Management Of Renal Cell Carcinoma Research Articles

Chinese expert consensus on the systemic treatment of advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (2024 edition)

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 2% to 3% of malignant tumors in adults, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1.5∶1 worldwide. It can occur in all age groups, with a peak incidence in the 60-70 age range, and the median age is approximately 64 years. The current causes of kidney cancer are still unclear, but smoking, obesity, hypertension, and some genetic factors are considered risk factors for kidney cancer development. Conducive to the gradual popularization of physical examination and screening, more and more patients with kidney cancer are being detected and treated in the early stages. However, nearly 30% of patients still have locally advanced or metastatic kidney cancer at the time of initial diagnosis. Traditional chemotherapy drugs are generally ineffective for advanced RCC, and currently, advanced RCC is mainly treated with anti-vascular and immunotherapy. At present, first-line treatment is mostly stratified based on clinical characteristics such as International mRCC Database Consortium (IMDC) prognosis risk, and there are multiple options available, including anti vascular therapy, anti-vascular combined immunotherapy, and dual immunotherapy. Subsequently, first-line treatment often selects drugs based on the composition, effectiveness, and safety of first-line treatment plans. In recent years, research has found that the molecular typing and metastasis characteristics of RCC also affect the prognosis of patients, leading to many controversies in the treatment of advanced RCC. This consensus is guided by the controversial clinical issues in the management of advanced RCC. After discussion and voting by multidisciplinary clinical experts, a consensus of 10 clinical issues has been reached. At the same time, experts recommend domestic clinical and research institutions to lead or participate in more large-scale clinical trials, providing more basis for clinical decision-making and the selection of the best beneficiaries.

Evaluating trophinin associated protein as a biomarker of prognosis and therapy response in renal cell carcinoma

BackgroundTrophinin Associated Protein (TROAP) has been implicated in some tumors, yet its role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains underexplored. This study aims to elucidate the prognostic and therapeutic implications of TROAP in RCC, encompassing different subtypes.MethodsFirstly, we identified the expression patterns of TROAP across various tumors within the TCGA pan-cancer cohort. Subsequently, the prognostic significance of TROAP was validated in three TCGA RCC cohorts and a local cohort. Finally, we conducted functional enrichment analysis, somatic mutations and copy number variations, assessed therapeutic response cohorts, and performed in vitro experiments to explore the biological characteristics of TROAP.ResultsTROAP serves as an unfavorable factor in both the TCGA RCC datasets and our local cohort. Functional enrichment analysis and in vitro experiments have demonstrated its oncogene effect in promoting tumor progression. Additionally, the relationship between TROAP expression and gene mutations in RCC appears to be limited. Furthermore, elevated TROAP expression is associated with reduced efficacy of RCC therapies, including nivolumab and everolimus.ConclusionsOur findings illustrate TROAP as a pivotal biomarker for prognosis and therapeutic response in RCC. Elevated TROAP expression is indicative of aggressive tumor behavior and resistance to conventional therapies, making it a valuable target for personalized treatment strategies in RCC management.

Impact of Targeted Systemic Therapy and Radiotherapy on Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma.

In patients undergoing spine surgery for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), we sought to: (1) describe patterns of postoperative targeted systemic therapy and radiotherapy (RT), (2) compare perioperative outcomes among those treated with targeted systemic therapy to those without, and (3) evaluate the impact of targeted systemic therapy and/or RT on overall survival (OS) and local recurrence (LR). A single-institution, retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing spine surgery for metastatic RCC from 2010 to 2021 was undertaken. Treatment groups were RT alone, targeted systemic therapy alone, dual therapy consisting of RT and targeted systemic therapy, and neither therapy. Multivariable Cox regression controlled for age, race, sex, insurance, and preoperative targeted systemic therapy. Forty-nine patients underwent spine surgery for RCC. Postoperatively, 4 patients (8%) received RT alone, 19 (38.8%) targeted systemic therapy alone, 12 (24.5%) dual therapy, and 13 (28.6%) neither. All groups were similar in demographics, preoperative Karnofsky Performance Score (P = 0.372), tumor size (P = 0.413), readmissions (P = 0.884), complications (P = 0.272), Karnofsky Performance Score (P = 0.466), and Modified McCormick Scale (P = 0.980) at last follow-up. Higher 1-year survival was found in dual therapy (83.3%) compared with other therapies. OS was significantly longer in patients with dual therapy compared with other therapies (log-rank; P = 0.010). Multivariate Cox regression (HR = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.02-0.31, P < 0.001) showed longer OS in dual therapy compared with other therapies. Seven patients (14.3%) experienced LR, and a similar time to LR was found between groups (log-rank; P = 0.190). In patients undergoing metastatic spine surgery for RCC, postoperative dual therapy demonstrated significantly higher 1-year survival and OS compared with other therapies. Multidisciplinary management of metastatic RCC is necessary to ensure timely implementation of targeted systemic therapy and RT to improve outcomes.

ACAT1 suppresses clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression by AMPK mediated fatty acid metabolism

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) stands as a prevalent malignancy within urological pathology, exhibiting a noteworthy escalation in its incidence. Despite being a mitochondrial enzyme, the precise role of Acetyl-CoA Acetyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) in RCC remains elusive. In this investigation, we employed bioinformatics methodologies to assess the expression patterns and prognostic significance across various RCC subtypes, encompassing clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), papillary cell carcinoma, and chromophobe cell carcinoma. Our findings unveil a close correlation between ACAT1 expression and the prognostic implications specifically within ccRCC. Through both in vitro and in vivo overexpression studies, we delineated the functional and mechanistic facets of ACAT1 in impeding the progression of ccRCC. Our results unequivocally demonstrated that ACAT1 overexpression markedly curtailed proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of ccRCC cells in both in vivo models and cell cultures. Mechanistically, ACAT1’s inhibitory effect on the AMPK signaling pathway orchestrated a regulatory role in modulating fatty acid metabolism, thereby effectively restraining the advancement of ccRCC. Collectively, our findings underscore ACAT1 as a pivotal tumor suppressor, instrumental in curtailing the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ccRCC by governing fatty acid metabolism through the AMPK signaling pathway. These insights posit ACAT1 as a potential predictive biomarker and therapeutic target warranting further exploration in RCC management.

Effect of HLA Genotype on Anti-PD-1 Antibody Treatment for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma in the SNiP-RCC Study.

Immune checkpoint blockade therapies are widely used for cancer treatment, including advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study aimed to investigate the impact of zygosity in HLA genes and individual HLA genotypes on the efficacy of an anti-PD-1 Ab, nivolumab, in treating advanced RCC. Patient enrollment was conducted across 23 institutions in Japan from August 19, 2019, to September 30, 2020, with follow-up concluding on March 31, 2021. HLA genotype imputation of HLA-A, B, and C, DQB1, and DRB1 loci was performed. Among 222 patients, the presence of at least one homozygosity of the HLA-II allele significantly improved the best objective response (hazard ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.96; p = 0.042). The HLA evolutionary divergence (HED) of the HLA-A and HLA-B loci was higher than the HLA-C (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively), with high HED of the HLA-B locus correlating to clinical benefits in nivolumab treatment (hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.90; p = 0.024) and improving cancer-specific survival compared with the low group (p = 0.0202). Additionally, high HED of the HLA-B locus was correlated with the number of infiltrated CD8+ cells in the tumor microenvironment (correlation coefficient, 0.4042). These findings indicate that the diversity of the HLA-B locus plays a significant role in the anti-tumor effect of nivolumab treatment in advanced RCC, potentially offering insights for improved risk stratification in nivolumab treatment and leading to better medical management of advanced RCC.

Unlocking Precision Medicine: Liquid Biopsy Advancements in Renal Cancer Detection and Monitoring.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains a formidable diagnostic challenge, especially in the context of small renal masses. The quest for non-invasive screening tools and biomarkers has steered research towards liquid biopsy, focusing on microRNAs (miRNAs), exosomes, and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). MiRNAs, small non-coding RNAs, exhibit notable dysregulation in RCC, offering promising avenues for diagnosis and prognosis. Studies underscore their potential across various biofluids, including plasma, serum, and urine, for RCC detection and subtype characterization. Encouraging miRNA signatures show correlations with overall survival, indicative of their future relevance in RCC management. Exosomes, with their diverse molecular cargo, including miRNAs, emerge as enticing biomarkers, while CTCs, emanating from primary tumors into the bloodstream, provide valuable insights into cancer progression. Despite these advancements, clinical translation necessitates further validation and standardization, encompassing larger-scale studies and robust evidence generation. Currently lacking approved diagnostic assays for renal cancer, the potential future applications of liquid biopsy in follow-up care, treatment selection, and outcome prediction in RCC patients are profound. This review aims to discuss and highlight recent advancements in liquid biopsy for RCC, exploring their strengths and weaknesses in the comprehensive management of this disease.

Identification of Somatic Mutations in Thai Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma Using Whole Exome Sequencing Analysis

Background: Whole exome sequencing (WES) is increasingly used to identify genetic alterations of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, in Thailand, there is no report that clarifies the common somatic mutations and tumor mutational burden (TMB) in RCC. Therefore, the understanding of the tumor somatic mutational landscape could improve RCC management in the authors’ country. Objective: To perform a descriptive study to identify common somatic mutated genes and TMB in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC), and clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma (ccpRCC). Materials and Methods: The authors enrolled 13 patients, which consisted of 10 cases of ccRCC, two cases of pRCC, and one case of ccpRCC. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor tissues for WES to identify tumor somatic mutations. The results were analyzed for correlations with tumor-aggressive features and compared with the public database. Results: The authors identified common somatic mutations in VHL, SVIL, MUC16, CSMD3, CSMD1, and BAP1 in the study patients. In ccRCC cases, VHL mutation was detected in 90% of the cases corresponding to its high frequency in the TCGA’s ccRCC database. In pRCC cases, KDM6A was the only common mutated gene that overlapped with the top-ten most common genes in the TCGA’s pRCC database. Somatic mutations in BAP1, SETD2, and PBRM1 were significantly associated with tumor-aggressive features in the present study. The mean TMB of ccRCC, pRCC, and ccpRCC were 2.017, 2.143, and 6.61 mutations per megabase, respectively. Conclusion: Identification of common somatic mutations and TMB in all subtypes of RCC from the present study showed the diversity of genetic alterations between Thai patients and the public database. This leads to specific therapeutic approaches for Thai patients. Moreover, the authors also detected similar associations between significant mutations reported in prior studies with the tumor-aggressive features in the present cases. Keywords: Renal cell carcinoma; Somatic mutation; Tumor mutational burden; Whole exome sequencing

Nicotine-derived nitrosamines promote renal cell carcinoma cell migration via binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Several risk factors such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are related to the incidence of kidney cancer. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) originates from the renal tubular epithelium and is the major form of kidney cancer. Notably, the relative risk of RCC in smokers compared to non-smokers is 1.38 while revealing a dose-dependent risk reduction in smoking cessation. Carcinogenic substances in tobacco, specifically nicotine-derived nitrosamines like 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), were known to induce the formation of DNA adducts, mutating genes that potentially initiate cancers. In addition to carcinogenesis, nicotine-derived nitrosamines may also contribute to modify the malignant features, which accelerates the cancer progression. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of NNK in the modulation RCC cell proliferation and motility, besides, the possible underlying mechanisms were also studied. Our findings showed differential expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) mRNA subunits between normal human renal tubular cell (HK-2) and RCC cells (Achn), suggesting that RCC cells may have the ability in respond to the stimuli of NNK. While NNK didn't significantly show an influence in RCC cell viability, it enhanced cell motility and migration ability. Utilizing specific inhibitors, it was inferred that NNK stimulates RCC cell migration via nAChR activation and subsequent calcium channel opening. Our research underscores the necessity of smoking cessation in RCC management, even as further studies on diverse RCC cell lines and real-world data are required.

KIDNEY-PAGER: analysis of circulating tumor DNA as a biomarker in renal cancer - an observational trial. Study protocol.

Management of localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is challenged by inaccurate methods to assess the risk of recurrence and deferred detection of relapse and residual disease after radical or partial nephrectomy. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has been proposed as a potential biomarker in RCC. Conduction of an observational study to evaluate the validity of ctDNA as a biomarker of the risk of recurrence and subclinical residual disease to improve postoperative surveillance. Urine and blood will be prospectively collected before and after surgery of the primary tumor from up to 500 patients until 5 years of follow-up. ctDNA analysis will be performed using shallow whole genome sequencing and cell-free methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing. ctDNA levels in plasma and urine will be correlated to oncological outcomes. Residual blood and urine as well as tissue biopsies will be biobanked for future research. Results will pave the way for future ctDNA-guided clinical trials aiming to improve RCC management.

A study on sporadic renal cell carcinoma in young adults, our institutional experience

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for around 2–3% of all adult malignant neoplasms. Most RCC instances are sporadic, with about 4–6% being familial. Sporadic RCC is uncommon in young patients under 45, accounting for 3–7% of all instances. We report our experience with sporadic RCCs in young adults between the age of 20 and 45 years. Aims and Objectives: The aim is to study clinical presentation, evaluation, management, and prognosis of sporadic RCC in young adults. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 22 patients diagnosed with sporadic RCC between ages 20 and 45 years during a period of 7 years from 2016 to 2022 was performed at Government Stanley Medical College. Demographic details such as age, gender, clinical condition, blood investigations, radiological imaging, and histopathological evaluation were conducted. Patients were assessed for long-term outcomes by comparing metastasis and lymph node involvement with survival outcomes. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 37 years. Most patients belong to lower socioeconomic status (54.5%), Tumors were detected incidentally in 9 patients (41%) and were symptomatic in 13 (59%). Around 87% of patients were not having any associated comorbidities. The average duration of presenting complaints in symptomatic patients was 41 days. About 59% of patients were smokers or chewing tobacco before diagnosis. Renal biopsy was performed in 27% of patients before definitive surgery. The difference in prognosis was found to be insignificant between patients who were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis compared to patients who were symptomatic. The tumor stage and grade had a significant impact on survival. The mean postoperative follow-up was 38 months. Conclusion: The result of our study shows that sporadic RCC does not behave aggressively in young adults. The most important determinants in prognosis are tumor stage and histological grade. The type of surgical procedure does not affect the overall outcome.

Comparing the Efficacy and Side Effect Profiles of Pazopanib and Sunitinib in the Treatment of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Literature Review

Background: Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is the most common form of kidney cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of all kidney malignancies [1, 3]. Targeted therapies such as Pazopanib and Sunitinib, which inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, have become integral to the management of metastatic RCC [4, 5]. Despite their similar mechanisms of action, these agents differ in their side effect profiles, which presents important considerations for patient tolerability and quality of life (QoL) [11, 12]. Objectives: This literature review aims to compare the efficacy and side effect profiles of Pazopanib and Sunitinib in treating advanced or metastatic RCC, providing a synthesis of the current evidence to guide clinicians in optimizing treatment strategies based on patient-specific factors. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using a descriptive synthesis approach. Relevant studies from 2006 to 2024 were identified in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational cohort studies were included, with a focus on identifying trends in efficacy and side effect profiles. Conclusion: Pazopanib and Sunitinib provide comparable efficacy in treating advanced RCC, though they differ significantly in their side effect profiles. Pazopanib is generally better tolerated, particularly in reducing fatigue, hand-foot syndrome, and mucosal side effects. In contrast, Sunitinib may be more suitable for patients with concerns about hypertension or hepatotoxicity. Clinicians should carefully balance efficacy with patient-specific tolerability when selecting between these agents. Further research should focus on combination therapies and long-term safety profiles.

The Diagnosis and Treatment Approach for Oligo-Recurrent and Oligo-Progressive Renal Cell Carcinoma.

One-third of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) without metastases develop metastatic disease after extirpative surgery for the primary tumors. The majority of metastatic RCC cases, along with treated primary lesions, involve limited lesions termed "oligo-recurrent" disease. The role of metastasis-directed therapy (MDT), including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and metastasectomy, in the treatment of oligo-recurrent RCC has evolved. Although the surgical resection of all lesions alone can have a curative intent, SBRT is a valuable treatment option, especially for patients concurrently receiving systemic therapy. Contemporary immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combination therapies remain central to the management of metastatic RCC. However, one objective of MDT is to delay the initiation of systemic therapies, thereby sparing patients from potentially unnecessary burdens. Undertaking MDT for cases showing progression under systemic therapies, known as "oligo-progression", can be complex in considering the treatment approach. Its efficacy may be diminished compared to patients with stable disease. SBRT combined with ICI can be a promising treatment for these cases because radiation therapy has been shown to affect the tumor microenvironment and areas beyond the irradiated sites. This may enhance the efficacy of ICIs, although their efficacy has only been demonstrated in clinical trials.

Theranostic Lipid Nanoparticles for Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common urological malignancy and represents a leading threat to healthcare. Recent years have seen a series of progresses in the early diagnosis and management of RCC. Theranostic lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are increasingly becoming one of the focuses in this field, because of their suitability for tumor targeting and multimodal therapy. LNPs can be precisely fabricated with desirable chemical compositions and biomedical properties, which closely match the physiological characteristics and clinical needs of RCC. Herein, a comprehensive review of theranostic LNPs is presented, emphasizing the generic tool nature of LNPs in developing advanced micro-nano biomaterials. It begins with a brief overview of the compositions and formation mechanism of LNPs, followed with an introduction to kidney-targeting approaches, such as passive, active, and stimulus responsive targeting. With examples provided, a series of modification strategies for enhancing the tumor targeting and functionality of LNPs are discussed. Thereafter, research advances on applications of these LNPs for RCC including bioimaging, liquid biopsy, drug delivery, physical therapy, and gene therapy are summarized and discussed from an interdisciplinary perspective. The final part highlights the milestone achievements of translation medicine, current challenges as well as future development directions of LNPs for the diagnosis and treatment of RCC.

Incorporating Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy into the Multidisciplinary Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) has challenged the conventional wisdom surrounding the radioresistance of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In the past decade, there has been a significant accumulation of clinical data to support the safety and efficacy of SABR in RCC. Herein, we review the use of SABR across the spectrum of RCC. We performed an online search of the Pubmed database from January 1990 through April 2023. Studies of SABR/stereotactic radiosurgery targeting primary, extracranial, and intracranial metastatic RCC were included. For SABR in non-metastatic RCC, this includes its use in small renal masses, larger renal masses, and inferior vena cava tumor thrombi. In the metastatic setting, SABR can be used at diagnosis, for oligometastatic and oligoprogressive disease, and for symptomatic reasons. Notably, SABR can be used for both the primary renal tumor and metastasis-directed therapy. Management of RCC is evolving rapidly, and the role that SABR will have in this landscape is being assessed in a number of ongoing prospective clinical trials. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize the evidence corroborating the use of SABR in RCC.

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for primary renal cell carcinoma

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SAbR) is an emerging non-invasive definitive treatment option for primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC), particularly when surgery is not ideal. Employing ablative doses, SAbR delivered in one to five fractions to the primary tumor has been shown to achieve high local control rates with favorable toxicity profile in multiple retrospective and prospective series, and has dispelled previous notions of RCC radio-resistance. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests possible immunomodulatory effects, leading to clinical investigations of SAbR in combination with systemic and surgical management in patients with metastatic disease. In this review, we summarize key evidence supporting SAbR delivered to the primary tumor including preclinical rationale, dose escalation studies, recent prospective trials, and outcomes from ongoing multi-institutional registries. We also discuss areas of active clinical investigation including the use of primary SAbR in combination with systemic therapies in patients with metastatic disease. The accumulated body of evidence supports SAbR as promising indication being increasingly incorporated into the multi-disciplinary management of primary RCC.

Lifestyle and Clinical Factors in a Nationwide Stage III and IV Renal Cell Carcinoma Study.

The aim was to investigate whether patient-related or clinical risk factors present at the diagnosis of advanced stage renal cell carcinoma (RCC) had an impact on the overall mortality, cancer-specific mortality, and recurrence risk in a national cohort. Patients registered with stage III and IV RCC in the Danish Renal Cancer Database (DaRenCa) in 2014-2016 were included in the study and followed up until recurrence or death. We conducted a Cox Proportional Hazard Model to examine the association between several variables and the development of RCC. These variables included BMI, hypertension, smoking status, symptoms at diagnosis, performance status, multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion, surgical margin, and primary metastasis. Separate analyses were performed for cc-RCC and non-ccRCC patients. In our cohort of 929 patients, 424 individuals died from RCC during the follow-up period, with a median follow-up time of 4.1 (95% CI: 0.8-5.0) years for ccRCC and 2.0 (95% CI: 0.1-5.0) years for non-ccRCC. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that a positive surgical margin (HR 1.53 and 1.43), synchronous metastasis (HR 2.06 and 3.23), and poor performance status (HR 4.73 and 5.27) were significantly associated with a decreased 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival, respectively. Furthermore, a positive surgical margin was associated with a higher risk of recurrence in ccRCC. MDT discussion was found to reduce mortality risk in non-ccRCC. Clinical- and disease-related variables have a greater impact on RCC mortality and recurrence than the selected lifestyle-related factors. The inclusion of MDT discussion in the diagnosis and management of advanced RCC should be further evaluated for its potential to improve patient outcomes.

683 Closed Loop Regional Audits on Quality Predictive Indicators for Renal Cell Carcinoma Management in Northern Ireland

Abstract Aim To conduct a full cycle Regional Audit in Northern Ireland to assess the ten Quality Predictive Indicators (QPI) in the management of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) as per National Cancer Quality Steering Group (NCQSG) of NHS Scotland. Each cycle lasted for 6 months. Method QPIs were assessed in four major domains such as radiological, histological, surgical and pre-treatment performance indicators in the management of RCC. Using the Northern Ireland Electronic Care record, data were collected, recorded in MS Excel and analysed and arrived at conclusions. The results were compared with NHS Scotland RCC audit reports published in August 2019 and October 2022. Results In audit cycle 1, NCGSQ targets of quality prediction was achieved in 3 QPIs (Nephron Sparing Surgery, Trifecta rate and 30/90 mortality rate) among the 10 QPIs. In Audit Cycle 2, additional 4 NCGSQ targets were achieved namely- pre-treatment CT/MRI, Histodiagnosis in cryotherapy, histodiagnosis in chemotherapy and MDT discussion. Conclusions There has been significant improvement in all QPIs in the management of RCC in Northern Ireland during the audited period. We have achieved NCGSQ quality performance indicator targets in 7 among the 10 QPIs that were audited. Further interventions may be required to achieve targets in QPIs such as Leibovich scoring, pre-treatment TNM staging and prognostic scoring in metastatic RCC.

679 Regional Closed Loop Audits on Quality Predictive Indicators of Renal Cell Carcinoma Management in Northern Ireland

Abstract Aim To conduct a full cycle Regional Audit in Northern Ireland to assess the ten Quality Predictive Indicators (QPI) in the management of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) as per National Cancer Quality Steering Group (NCQSG) of NHS Scotland. Each cycle lasted for 6 months. Method QPIs were assessed in four major domains such as radiological, histological, surgical and pre-treatment performance indicators in the management of RCC. Using the Northern Ireland Electronic Care record, data were collected, recorded in MS Excel and analysed and arrived at conclusions. The results were compared with NHS Scotland RCC audit reports published in August 2019 and October 2022. Results In audit cycle 1, NCGSQ targets of quality prediction was achieved in 3 QPIs (Nephron Sparing Surgery, Trifecta rate and 30/90 mortality rate) among the 10 QPIs. In Audit Cycle 2, additional 4 NCGSQ targets were achieved namely- pre-treatment CT/MRI, Histodiagnosis in cryotherapy, histodiagnosis in chemotherapy and MDT discussion. Conclusions There has been significant improvement in all QPIs in the management of Renal Cell Carcinoma in Northern Ireland during the audited period. We have achieved NCGSQ quality performance indicator targets in 7 among the 10 QPIs that were audited. Further interventions may be required to achieve targets in QPIs such as Leibovich scoring, pre-treatment TNM staging and prognostic scoring in metastatic RCC.

Gestational Renal Cell Cancer - An Update.

Gestational renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an uncommon occurrence and presents a diagnostic and clinical challenge for healthcare providers. The manifestation of gestational RCC often lacks overt symptoms and can mimic physiological changes and disorders associated with pregnancy. Frequently, patients are asymptomatic, and the condition is detected during routine antenatal ultrasonography. However, the options for imaging modalities and treatment are limited due to the potential risks of harm to the developing fetus and interruption of pregnancy. Throughout the management of pregnant patients with RCC, both maternal and neonatal risks must be carefully considered, while respecting the patient's autonomy. Currently, there are no internationally or nationally recognized evidence-based guidelines for managing gestational RCC, highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Advances in surgical techniques have resulted in a shift from open surgeries to laparoscopic radical or partial nephrectomy procedures, with robotic-assisted approaches also gaining popularity. In cases of metastatic gestational RCC, termination of the pregnancy may be considered, and the appropriate treatment of RCC should be the priority. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis, and management of gestational RCC.

Estimated Direct Costs of Renal Cancer by Stage of Disease at Diagnosis and Phase of Its Management: A Whole-Disease Model.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the seventh most common neoplasm in high-income countries. New clinical pathways have been developed to deal with this tumor, which includes costly drugs that pose an economic threat to the sustainability of healthcare services. This study provides an estimate of the direct costs of care for patients with RCC by stage of disease (early vs. advanced) at diagnosis, and disease management phase along the pathway recommended by local and international guidelines. Considering the clinical pathway for RCC adopted in the Veneto region (north-east Italy) and the latest guidelines, we developed a very detailed "whole-disease" model that covers the probabilities of all potentially necessary diagnostic and therapeutic actions involved in the management of RCC. Based on the cost of each procedure according to the Veneto Regional Authority's official reimbursement tariffs, we estimated the total and average per-patient costs by stage of disease (early or advanced) and phase of its management. In the first year after diagnosis, the mean expected cost of a patient with RCC is €12,991 if it is localized or locally-advanced and reaches €40,586 if it is advanced. For early disease, the main cost is incurred by surgery, whereas medical therapy (first and second line) and supportive care become increasingly important for metastatic disease. It is crucially important to examine the direct costs of care for RCC, and to predict the burden on healthcare services of new oncological therapies and treatments, as the findings could be useful for policy-makers planning the allocation of resources.