Renal cell carcinoma: the translation of molecular biology into new treatments, new patient outcomes, and nursing implications.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the current knowledge and treatment options for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).


METHODS
Published articles, published abstracts, online databases, and package inserts.


RESULTS
Researchers have an increased understanding of the genetic and prognostic risk factors associated with RCC. Most patients with this rare type of cancer have or will develop metastasis. Nephrectomy treats localized disease and cytokine therapy was the previous standard for metastatic disease, but newly approved targeted agents, such as sorafenib, temsirolimus, and sunitinib, as well as investigational agents such as bevacizumab, are improving patient outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Understanding the biologic basis of RCC has led to therapies that are transforming the goals for treatment outcomes in patients with metastatic disease and increasing time to progression with manageable side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Counseling patients and managing treatment-related side effects of therapy are critical interventions for healthcare professionals caring for patients with RCC. Evolving treatments for metastatic disease are providing better options for patients and changing disease management.
Moldawer
Nancy P
NP
Division of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA. nmoldawer@coh.org
Figlin
Robert
R
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001557:Benzenesulfonates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007211:Indoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009392:Nephrectomy; D009536:Niacinamide / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010671:Phenylurea Compounds; D011379:Prognosis; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D035583:Rare Diseases; D012307:Risk Factors; D020123:Sirolimus / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077157:Sorafenib; D000077210:Sunitinib; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001557:Benzenesulfonates; D007211:Indoles; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D007376:Interleukin-2; D010671:Phenylurea Compounds; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011725:Pyridines; D011758:Pyrroles; D009536:Niacinamide; D000068258:Bevacizumab; C401859:temsirolimus; D000077157:Sorafenib; D000077210:Sunitinib; D020123:Sirolimus