Renal cell carcinoma.

Abstract

The landscape of the management of renal cell carcinoma has evolved substantially in the last decade, leading to improved survival in localised and advanced disease. We review the epidemiology, pathology, and diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma and discuss the evidence for current management strategies from localised to metastatic disease. Developments in adjuvant therapies are discussed, including use of pembrolizumab-the first therapy to achieve overall survival benefit in the adjuvant setting. The treatment of advanced disease, including landmark trials that have established immune checkpoint inhibition as a standard of care, are also reviewed. We also discuss the current controversies that exist surrounding the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, including the use of risk assessment models for disease stratification and treatment selection for frontline therapy. Management of non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma subtypes is also reviewed. Future directions of research, including a discussion of ongoing clinical trials and the need for reliable biomarkers to guide treatment in kidney cancer, are also highlighted.