Current Trends and Future Directions in Targeted Therapies for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

STATEMENT OF NEED

Based on recent estimates, kidney cancer accounts for approximately 4% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States. An estimated 65,300 new cases are reported each year and more than 14,000 people die of the disease. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which comprises nearly 90% of all kidney cancers, is characterized by a lack of early warning signs, diverse clinical manifestations, and resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. As a result of its often asymptomatic presentation, many patients present with advanced disease, which is associated with poor outcomes. The 5-year survival rate for patients with regional RCC is only 67%, and drops to a dismal 12% for those with distant metastases.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Medical oncologists, urologists, oncology advanced practitioners, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

1. Describe the pathogenesis of RCC and the scientific foundation for targeted therapies
2. Evaluate emerging data on the use of targeted therapies for advanced RCC
3. Discuss relevant adverse events associated with targeted therapies for advanced RCC and evidence-based management strategies