Chromophobe renal cell cancer - review of the literature and potential methods of treating metastatic disease

Rafał Stec,Lubomir Bodnar,Michał Mączewski,Cezary Szczylik,Bartłomiej Grala

doi:10.1186/1756-9966-28-134

Abstract

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) is a subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). ChRCC is diagnosed mainly in 6th decade of life. An incidence of ChRCC is similar in both men and woman. Eighty six percent of ChRCCs cases are diagnosed in stage 1 or 2. Prognosis of ChRCC is better than in other types of RCC. Five- and 10-year disease free survival (DFS) for ChRCC was 83.9% and 77.9%, respectively. Expression of immunohistological markers: cytokeratins (CK), vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), CD10 could be potentially helpful in diagnosis of different subtypes of RCC. From all conventional RCC, CD 117 was detected (overexpression) in membrane of cells ChRCC.Overexpression of CD117 on cellular membranes of ChRCC could be a potential target for kinase inhibitors like: imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib. The potential targets for other kinase inhibitors (sunitinib and sorafenib) in ChRCC seem to be VEGFR and PDGFR. On the basis for formulating research hypotheses which should be verified by prospective studies.

Highlights

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rather a rare neoplasm
Overexpression of CD117 on cellular membranes of Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) could be a potential target for kinase inhibitors like: imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib
An incidence of ChRCC is similar in both men and woman [5]. 86% of ChRCCs are diagnosed in stage 1 or 2 [3]

Summary

Introduction

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rather a rare neoplasm (in Poland about 3% of all tumors). Incidence of metastatic disease in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma is 6-7% [6,7]. Classic type of chromophobe RCC (containing greater than 80% pale cells) is associated with necrosis or sarcomatoid change.

Results

Conclusion