Genetic Testing in RCC

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Performing genomic profiling earlier along the disease continuum could help identify potential clinical trials of interest for patients with advance renal cell carcinoma (RCC), states Sumanta Kumar Pal, MD. The Foundation Medicine platform, FoundationOne, profiles more than 200 genes and can identify mutations in ATR, MET, and other clinically actionable genomic, says Pal.

Kidney cancer is a disease that is constantly mutating and becoming more complex. Additionally, the treatment of RCC continues to evolve, with the use of multiple lines of treatment, according to Saby George, MD, FACP. Adding to this complexity, there can be heterogeneity in different parts of the same tumor. Similarly, multiple metastases can behave differently based on gene signatures.

The key challenges to optimally treating RCC, concludes George, is its heterogeneity and the absence of a biomarker to help guide treatment selection. Taking advantage of investigational therapies through clinical trials is critical, adds Pal, who implores community oncologists to refer patients earlier to centers of excellence.