Latest Research on Kidney Cancer

Executive Summary

The various research studies help gain more information on kidney cancer. The various related prevention methods, diagnostic process at the initial phase, and best treatment strategies. Researchers focus on devising new treatment approaches such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy. However, doctors are experimenting with different cancer vaccines to treat kidney cancer and prevent recurrence in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

There are various recent medications, that impact the development of blood vessels and the proliferation of cancer cells. These medications can also be effective in targeted therapy for kidney cancer. Modified cytokines for kidney cancer are still being studied in clinical studies. Antibodies targeting specific molecules on the surface of immune cells, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), are used as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Clinical studies are underway to find new ways to reduce the symptoms and side effects of current kidney cancer treatments while improving the comfort and quality of life of the patients.

Advancement in Kidney Cancer Research

Scientists and doctors are constantly analyzing and learning more about kidney cancers. In fact, they are trying to devise better strategies to prevent and treat the disease. Many studies focus on discovering methods to provide the best possible treatment and care for people with a tumor in the kidney.

Many clinical trials test different treatment options for various kidney cancers. Therefore, the patients or the caretakers must talk with the doctor to learn about all the best available diagnostic methods, treatment options, and current research concerning kidney cancer. Since most kidney cancers do not respond well to traditional chemo procedures, researchers focus on devising new treatment approaches such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy.

Cancer vaccines

Cancer vaccines aid the immune system in the battle against cancer. Doctors are experimenting with different cancer vaccines to treat kidney cancer and prevent recurrence in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma ^​1​. One vaccine is made from the tumor of the patient and administered after surgery. While others are from proteins on the surface of cancer cells or blood vessel cells of the tumor.

Targeted therapy

There are various recent medications, that impact the development of blood vessels and the proliferation of cancer cells. These medications can also be effective in targeted therapy for kidney cancer. These clinical findings suggest that these medications could be effective treatments for kidney cancer, which is an area of rapidly changing science. Many targeted medicines and immunotherapies are being investigated for use as adjuvant therapy or treatments given after the primary treatment(s). As it can help to reduce the chance of recurrence and eliminate any remaining cancer cells ^​2​. Sunitinib, a targeted medication, reduced cancer return in patients with localized cancer who were at high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy. Hence it is best to follow the conventional, tests and treatments.

Modified cytokines:

Although IL-2 is a successful treatment for metastatic kidney cancer, it has a slew of adverse side effects. A novel medication that chemically alters IL-2 (bempegaldesleukin) has also been associated with fewer significant adverse effects. This treatment for kidney cancer is still being studied in clinical studies.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors

This sort of immunotherapy works by removing the restraints on the immune system, allowing it to attack cancer more effectively. Antibodies targeting specific molecules on the surface of immune cells, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), are used in these medications ^​3​. These medications appear to be effective in treating kidney cancer, and more clinical trials are now underway.

Palliative care/supportive care

Clinical studies are underway to find new ways to reduce the symptoms and side effects of current kidney cancer treatments to improve the comfort and quality of life of the patients.

References