Pancreatic tropism of metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Single-cell RNA-seq reveals heterogeneity in metastatic renal cell carcinoma and effect of anti-angiogenesis therapy in the pancreas metastatic lesion

Metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma has heterogenous tumor microenvironment (TME). Among the metastatic lesions, pancreas metastasis is rare and controversy in treatment approaches. Here, extensive primary and metastatic lesion samples were included by single-cell RNA-seq to decipher the distinct metastasis TME. The hypoxic and inflammatory TME of pancreas metastasis was decoded in this study, and the activation of PAX8-myc signaling, and metabolic reprogramming were observed. The active components including endothelial cells, fibroblasts and T cells were profiled. Meanwhile, we also evaluated the effect of anti-angiogenesis treatment in the pancreas metastasis patient. The potential mechanisms of pancreatic tropism, instability of genome, and the response of immunotherapy were also discussed in this work. Taken together, our findings suggest a clue to the heterogeneity in metastasis TME and provide evidence for the treatment of pancreas metastasis in renal cell carcinoma patients.

Immune landscape of renal cell carcinoma with metastasis to the pancreas

INTRODUCTION

Clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) has a poor prognosis once metastatic. However, certain metastatic sites have been reported to have a different impact on the patient prognosis. For example, patients with pancreatic metastases have a much more favorable prognosis than those with metastases to other organs. The biological basis for this observation remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the immune landscape of pancreatic metastases and the corresponding primary tumors in order to identify possible immunological features that correlate with disease biology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A detailed assessment of immune cell populations was performed using a total of 1,700 microscopic images from ccRCCs from 11 patients, their corresponding pancreatic metastases and ccRCCs from 10 patients without pancreatic metastases. Tumor specimens were stained for CD45, CD8, CD163 and FOXP3 and the densities of the respective immune cells were assessed semiquantitatively in the intratumoral and extratumoral compartment. Multispectral imaging was performed in selected tumors.

RESULTS

We found that pancreatic metastases show the lowest intratumoral infiltration with CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes of all tumor specimens analyzed. The frequency of CD8+ lymphocytes was on 1.9 fold lower in pancreatic metastases (median density 8.3 cells per field of view [FOV] = 1.23 mm2) when compared to the corresponding primary tumor (15.6 cells per FOV, P = 0.0002) and more than 3-fold lower when compared to ccRCCs without pancreatic metastases (27.2 cells per FOV, P = 0.0012). There was also a significantly reduced intratumoral infiltration with immunosuppressive FOXP3+ lymphocytes in pancreatic metastases (2.6 cells per FOV, P = 0.009) and corresponding primary tumors (2 cells per FOV, P = 0.028) when compared to ccRCCs without pancreatic metastases (5.6 cells per FOV).

CONCLUSIONS

In this proof-of-concept study, we show that pancreatic metastases of ccRCC present with unique immunological features including a low intratumoral density of CD8+ and FOXP3+ lymphocytes. The low counts of CD8+ and FOXP3+ lymphocytes may reflect less aggressive features of ccRCC with pancreatic metastasis that may result in a more favorable patient prognosis.

The Role of Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS) in Metastatic Tumors in the Pancreas: 10 Years of Experience from a Single High-Volume Center

BACKGROUND

Metastatic pancreatic lesions (MPLs) are relatively uncommon, constituting 2 to 5% of all pancreatic tumors. They often manifest as solitary lesions without distinct clinical symptoms, usually identified incidentally during radiologic imaging for the surveillance of prior malignancies. Differentiating these lesions from primary pancreatic tumors presents a significant challenge due to their nonspecific presentation.

METHODS

We aimed to prospectively assess the effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and EUS-guided fine needle aspiration/biopsy (EUS-FNA/B) in diagnosing MPLs in a carefully selected cohort of patients presenting with pancreatic masses. Additionally, we sought to examine the relevance of specific EUS findings in supporting the initial diagnosis of MPLs and their agreement with the definitive cytological diagnosis. This study retrospectively analyzed data from 41 patients diagnosed with MPLs between 2013 and 2023, focusing on their clinical and pathological characteristics, the echogenic features of the pancreatic lesions, and the techniques used for tissue acquisition.

RESULTS

The incidence of MPLs in our cohort was 3.53%, with the most frequent primary tumors originating in the kidney (43.90%), colorectum (9.76%), lung (9.76%), lymphoma (9.76%), and breast (4.88%). MPLs typically presented as hypoechoic, oval-shaped lesions with well-defined borders and were predominantly hypervascular. Interestingly, 68.29% of the cases were discovered incidentally during follow-up of the primary tumors, while the involvement of the common bile duct was uncommon (19.51%).

CONCLUSIONS

EUS and EUS-FNA/B have been validated as valuable diagnostic tools for identifying MPLs. While our findings are promising, further multicenter studies are necessary to corroborate these results and elucidate the predictive value of specific EUS characteristics in determining the metastatic origin of pancreatic lesions.

Practical management of renal cell carcinoma: integrating current approaches with advances in bone metastasis treatment

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common type of tumor that can develop in the kidney. It is responsible for around one-third of all cases of neoplasms. RCC manifests itself in a variety of distinct subtypes. The most frequent of which is clear cell RCC, followed by papillary and chromophobe RCC. RCC has the potential for metastasis to a variety of organs; nevertheless, bone metastases are one of the most common and potentially fatal complications. These bone metastases are characterized by osteolytic lesions that can result in pathological fractures, hypercalcemia, and other complications, which can ultimately lead to a deterioration in quality of life and an increase morbidity. While nephrectomy remains a foundational treatment for RCC, emerging evidence suggests that targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and T cell checkpoint inhibitors, may offer effective alternatives, potentially obviating the need for adjuvant nephrectomy in certain cases of metastatic RCC Bone metastases continue to be a difficult complication of RCC, which is why more research is required to enhance patient outcome.

Molecular analysis of primary and metastatic sites in patients with renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUNDMetastases are the hallmark of lethal cancer, though underlying mechanisms that drive metastatic spread to specific organs remain poorly understood. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is known to have distinct sites of metastases, with lung, bone, liver, and lymph nodes being more common than brain, gastrointestinal tract, and endocrine glands. Previous studies have shown varying clinical behavior and prognosis associated with the site of metastatic spread; however, little is known about the molecular underpinnings that contribute to the differential outcomes observed by the site of metastasis.METHODSWe analyzed primary renal tumors and tumors derived from metastatic sites to comprehensively characterize genomic and transcriptomic features of tumor cells as well as to evaluate the tumor microenvironment at both sites.RESULTSWe included a total of 657 tumor samples (340 from the primary site [kidney] and 317 from various sites of metastasis). We show distinct genomic alterations, transcriptomic signatures, and immune and stromal tumor microenvironments across metastatic sites in a large cohort of patients with RCC.CONCLUSIONWe demonstrate significant heterogeneity among primary tumors and metastatic sites and elucidate the complex interplay between tumor cells and the extrinsic tumor microenvironment that is vital for developing effective anticancer therapies.

Beyond the knife: strategic patient selection for cytoreductive nephrectomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To evaluate the current role of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) within the context of evolving treatment paradigms, focusing on implications for patient selection.

RECENT FINDINGS

Two randomized trials failed to show significant benefits from CN for intermediate and poor-risk patients undergoing targeted therapy. Despite this, subgroup analysis and retrospective data suggest potential benefits for a subset of good and intermediate-risk patients. Although currently used risk stratification tools guide CN eligibility, they have limitations, including, subjectivity, perioperative variability, and missing validation. Deferred CN may benefit patients responding to systemic treatment, whereas other patients may benefit from upfront CN. Emerging data supports the value of CN with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in selected patients, emphasizing the need for ongoing trials in the ICI era.

SUMMARY

The role and timing of CN in mRCC have evolved across therapeutic eras. Although awaiting prospective evidence in the current era of ICI, CN still has a role in the therapeutic approach for a subset of patients. The decision to recommend CN must be personalized and involve multidisciplinary discussions considering both patient- and tumor-related factors.

A three-gene expression score for predicting clinical benefit to anti-PD-1 blockade in advanced renal cell carcinoma

In the advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) scenario, there are no consistent biomarkers to predict the clinical benefit patients derived from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Taking this into consideration, herein, we conducted a retrospective study in order to develop and validate a gene expression score for predicting clinical benefit to the anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab in the context of patients diagnosed with advanced clear cell RCC enrolled in the CheckMate-009, CheckMate-010, and CheckMate-025 clinical trials. First, a three-gene expression score (3GES) with prognostic value for overall survival integrating HMGA1, NUP62, and ARHGAP42 transcripts was developed in a cohort of patients treated with nivolumab. Its prognostic value was then validated in the TCGA-KIRC cohort. Second, the predictive value for nivolumab was confirmed in a set of patients from the CheckMate-025 phase 3 clinical trial. Lastly, we explored the correlation of our 3GES with different clinical, molecular, and immune tumor characteristics. If the results of this study are definitively validated in other retrospective and large-scale, prospective studies, the 3GES will represent a valuable tool for guiding the design of ICB-based clinical trials in the aRCC scenario in the near future.

Impact of Metastatic Site in Favorable-Risk Renal Cell Carcinoma Receiving Sunitinib or Pazopanib

BACKGROUND

Although in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients with intermediate and poor risk the benefit of combination strategies versus tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) has been ascertained, in those with favorable risk data are ambiguous. Herein, we investigated the impact of number and type of metastatic site in patients with favorable risk to contribute to the best therapeutic choice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Multicenter data regarding patients with favorable risk mRCC carcinoma receiving first-line TKIs, sunitinib or pazopanib, were retrospectively collected. We divided our population into 2 groups based on the number of metastatic sites and analyzed its impact on tumor response and efficacy outcome. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate efficacy outcomes and the log-rank test to examine differences between subgroups.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients with a median age of 69 years were included in the final analysis. Patients with 1 metastatic site, compared with patients with > 1 site, had a significantly longer overall survival (OS) (not reached vs. 66 months) and a trend, although not statistically significant, of better progression-free survival (PFS) (31 vs. 17 months). In patients with 1 metastatic site, liver involvement was correlated with worse PFS and OS at the univariate analysis (P = .01) and was confirmed as independent poor prognostic factor for PFS at multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we reported a longer OS in favorable risk mRCC patients receiving TKI with only 1 metastatic site. Nevertheless, in patients with a single metastatic site, hepatic involvement correlated with worse PFS compared to other metastatic sites.

Understanding Factors that Influence Prognosis and Response to Therapy in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

In this review, we highlight and contextualize emerging morphologic prognostic and predictive factors in renal cell carcinoma. We focus on clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common histologic subtype. Our understanding of the molecular characterization of ccRCC has dramatically improved in the last decade. Herein, we highlight how these discoveries have laid the foundation for new approaches to prognosis and therapeutic decision-making for patients with ccRCC. We explore the clinical relevance of common mutations, established gene expression signatures, intratumoral heterogeneity, sarcomatoid/rhabdoid morphology and PD-L1 expression, and discuss their impact on predicting response to therapy.

Immunomodulatory response to neoadjuvant nivolumab in non-metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Novel perioperative strategies are needed to reduce recurrence rates in patients undergoing nephrectomy for high-risk, non-metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We conducted a prospective, phase I trial of neoadjuvant nivolumab prior to nephrectomy in 15 evaluable patients with non-metastatic ccRCC. We leveraged tissue from that cohort to elucidate the effects of PD-1 inhibition on immune cell populations in ccRCC and correlate the evolving immune milieu with anti-PD-1 response. We found that nivolumab durably induces a pro-inflammatory state within the primary tumor, and baseline immune infiltration within the primary tumor correlates with nivolumab responsiveness. Nivolumab increases CTLA-4 expression in the primary tumor, and subsequent nephrectomy increases circulating concentrations of sPD-L1, sPD-L3 (sB7-H3), and s4-1BB. These findings form the basis to consider neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) for high-risk ccRCC while the tumor remains in situ and provide the rationale for perioperative strategies of novel ICI combinations.

Genetic and Epigenetic Characteristics in Isolated Pancreatic Metastases of Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Isolated pancreatic metastases of renal cell carcinoma (IsPMRCC) are a rare manifestation of metastatic, clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in which distant metastases occur exclusively in the pancreas. In addition to the main symptom of the isolated occurrence of pancreatic metastases, the entity surprises with additional clinical peculiarities: (a) the unusually long interval of about 9 years between the primary RCC and the onset of pancreatic metastases; (b) multiple pancreatic metastases occurring in 36% of cases; (c) favourable treatment outcomes with a 75% 5-year survival rate; and (d) volume and growth-rate dependent risk factors generally accepted to be relevant for overall survival in metastatic surgery are insignificant in isPMRCC. The genetic and epigenetic causes of exclusive pancreatic involvement have not yet been investigated and are currently unknown. Conversely, according to the few available data in the literature, the following genetic and epigenetic peculiarities can already be identified as the cause of the protracted course: 1. high genetic stability of the tumour cell clones in both the primary tumour and the pancreatic metastases; 2. a low frequency of copy number variants associated with aggressiveness, such as 9p, 14q and 4q loss; 3. in the chromatin-modifying genes, a decreased rate of PAB1 (3%) and an increased rate of PBRM1 (77%) defects are seen, a profile associated with a favourable course; 4. an increased incidence of KDM5C mutations, which, in common with increased PBRM1 alterations, is also associated with a favourable outcome; and 5. angiogenetic biomarkers are increased in tumour tissue, while inflammatory biomarkers are decreased, which explains the good response to TKI therapy and lack of sensitivity to IT.

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the pancreas and other sites-a multicenter retrospective study

Background

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is a heterogenous disease with poor 5-year overall survival (OS) at 14%. Patients with mRCC to endocrine organs historically have prolonged OS. Pancreatic metastases are uncommon overall, with mRCC being the most common etiology of pancreatic metastases. In this study, we report the long-term outcomes of patients with mRCC to the pancreas in two separate cohorts.

Methods

We performed a multicenter, international retrospective cohort study of patients with mRCC to the pancreas at 15 academic centers. Cohort 1 included 91 patients with oligometastatic disease to the pancreas. Cohort 2 included 229 patients with multiples organ sites of metastases including the pancreas. The primary endpoint for Cohorts 1 and 2 was median OS from time of metastatic disease in the pancreas until death or last follow up.

Findings

In Cohort 1, the median OS (mOS) was 121 months with a median follow up time of 42 months. Patients who underwent surgical resection of oligometastatic disease had mOS of 100 months with a median follow-up time of 52.5 months. The mOS for patients treated with systemic therapy was not reached. In Cohort 2, the mOS was 90.77 months. Patients treated with first-line (1L) VEGFR therapy had mOS of 90.77 months; patients treated with IL immunotherapy (IO) had mOS of 92 months; patients on 1L combination VEGFR/IO had mOS of 74.9 months.

Interpretations

This is the largest retrospective cohort of mRCC involving the pancreas. We confirmed the previously reported long-term outcomes in patients with oligometastatic pancreas disease and demonstrated prolonged survival in patients with multiple RCC metastases that included the pancreas. In this retrospective study with heterogeneous population treated over 2 decades, mOS was similar when stratified by first-line therapy. Future research will be needed to determine whether mRCC patients with pancreatic metastases require a different initial treatment strategy.

Funding

Statistical analyses for this study were supported in part by the University of Colorado Cancer Center Support Grant from the NIH/NCI, P30CA046934-30.

State of the Art: Multidisciplinary Management of Oligometastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma (OM-RCC) refers to patients who have limited (typically up to 5) metastatic lesions. Although management principles may overlap, OM-RCC is distinguishable from oligoprogressive RCC, which describes progression of disease to a limited number of sites while receiving systemic therapy. Cytoreductive nephrectomy and metastasectomy are common surgical considerations in OM-RCC, and indications are discussed in this review. It is evident that stereotactic ablative radiotherapy is effective in RCC and is being applied increasingly in the oligometastatic setting. Finally, we will review advances in systemic therapy and the role of active surveillance before the initiation of systemic therapy.

Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma to Pancreas: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Metastasis to the pancreas represents a small proportion of all pancreatic malignancies. Among primary tumors that metastasize to the pancreas, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common causes of metastatic pancreatic lesions. We herein report a case series of three patients with pancreatic metastasis from RCC. The first is a 54-year-old male with a history of left nephrectomy for RCC, in whom an isthmic pancreatic mass suggestive of a neuroendocrine lesion was found during oncological follow-up. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle biopsy (FNB) identified pancreatic metastasis of RCC and the patient was referred for surgery. The second case is a 61-year-old male, hypertensive, diabetic, with left nephrectomy for RCC six years previously, who complained of weight loss and was found with a hyperenhancing mass in the head of the pancreas and a lesion with a similar pattern in the gallbladder. EUS-FNB from the pancreas proved to be a metastatic pancreatic lesion. Cholecystectomy and treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors were recommended. The third case is a 68-year-old dialysis patient referred for evaluation of a pancreatic mass, also confirmed by EUS-FNB, who was started on sunitinib treatment. We report a literature summary on epidemiology and clinical features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis and treatment and outcomes in pancreatic metastasis of RCC.

Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma to Pancreas: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Metastasis to the pancreas represents a small proportion of all pancreatic malignancies. Among primary tumors that metastasize to the pancreas, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common causes of metastatic pancreatic lesions. We herein report a case series of three patients with pancreatic metastasis from RCC. The first is a 54-year-old male with a history of left nephrectomy for RCC, in whom an isthmic pancreatic mass suggestive of a neuroendocrine lesion was found during oncological follow-up. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle biopsy (FNB) identified pancreatic metastasis of RCC and the patient was referred for surgery. The second case is a 61-year-old male, hypertensive, diabetic, with left nephrectomy for RCC six years previously, who complained of weight loss and was found with a hyperenhancing mass in the head of the pancreas and a lesion with a similar pattern in the gallbladder. EUS-FNB from the pancreas proved to be a metastatic pancreatic lesion. Cholecystectomy and treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors were recommended. The third case is a 68-year-old dialysis patient referred for evaluation of a pancreatic mass, also confirmed by EUS-FNB, who was started on sunitinib treatment. We report a literature summary on epidemiology and clinical features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis and treatment and outcomes in pancreatic metastasis of RCC.

The expanding role of BAP1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Mutations drive renal cell carcinoma biology and tumor growth. The BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP1) gene is frequently mutated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and has emerged as a prognostic and putative predictive biomarker. In this review, we discuss the role of BAP1 as a signature event of a subtype of ccRCC marked by aggressiveness, inflammation, and possibly a heightened response to immunotherapy.

Navigating and adapting care integrating immunotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy, and combinations in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma

Advanced renal cell carcinoma is a biologically heterogeneous disease with multiple treatment options that largely involve immunotherapy and/or anti-angiogenic therapies. The choice of initial and subsequent therapy depends on both clinical and biological considerations. Here, we describe the application of recent data to clinical practice.

Case Report: Pancreatic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma 16 years after nephrectomy

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common renal malignancy, and may metastasize to different sites in the body via hematogenous and lymphomatous routes. The pancreas is a rare metastatic site of metastatic RCC (mRCC) and isolated pancreatic metastasis of RCC (isPMRCC) is even rarer.

Results

The present report describes a case of isPMRCC that recurred 16 years after surgery. The patient responded well to the treatment with pancreaticoduodenectomy and systemic therapy, and no recurrence was recorded after 2 years.

Conclusions

isPMRCC is a distinct subgroup of RCC with unique clinical characteristics that may be explained by its underlying molecular mechanisms. Surgery and systemic therapy confer survival benefits to patients with isPMRCCs, although the recurrence problem has to be paid attention to.

International Multi-institutional Characterization of the Perioperative Morbidity of Metastasectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has been associated with better cancer-specific survival; however, high-quality data on its perioperative morbidity are lacking. Existing population-based data are severely limited by reliance on billing claims to identify outcomes, which may overestimate events owing to a lack of code specificity.

OBJECTIVE

To study 30-d complications after metastasectomy for mRCC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The study involved a retrospective cohort of patients who underwent metastasectomy for mRCC between 2005 and 2020 at two high-volume centers.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

We used generalized estimating equations for a binary response to evaluate associations of features with 30-d complications classified according to Clavien-Dindo grade.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 740 metastasectomies in 522 patients were identified, including 543 performed in the Mayo Clinic and 197 in UZ Leuven. Among the 740 metastasectomies, 193 (26%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 23-29%) had a 30-d complication and 62 (8%, 95% CI 7-11%) had a major (Clavien-Dindo III-V) complication, including eight (1%) perioperative deaths. Age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, metastasectomy concurrent with nephrectomy, multiple sites of metastasis, pancreatic resection, and metastasis size were significantly associated with postoperative complications (all p < 0.05). Age, multiple sites of metastasis, and pancreatic resection were significantly associated with major (Clavien-Dindo III-V) complications (all p < 0.05). Limitations include the retrospective design and surgical selection bias.

CONCLUSIONS

In this multi-institutional series, fewer than 10% of metastasectomies for mRCC resulted in a major complication within 30 d of surgery, which is considerably lower than previously observed in population-based data. Favorable perioperative outcomes can be achieved with metastasectomy at high-volume centers in well-selected patients.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this study we found that fewer than 10% of patients who underwent surgical removal of one or more sites of metastatic kidney cancer experienced a major complication within 30 days of surgery.

Unraveling the Synergy between Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with antiangiogenic properties, such as sorafenib, have been the standard choice to systemically treat hepatocellular carcinoma for over a decade. More recently, encouraging results were obtained using immune checkpoint inhibitors, although head-to-head comparisons with sorafenib in phase 3 trials could not demonstrate superiority in terms of overall survival. The IMbrave150 was a breakthrough study that resulted in atezolizumab/bevacizumab, a combination of an antiangiogenic and an immune checkpoint inhibitor, as a new standard of care for advanced HCC. This review discusses the mode of action, clinical efficacy, and biomarker research for both drug classes and for the combination therapy. Moreover, the synergy between atezolizumab and bevacizumab is highlighted, unraveling pathophysiological mechanisms underlying an enhanced anticancer immunity by changing the immunosuppressed to a more immunoreactive tumor microenvironment (TME). This is achieved by upregulation of antigen presentation, upregulation of T-cell proliferation, trafficking and infiltration, impairing recruitment, and proliferation of immunosuppressive cells in the TME. However, more insights are needed to identify biomarkers of response that may improve patient selection and outcome.

Isolated Pancreatic Metastases of Renal Cell Carcinoma-Clinical Particularities and Seed and Soil Hypothesis

A meta-analysis of 1470 isolated pancreatic metastases of renal cell carcinoma revealed, that, in addition to the unusual exclusive occurrence of pancreatic metastases and the favourable treatment results, the isPMRCC is characterised by further peculiarities of the clinical course: The lack of prognostic significance of volume and growth rate dependent risk factors and the independence of treatment results from standard or local resections. As an explanation for all these peculiarities, according to today's knowledge, a strong acting seed and soil mechanism can serve, which allows embolized tumour cells to grow to metastases only in the pancreas, and prevents them definitively or for years in all other organs. The good prognosis affects not only isolated PM, but also multi-organ metastases of the RCC, in which the additional occurrence of PM is also associated with a better prognosis. Genetic studies revealed specific changes in cases of PM of RCC: Lack of loss of 9p21.3 and 14q31.2, which are otherwise specific gene mutations at the onset of generalization, a low weight genome instability index, i.e., high genetic stability, and a low rate of PAB1 and a high rate of BPRM1 alterations, which signal a more favourable course. The cause of pancreatic organotropism in isPMRCC is still unclear, so only those factors that have been identified as promoting organotropism in other, more frequent tumour entities can be presented: Formation of the pre-metastatic niche, chemokine receptor-ligand mechanism, ability to metabolic adaptation, and immune surveillance.

Facts and Hopes for Immunotherapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Immunotherapy has made a significant impact in many tumors, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). RCC has been known to be immunoresponsive since the cytokine era of IFNα and IL2, but only a small number of patients had durable clinical benefit. Since then, discoveries of key tumor drivers, as well as an understanding of the contribution of angiogenesis and the tumor microenvironment (TME), has led to advances in drug development, ultimately transforming patient outcomes. Combinations of anti-angiogenic agents with immune checkpoint inhibitors are now standard of care. Current challenges include patient selection for immunotherapy combinations, resistance acquisition, and optimally sequencing therapies. Further discoveries about RCC biology, the TME, and resistance mechanisms will likely pave the way for the next generation of therapies.

Predicting Oncologic Outcomes in Small Renal Tumors

BACKGROUND

Most patients diagnosed with renal cancer today present with small renal masses (SRMs). Although these patients have a low risk of dying from their disease and many are followed with active surveillance protocols, a small subset of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) behave aggressively. Knowledge regarding features of aggressive behavior would enable better adoption of active surveillance strategies among these patients.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to improve prognostic models to predict metastasis-free survival after nephrectomy through focused analyses of clinicopathologic characteristics of SRMs associated with adverse outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We identified consecutive patients with surgically resected SRMs (≤4 cm) at the University of Texas Southwestern Kidney Cancer Program between 1998 and 2020. In addition, we evaluated the ability of SRMs to form tumors when implanted in mice, an indicator of tumor aggressiveness.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

We examined the clinicopathologic factors associated with metastasis including prospectively performed BAP1 immunohistochemistry at our Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments laboratory. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was used to predict metastasis-free survival.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 3900 evaluable nephrectomies (from 3674 ethnically diverse patients) were identified, of which 1984 (51%) were SRMs including 1720 RCC. Of these patients with RCC (SRMRCC), 1576 did not have synchronous or metachronous larger RCCs and among these, 37 (2%) developed metastases. SRMRCC that metastasized were significantly enriched for aggressive morphologic phenotypes and engrafted in mice at comparable rates as larger metastatic tumors. BAP1 loss remained significantly associated with metastasis-free survival after accounting for TNM (tumor-node-metastasis) stage and SSIGN (stage, size, grade, and necrosis) score in multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified clinicopathologic features that influence metastasis-free survival for patients with SRMRCC. If validated independently, these data should assist with patient prognosis and help with active surveillance strategies.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We report the identification of features of aggressiveness in small renal tumors that influence the likelihood of metastases after surgery.

2022 WUOF/SIU International Consultation on Urological Diseases: Genetics and Tumor Microenvironment of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma is a diverse group of diseases that can be distinguished by distinct histopathologic and genomic features. In this comprehensive review, we highlight recent advancements in our understanding of the genetic and microenvironmental hallmarks of kidney cancer. We begin with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common subtype of this disease. We review the chromosomal and genetic alterations that drive initiation and progression of ccRCC, which has recently been shown to follow multiple highly conserved evolutionary trajectories that in turn impact disease progression and prognosis. We also review the diverse genetic events that define the many recently recognized rare subtypes within non-clear cell RCC. Finally, we discuss our evolving understanding of the ccRCC microenvironment, which has been revolutionized by recent bulk and single-cell transcriptomic analyses, suggesting potential biomarkers for guiding systemic therapy in the management of advanced ccRCC.

The Emerging Role of Radiation Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Simple Summary

Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SAbR) is a safe and effective local therapy for renal cell cancer (RCC) with emerging and evolving indications. In this review we provide an overview of the evidence to support SAbR for RCC in a variety of clinical settings.

Abstract

Advancements in radiation delivery technology have made it feasible to treat tumors with ablative radiation doses via stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SAbR) at locations that were previously not possible. Renal cell cancer (RCC) was initially thought to be radioresistant, even considered toxic, in the era of conventional protracted course radiation. However, SAbR has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in providing local control to both primary and metastatic RCC by using ablative radiation doses. SAbR can be integrated with other local and systemic therapies to provide optimal management of RCC patients. We will discuss the rationale and available evidence for the integration and sequencing of SAbR with local and systemic therapies for RCC.

Pancreatic metastases after surgery for renal cell carcinoma: survival and pathways of progression

PURPOSE

Metastatic ccRCC has peculiar tropism in the pancreas. We describe the characteristics and pathways of progression of patients with PM in a large multi-institutional consortium and compare them to patients with metastases from ccRCC at other sites.

METHODS

Detailed clinical and histopathological data were collected. To account for differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups, IPTW was used to compare the two groups in terms of PFS and OS.

RESULTS

Of the 182 patients, 33 (18%) had pancreatic, 94 (52%) pulmonary, 30 (16%) bone, 13 (7%) hepatic, and 12 (7%) brain metastases. Patients with PM had less aggressive ccRCC at baseline compared to those with progression at other sites in terms of tumour stage and grade. Median time from ccRCC surgery to PM was 8 (95%CI 5-10) vs. 1 year (95%CI 1-2) for progression to other sites (p < 0.001). Median IPTW-weighted time to second progression was 4.3 years (95%CI 2.4-not reached) for patients with PM vs 1.1 year (95%CI 0.8-2.3) for those with progression in other sites (p < 0.001). The most frequent second progression sites were pancreas (24%) and liver (15%) in patients with PM, while progression to the pancreas was rare (4%) in those with a different first progression site. Surgery alone (55%) or in combination with medical therapy (30%) was more frequent in the PM group than in other sites (p < 0.001). Median IPTW-OS time was longer for patients with PM [8.8 years (95%CI 6.5-not reached)] compared to those with first progression in other sites [2.8 years (95%CI 1.9-4.3), p < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

Pancreatic tropism is typical of ccRCC tumours with more indolent behaviour than those progressing to other sites. A long follow-up period is necessary to distinguish PM from ccRCC.

Repeat pancreatic resection for metachronous pancreatic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma: A case report

Background

Pancreatic metastasis (PM) from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is relatively rare. Surgical resection of PM from RCC is considered as the first choice treatment for achieving long-term prognosis. Herein, we report a case of secondary multiple metastases from RCC to the remnant pancreas following pancreatectomy, with a review of the relevant literature.

Presentation of case

A 69-year-old man who underwent left nephrectomy for RCC (T2N0M0, stage II) 12 years ago was referred to our hospital. Multiple metastases to the pancreatic head from RCC occurred 2 years after the primary surgery, for which pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. Nine years after metastatic resection, multiple tumors of the remnant pancreas were detected on dynamic computed tomography (CT); all tumors showed strong enhancement in the early phase, which persisted into the late phase. The tumors were round, the maximum diameter of the tumor was 20 mm, and they were hyperintense on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Positron emission tomography-CT revealed slight fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the tumor. Multiple PMs were diagnosed, and the remnant pancreas was completely resected. Two years later, the patient was alive and showed no recurrence.

Conclusions

Surgical resection could provide long-term prognosis, even if secondary PM from RCC occurs metachronously. Long-term follow-up is recommended after primary resection, and vigilance regarding the occurrence of PM is needed.

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Surgical resection for pancreatic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma is considered as the first choice treatment.

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We report a case of secondary multiple metastases from renal cell carcinoma to the remnant pancreas following pancreatectomy.

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Surgical resection could provide long-term prognosis even if secondary pancreatic metastasis is occurred metachronously.

Isolated Pancreatic Metastases of Renal Cell Cancer: Genetics and Epigenetics of an Unusual Tumour Entity

Isolated pancreatic metastases of renal cell carcinoma (isPMRCC) are a rare manifestation of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) characterized by two peculiarities: (1). The definite or at least long-term exclusive occurrence of metastases in the pancreas and (2). an unusual low tumour aggressiveness with slow tumour progression and consecutive, good treatment results. According to current knowledge, the exclusive occurrence of pancreatic metastases is due to a highly specific and highly selective seed and soil mechanism, which does not allow metastases settlement outside the pancreas, and whose detailed genetic/epigenetic causes are not yet elucidated. Recent studies have shed light on some of the pathways involved for the protracted course of the disease and highlighted a special genetic profile (lack of loss of 9p, lower weight genome instability index, low frequency of BAP1 alterations, and a high frequency of PBRM1 loss), which deviates from the conventional mRCC profile. Finally, the question of the reasons for the long-term relative genetic stability of the involved cell clones, which is an essential prerequisite for a favourable prognosis, remains unanswered.

Malignant biliary obstruction due to metastatic non-hepato-pancreato-biliary cancer

Malignant biliary obstruction generally results from primary malignancies of the pancreatic head, bile duct, gallbladder, liver, and ampulla of Vater. Metastatic lesions from other primaries to these organs or nearby lymph nodes are rarer causes of biliary obstruction. The most common primaries include renal cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma, and melanoma. They may be difficult to differentiate from primary hepato-pancreato-biliary cancer based on imaging studies, or even on biopsy. There is also no consensus on the optimal method of treatment, including the feasibility and effectiveness of endoscopic intervention or surgery. A thorough review of the literature on pancreato-biliary metastases and malignant biliary obstruction due to metastatic non-hepato-pancreato-biliary cancer is presented. The diagnostic modality and clinical characteristics may differ significantly depending on the type of primary cancer. Different primaries also cause malignant biliary obstruction in different ways, including direct invasion, pancreatic or biliary metastasis, hilar lymph node metastasis, liver metastasis, and peritoneal carcinomatosis. Metastasectomy may hold promise for some types of pancreato-biliary metastases. This review aims to elucidate the current knowledge in this area, which has received sparse attention in the past. The aging population, advances in diagnostic imaging, and improved treatment options may lead to an increase in these rare occurrences going forward.

Kidney Cancer Research Highlights from ASCO GU 2022 Meeting

The 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO-GU22) was held February 17-19, 2022, in San Francisco, California. This meeting gathered worldwide experts in genitourinary cancers across multiple specialties and was held both virtually and in-person. In this report, we highlight key kidney cancer research updates from oral presentations at the meeting. Slides from the meeting’s presentations are available on the ASCO-GU website.

Characterization of Genetic Heterogeneity in Recurrent Metastases of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) exhibits poor prognosis. Better knowledge of distant metastases is crucial to foster personalized treatment strategies. Here, we aimed to investigate the genetic landscape of metastases, including synchronous and/or recurrent metastases to elucidate potential drug target genes and clinically relevant mutations in a real-world setting of patients. We assessed 81 metastases from 56 RCC patients, including synchronous and/or recurrent metastases of 19 patients. Samples were analysed through next-generation sequencing with a high coverage (~1000× mean coverage). We therefore established a novel sequencing panel comprising 32 genes with impact on RCC development. We observed a high frequency of mutations in known RCC driver genes (e.g., >40% carriers of VHL and PBRM1 mutations) in metastases irrespective of the metastatic site. The somatic mutational composition was significantly associated with cancer-specific survival (p(logrank) = 0.03). Moreover, we identified in 34 patients at least one drug target gene as well as clinically relevant mutations listed in the VICC Meta-Knowledgebase in 7%. In addition to significantly higher mutational burden in recurrent metastases compared to earlier ones, synchronous and/or recurrent metastases of individual patients, even after a time-period >2 yrs, shared a high proportion of somatic events. Our data demonstrate the importance of somatic profiling in metastases for precision medicine in RCC.

A renal cell carcinoma tumorgraft platform to advance precision medicine

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) encompasses a heterogenous group of tumors, but representative preclinical models are lacking. We previously showed that patient-derived tumorgraft (TG) models recapitulate the biology and treatment responsiveness. Through systematic orthotopic implantation of tumor samples from 926 ethnically diverse individuals into non-obese diabetic (NOD)/severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice, we generate a resource comprising 172 independently derived, stably engrafted TG lines from 148 individuals. TG lines are characterized histologically and genomically (whole-exome [n = 97] and RNA [n = 102] sequencing). The platform features a variety of histological and oncogenotypes, including TCGA clades further corroborated through orthogonal metabolomic analyses. We illustrate how it enables a deeper understanding of RCC biology; enables the development of tissue- and imaging-based molecular probes; and supports advances in drug development.

Combination Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma: the Best Choice for Every Patient?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Therapeutic alternatives to treat metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are increasing, and combination therapies, including antiangiogenic agents and tyrosine kinase/mTOR/immune checkpoint inhibitors, are identified as the gold standard driven by the results of recent clinical studies. Nevertheless, the real-world RCC population is very heterogeneous, with categories of patients not represented in the enrolled trial population who may not benefit more from these treatments. The purpose of this expert review is to assess the rationale on which tyrosine kinase alone may still be a viable first-line treatment option for some subgroups of patients with mRCC.

RECENT FINDINGS

The first-line treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor monotherapy can still be considered an effective tool for addressing selected mRCCs, as highlighted by the successful outcome in a range of subjects such as favorable-risk patients, the ones suffering from autoimmune diseases, those with pancreatic or lung metastases, or previously undergoing organ transplantation and elderly subjects. Some selected categories of patients may still benefit from monotherapy with TKI, and smart sequential therapies can also be considered instead of a combination strategy. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors can also act as immune modulator agents, boosting the immune response to facilitate and potentiate the therapeutic effectiveness of subsequent immunotherapy.

Molecular underpinnings of glandular tropism in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma: therapeutic implications

BACKGROUND

Glandular metastases (GM) have been associated with improved survival in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (m-ccRCC). We aimed to molecularly characterize m-ccRCC with GM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study on all m-ccRCC patients with available tissue at our institution, diagnosed with metastatic disease from 2000 to 2019. We determined previously described angiogenesis- and immune-related gene expression signatures (GES) and ccrcc molecular subtypes through whole transcriptome RNA sequencing of primary tumors and metastases. We tested differences in GES and molecular subtypes across groups and studied overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Primary tumors of patients who developed GM (n = 55) had higher IMmotion Angio (p < 0.001) and JAVELIN Angio (p = 0.003) GES as well as a higher proportion of angiogenic ccrcc2 molecular subtypes (p = 0.008) than primary tumors of patients with non-GM (n = 128). Metastatic lesions in glandular organs (n = 32) also had higher IMmotion Angio (p = 0.008) and JAVELIN Angio (p = 0.02) GES and were more frequently of the ccrcc2 molecular subtype (p = 0.03), compared to metastatic lesions in non-glandular organs in patients who did not develop any GM (n = 231), but not compared to metastatic lesions in non-glandular organs in patients who also developed GM (n = 18). Patients with GM had better OS (HR 0.49, p < 0.001) and PFS on first-line vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs) (HR 0.64, p = 0.045) than patients with non-GM. PFS on first- or any-line immuno-oncology (IO) was not different. IMmotion Angio, JAVELIN Angio GES, and ccrcc2 molecular subtype were associated with better OS and PFS on first-line VEGFR-TKIs, but not PFS on first or any-line IO.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with m-ccRCC who develop GM are molecularly characterized by heightened angiogenesis, translating into better prognosis and better outcomes on VEGFR-TKIs, but not IO. Based on these findings, VEGFR-TKIs should be included in the first-line treatment of m-ccRCC patients with GM.

Evolving biological associations of upfront cytoreductive nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Systemic responses to cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are variable and difficult to anticipate. The authors aimed to determine the association of CN with modifiable International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) risk factors and oncological outcomes.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with mRCC referred for potential CN (2009-2019) were reviewed. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS); variables of interest included undergoing CN and the baseline number of modifiable IMDC risk factors (anemia, hypercalcemia, neutrophilia, thrombocytosis, and reduced performance status). For operative cases, the authors evaluated the effects of IMDC risk factor dynamics, measured 6 weeks and 6 months after CN, on OS and postoperative treatment disposition.

RESULTS

Of 245 treatment-naive patients with mRCC referred for CN, 177 (72%) proceeded to surgery. The CN cases had fewer modifiable IMDC risk factors (P = .003), including none in 71 of 177 patients (40.1%); fewer metastases (P = .011); and higher proportions of clear cell histology (P = .012). In a multivariable analysis, surgical selection, number of IMDC risk factors, metastatic focality, and histology were associated with OS. Total risk factors changed for 53.8% and 57.2% of the patients from the preoperative period to 6 weeks and 6 months after CN, respectively. Adjusted for preoperative IMDC risk scores, an increase in IMDC risk factors at 6 weeks and 6 months was associated with adverse OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-2.19; P = .007; HR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.74-3.65; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

IMDC risk factors are dynamic clinical variables that can improve after upfront CN in select patients, and this suggests a systemic benefit of cytoreduction, which may confer clinically meaningful prognostic implications.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation as an Future Alternative to Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Study

Simple Summary

Glandular metastases and more precisely pancreatic metastases (PM) from renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are associated with a long survival. Focal treatment in order to control oligo-metastatic disease and avoid systemic therapy is a standard in RCC. However, pancreatic radiofrequency ablation remains a marginal and under evaluated technic. Standard treatment remains pancreatectomy with hazardous outcomes. We report here the largest series of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) on PM for patient treated at Institut Paoli-Calmettes for a mRCC. Patients with progressive PM was treated under general anesthesia with an ultrasound guided endoscopic radiofrequency ablation procedure then followed by CT-scan. We prospectively included 12 patients, median age was 70.5 years old and median size and number of PM at inclusion was 17 mm and 1 respectively. All 26 procedures performed went as planned and no immediate complications were experienced. After 27.7 months of follow-up, the 6- and 12-month focal control rates were 84% and 73% respectively. Two severe complications occurred after EUS-RFA but were totally resolved after specific treatment. In total, EUS-RFA is feasible and displayed an excellent focal control and should be integrated in the arsenal to treat PM from mRCC in order to spare systemic therapy and/or pancreatic surgery.

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic metastases (PM) from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are rare, are associated with favorable outcomes and are usually handled by surgery or VEGFR inhibitors, which both have side effects. Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an innovative approach to treat focally deep metastases and could be a relevant technique to control PM from RCC. Methods: This monocentric, prospective study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EUS-RFA to treat PM. We included patients with confirmed and progressive PM from RCC. PM was ablated under general anesthesia with a linear EUS scope and a EUS-RFA 19-gauge needle electrode placed into the tumor. Results: Twelve patients from Paoli-Calmettes Institute were recruited between May 2017 and December 2019. Median age was 70.5 years (range 61–75), 50% were female, 100% were ECOG 0–1. At inclusion, mean PM size was 17 mm (range 3–35 mm); and all were progressive before EUS-RFA. Seven patients had EUS-RFA as the only treatment for RCC. We performed 26 EUS-RFA procedures and 21 PM was ablated. Median follow up was 27.7 months (range 6.4–57.1). For evaluable PM, the 6- and 12-month focal control rates were 84% and 73% respectively. One patient treated with TKI developed a paraduodenal abscess 2 months after EUS-RFA and another patient with biliary stent developed hepatic abscesses few days after EUS-RFA. No other severe side effects were experienced. Conclusions: in this series, which is the largest ever reported, we showed that EUS-RFA is feasible and yields an excellent local control rate for PM from mRCC. With manageable complications, it could be a valuable alternative to pancreatic surgery in well-selected patients.

Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy for Oligoprogressive Renal Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

Oligoprogression, defined as limited sites of progression on systemic therapy, in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is not uncommon, possibly because of inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity. We evaluated the effect of stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SAbR) for longitudinal control of oligoprogressive mRCC.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with extracranial mRCC were included in this retrospective analysis if they progressed in ≤3 sites on systemic therapy while demonstrating response/stability at other sites and received SAbR to all progressing sites without switching systemic therapy. Our primary endpoint was modified progression-free survival (mPFS), which we calculated from the start of SAbR to the start of a subsequent systemic therapy, death, or loss to follow-up.

RESULTS

We identified 36 patients with a median follow-up of 20.4 months (interquartile range, 10.9-29.4). Forty-three sites were treated with SAbR with a median dose of 36 Gy (range, 18-50) in 3 fractions (range, 1-5). Median time to SAbR from the start of systemic therapy was 11.4 months (interquartile range, 6.1-17.1). Median mPFS was 9.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.9-13.2). Patients receiving SAbR while on immunotherapy exhibited a longer median mPFS (>28.4 months, log-rank P = .0001) than patients not on immunotherapy (9.2 months). Median overall survival from SAbR administration was 43.4 months (95% CI, 21.5-not Reached). The 1-year local control rate was 93% (95% CI, 78.7-97.5). Most SAbR-related toxicities were grade 1 to 2 (33% of patients), with one grade 5 hemoptysis event possibly related to SAbR or disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

SAbR has the potential to extend the the duration of current systemic therapy for selected patients with mRCC, preserving subsequent therapies for later administration possibly enabling longer treatment duration.

Association of Clear Cell Likelihood Score on MRI and Growth Kinetics of Small Solid Renal Masses on Active Surveillance

Background: The lack of validated imaging markers to characterize biologic aggressiveness of small renal masses (SRMs; cT1a, ≤4 cm) hinders medical decision making amongst available initial management strategies. Objective: To explore the association of the clear cell likelihood score (ccLS) on MRI with growth rates and progression of SRMs. Methods: This retrospective study included consecutive SRMs assigned a ccLS on clinical MRI examinations performed between June 2016 and November 2019 at an academic tertiary-care medical center or its affiliated safety net hospital system. The ccLS scores the likelihood that the SRM represents clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) from 1 (very unlikely) to 5 (very likely). The ccLS was extracted from clinical reports. Tumor size measurements were extracted from available prior and follow-up cross-sectional imaging examinations, through June 2020. Serial tumor size measurements were fit to linear and exponential growth curves. Estimated growth rates were grouped by the assigned ccLS. Tumor progression was defined by development of large size (>4 cm in at least two measurements) and/or rapid growth (doubling of volume within 1 year). Differences among ccLS groups were evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Correlation between ccLS and growth rate were evaluated by Spearman correlation (ρ). Results: Growth rates of 386 SRMs (100 ccLS1-2, 75 ccLS3, and 211 ccLS4-5) from 339 patients (median age 65 years; 198 men, 141 women) were analyzed. Median follow-up was 1.16 years. The ccLS was correlated with growth rates by size (ρ=0.19, p<.001; ccLS4-5: 9%/year, ccLS1-2: 5%/year, p<.001) and by volume (ρ=0.136, p=.008; ccLS4-5: 29%/year, ccLS1-2: 16%/year, p<.001). Disease progression (observed in 49 SRMs) was not significantly associated with ccLS group (p=.61). Two patients (0.6%) developed metastases during active surveillance (AS): one ccLS1 that was a type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma and one ccLS4 that was ccRCC. Conclusions: Growth is associated with ccLS in SRMs, with higher ccLS correlating with faster growth. Clinical Impact: The non-invasive clear cell likelihood score (ccLS), derived from MRI, correlates with growth rate of SRMs and may help guide personalized management. SRMs with lower ccLS may be considered for AS, whereas SRMs with higher ccLS may warrant earlier intervention.

Metastasis, an Example of Evolvability

Simple Summary

Cancer is a complex disease. Modern molecular technologies are progressively unveiling its genetic and epigenetic complexity, but still many key issues remain unknown. Considering cancer as a social dysfunction in a community of individuals has provided new perspectives of analysis with promising results. This narrative considers both approaches with respect to the metastatic process, the final cause of death in most patients affected by this disease.

Abstract

This overview focuses on two different perspectives to analyze the metastatic process taking clear cell renal cell carcinoma as a model, molecular and ecological. On the one hand, genomic analyses have demonstrated up to seven different constrained routes of tumor evolution and two different metastatic patterns. On the other hand, game theory applied to cell encounters within a tumor provides a sociological perspective of the possible behaviors of individuals (cells) in a collectivity. This combined approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the complex rules governing a neoplasm.

Deciphering Intratumoral Molecular Heterogeneity in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma with a Radiogenomics Platform

PURPOSE

Intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) challenges the molecular characterization of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and is a confounding factor for therapy selection. Most approaches to evaluate ITH are limited by two-dimensional ex vivo tissue analyses. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) can noninvasively assess the spatial landscape of entire tumors in their natural milieu. To assess the potential of DCE-MRI, we developed a vertically integrated radiogenomics colocalization approach for multi-region tissue acquisition and analyses. We investigated the potential of spatial imaging features to predict molecular subtypes using histopathologic and transcriptome correlatives.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We report the results of a prospective study of 49 patients with ccRCC who underwent DCE-MRI prior to nephrectomy. Surgical specimens were sectioned to match the MRI acquisition plane. RNA sequencing data from multi-region tumor sampling (80 samples) were correlated with percent enhancement on DCE-MRI in spatially colocalized regions of the tumor. Independently, we evaluated clinical applicability of our findings in 19 patients with metastatic RCC (39 metastases) treated with first-line antiangiogenic drugs or checkpoint inhibitors.

RESULTS

DCE-MRI identified tumor features associated with angiogenesis and inflammation, which differed within and across tumors, and likely contribute to the efficacy of antiangiogenic drugs and immunotherapies. Our vertically integrated analyses show that angiogenesis and inflammation frequently coexist and spatially anti-correlate in the same tumor. Furthermore, MRI contrast enhancement identifies phenotypes with better response to antiangiogenic therapy among patients with metastatic RCC.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings have important implications for decision models based on biopsy samples and highlight the potential of more comprehensive imaging-based approaches.

Stereotactic Ablative Radiation (SAbR) for Oligometastatic RCC

A significant proportion of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients present with oligometastatic disease. Retrospective and limited prospective data suggests that a subgroup of patients with oligometastatic mRCC benefits from aggressive local therapy. With the emerging data of high local control efficacy with low toxicity of stereotactic ablative radiation (SAbR) for both CNS and extra-cranial mRCC, SAbR may play a critical role in the multi-modality management of mRCC patients with oligometastatic disease. In addition to local control benefit, the benefit of SAbR in this patient population can range from longitudinal disease control, maintaining quality of life, deferring systemic therapy, immune-modulation and even improving survival. A review of the retrospective data suggests that SAbR benefits oligometastatic mRCC patients with metachronous metastases, and perhaps those with indolent biology. Large prospective trials are indicated to successfully integrate SAbR of oligometastatic mRCC with the available systemic therapies to harness the optimal benefit of SAbR for this patient population.

Imaging and its Impact on Defining the Oligometastatic State

Successful treatment of oligometastatic disease (OMD) is facilitated through timely detection and localization of disease, both at the time of initial diagnosis (synchronous OMD) and following the initial therapy (metachronous OMD). Hence, imaging plays an indispensable role in management of patients with OMD. However, the challenges and complexities of OMD management are also reflected in the imaging of this entity. While innovations and advances in imaging technology have made a tremendous impact in disease detection and management, there remain substantial and unaddressed challenges for earlier and more accurate establishment of OMD state. This review will provide an overview of the available imaging modalities and their inherent strengths and weaknesses, with a focus on their role and potential in detection and evaluation of OMD in different organ systems. Furthermore, we will review the role of imaging in evaluation of OMD for malignancies of various primary organs, such as the lung, prostate, colon/rectum, breast, kidney, as well as neuroendocrine tumors and gynecologic malignancies. We aim to provide a practical overview about the utilization of imaging for clinicians who play a role in the care of those with, or at risk for OMD.

New developments in existing WHO entities and evolving molecular concepts: The Genitourinary Pathology Society (GUPS) update on renal neoplasia

The Genitourinary Pathology Society (GUPS) reviewed recent advances in renal neoplasia, particularly post-2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification, to provide an update on existing entities, including diagnostic criteria, molecular correlates, and updated nomenclature. Key prognostic features for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain WHO/ISUP grade, AJCC/pTNM stage, coagulative necrosis, and rhabdoid and sarcomatoid differentiation. Accrual of subclonal genetic alterations in clear cell RCC including SETD2, PBRM1, BAP1, loss of chromosome 14q and 9p are associated with variable prognosis, patterns of metastasis, and vulnerability to therapies. Recent National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines increasingly adopt immunotherapeutic agents in advanced RCC, including RCC with rhabdoid and sarcomatoid changes. Papillary RCC subtyping is no longer recommended, as WHO/ISUP grade and tumor architecture better predict outcome. New papillary RCC variants/patterns include biphasic, solid, Warthin-like, and papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity. For tumors with 'borderline' features between oncocytoma and chromophobe RCC, a term "oncocytic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential, not further classified" is proposed. Clear cell papillary RCC may warrant reclassification as a tumor of low malignant potential. Tubulocystic RCC should only be diagnosed when morphologically pure. MiTF family translocation RCCs exhibit varied morphologic patterns and fusion partners. TFEB-amplified RCC occurs in older patients and is associated with more aggressive behavior. Acquired cystic disease (ACD) RCC-like cysts are likely precursors of ACD-RCC. The diagnosis of renal medullary carcinoma requires a negative SMARCB1 (INI-1) expression and sickle cell trait/disease. Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) can be distinguished from papillary RCC with overlapping morphology by losses of chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, and 22. MTSCC with adverse histologic features shows frequent CDKN2A/2B (9p) deletions. BRAF mutations unify the metanephric family of tumors. The term "fumarate hydratase deficient RCC" ("FH-deficient RCC") is preferred over "hereditary leiomyomatosis and RCC syndrome-associated RCC". A low threshold for FH, 2SC, and SDHB immunohistochemistry is recommended in difficult to classify RCCs, particularly those with eosinophilic morphology, occurring in younger patients. Current evidence does not support existence of a unique tumor subtype occurring after chemotherapy/radiation in early childhood.

Glandular metastases from renal cell carcinoma show poor clinical responses to immune checkpoint inhibition but durable responses to angiogenesis inhibitors

While half of the metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs) involve the lungs, metastatic lesions have been described in various other organs, including glandular tissues such as the pancreas. Recent evidence suggests that ccRCC lesions affecting the pancreas are poorly responsive to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) but show superior responses to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling pathway. However, this has yet to be explored in ccRCC spreading to other glandular tissues. Here we present two cases of ccRCC with glandular metastases, the first to the pancreas and the second to the parotid gland. In both patients, ICI-based immunotherapy offered minimal clinical benefit, but both had durable responses to angiogenesis inhibitors. Given the anatomic similarity between the pancreas and parotid glands, ccRCC with involvement of the parotid gland may also benefit from VEGF-targeting TKIs as opposed to ICIs.

Long-term Outcomes After Surgical Resection of Pancreatic Metastases from Renal Clear-Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic metastases (PM) from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are uncommon. We herein describe the long-term outcomes associated with pancreatectomy at two academic institutions, with a specific focus on 10-year survival.

METHODS

This investigation was limited to patients undergoing pancreatectomy for PM between 2000 and 2008 at the University of Verona and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, allowing a potential for 10 years of surveillance. The probabilities of further RCC recurrence and RCC-related death were estimated using a competing risk analysis (method of Fine and Gray) to account for patients who died of other causes during follow-up.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 69 patients, mostly with isolated metachronous PM (77%). The median interval from nephrectomy to pancreatic metastasectomy was 109 months, whereas the median post-pancreatectomy follow-up was 141 months. The 10-year cumulative incidence of new RCC recurrence was 62.7%. In the adjusted analysis, the relative risk of repeated recurrence was significantly higher in PM synchronous to the primary RCC (sHR = 1.27) and in patients receiving extended pancreatectomy (sHR = 3.05). The 10-year cumulative incidence of disease-specific death was 25.5%. The only variable with an influence on disease-specific death was the recurrence-free interval following metastasectomy (sHR = 0.98). In patients with repeated recurrence, the 10-year cumulative incidence of RCC-related death was 35.4%.

CONCLUSION

In a selected group of patients followed for a median of 141 months and mostly with isolated metachronous PM, resection was associated with a high possibility of long-term disease control in surgically fit patients with metastases confined to the pancreas.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma concomitant with pancreatic metastases of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma: a case report

Background

Metastatic spread to the pancreas is a rare event. Renal cell carcinoma represents one possible site of origin of pancreatic metastases. Renal cell carcinoma often metastasizes late and exclusively to the pancreas, suggesting a special role of renal cell carcinoma among primaries metastasizing to the pancreas. Even rarer, renal cell carcinoma may occur simultaneously with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 78-year-old male Caucasian patient with a history of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma treated with oncological left nephrectomy 20 years before. The patient was diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by fine-needle aspiration cytology. At our institution, he received neoadjuvant therapy with folic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin for borderline-resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and subsequently underwent total pancreatectomy. Upon resection, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma as well as two metachronous metastases of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma occurring simultaneously and cospatially with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were diagnosed in the pancreatic body.

Conclusions

Renal cell carcinoma metastases of the pancreas are rare and often occur decades after the initial diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma. The combination of renal cell carcinoma metastases and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is even rarer. However, the possibility should be considered by clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists. The special role of renal cell carcinoma as a site of origin of pancreatic metastasis should be further elucidated.

Prognostic Significance of Pancreatic Metastases in Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated With Systemic Therapy

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic metastases (PM) are rare in renal cell carcinoma. It has been suggested that patients with metastases to the pancreas have a more favorable prognosis, but little is known about the long-term outcomes with systemic therapy. We sought to understand the outcomes of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma with PM treated with systemic therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a pooled analysis of 4736 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated on phase II/III clinical trials. Systemic therapies included anti-vascular endothelial growth factor targeted therapy, mammalian target of rapamycin-targeted therapy, and cytokine therapy.

RESULTS

The primary end point was overall survival (OS) in patients with versus without PM. Statistical analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression. Among 4736 patients, 235 (5.0%) were identified to have baseline PM at therapy initiation. The median OS in patients with PM was significantly prolonged with OS of 41.7 months versus 19.0 months (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.52; P < .0001). Similarly, progression-free survival was significantly prolonged in patients with PM (10.9 vs. 6.9 months; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.72; P = .004). The effect of PM on OS and progression-free survival was independent of other sites of metastasis or International mRCC Database Consortium risk group.

CONCLUSION

The presence of PM in RCC is an independent positive predictor for survival and improved response to systemic therapy. These findings suggest RCC with PM is associated with favorable outcomes and further work to understand the underlying disease biology of these patients is warranted.

Clinical Features and Multiplatform Molecular Analysis Assist in Understanding Patient Response to Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Predicting response to ICI therapy among patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been uniquely challenging. We analyzed patient characteristics and clinical correlates from a retrospective single-site cohort of advanced RCC patients receiving anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy (N = 97), as well as molecular parameters in a subset of patients, including multiplexed immunofluorescence (mIF), whole exome sequencing (WES), T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing, and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Clinical factors such as the development of immune-related adverse events (odds ratio (OR) = 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05-5.91) and immunological prognostic parameters, including a higher percentage of circulating lymphocytes (23.4% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.0015) and a lower percentage of circulating neutrophils (61.8% vs. 68.5%, p = 0.0045), correlated with response. Previously identified gene expression signatures representing pathways of angiogenesis, myeloid inflammation, T effector presence, and clear cell signatures also correlated with response. High PD-L1 expression (>10% cells) as well as low TCR diversity (≤644 clonotypes) were associated with improved progression-free survival (PFS). We corroborate previously published findings and provide preliminary evidence of T cell clonality impacting the outcome of RCC patients. To further biomarker development in RCC, future studies will benefit from integrated analysis of multiple molecular platforms and prospective validation.