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Genetic Heterogeneity in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Clinical Implications?

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Renal Cell Carcinoma

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Abstract

Recent advances in therapy targeting signaling pathways involved in tumorigenesis have led to improved survival for a significant number of patients with CCRCC. These advances in targeted therapy are fueled by a more comprehensive understanding of genetic heterogeneity in tumors that is revealing novel therapeutic targets and potentially more opportunities for individualized strategies for therapy.

In CCRCC, VHL is the most studied genetic alteration. Most tumors harbor VHL mutations that are linked to disruption of HIF- and non-HIF-related pathways that contribute to angiogenesis and metastasis. While determining VHL genotype in primary tumors is useful, evaluating the VHL genotype in metastatic tumors is emerging based on their implied role as the target for therapy and within the context of tumor heterogeneity.

This review addresses the challenges of genetic heterogeneity in CCRCC as it relates to VHL genotype and its role in tumor metastasis and progression. Due to the role of VHL inactivation in angiogenesis and CCRCC progression, therapy targeting VEGF and VEGFR2 and other key pathways are also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System, 1021 Morehead Medical Drive, Suite 3100, Charlotte, NC, 28204, USA

    Mahrukh K. Ganapathi Ph.D. & Ram N. Ganapathi Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Susan A. J. Vaziri Ph.D.
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  2. Mahrukh K. Ganapathi Ph.D.
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  3. Ram N. Ganapathi Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ram N. Ganapathi Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Pepper Pike, Ohio, USA

    Ronald M. Bukowski

  2. Division of Hematology Oncology, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Robert A. Figlin

  3. Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA

    Robert J. Motzer

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Vaziri, S.A.J., Ganapathi, M.K., Ganapathi, R.N. (2015). Genetic Heterogeneity in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Clinical Implications?. In: Bukowski, R., Figlin, R., Motzer, R. (eds) Renal Cell Carcinoma. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1622-1_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1622-1_7

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-1621-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-1622-1

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