Dr Garmezy on Future Therapeutic Prospects for RCC

Benjamin Garmezy, MD, medical oncologist, assistant director, Genitourinary Research, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Tennessee Oncology, discusses future therapeutic prospects for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between researchers and community practitioners in advancing oncological care.

Regarding future therapeutic prospects for patients with RCC, Garmezy highlights several promising avenues, including bispecific antibodies, CAR T-cell therapies, and novel antibody-drug conjugates. He also notes the potential further exploration of HIF-2α inhibition as an area for advancement in the treatment landscape, potentially paving the way for further innovations. In December 2023, the FDA approved the HIF-2α inhibitor belzutifan (Welireg) for the treatment of patients with advanced RCC following a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor and a VEGF TKI.

Looking to the future, Garmezy anticipates an expansion of therapeutic options beyond traditional immunotherapy and VEGF TKIs, which comprise the combinations that are the current standard of care in the frontline setting for patients with advanced RCC. He envisions a future where a diverse array of treatment modalities with distinct mechanisms of action become available, catering to the unique needs of individual patients.

Furthermore, Garmezy emphasizes the need for a collaborative effort between researchers and community practitioners in advancing oncological care. He anticipates a future characterized by increased treatment diversity and accessibility, driven by ongoing research endeavors and a commitment to improving patient outcomes.

Garmezy acknowledges the difficult task faced by community oncologists who encounter patients with a wide array of tumor types, emphasizing the necessity for continuous education and collaboration to optimize patient care.

Expressing gratitude towards physicians attending educational sessions, Garmezy recognizes their role as vital caregivers, providing frontline patient care within their communities. He emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between researchers and practitioners, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes through accessible, community-based care.