Dr. Quinn on Targetable Molecular Pathways in RCC

David I. Quinn, MBBS, PhD, associate professor of medicine, section head, Genitourinary Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine and Blood Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, discusses targetable molecular pathways in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

For several years, investigators have looked at the use of VEGF targeted agents, particularly VEGF TKIs in this space, Quinn says. Sorafenib (Nexavar) and sunitinib (Sutent) were the initial TKIs to receive FDA approval in advanced RCC, but a plethora of new agents have emerged in recent years. These new TKIs not only target VEGF receptor 2, but other pathways as well. For example, the recently approved cabozantinib (Cabometyx) targets VEGF as well as MET and AXL.

The field has looked at targeting hypoxia-inducible factor-2 in patients treated with sunitinib, and initial data suggested that this approach could be effective. Further research suggested otherwise, however, Quinn notes. In general, it is probably not an individual molecule that will help drive treatment but more distinct patents and molecular signatures.