinical behaviour and treatment of different histological subtypes of nccRCC, focusing on targeted therapy.

RESULTS

The available data suggest that treatments currently approved for RCC are active in ncc subtypes, although the overall clinical benefit may be less than for clear cell RCC. Temsirolimus has proven benefit over interferon-alfa (IFN-α) in patients with nccRCC, based on phase III data, while everolimus, sunitinib and sorafenib have all demonstrated some degree of activity in nccRCC in expanded-access trials. No clear picture has emerged of whether individual histological subtypes are particularly responsive to any individual treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Further molecular studies into the pathogenesis of RCC histological subtypes will help direct the development of novel, appropriate targeted agents. Clinical trials specifically designed to evaluate the role of targeted agents in nccRCC are ongoing, and data from trials with sunitinib and everolimus will be reported soon.

[Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma]

INTRODUCTION

The objective was to perform a systematic review of literature concerning epidemiology, clinical and biological data, prognosis and therapy of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinomas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data on sarcomatoid renal cell carcinomas have been sought by querying the server Medline with MeSH terms following or combination of them: "renal carcinoma", "renal cell carcinoma," "renal cancer", "sarcomatoid" "sarcomatoid transformation" and "sarcomatoid differentiation." The articles obtained were selected according to their methodology, the language in English or French, the relevance and the date of publication. Twenty papers were selected.

RESULTS

According to the literature, a sarcomatoid contingent can be observed in all subtypes of renal cell carcinomas, with a frequency of 1 to 15% of cases. The median age at diagnosis was 60 years with a majority of symptomatic patients (90%), mainly with abdominal pain and hematuria. These tumors were often found in patients with locally advanced or metastatic (45-77%). The imaging was not specific for the diagnosis and biopsy had a low sensitivity for identifying a sarcomatoid contingent. The treatment was based on a combination of maximal surgical resection whenever possible and systemic therapy for metastastic disease. Pathological data often showed large tumors, Furhman 4 grades, combined biphasic carcinomatous contingent (clear cell carcinoma in most cases) and sarcomatoid. Genetically, there was no specific abnormality but a complex association of chromosomal additions and deletions. The prognosis was pejorative with a specific median survival of 5 to 19 months without any impact of the sarcomatoid contingent rate.

CONCLUSION

Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma is a form not to ignore despite its rarity. Mainly symptomatic and discovered at an advanced stage, it has a poor prognosis, requiring multidisciplinary management quickly and correctly.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with outcome in metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib

Background:

There are no validated markers that predict response in metastatic renal cell cancer (RCC) patients treated with sunitinib. We aim to study the impact of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that have recently been proposed as predictors of outcome to anti-VEGF-targeted therapy in metastatic RCC in an independent cohort of patients.

Methods:

We genotyped 16 key SNPs in 10 genes involved in sunitinib pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and VEGF-independent angiogenesis in patients with metastatic clear-cell RCC treated with sunitinib as the first-line targeted therapy. Association between SNPs, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were studied by multivariate Cox regression using relevant clinical factors associated with PFS and OS as covariates.

Results:

In a series of 88 patients, both PFS and OS were associated significantly with SNP rs1128503 in ABCB1 (P=0.027 and P=0.025), rs4073054 in NR1/3 (P=0.025 and P=0.035) and rs307821 in VEGFR3 (P=0.032 and P=0.011). Progression-free survival alone was associated with rs2981582 in FGFR2 (P=0.031) and rs2276707 in NR1/2 (P=0.047), whereas OS alone was associated with rs2307424 in NR1/3 (P=0.048) and rs307826 in VEGFR3 (P=0.013).

Conclusion:

Our results confirm former communications regarding the association between SNPs in ABCB1, NR1/2, NR1/3 and VEGFR3 and sunitinib outcome in clear-cell RCC. Prospective validation of these SNPs is now required.

Sunitinib in combination with gemcitabine for advanced solid tumours: a phase I dose-finding study

BACKGROUND

This phase I, dose-finding study determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, and pharmacokinetics of sunitinib plus gemcitabine in patients with advanced solid tumours.

METHODS

Two schedules with sunitinib (25-50 mg per day) and IV gemcitabine (750-1250 mg m(-2)) in escalating doses were studied. First, patients received sunitinib on a 4-weeks-on-2-weeks-off schedule (Schedule 4/2) plus gemcitabine on days 1, 8, 22, and 29. Second, patients received sunitinib on a 2-weeks-on-1-week-off schedule (Schedule 2/1) plus gemcitabine on days 1 and 8. The primary endpoint was determination of MTD and tolerability.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients received the combination (Schedule 4/2, n=8; Schedule 2/1, n=36). With no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) at maximum dose levels on Schedule 2/1, MTD was not reached. Grade 4 treatment-related AEs and laboratory abnormalities included cerebrovascular accident, hypertension, and pulmonary embolism (n=1 each), and neutropenia (n=3), thrombocytopenia and increased uric acid (both n=2), and lymphopenia (n=1). There were no clinically significant drug-drug interactions. Antitumor activity occurred across dose levels and tumour types. In poor-risk and/or high-grade renal cell carcinoma patients (n=12), 5 had partial responses and 7 stable disease ≥ 6 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Sunitinib plus gemcitabine on Schedule 2/1 with growth factor support was well tolerated and safely administered at maximum doses of each drug, without significant drug-drug interactions.

Sorafenib after combination therapy with gemcitabine plus doxorubicine in patients with sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma: a prospective evaluation

BACKGROUND

Sarcomatoid renal cell cancer (RCC) is a distinct histological variant of RCC that is associated with rapid progression and a poor prognosis. The optimal treatment for patients with sarcomatoid RCC remains to be defined. Gemcitabine plus doxorubicine (GD) has shown some efficacy, however durability of response is limited. We carried out a prospective, open-label study to investigate the efficacy and safety of sorafenib in patients after GD failure in sarcomatoid RCC.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with pure sarcomatoid RCC and objective progressive disease were treated with GD (gemcitabine 1500 mg/m², doxorubicine 50 mg/m² administered by weekly intravenous infusion) until progression of disease. Subsequently 9 patients were switched to sorafenib (400 mg twice daily). Tumor response was measured by physical examination and computerized tomography scans and evaluated according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria.

RESULTS

Median time to progression (TTP) under GD was 6.6 months (range 0.8 - 8 months). During GD treatment there were no remissions and 6 patients died from progressive disease. Median TTP for the 9 patients switched to sorafenib was 10.9 months (range 0.6 - 25.5 months). During sorafenib therapy one patient had a partial remission lasting for 3 months and 4 patients experienced stable disease with a duration of 3 to 9 months. Four patients immediately progressed on sorafenib treatment but had a slower dynamic of tumor progression than under GD. Dosing in both treatment phases was generally well tolerated with manageable toxicities and no requirement for dose reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemotherapy with GD was ineffective in our patients with pure sarcomatoid RCC. Subsequent anti-angiogenic treatment using the multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib resulted in additional progression-free survival in 5 of 9 patients. Further evaluation of targeted anti-angiogenic agents for the treatment of sarcomatoid RCC is warranted.

Safety and Efficacy of Sorafenib in Renal Cell Carcinoma

This article reviews data on sorafenib use in renal cell carcinoma. Mechanisms of actions and pharmacokinetics are briefly described. Major clinical trials are presented, summarizing efficacy and safety of sorafenib. Its place in current treatment of renal cell carcinoma is discussed. Sorafenib is likely to remain one of the mainstays of RCC treatment in coming years.

c-KIT: potential predictive factor for the efficacy of sorafenib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid feature

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapy has been standard care for metastatic renal cell carcinoma for years. However, little clinical experience on these agents in the treatment of sarcomatoid tumors has been documented. The aim of the present study was to detect the expression of c-KIT in the primary tumor of metastatic renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid feature, and to reveal its potential value of predicting the efficacy of sorafenib treatment and survival of the patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventeen patients were enrolled and treated with sorafenib as a second-line treatment after cytokine therapy. The expressions of c-KIT was tested immunohistochemically in the 17 specimens of primary renal tumors. The correlation between c-KIT status and treatment effect was compared. Univariate and multivariate analysis were employed to determine the survival difference between c-KIT-positive and c-KIT-negative patients.

RESULTS

Twelve of 17 specimens (70.6%) were detected to be overexpressing c-KIT. c-KIT positive patients had higher disease control rate (75%) compared with c-KIT-negative patients (25%), P = .036. Median overall survival time was 92 weeks for c-KIT positive patients and 44 weeks for c-KIT negative patients, log rank χ(2) = 9.566, P = .002. Multivariate Cox regression model analysis only revealed number of metastatic organs and c-KIT as independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that c-KIT can be a potential predictive factor for metastatic renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid feature in treatment using sorafenib, and patients with positive c-KIT expression might have better responses and obtain longer overall survival time.

Biomarkers: the next therapeutic hurdle in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Despite recent advances, metastatic renal cell carcinoma remains largely an incurable disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors have provided improvements in clinical outcomes. High-dose interleukin 2 remains an option for highly selected patients and is associated with durable remissions in a small minority of patients. The toxicity profiles of specific agents and patient characteristics and comorbidities and costs have an important role in the current choice of therapy. Major challenges encountered in developing molecular biomarkers to guide therapy are tumour heterogeneity and standardisation of tissue collection and analysis. Although biomarkers are in their infancy of development, they should be a priority in early preclinical and clinical development in order to guide rational tailored development of emerging agents.

Sunitinib malate for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Over the past decade, a greater understanding into the molecular pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has led to major advances in treatment options. Sunitinib is an oral, small-molecule, multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets a number of receptors, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) and platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR). Sunitinib was one of the first targeted agents studied in metastatic RCC (mRCC) and is currently used worldwide in the management of mRCC.

AREAS COVERED

This drug evaluation addresses the preclinical and clinical development of sunitinib. It provides an in-depth discussion of the Phase II data that led to its approval in mRCC and the subsequent Phase III clinical trial comparing sunitinib to interferon-α. More recent data from the large international expanded access trial, in non-clear cell carcinoma patients, different dosing schedule studies and safety issues are also discussed. Finally, areas for the future use of sunitinib, including in the adjuvant setting, are reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

Since the FDA approved sunitinib for advanced RCC in January 2006, much more has been learned about its efficacy and tolerability. Over the past decade of its clinical use, it has become clear that expertise is required when prescribing sunitinib, in terms of maximizing dose, anticipating and managing side effects, and assessing responses. In the future, a better understanding of sunitinib's role compared with other VEGF TKIs and mTOR inhibitors, and in other roles such as the adjuvant setting or in non-clear cell pathology, will become evident.

Histopathology of surgically treated renal cell carcinoma: survival differences by subtype and stage

PURPOSE

Previous studies of the impact of renal cell carcinoma histopathology on survival are conflicting and generally limited to institutional analyses. Thus, we determined the role of renal cell carcinoma histopathology on the stage specific survival rate in a large population based cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the 2000 to 2005 National Cancer Institute SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) database to identify 17,605 patients who underwent surgery for renal cell carcinoma and met study inclusion criteria. Patients were stratified by histological subtype (clear cell, papillary, chromophobe, collecting duct and sarcomatoid differentiation) and pathological stage. We performed Cox proportional hazard modeling and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to determine overall and cancer specific survival.

RESULTS

Patients with papillary and chromophobe pathology were less likely to present with T3 or greater disease (17.6% and 16.9%, respectively) while patients with collecting duct and sarcomatoid variants were more likely to present with T3 or greater disease (55.7% and 82.8%, respectively) compared to those with clear cell histology (p <0.001). On multivariate analysis histology was significantly associated with overall and cancer specific survival. Patients with chromophobe pathology had improved survival (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.40-0.78) while those with collecting duct and sarcomatoid variants had worse survival (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.44-2.97 and 2.26, 95% CI 1.93-2.64, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Renal cell carcinoma histological subtype predicts overall and cancer specific survival. Patients with collecting duct and sarcomatoid variants of renal cell carcinoma have poor survival, even those who present with low stage disease. These data suggest inherent differences in renal cell carcinoma biology and may ultimately form the basis of future histologically targeted therapies.

Pathology of genitourinary malignancies: implications for clinical management

OBJECTIVES

To describe the pathologic and molecular characteristics of genitourinary malignancies relevant to the implications for the practice of oncology nurses.

DATA SOURCES

Actual cases from the author's clinical experience, original scientific papers, review articles, and pathology books.

CONCLUSION

Accurate pathologic diagnosis and identification of serum and molecular markers are critical for the accurate classification, staging, and choice of appropriate treatment for patients with genitourinary malignancies.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Because decisions of treatment initiation, discontinuation, and prognosis are in large part based on pathologic diagnosis and staging, oncology nurses should be knowledgeable about the process of pathologic tissue review and understand the importance of appropriate tumor acquisition.

Long-term high-dose proton pump inhibitor administration to Helicobacter pylori-infected Mongolian gerbils enhances neuroendocrine tumor development in the glandular stomach

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are routinely used for control of upper gastrointestinal disorders, often with long-term application. However, there has been some concern about the long-term safety and the possibility of cancer induction and development of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) in the stomach. We therefore analyzed the influence of PPI use on tumor development histologically, immunohistochemically, and serologically in the glandular stomachs of Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-infected and uninfected Mongolian gerbils (MGs). 53 MGs were divided into 6 groups: Hp+25PPI, Hp+5PPI, Hp, 25PPI, 5PPI, and controls. The high-dose Hp+25PPI and 25PPI groups received the PPI (lansoprazole) at 25mg/kg/day, and the low-dose Hp+5PPI and 5PPI groups were given 5mg/kg/day. After 50 or 100 weeks, animals were sacrificed humanely, and the glandular stomach samples were evaluated histologically and phenotypically, using antibodies against chromogranin A (CgA), gastrin and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). Serum gastrin levels were also examined. NETs occurred in the Hp+25PPI, Hp+5PPI, Hp, and 25PPI groups, but there was no synergistic effect between Hp-infection and high-dose PPI administration. Serum gastrin was increased statistically by Hp infection and high-dose PPI administration, but not influenced by the low-dose. The NETs featured expression of CgA, but not gastrin or GIP. In conclusions, PPI at low dose had no influence on development of carcinomas and NETs in the Hp-infected and uninfected glandular MG stomach, suggesting clinical safety. However, PPI at high dose increased NET development and serum gastrin in the MG model.

A phase 2 trial of sunitinib in patients with advanced non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Sunitinib is a standard-of-care treatment in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Retrospective and expanded access data suggest sunitinib has activity in advanced non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC).

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively determine the clinical efficacy and safety of sunitinib in patients with advanced nccRCC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This is a single-arm phase 2 trial with a two-stage design. Eligibility criteria included pathologically confirmed nccRCC or ccRCC with ≥ 20% sarcomatoid histology, performance status 0-2, measurable disease, a maximum of two prior systemic therapies, and no prior treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors directed against the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors.

INTERVENTION

Patients received sunitinib 50mg daily on a 4-wk on, 2-wk off schedule.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Primary end points were objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points were safety and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Fifty-seven patients were eligible (nccRCC histology: papillary, 27; chromophobe, 5; unclassified, 8; collecting duct or medullary carcinoma, 6; sarcomatoid, 7; and others, 4). Median PFS for 55 evaluable patients was 2.7 mo (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-5.4). Two patients with chromophobe and one patient with unclassified histology had a confirmed partial response (5% ORR). Median PFS for patients with papillary histology was 1.6 mo (95% CI, 1.4-5.4). Median PFS for patients with chromophobe histology was 12.7 mo (95% CI, 8.5-NA). Median OS for all patients was 16.8 mo (95% CI, 10.7-26.3). Treatment-emergent adverse events were consistent with sunitinib's mechanism of action. The nonrandomized design and small number of patients are limitations of this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The differential response of chromophobe histology to sunitinib suggests a therapeutically relevant biological heterogeneity exists within nccRCC. The low ORR and short PFS with sunitinib in the other nccRCC subtypes underscore the need to enroll patients with these diverse tumors in clinical trials.

Management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the era of targeted therapies

BACKGROUND

Metastatic renal cell cancer is associated with poor prognosis and survival and is resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Therapeutic targeting of molecular pathways for tumour angiogenesis and other specific activation mechanisms offers improved tumour response and prolonged survival.

AIMS

To conduct a retrospective audit of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with targeted therapies.

METHODS

Data were extracted from clinical records of patients undergoing targeted treatment between 2005 and 2009 at two hospital sites. Data collected included pathology, systemic therapy class, toxicity and survival. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients were treated with 102 lines of therapy with a median overall survival (OS) of 23 months, median time to failure of first-line treatment (TTF1) of 10 months and median time to failure of second-line treatment (TTF2) of 5.2 months. Time from first diagnosis to treatment >12 months was significantly associated with improved OS, longer TTF1, TTF2 and response to first-line anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (anti-VEGF TKI) therapy. Variables associated with tumour biology, natural history and the systemic inflammatory response were associated with improved OS and TTF1. Development of hypertension was predictive of anti-VEGF TKI outcome. Toxicities were as expected for each drug class.

CONCLUSIONS

  Survival and toxicity outcomes from two Australian sites are comparable to published data. The adverse event profile differs to conventional chemotherapy. Clinicians caring for patients with metastatic renal cancer will need to become familiar with these toxicities and their management as these agents enter widespread use.

Clinical outcome in patients receiving systemic therapy for metastatic sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma: a retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVES

Sarcomatoid metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) represents an aggressive subset of disease, and a definitive therapeutic strategy is lacking. We seek to define outcomes associated with systemic therapy (including immunotherapy, cytotoxic therapy, and targeted agents) for sarcomatoid mRCC, with attention to novel prognostic schema.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From an institutional database including 270 patients with mRCC, we identified 34 patients with documented sarcomatoid features. Within this cohort, we assessed 21 patients who received systemic therapy. Survival was assessed in the overall cohort and in subgroups divided by clinicopathologic characteristics, including the extent of sarcomatoid features, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) risk criteria, Heng criteria, and the nature of systemic therapy rendered.

RESULTS

Of the 21 patients assessed, 2 patients received chemotherapy, 7 patients received immunotherapy, and 12 patients received targeted agents as their first line treatment. Median overall survival (OS) in the overall cohort was 18.0 months (95% CI 6.9-22.0). By MSKCC criteria, patients with poor-risk disease had a median OS of 4.7 months, compared with 20.1 months for patients with intermediate-risk disease [hazard ratio (HR) 0.02, 95%CI 0.003-0.15; P = 0.0001]. A similar difference in median OS was seen poor- and intermediate-risk groups when stratifying by Heng criteria (HR 0.17, 95%CI 0.001-0.12). There was no significant difference in survival in patients with sarcomatoid predominant disease vs. nonpredominant disease (HR 0.62, 95%CI 0.23-1.65; P = 0.34), nor was there a difference amongst patients who received targeted therapies vs. nontargeted therapies (HR 1.0, 95%CI 0.61-1.40; P = 0.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with previous series and prospective trials assessing patients with sarcomatoid mRCC, the observed survival was prolonged. Although both Heng and MSKCC risk scores may be useful in determining prognosis, further studies are needed to identify relevant biomarkers and define the optimal therapeutic strategy for this disease.