Impact of Immunotherapy on Real-World Survival Outcomes in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Treatment options for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are rapidly expanding, and immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors is a first- or second-line option for most patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present retrospective analysis was to explore the real-world impact of checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy compared with therapy using other types of targeted therapies using a large real-world database. METHODS: RenIS, a registry of patients with mRCC was used as a data source. Outcomes were compared for cohorts treated with TKIs or mTOR inhibitors only [targeted therapy (TT) cohort] versus patients who received immunotherapy (IO) using a checkpoint inhibitor in any line of treatment (IO cohort). Data from a total of 1981 patients were extracted from the registry, including 1767 patients in the TT cohort and 214 patients in the IO cohort. RESULTS: The median overall survival from the initiation of first-line treatment was 24.5 months versus not reached (p < 0.001) in the TT cohort versus the IO cohort, respectively [HR 0.23, 95% CI (0.17-0.31), p < 0.001]. The probability of 5-year survival was 24.2 versus 67.9% in the TT cohort versus the IO cohort, respectively. Immunotherapy in any line of treatment was associated with a lower risk of death. Overall survival was superior for patients receiving immunotherapy as the first or second treatment line compared with patients treated with non-immunological targeted therapy. CONCLUSION: In real-world patients with mRCC, immunotherapy is associated with significant survival benefit. The present retrospective analysis shows the real-world benefit of second-line immunotherapy in patients previously treated with tyrosine-kinase inhibitors.

The Evolving Landscape of Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma.

The role of cytoreductive nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been studied intensively over the past few decades. Interestingly, the opinion with regard to the importance of this procedure has switched from a recommendation as a standard of care to an almost complete refutation. However, no definitive agreement on cytoreductive nephrectomy, including the pros and cons of the procedure, has been reached, and the topic remains highly controversial. With the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors, we have experienced a paradigm shift, with immunotherapy playing a crucial role in the treatment algorithm. Nevertheless, obtaining results from prospective clinical trials on the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy requires time, and once some data have been gathered, the standards of systemic therapy may be different, and we stand again at the beginning. This review summarizes current knowledge on the topic in the light of newly evolving treatment strategies. The crucial point is to recognize who could be an appropriate candidate for immediate cytoreductive surgery that may facilitate the effect of systemic therapy through tumor debulking, or who might benefit from deferred cytoreduction in the setting of an objective response of the tumor. The role of prognostic factors in management decisions as well as the technical details associated with performing the procedure from a urological perspective are discussed. Ongoing clinical trials that may bring new evidence for transforming therapeutic paradigms are listed.

Neoadjuvant nivolumab and cabozantinib in advanced renal cell carcinoma in a horseshoe kidney - how to achieve a safe and radical resection? a case report and review of the literature.

Introduction: Neoadjuvant nivolumab and cabozantinib in locally advanced renal cell carcinoma in a horseshoe kidney is a novel therapeutic approach in the preoperative setting. Methods: We report a case of a 52-year old male who presented with a large inoperable tumor of the horseshoe kidney and achieved major partial radiologic response after neoadjuvant therapy with nivolumab and cabozantinib leading to radical resection of the tumor. The patient remains tumor free on the subsequent follow-up and his renal function is only mildly decreased. The systemic treatment was complicated by hepatotoxicity leading to early nivolumab withdrawal. Results: Currently, the combination therapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors represents the treatment of choice in treatment-naïve patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma in any prognostic group. The neoadjuvant treatment approach is being tested in prospective clinical trials and results are eagerly awaited. Renal cell carcinoma in a horseshoe kidney is an uncommon finding that is always challenging. Additionally, management guidance in this patient population is lacking. In some patients neoadjuvant therapy could be the only way to preserve kidney function. The initial treatment strategy should be individualized to patient needs aiming at the radical resection of the primary tumor as the only chance of getting the tumor under control in the long term. Conclusion: Herein, we highlight the feasibility of neoadjuvant systemic therapy with nivolumab and cabozantinib allowing the subsequent performance of radical tumor resection with negative margins in a patient with advanced renal cell carcinoma in a horseshoe kidney, removing the primary tumor while sparing the patient from lifelong dialysis.

Biomarkers of Inflammation and Progression During Immunotherapy in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Biomarkers that would identify patients unlikely to respond to immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remain an unmet medical need. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the present study, we have retrospectively evaluated the association between biomarkers of immune activation and outcome in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients treated with ICIs. The laboratory and clinical data of 79 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed mRCC treated with ICI-based immunotherapy have been analyzed. RESULTS: Patients who progressed or died at 4 months had higher prognostic score, higher serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and neopterin, and urinary neopterin, and lower serum albumin and hemoglobin concentration. CONCLUSION: Biomarkers of activation of immune response, in particular serum neopterin/creatinine ratio, are associated with outcome in mRCC patients treated with ICI immunotherapy.

The Role of Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in Renal Cell Carcinoma with Sarcomatoid Histology: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid dedifferentiation represents a rare histological entity characterized by aggressive behavior, limited efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors or mTOR inhibitors, and poor outcome. The immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy regimen combining ipilimumab with nivolumab represents a new standard of care for this patient population due to a hitherto unprecedented response rate and overall survival. On the other hand, the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma, in particular, with sarcomatoid histology, remains controversial. PATIENT AND METHODS: In the present case series, we report six patients with locally advanced or synchronous metastatic sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma and intermediate or poor International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk score, five of whom were successfully subjected to cytoreductive nephrectomy. RESULTS: All six patients received the combination regimen of ipilimumab with nivolumab. Five of these patients underwent upfront cytoreductive nephrectomy followed by systemic treatment without any significant delay, with a durable treatment outcome. Notably, two patients with poor prognostic features achieved a long-term major partial response to therapy. We also performed a review of the literature on optimal treatment strategies for patients with sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Herein, we highlight the feasibility of performing cytoreductive nephrectomy in patients with intermediate/poor prognosis metastatic renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid dedifferentiation followed by immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab. To enhance the chances of immunotherapy success, cytoreductive nephrectomy should also be considered for patients presenting with a disease with adverse prognostic parameters.

A Pathological Complete Response to the Combination of Ipilimumab and Nivolumab in a Patient with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Background and Objectives: Complete pathological response after ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy in a patient with intermediate prognosis renal cell carcinoma is an uncommon finding. Case presentation: A 60-year-old man presented with synchronous solitary metastatic bone lesion and renal cell carcinoma and achieved a complete pathological response after surgical resection of the bone lesion, followed by ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy and nephrectomy. The treatment was complicated by hypophysitis and oligoarthritis more than a year after the initiation of the therapy. Conclusions: Currently, the combination therapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors represents the treatment of choice in patients with intermediate- and poor-risk prognosis metastatic renal cell carcinoma. In the present case, preoperative therapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab resulted in a complete pathological response in the renal tumor. Vigilance concerning potential immune-related side effects is warranted throughout the course of therapy and the subsequent follow-up.

Severe tyrosine-kinase inhibitor induced liver injury in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients: two case reports assessed for causality using the updated RUCAM and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Sunitinib and pazopanib are both oral small molecule multityrosine kinase inhibitors (MTKI) used in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Hepatotoxicity or "liver injury" is the most important adverse effect of pazopanib administration, but little is known about the underlying mechanism. Liver injury may also occur in patients treated with sunitinib, but severe toxicity is extremely rare. Herein we report two new cases of severe liver injury induced by MTKI. Both cases are unique and exceptional. We assessed both cases for drug-induced liver injury (DILI) using the updated score Roussel Uclaf causality assessment method (RUCAM). The literature on potential pathogenic mechanisms and precautionary measures is reviewed. CASE PRESENTATION: A case of a metastatic RCC (mRCC) patient treated with pazopanib who had manifestation of severe liver injury is presented. These manifestations consisted of grade 4 alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase and grade 4 hyperbilirubinemia. Alternate causes of acute or chronic liver disease were excluded. The patient gradually recovered from the liver injury and refused any further therapy for mRCC. The patient was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) two years later and eventually succumbed to the disease. The second case describes a mRCC patient treated with sunitinib for 3,5 years and fatal liver failure after 2 weeks of clarithromycin co-medication for acute bronchitis. CONCLUSIONS: Liver injury has been commonly observed in TKI-treated patients with unpredictable course. Management requires regular routine liver enzyme-monitoring and the collaboration of medical oncologist and hepatologist. There is an unmet medical need for a risk stratification and definition of predictive biomarkers to identify potential genetic polymorphisms or other factors associated with TKI-induced liver injury. Any potential unrecommended concomitant therapy has to be avoided.

Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with cabozantinib in the Czech Republic: analysis of four cancer centers.

AIM: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze treatment outcomes and tolerance in patients in whom cabozantinib was used after previous targeted therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cabozantinib was administered in dose 60 mg/day, a subset of patients received initial dose of 40 mg/day. The treatment was administered until to progression or unacceptable toxicity. CT scans were assessed according to the RECIST 1.1 and toxicity of treatment was assessed based on the CTCAE (version 4). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). We performed a multivariate analysis of risk factors for treatment outcomes (PFS, OS) by Cox regression analysis. All statistics were evaluated at the significance level alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: 54 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) were evaluated. Median PFS in all patients treated with cabozantinib was 9.3 months (95% CI 5.3 - 13.3). One-year survival was 85.2% (95% CI 72.9 - 93.4%). Treatment response was observed in 45.9% of cases, including one complete remission. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that presence of subsequent treatment was the only factor with a significant effect on OS (P=0.008). Adverse events occurred in 88.9% of patients, grade 3 - 4 in 46.3%. CONCLUSION: The analysis of our cohort of patients treated with cabozantinib in the second or higher lines of treatment showed that cabozantinib represents an effective and safe therapy and contributes to longer survival of our mRCC patients.

Sarcopenia in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated with Cabozantinib.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is common in advanced cancer and correlates with poor performance status, increased risk of treatment-related toxicity, and shortened survival. Inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway have been associated with development or deterioration of sarcopenia. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and impact of sarcopenia on survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with cabozantinib, a novel, highly potent multikinase inhibitor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients treated with cabozantinib for mRCC progressing on other targeted therapies with available computed tomography (CT) scans acquired at the time of initiation of cabozantinib and on the first restaging were evaluated retrospectively. Muscle mass was assessed based on striated muscle area at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. RESULTS: The median muscle mass index at CT1 and CT2 was 52.2 cm2/m2 (range 33.0-69.2 cm2/m2) and 49.1 cm2/m2 (range 33.1-68.2 cm2/m2), respectively. Sarcopenia was initially present in 13 (44.8%) patients. The mean muscle mass change between CT1 and CT2 was - 2.2 cm2/m2 (range - 10.1 to + 4.8cm2/m2). Six-month progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly shorter in patients with at least 10% muscle loss, reaching 50% (95% CI 9.9-90) versus 79.8% (95% CI 62.1-90.6) in others (p = 0.022). The presence of initial sarcopenia was not associated with grade 3-4 toxicity, which was reported in six (46.2%) and seven (46.7%) patients with and without sarcopenia, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Significant and early skeletal muscle loss occurs during treatment with cabozantinib in a high proportion of patients and is associated with poor PFS.