Survival of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients continues to improve over time, even in targeted therapy era

Collecting duct carcinoma: Epidemiology, clinical characteristics and survival

INTRODUCTION

Collecting duct carcinoma (CDC) is a rare renal malignancy. We relied on a large population-based cohort to address epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment of CDC patients. We also tested survival in the overall cohort, as well as in stage-specific fashion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Within Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (2004-2018) database, we identified 399 CDC patients. Based on Kaplan-Meier plots survival estimates, conditional survival rates were derived according to disease stage. Cox regression models tested for predictors of cancer specific mortality (CSM).

RESULTS

Overall, 273 (68.4%) patients were male, 236 (59.2%) had T3-4 stages, 148 (37.1%) had lymph node invasion, and 156 (39.1%) had distant metastases at initial diagnosis. Nephrectomy alone was commonest in stage I-II (n = 91/99, 92%) and III (n = 94/116, 81%). Combination of both nephrectomy and systemic therapy was commonest in stage IV (n = 62/172, 36%). In the overall cohort, median cancer specific survival was 18 months. Provided a disease-free interval of 24 months, five-year Kaplan-Meier estimated survival at diagnosis increased from 74.2 to 91.0% in stage I-II, from 31.1 to 65.3% in stage III, and from 6.3 to 34.1% in stage IV. In multivariable Cox regression models addressing CSM, systemic therapy (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.47, P = 0.020), nephrectomy (HR: 0.37, P < 0.001) and combination of both (HR: 0.28, P < 0.001) exhibited a strong protective effect.

CONCLUSION

Despite its highly aggressive phenotype and dismal survival, CDC is sensitive to nephrectomy and/or systemic therapy. Moreover, even for advanced stage, a more favorable prognosis can be achieved in patients, who benefit of disease-free interval after diagnosis and initial treatment.

Contemporary vs historical survival rates in metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma according to race/ethnicity

PURPOSE

Systemic therapies (ST) improved contemporary survival rates, relative to historical in clear cell metastatic renal carcinoma (ccmRCC) patients. The magnitude of this improvement is unknown according to race/ethnicity.

METHODS

Within the SEER registry (2000-2017), ccmRCC patients were stratified according to race/ethnicity (Caucasian, Hispanic, African American, Asian) and historical (2000-2009) vs contemporary (2010-2017) years of diagnosis. Competing risks regression (CRR) with adjustment for other-cause mortality and Poisson smoothed cumulative incidence plots addressed cancer-specific mortality (CSM).

RESULTS

Of 10,141 mRCC patients, 4316 (43%) vs 5825 (57%) were diagnosed in historical vs contemporary era. Of 4316 historical patients, 3203 (74%) vs 593 (14%) vs 293 (7%) vs 227 (5%) were Caucasian, Hispanic, African American and Asian. Of 5825 contemporary patients, 4124 (71%) vs 977 (17%) vs 362 (6%) vs 362 (6%) were Caucasian, Hispanic, African American and Asian. Between 2000 and 2017, ST rates ranged from 12 to 57% in Caucasians, 2 to 57% in Hispanics, 33 to 50% in African Americans, 17 to 70% in Asians and universally increased toward a plateau in 2010. In Caucasians, CSM decreased from 80 to 74% vs 79 to 74% in Hispanics vs 79 to 77% in African Americans, but not in Asians (67-73%). Nonetheless, these rates translated into independent predictor status of contemporary years of diagnosis in all race/ethnicity groups: CSM hazard ratios of 0.75, 0.75, 0.73 and 0.80 in, respectively, Caucasian, Hispanic, African American and Asian.

CONCLUSIONS

In all race/ethnicity groups, contemporary ST rates increased and improved CSM rates have also been recorded.

A Profile of Avelumab Plus Axitinib in the Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Until recently, the approved first-line treatment for metastatic RCC (mRCC) consisted of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) monotherapy. The landscape of first-line treatment has been transformed in the last few years with the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) or VEGFR TKI plus ICI combinations. This article focuses on the profile of one of these ICI plus VEGFR TKI combination, avelumab plus axitinib. We detail the characteristics of each drug separately, and then we explore the rationale for their association, its efficacy and the resulting toxicity. Finally, we examine the factors associated with avelumab plus axitinib outcomes, and their impact on therapeutic strategy.

Active surveillance of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Results from a prospective observational study (MaRCC)

BACKGROUND

Systemic therapy (ST) can be deferred in patients who have metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and slow-growing metastases. Currently, this subset of patients managed with active surveillance (AS) is not well described in the literature.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study of patients with mRCC across 46 US community and academic centers. The objective was to describe baseline characteristics and demographics of patients with mRCC initially managed by AS, reasons for AS, and patient outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize demographics, baseline characteristics, and patient-related outcomes. Wilcoxon 2-sample rank-sum tests and χ² tests were used to assess differences between ST and AS cohorts in continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to assess survival.

RESULTS

Of 504 patients, mRCC was initially managed by AS (n = 143) or ST (n = 305); 56 patients were excluded from the analysis. Disease was present in 69% of patients who received AS, whereas the remaining 31% had no evidence of disease. At data cutoff, 72 of 143 patients (50%) in the AS cohort had not received ST. The median overall survival was not reached (95% CI, 122 months to not estimable) in patients who received AS versus 30 months (95% CI, 25-44 months) in those who received ST. Quality of life at baseline was significantly better in patients who were managed with AS versus ST.

CONCLUSIONS

AS occurs frequently (32%) in real-world clinical practice and appears to be a safe and appropriate alternative to immediate ST in selected patients.

Biomarkers for Renal Cell Carcinoma Recurrence: State of the Art

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We aim to summarize the current state of art about the possible use of biomarkers for predicting renal cell carcinoma (RCC) recurrence after curative treatment. In addition, we aim to provide a snapshot about the clinical implication of biomarkers use for follow-up planification.

RECENT FINDINGS

A wide variety of biomarkers have been proposed. RCC biomarkers have been individuated in tumoral tissue, blood, and urine. A variety of molecules, including proteins, DNA, and RNA, warrant a good accuracy for RCC recurrence and progression prediction. Their use in prediction models might warrant a better patients' risk stratification. Future prognostic models will probably include a combination of classical features (tumor grade, stage, etc.) and novel biomarkers. Such models might allow a more accurate treatment and follow-up planification.

[Surgical treatment of hepato-pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma]

Hintergrund

Der Stellenwert der chirurgischen Therapie hepatopankreatischer Metastasen des oligometastasierten Nierenzellkarzinoms ist Gegenstand der aktuellen Diskussion.

Material und Methoden

Wir berichten über 51 Patienten, von denen 33 wegen Lebermetastasen und 19 wegen Pankreasmetastasen im Zeitraum von 1995 bis 2018 operiert wurden.

Ergebnisse

Die 5‑Jahres-Überlebensrate aller Patienten nach Leberteilresektion war statistisch signifikant geringer (38 %, mediane Überlebenszeit 34 Monate) als nach Pankreasresektion (69 %, mediane Überlebenszeit 69 Monaten; p = 0,017). 21 Patienten haben bislang die Metastasenentfernung länger als 5 Jahr überlebt, 4 Patienten länger als 10 Jahre. Bei den R0-resezierten Patienten wurden Rezidive in 13 Fällen nach Leber- und 9 Fällen nach Pankreasresektion beobachtet. Die kumulative Rezidivrate nach 5 Jahren betrug bei der Leber 38 % und beim Pankreas 57 %. Bei R0-Leberteilresektionen erwiesen sich ein Intervall von <24 Monaten zwischen Nephrektomie und Leberresektion sowie multiple Metastasen als negative Prognosefaktoren.

Diskussion

Unsere Ergebnisse gestatten eine aktive chirurgische Strategie in der Behandlung hepatopankreatischer Metastasen oligometastasierter Nierenzellkarzinome, insbesondere bei kompletter Resektion solitärer, metachroner Metastasen. Wiederholte Eingriffe bei komplett resektablen Metastasen führen zu langen tumorfreien Intervallen und tragen damit zu guten Langzeitergebnissen bei.

The impact of cytoreductive nephrectomy on survival outcomes in patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors for metastatic renal cell carcinoma in a real-world cohort

BACKGROUND

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy (TKI) has changed the treatment paradigm of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). The recent CARMENA and SURTIME trials challenged the role of the cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of CN prior to TKI therapy in patients with mRCC in a real-world setting.

METHODS

Overall, 262 consecutive patients with mRCC were treated with CN plus TKI or TKI only at our institution between 2000 and 2016. Patients with prior immunotherapy or metastasectomy were excluded. Multiple imputation and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were performed to account for missing values and imbalances between the treatment groups, respectively. Unadjusted and adjusted Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to determine differences in progression-free (PFS), overall (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

RESULTS

Overall, 104 (40%) patients received CN before TKI treatment. Most frequent first line therapy was Sunitinib (66%), followed by Sorafenib (20%) and Pazopanib (10%). After adjustment with IPTW, there was no difference in PFS, CSS, and OS (all P > 0.05) between the treatment groups. In subgroup analyses, CSS was improved when CN was performed in patients with sarcomatoid features and clear cell histology (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03) and PFS was improved in patients with clear cell histology when CN was performed [0.04]). CN did not improve OS in any subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSION

The role of CN remains controversial. We found no difference in survival outcomes between patients treated with and without CN before TKI therapy. However, CN was associated with improved survival in specific patient subgroups. Tailored, individualized treatment is key to further improve oncological outcomes for mRCC.

Contemporary Age-adjusted Incidence and Mortality Rates of Renal Cell Carcinoma: Analysis According to Gender, Race, Stage, Grade, and Histology

BACKGROUND

Recent data showed that North America has the highest incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

To assess contemporary gender-, race-, and stage-specific incidence; survival rates; and trends of RCC patients in the USA.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2001-2016), all patients aged ≥18 yr with histologically confirmed renal parenchymal tumors were included.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Age-adjusted incidence rates and 5-yr cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates were estimated. Temporal trends were calculated through Joinpoint regression analyses to describe the average annual percent change (AAPC).

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

The age-adjusted incidence rate of RCC was 11.3/100 000 person years (AAPC+2.0%, p<0.001). Five-year CSS rates increased from 78.4% to 84.5% (AAPC +0.8%, p<0.001). Male incidence was double that of females (15.5 and 7.7, respectively). CSS marginally favored females (84.5% vs 82.0%), but improved equally in both genders (both AAPC +0.8%). The highest incidence (14.1/100 000 person years, AAPC +2.8%) and lowest survival (80.1%) were recorded in non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native populations. T1aN0M0 had the highest incidence rates (4.6/100 000 person years), the highest increase over time (AAPC +3.6%), and the highest CSS (97.6%) of all stages. Limitations include retrospective nature and lack of information on risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of RCC increased significantly from 2001 to 2016, and 5-yr CSS after RCC improved. This was mainly due to T1aN0M0 tumors that showed the highest increase in the incidence and highest CSS. Unfavorable outcomes in specific ethnic groups warrant further research.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We examined contemporary incidence and cancer-specific survival rates of kidney cancer. Males had double the incidence rates of females, but lower survival. Natives showed the highest incidence rates and the lowest survival rates. Small renal masses showed the highest incidence and survival rates.

Effect of stage and grade migration on cancer specific mortality in renal cell carcinoma patients, according to clear cell vs. non-clear cell histology: A contemporary population-based analysis

OBJECTIVES

To test the effect of stage and grade migration on cancer specific mortality (CSM) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients, according to clear cell (ccRCC) vs. non-ccRCC histology.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry (2004-2015), we identified patients with ccRCC and non-ccRCC (papillary [papRCC], chromophobe [chRCC], sarcomatoid [sarcRCC], and collecting duct [cdRCC]). Two consecutive time groups were considered - historical (2004-2009) and contemporary era (2010-2015). Temporal trends of tumor characteristics were evaluated. Cumulative incidence plots and multivariable competing risks regression models tested the effect of year groups on CSM.

RESULTS

Overall, 24,746 and 73,228 patients with non-ccRCC and ccRCC were evaluated. Of those, 42% and 58% were recorded in historical and contemporary era. Time trend analyses showed (1) tumor size decreased for non-ccRCC (estimated annual percent changes [EAPC]: -1.1%; P <0.01) and for ccRCC (EAPC: -1.0%; P <0.01), (2) rates of G3/G4 decreased for non-ccRCC (EAPC: -0.7%; P = 0.03), but increased for ccRCC (EAPC: +1.1; P <0.01), 3) rates of node positive disease decreased for non-ccRCC (EAPC:-3.1%; P = 0.02), but were stable for ccRCC (EAPC: +0.4; P =0.5), (4) rates of metastatic disease at diagnosis decreased for non-ccRCC (EAPC: -3.2%; P <0.01), but were stable for ccRCC (EAPC: -0.6%; P = 0.1), (5) among non-ccRCC, the percentage of papRCC increased (EAPC:+1%; P <0.01), while the percentage of sarcRCC (EAPC: -7%; P <0.01) and cdRCC (EAPC: -11.2%; P <0.01) decreased. Finally, in multivariable CRR models, lower CSM was recorded for contemporary non-ccRCC (HR: 0.7; P <0.001) and ccRCC (HR: 0.8; P <0.001) patients.

CONCLUSION

Our findings illustrate a favorable stage and grade migration and improved cancer-specific mortality in contemporary non-ccRCC. Additionally, despite absence of meaningful stage migration in ccRCC, improved cancer-specific mortality in contemporary patients was also recorded. In consequence, a 2-tiered process appears to be operational in non-ccRCC vs. a 1-tiered phenomenon in ccRCC.

Effect of external beam radiotherapy on second primary cancer risk after radical prostatectomy

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to investigate the effect of radiotherapy (RT) in contemporary patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) compared to RP alone for non-metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) on the incidence of second primary cancers (SPCs).

METHODS

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2004-2015), we identified patients with PCa as the only or first primary cancer, who underwent RP and RT or RP alone. Cumulative incidence plots and multivariable Cox regression models tested for SPC rate differences according to treatment type: RP and RT vs. RP alone. Subgroup analyses focused on pelvic, primary pelvic, and non-pelvic SPCs, as well as on late SPCs (>5 years after PCa diagnosis).

RESULTS

Of 152 161 patients, 7.1% (n=10 870) received RP and RT. Overall, 6.6 vs. 5.0% developed SPCs after RP and RT vs. RP alone, respectively (p<0.001). Cumulative incidence rates at 10 years after PCa diagnosis for RP and RT vs. RP were 12.0 vs. 8.7% (p<0.001), 2.0 vs. 1.2% (p<0.001), 2.1 vs. 1.3% (p<0.001), and 9.9 vs. 7.4% (p<0.001) for overall SPCs, primary pelvic SPCs, overall pelvic SPCs, and non-pelvic SPCs, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression models revealed an increased risk after RP and RT vs. RP alone for overall (hazard ratio [HR] 1.2; p<0.001), primary pelvic (HR 1.5; p<0.01), pelvic (HR1.4; p<0.001), non-pelvic (HR1.1; p<0.01), late overall (HR 1.2; p=0.01), and late non-pelvic SPCs (HR1.2; p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

RP with RT was associated with moderately increased risk of SPCs compared to RP alone. This observation should be thoroughly discussed at informed consent and considered during followup.

Use of targeted therapies for advanced renal cell carcinoma in the Veterans Health Administration

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to describe the use of targeted therapies for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and overall survival (OS) among patients in clinical practice in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of 286 patients from 24 VHA Medical Centers diagnosed with advanced clear cell RCC between Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 and FY2014 was followed through September 30, 2016. Among patients who received targeted therapy, we described the medications taken, duration of therapy, and overall survival. We also assessed the effect of the first therapy received on overall survival using Cox Proportional Hazards models.

RESULTS

There were 66 patients who did not receive therapy for their advanced RCC. Of the 220 treated patients, the mean (sd) number of medications received was 1.9 (1.1). The medications most commonly used first were sunitinib (61.8%), pazopanib (17.3%), and temsirolimus (10.9%). The median duration of first-line therapy was 86 days (interquartile range [IQR] 42, 210). Median total duration of therapy was 159 days (IQR 58, 397). 62.3% of patients had ≥ 1 dose of therapy held or reduced, mainly due to an adverse drug event (ADE). Median survival from the start of treatment to death was 1.08 years (IQR 0.80, 1.31). Finally, receipt of temsirolimus vs sunitinib (HR 1.95 [95%CI 1.09,3.47]) as the first targeted therapy was independently associated with an increased hazard of death.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis of targeted therapies for advanced RCC in VHA suggests duration of treatment is shorter in a real-world setting than in clinical trials, and dose reductions and ADEs are more common.

Surgical treatment of liver metastases from kidney cancer: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Liver metastases are present in 20.3% of metastatic kidney cancers. The aim of this literature review was to assess the efficacy of surgical treatment for hepatic metastasis from kidney cancer.

METHODS

An extended web search of the literature was independently performed in March 2018 by two authors according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement.

RESULTS

Through electronic searches, we identified 935 potentially relevant citations. Thirteen articles were finally included in the systematic review. Median survival after resection ranged from 15 to 142 months while the 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival ranged from 69% to 100%, 26% to 83.3% and 0% to 62%, respectively. Median disease-free survival ranged from 7.2 to 27 months.

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment of hepatic metastases is performed in approximately 1% of patients with liver metastases and in select patients may be potentially curative. Surgical resection of liver metastases from kidney cancer represents a valid option for selected patients with metastatic renal cancer.

The Association Between Ascorbate and the Hypoxia-Inducible Factors in Human Renal Cell Carcinoma Requires a Functional Von Hippel-Lindau Protein

Hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) drive angiogenesis and cancer cell growth, contributing to an aggressive tumor phenotype. HIF-α protein levels and activity are controlled at the post-translational level by HIF hydroxylases. Hydroxylated HIF-α is recognized by the von Hippel Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor and targeted for degradation. The HIF hydroxylases are members of the iron and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, which require ascorbate as cofactor for activity. Clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC) harbor mutations in the VHL gene, whereas papillary RCC (pRCC) have a functional VHL. These natural occurring VHL variants in RCC enable the testing, in clinical samples, of the hypothesis that ascorbate modulates HIF-α levels through its role as a cofactor for the HIF hydroxylases. We measured ascorbate, HIF-1α, and HIF-2α protein and HIF downstream targets BNIP3, CA9, cyclin D1, GLUT1, and VEGF (combined to generate the HIF pathway score) in VHL-defective ccRCC (n = 73) and VHL-proficient pRCC human tumor tissue (n = 41). HIF and ascorbate levels were increased in ccRCC and pRCC tumors compared to matched renal cortex. HIF-1 and total HIF pathway activation scores were decreased with higher ascorbate in pRCC tumors (Spearman r = −0.38, p < 0.05 and r = −0.35, p < 0.05). This was not evident for ccRCC tumors. In mechanistic studies in vitro, ascorbate influenced HIF-1 activity in VHL-proficient, but not VHL-defective ccRCC cells. Our results indicate that ccRCC, which lacks a functional VHL, does not respond to ascorbate-mediated modulation of the HIF response. This contrasts with the demonstrated association between ascorbate content and the HIF pathway observed in pRCC and other tumors with a functional VHL. The results support a role for ascorbate as a modulator of HIF activity and tumor aggression in cancer types with a functional hypoxic response.

Role of metastasis-directed treatment in kidney cancer

Despite the rapid elaboration of multiple, novel systemic agents introduced for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in recent years, a durable complete response remains elusive with systemic therapy alone. Definitive treatment of the metastatic deposit remains the sole potentially curative option and is a cornerstone of mRCC therapy, offering potential for both local control and palliation of tumor-related symptoms. In this review, the evidence supporting the definitive treatment of mRCC is examined and summarized, including the use of surgical metastasectomy, thermal ablation, radiotherapy, and other minimally invasive options. Multimodal approaches, including the combination of metastasectomy with novel systemic agents, are discussed. Finally, the authors review considerations for patient selection for this type of therapy and summarize available risk-stratification tools that may help guide shared decision making.

Improved cancer-specific free survival and overall free survival in contemporary metastatic prostate cancer patients: a population-based study

OBJECTIVES

Over the past decade, several systemic agents as docetaxel, cabazitaxel, sipuleucel-T, abiraterone and enzalutamide have improved overall survival (OS) in metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) patients. However, to date the OS benefit was not demonstrated in population-based analysis.

METHODS

Between 2004 and 2014, 19,047 men with de novo mPCa were identified within the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database. Median year of diagnosis resulted in two groups: historical (2004-2008) and contemporary (2009-2014). Due to potentially important differences according to year of diagnosis, we relied on propensity score matching. Propensity-score-matched Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox regression models (CRMs) tested cancer-specific mortality (CSM) free survival and overall mortality (OM) free survival according to treatment period.

RESULTS

The propensity-score-matched cohort consisted of 8596 patients with mPCa. Of those, 4298 (50.0%) were historical (2004-2008) and 4298 (50.0%) were contemporary (2009-2014). CSM free survival rates and OM free survival rate were 32 versus 36 months (p < 0.0001) and 26 versus 29 months (p < 0.0001) for, respectively, historical and contemporary patients. In multivariable CRMs, patients diagnosed in contemporary years had lower CSM (HR 0.88; CI 0.82-0.93) and OM (HR 0.88; CI 0.84-0.93) risks compared to historical counterpart (all p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This population-based study provides the first evidence of improved CSM free survival and OM free survival in patients with de novo mPCa since the introduction of several systemic agents for CRPC patients.