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Published in: World Journal of Urology 1/2014

01-02-2014 | Invited Review

How far is the horizon? From current targets to future drugs in advanced renal cancer

Authors: Stephan Kruck, Axel S. Merseburger, Arnulf Stenzl, Jens Bedke

Published in: World Journal of Urology | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Purpose

The proliferative control of renal cell cancer (RCC) via vascular endothelial growth factor and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition by targeted agents has substantially improved survival rates for RCC patients with metastatic (m) disease. However, the management of mRCC remains challenging because some patients are primarily refractory to the approved targeted agents and most therapies eventually fail because of the development of an intractable drug resistance. Tumor progression is closely related to a persistent or restored proliferation via direct and indirect oncogenic signals. Although the elucidation of cancer cell proliferation in the “–omics era” has revealed an enormous number of new potential targets, a comprehensive overview of the different pathways that might serve as new drug targets has become increasingly complex.

Methods/Results

This review highlights the well-trodden pathways in mRCC that are inhibited by targeting agents and describes innovative modes of action within these pathways that are currently not targeted but are under exploration in clinical studies. Additionally, this paper highlights as future drug targets the components of tumor metabolism that supply the tumor cells with nutrition.

Conclusions

These fundamental insights into RCC proliferation as a key driver of progression are urgently needed to overcome the currently improved but still limited targeted drug success.
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Metadata
Title
How far is the horizon? From current targets to future drugs in advanced renal cancer
Authors
Stephan Kruck
Axel S. Merseburger
Arnulf Stenzl
Jens Bedke
Publication date
01-02-2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
World Journal of Urology / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 0724-4983
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8726
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-013-1096-1

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