Belzutifan for patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated CNS haemangioblastomas (LITESPARK-004): a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 study.

BACKGROUND: The first-in-class hypoxia-inducible factor-2α inhibitor, belzutifan, showed clinically meaningful antitumour activity in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated neoplasms in the ongoing, single-arm, phase 2 LITESPARK-004 study. We aimed to investigate antitumour activity with an additional 16 months of follow-up and present updated results for the subgroup of patients with CNS haemangioblastomas. METHODS: In the multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 LITESPARK-004 study, adults (aged ≥18 years) from 11 cancer centres or hospitals in the USA, Denmark, France, and the UK, with germline VHL alterations, at least one measurable renal cell carcinoma tumour, no renal cell carcinoma tumour greater than 3 cm requiring immediate surgical intervention, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 or 1, and no previous systemic therapy received oral belzutifan 120 mg once daily until unacceptable toxicity, disease progression, or patient decision to withdraw. The primary endpoint, evaluated in patients with CNS haemangioblastomas, was the proportion of patients with an objective response per RECIST version 1.1 by an independent review committee. We assessed response using two approaches. In approach 1, we evaluated all measurable (≥1 cm maximum diameter) or non-measurable lesions at baseline, including both the solid lesion and the associated cystic component if present. In approach 2, we evaluated only baseline lesions with a measurable (≥1 cm maximum diameter) solid lesion. Antitumour activity was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of belzutifan. This study is no longer recruiting but is ongoing, and is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03401788. FINDINGS: Between May 31, 2018, and March 29, 2019, of 67 patients screened, 61 (32 [52%] male and 29 [48%] female) were enrolled; 50 (82%) had at least one CNS haemangioblastoma evaluable at baseline (184 total lesions). Median follow-up for the 50 patients with CNS haemangioblastomas was 38·0 months (IQR 36·7-40·1). In approach 1, 22 of 50 patients (44% [95% CI 30-59]) had an objective response. In approach 2, 19 of 25 patients (76% [55-91] had an objective response. 23 (46%) of 50 patients had a grade 3-5 all-cause adverse event. 19 (38%) patients reported grade 3 adverse events, the most common of which was anaemia (in 6 [12%] patients). Two of 50 patients (4%) reported grade 4 events (retinal vein occlusion and embolism). Two patients died owing to adverse events not considered treatment-related (suicide and toxicity to various agents). INTERPRETATION: Belzutifan showed meaningful antitumour activity in VHL disease-associated CNS haemangioblastomas that was sustained for more than 3 years of treatment. These results continue to support belzutifan as a systemic treatment option for patients with VHL disease-related CNS haemangioblastomas. FUNDING: Merck Sharp & Dohme, National Institutes of Health, and National Cancer Institute.

Belzutifan for Renal Cell Carcinoma in von Hippel-Lindau Disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease have a high incidence of renal cell carcinoma owing to VHL gene inactivation and constitutive activation of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α). METHODS: In this phase 2, open-label, single-group trial, we investigated the efficacy and safety of the HIF-2α inhibitor belzutifan (MK-6482, previously called PT2977), administered orally at a dose of 120 mg daily, in patients with renal cell carcinoma associated with VHL disease. The primary end point was objective response (complete or partial response) as measured according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1, by an independent central radiology review committee. We also assessed responses to belzutifan in patients with non-renal cell carcinoma neoplasms and the safety of belzutifan. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 21.8 months (range, 20.2 to 30.1), the percentage of patients with renal cell carcinoma who had an objective response was 49% (95% confidence interval, 36 to 62). Responses were also observed in patients with pancreatic lesions (47 of 61 patients [77%]) and central nervous system hemangioblastomas (15 of 50 patients [30%]). Among the 16 eyes that could be evaluated in 12 patients with retinal hemangioblastomas at baseline, all (100%) were graded as showing improvement. The most common adverse events were anemia (in 90% of the patients) and fatigue (in 66%). Seven patients discontinued treatment: four patients voluntarily discontinued, one discontinued owing to a treatment-related adverse event (grade 1 dizziness), one discontinued because of disease progression as assessed by the investigator, and one patient died (of acute toxic effects of fentanyl). CONCLUSIONS: Belzutifan was associated with predominantly grade 1 and 2 adverse events and showed activity in patients with renal cell carcinomas and non-renal cell carcinoma neoplasms associated with VHL disease. (Funded by Merck Sharp and Dohme and others; MK-6482-004 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03401788.).

Special populations in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review focuses on special populations poorly represented in current evidence-based practice for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). This includes the elderly and frail, patients on immunosuppression or with autoimmune diseases, patients with brain, liver, and/or bone metastases, and RCC with sarcomatoid features. RECENT FINDINGS: Certain populations are poorly represented in current trials for mRCC. Patients with central nervous system (CNS) metastases are often excluded from first-line therapy trials. Modern doublet systemic therapy appears to benefit patients with bone or liver metastases, but data supporting this conclusion is not robust. Post-hoc analyses on patients with sarcomatoid differentiation have shown improved response to modern doublet therapy over historical treatments. The elderly are underrepresented in current clinical trials, and most trials exclude all but high-performing (nonfrail) patients, though true frailty is likely poorly captured using the current widely adopted indices. It is difficult to make conclusions about the efficacy of modern therapy in these populations from subgroup analyses. Data from trials on other malignancies in patients with autoimmune diseases or solid organ transplant recipients on immunosuppression suggest that immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) may still have benefit, though at the risk of disease flare or organ rejection. The efficacy of ICIs has not been demonstrated specifically for RCC in this group of patients. SUMMARY: The elderly, frail, and immunosuppressed, those with tumors having aggressive histologic features, and patients with brain, bone, and/or liver metastases represent the populations least understood in the modern era of RCC treatment.

Oral Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 2α Inhibitor Belzutifan in Ocular von Hippel-Lindau Disease: Subgroup Analysis of the Single-Arm Phase 2 LITESPARK-004 Study.

PURPOSE: To report the efficacy of the oral hypoxia-inducible factor 2α inhibitor belzutifan in participants with von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated retinal hemangioblastomas in the LITESPARK-004 study. DESIGN: Subgroup analysis of the phase 2, single-arm, open-label LITESPARK-004 study. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with 1 or more von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated measurable renal cell carcinoma tumors not requiring immediate surgical intervention were eligible. METHODS: Participants received oral belzutifan 120 mg once daily until disease progression or unacceptable treatment-related toxicity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficacy of belzutifan in retinal hemangioblastomas was a secondary end point, measured as response (improved, stable, or progressed) by independent reading center-certified graders based on color fundus imaging performed every 12 weeks using the investigator's preferred imaging standards. Additional assessments, where available, included OCT and ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography. RESULTS: Among 61 participants in LITESPARK-004, 12 had 1 or more evaluable active retinal hemangioblastomas in 16 eyes at baseline per independent reading center. As of April 1, 2022, the median follow-up for participants with ocular von Hippel-Lindau disease at baseline was 37.3 months. All 16 eyes were graded as improved, with a response rate of 100.0% (95% confidence interval, 79.4%-100%). No new retinal hemangioblastomas or ocular disease progression were reported as of data cutoff date. Eight participants underwent additional multimodal eye assessments performed at the National Institutes of Health study site. Among this subgroup, 10 of 24 hemangioblastomas in 8 eyes of 6 participants measured 500 µm or more in greatest linear dimension at baseline and were analyzed further. All 10 hemangioblastomas had a mean area reduction of 15% or more by month 12 and of 30% or more by month 24. CONCLUSIONS: Belzutifan showed promising activity against ocular von Hippel-Lindau disease, including capacity to control retinal hemangioblastomas, with effects sustained for more than 2 years while treatment is ongoing. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Two is company, is three a crowd? Triplet therapy, novel molecular targets, and updates on the management of advanced renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to highlight the most recent changes in the management of advanced renal cell carcinoma, a complicated and ever-changing field of research. RECENT FINDINGS: A recent meta-analysis examining combination therapy favors nivolumab plus cabozantinib as the overall survival leader in doublet therapy. Initial results on the first ever trial of triplet therapy have demonstrated improved progression-free survival over current standard of care. The hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) inhibitor belzutifan is FDA approved for patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease and is currently being investigated in patients with nonhereditary renal cell carcinoma. The new glutamate synthesis inhibitor, telaglenastat, perhaps confers synergistic benefit when combined with everolimus, but combination with cabozantinib was not so effective. Dual mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition with sapanisertib does not appear to be an effective therapeutic option. New biomarkers and targets are actively being investigated. Four recent trials examining alternative agents to pembrolizumab in the adjuvant setting did not demonstrate an improvement in recurrence-free survival. Cytoreductive nephrectomy in the combination therapy era is supported by retrospective data; clinical trials are recruiting patients. SUMMARY: The last year ushered in novel approaches of varying success for managing advanced renal cell carcinoma, including triplet therapy, HIF-2α inhibitors, metabolic pathway inhibitors, and dual mTOR inhibitors. Pembrolizumab remains the only modern therapy available in the adjuvant setting, and the waters surrounding cytoreductive nephrectomy are still murky.

The roaring 2020s: a new decade of systemic therapy for renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The genomic and immunologic profiling of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has provided the impetus for advancements in systemic treatments using combination therapy - either with immune check point inhibitor (ICI) + ICI or with ICI + targeted therapy. This approach has been examined in several landmark trials, treating both clear cell (ccRCC) and nonclear cell (nccRCC) histologies. In this review, we highlight systemic therapy advancements made in this new decade, the 2020s. RECENT FINDINGS: Targeting the programmed death receptor 1/PD-L1 pathway has created more tolerable and effective immunotherapy regimens, expanding the applications of ICIs. These new applications, paired with trial data, include ICI monotherapy in nccRCC and adjuvant pembrolizumab in resected, high-risk RCC. In addition, ICI + ICI and ICI + TKI combination therapy have demonstrated oncologic efficacy in advanced ccRCC and sarcomatoid RCC. Similar progress has been noted regarding new targeted therapies. Along the hypoxia inducible factor pathway, belzutifan has received FDA approval in von Hippel-Lindau-associated RCC. In addition, in papillary RCC, agents such as cabozantinib target the MET proto-oncogene pathway and have demonstrated impressive oncologic outcomes. SUMMARY: The 2020s utilize the molecular profiling of advanced RCC as a scaffold for recent trials in immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Going forward, emphasizing patient-reported outcomes and careful clinical trial construction remain critical to improve systemic therapy in RCC.

Characterization of genetically defined sporadic and hereditary type 1 papillary renal cell carcinoma cell lines.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not a single disease but is made up of several different histologically defined subtypes that are associated with distinct genetic alterations which require subtype specific management and treatment. Papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) is the second most common subtype after conventional/clear cell RCC (ccRCC), representing ~20% of cases, and is subcategorized into type 1 and type 2 pRCC. It is important for preclinical studies to have cell lines that accurately represent each specific RCC subtype. This study characterizes seven cell lines derived from both primary and metastatic sites of type 1 pRCC, including the first cell line derived from a hereditary papillary renal carcinoma (HPRC)-associated tumor. Complete or partial gain of chromosome 7 was observed in all cell lines and other common gains of chromosomes 16, 17, or 20 were seen in several cell lines. Activating mutations of MET were present in three cell lines that all demonstrated increased MET phosphorylation in response to HGF and abrogation of MET phosphorylation in response to MET inhibitors. CDKN2A loss due to mutation or gene deletion, associated with poor outcomes in type 1 pRCC patients, was observed in all cell line models. Six cell lines formed tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice and thus provide in vivo models of type 1 pRCC. These type 1 pRCC cell lines provide a comprehensive representation of the genetic alterations associated with pRCC that will give insight into the biology of this disease and be ideal preclinical models for therapeutic studies.

Genetic risk assessment for hereditary renal cell carcinoma: Clinical consensus statement.

BACKGROUND: Although renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is believed to have a strong hereditary component, there is a paucity of published guidelines for genetic risk assessment. A panel of experts was convened to gauge current opinions. METHODS: A North American multidisciplinary panel with expertise in hereditary RCC, including urologists, medical oncologists, clinical geneticists, genetic counselors, and patient advocates, was convened. Before the summit, a modified Delphi methodology was used to generate, review, and curate a set of consensus questions regarding RCC genetic risk assessment. Uniform consensus was defined as ≥85% agreement on particular questions. RESULTS: Thirty-three panelists, including urologists (n = 13), medical oncologists (n = 12), genetic counselors and clinical geneticists (n = 6), and patient advocates (n = 2), reviewed 53 curated consensus questions. Uniform consensus was achieved on 30 statements in specific areas that addressed for whom, what, when, and how genetic testing should be performed. Topics of consensus included the family history criteria, which should trigger further assessment, the need for risk assessment in those with bilateral or multifocal disease and/or specific histology, the utility of multigene panel testing, and acceptance of clinician-based counseling and testing by those who have experience with hereditary RCC. CONCLUSIONS: In the first ever consensus panel on RCC genetic risk assessment, 30 consensus statements were reached. Areas that require further research and discussion were also identified, with a second future meeting planned. This consensus statement may provide further guidance for clinicians when considering RCC genetic risk assessment. LAY SUMMARY: The contribution of germline genetics to the development of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has long been recognized. However, there is a paucity of guidelines to define how and when genetic risk assessment should be performed for patients with known or suspected hereditary RCC. Without guidelines, clinicians struggle to define who requires further evaluation, when risk assessment or testing should be done, which genes should be considered, and how counseling and/or testing should be performed. To this end, a multidisciplinary panel of national experts was convened to gauge current opinion on genetic risk assessment in RCC and to enumerate a set of recommendations to guide clinicians when evaluating individuals with suspected hereditary kidney cancer.

A challenging frontier - the genomics and therapeutics of nonclear cell renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As molecular profiling of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) continues to elucidate novel targets for nonclear cell histologies, understanding the landscape of these targets is of utmost importance. In this review, we highlight the genomic landscape of nonclear cell RCC and its implications for current and future systemic therapies. RECENT FINDINGS: Several genomic studies have described the mutational burden among nonclear cell histologies. These studies have highlighted the importance of MET in papillary RCC and led to several clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of MET inhibitors for papillary RCC. The success of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as ipilimumab and nivolumab, in clear cell RCC has led to ongoing trials evaluating these novel therapeutics in nonclear cell RCC. SUMMARY: Genomic profiling has allowed for the evaluation of novel targets for nonclear cell RCC. This evolving therapeutic landscape is being explored in promising, ongoing trials that have the potential for changing how nonclear cell RCC is managed.

Challenges and opportunities in the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: combination therapy and the role of cytoreductive surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As the biology of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) continues to be elucidated, novel treatments focused around immunotherapies and targeted therapies will continue to emerge. In this review, we will highlight recent treatment advances and their implications for surgical and systemic therapy. RECENT FINDINGS: Several new treatments, including the tyrosine kinase inhibitor cabozantinib, the combination of a programmed cell death protein 1 antibody (nivolumab) with a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 antibody (ipilimumab), and the combination of axitinib with pembrolizumab or avelumab have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as first-line therapy for the treatment of mRCC. Although promising survival benefits have been seen with these new therapies, careful patient selection is still critical. SUMMARY: The introduction of novel therapies and the investigation of combinatorial therapies have shifted the treatment paradigm for advanced RCC. Present trials have provided promising data that could lead to further therapeutic advances.

Preclinical efficacy of dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor AZD8055 in renal cell carcinoma harboring a TFE3 gene fusion.

BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinomas (RCC) harboring a TFE3 gene fusion (TfRCC) represent an aggressive subset of kidney tumors. Key signaling pathways of TfRCC are unknown and preclinical in vivo data are lacking. We investigated Akt/mTOR pathway activation and the preclinical efficacy of dual mTORC1/2 versus selective mTORC1 inhibition in TfRCC. METHODS: Levels of phosphorylated Akt/mTOR pathway proteins were compared by immunoblot in TfRCC and clear cell RCC (ccRCC) cell lines. Effects of the mTORC1 inhibitor, sirolimus, and the dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor, AZD8055, on Akt/mTOR activation, cell cycle progression, cell viability and cytotoxicity were compared in TfRCC cells. TfRCC xenograft tumor growth in mice was evaluated after 3-week treatment with oral AZD8055, intraperitoneal sirolimus and respective vehicle controls. RESULTS: The Akt/mTOR pathway was activated to a similar or greater degree in TfRCC than ccRCC cell lines and persisted partly during growth factor starvation, suggesting constitutive activation. Dual mTORC1/2 inhibition with AZD8055 potently inhibited TfRCC viability (IC50 = 20-50 nM) due at least in part to cell cycle arrest, while benign renal epithelial cells were relatively resistant (IC50 = 400 nM). Maximal viability reduction was greater with AZD8055 than sirolimus (80-90% versus 30-50%), as was the extent of Akt/mTOR pathway inhibition, based on significantly greater suppression of P-Akt (Ser473), P-4EBP1, P-mTOR and HIF1α. In mouse xenograft models, AZD8055 achieved significantly better tumor growth inhibition and prolonged mouse survival compared to sirolimus or vehicle controls. CONCLUSIONS: Akt/mTOR activation is common in TfRCC and a promising therapeutic target. Dual mTORC1/2 inhibition suppresses Akt/mTOR signaling more effectively than selective mTORC1 inhibition and demonstrates in vivo preclinical efficacy against TFE3-fusion renal cell carcinoma.

Comprehensive genomic and phenotypic characterization of germline FH deletion in hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma.

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) is a familial cancer syndrome associated with the development of cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas, and an aggressive form of type 2 papillary kidney cancer. HLRCC is characterized by germline mutation of the FH gene. This study evaluated the prevalence and clinical phenotype of FH deletions in HLRCC patients. Patients with phenotypic manifestations consistent with HLRCC who lacked detectable germline FH intragenic mutations were investigated for FH deletion. A series of 28 patients from 13 families were evaluated using a combination of a comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) array and/or CLIA-approved FH deletion/duplication analyses. Thirteen distinct germline deletions were identified in the 13 UOB families, including 11 complete FH gene deletions and 2 partial FH gene deletions. The size of eight evaluated complete FH deletions varied from ∼4.74 Mb to 249 kb, with all deletions resulting in additional gene losses. Two partial FH gene deletions were identified, with one resulting in loss of exon 1 and the upstream region of the FH gene only. Kidney cancer was diagnosed in 9 (32%) of 28 patients and 7 (54%) of 13 families possessing either complete or partial FH deletions. Cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas were observed at similar rates to those in FH point mutation families. Complete or partial FH gene alterations in HLRCC families are associated with all of the canonical HLRCC manifestations, including type 2 papillary kidney cancer and should be screened for in any patient at-risk for this disorder.

Renal cell carcinoma: molecular characterization and evolving treatment paradigms.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The treatment landscape of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) continues to shift as both new targeted therapies and immunotherapies show efficacy in treating the disease. Contemporary insights into the molecular characterization of RCC are likely to fuel the development of additional therapies. This review summarizes recent advancements in the biologic characterization of RCC and discusses newly approved therapies and ongoing studies in the treatment of advanced RCC. RECENT FINDINGS: The Cancer Genome Atlas has now completed comprehensive molecular characterization of clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe RCC, providing insights into the biology of these entities. Two new 'targeted' therapies, cabozantinib and lenvatinib, as well as a novel immune checkpoint inhibitor, the programed death 1 inhibitor nivolumab, have recently been approved for the treatment of metastatic RCC. Although some of these newer therapies are associated with prolongation of survival, there are few long-term responders and the quest for more durable treatment strategies continues. SUMMARY: The addition of several new agents effective in metastatic RCC has resulted in improvements in overall survival; however, there are few avenues to durable responses or cure. Ongoing studies as well advances in our understanding of the molecular alterations underlying distinct forms of RCC promise further therapeutic advances and have the potential to alter the current treatment paradigm.

Therapeutic Strategies for Hereditary Kidney Cancer.

The study of hereditary forms of kidney cancer has vastly increased our understanding of metabolic and genetic pathways involved in the development of both inherited and sporadic kidney cancers. The recognition that diverse molecular events drive different forms of kidney cancers has led to the preclinical and clinical development of specific pathway-directed strategies tailored to treat distinct subgroups of kidney cancer. Here, we describe the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of several different types of hereditary renal cancers, review their clinical characteristics, and summarize the treatment strategies for the management of these cancers.

Molecular pathways in renal cell carcinoma: recent advances in genetics and molecular biology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains a largely incurable disease with a grave prognosis despite the availability of a multiplicity of systemic therapies targeted against vascular endothelial growth factor, its receptors, and the mammalian target of rapamycin. Although immune 'checkpoint inhibitors' appear to have activity in clear cell RCC based on recent early phase trials, the true magnitude of the benefit conferred by these agents remains to be fully understood. Given the limitations of existing treatment paradigms, ongoing research into new targetable pathways is critical. This review will highlight some of the more promising avenues of investigation into the molecular biology of RCC. RECENT FINDINGS: The hypoxia-inducible factor and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways remain critical targets in clear cell RCC. In addition, genes involved in chromatin remodeling such as polybromo 1 (PBRM1), SET domain containing 2 (SETD2), and BRCA-1-associated protein-1 (BAP1) have been shown to influence tumor biology and predict survival. MET alterations and the Krebs cycle enzyme fumarate hydratase are associated with familial type 1 and type 2 papillary RCC (PRCC), respectively. Alterations in nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2, Kelch-like erythroid-derived cap-n-collar homology-associated protein 1, and cullin 3, components of an oxidative stress response pathway, have been recently recognized in some sporadic papillary tumors as well as in fumarate hydratase-deficient tumor and may serve as additional therapeutic targets. In addition, whole-genome sequencing and integrated genomic analysis strategies are beginning to uncover unique molecular signatures associated with distinct subtypes of RCC, laying the foundation for a molecular classification of RCC and more precise, mechanism-based therapeutic intervention. SUMMARY: The complex molecular changes underlying individual RCC variants are yet to be fully elucidated and remain the subject of ongoing investigation. The findings summarized here further exemplify the diversity of RCC and the need to tailor our therapeutic approaches to the unique genetic alterations specific to individual subtypes of RCC.

Renal cell carcinoma: molecular biology and targeted therapy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) continues to be the subject of vigorous clinical and translational investigation. Advances in systemic targeted therapies, new molecular pathways and immunotherapy approaches will be discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and/or the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways continue to be the mainstay for treating metastatic RCC (mRCC). Although enhanced target specificity has improved the toxicity profile associated with newer VEGF-pathway antagonists, durable complete responses remain the exception. Identification of novel pathways/agents, as well as the optimal sequencing and combination of existing targeted agents, remain areas of active study. In addition, emerging data from early clinical trials have reinvigorated interest in immunomodulatory agents. SUMMARY: The therapeutic armamentarium available to genitourinary oncologists continues to grow, but much work remains to be done to fully realize the potential of pathway-specific targeted strategies and immune-based approaches for mRCC.

Belzutifan for von Hippel-Lindau Disease: Pancreatic Lesion Population of the Phase 2 LITESPARK-004 Study.

PURPOSE: Primary analysis of the ongoing, single-arm, phase 2 LITESPARK-004 study (NCT03401788) showed clinically meaningful antitumor activity in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and other neoplasms with belzutifan treatment. We describe results of belzutifan treatment for VHL disease-associated pancreatic lesions [pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) and serous cystadenomas]. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adults with VHL diagnosis based on germline VHL alteration, ≥1 measurable RCC tumor, no renal tumor >3 cm or other VHL neoplasm requiring immediate surgery, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, and no prior systemic anticancer treatment received belzutifan 120 mg once daily. End points included objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and linear growth rate (LGR) in all pancreatic lesions and pNETs per RECIST version 1.1 by independent review committee, and safety. RESULTS: All 61 enrolled patients (100%) had ≥1 pancreatic lesion and 22 (36%) had ≥1 pNET measurable at baseline. Median follow-up was 37.8 months (range, 36.1-46.1). ORR was 84% [51/61; 17 complete responses (CR)] in pancreatic lesions and 91% (20/22; 7 CRs) in pNETs. Median DOR and median PFS were not reached in pancreatic lesions or pNETs. After starting treatment, median LGR for pNETs was -4.2 mm per year (range, -7.9 to -0.8). Eleven patients (18%) had ≥1 grade 3 treatment-related adverse event (AE). No grade 4 or 5 treatment-related AEs occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Belzutifan continued to show robust activity and manageable safety in VHL disease-associated pNETs.

Evolving therapeutic targets in renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent developments in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) will be discussed, with emphasis on data published over the past year. The genetics and molecular biology of the various histologic subtypes of kidney cancer will be reviewed, as these subtle yet important genomic and metabolic alterations provide the opportunity for rational drug development and personalized treatment regimens. RECENT FINDINGS: Additional targeted agents continue to be added to the uro-oncologist's armamentarium in the fight against metastatic kidney cancer. Targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor, or the mammalian target of rapamycin complex, remains the foundation of systemic treatment. In clear cell RCC, increased emphasis is being placed on target selectivity and affinity in a bid to diminish off-target toxicity without compromising efficacy. Combination strategies targeting multiple pathways simultaneously continue to be explored. Histology-specific protocols testing later generation and novel agents in nonclear cell RCC should be made a priority, as there is still not a single drug approved specifically for a nonclear cell indication. SUMMARY: The number of approved treatments for advanced RCC continues to grow, but additional work is needed to further delineate the optimal drug, combination of agents, or sequence best suited to each subtype of RCC.

TFEB and TFE3 drive kidney cystogenesis and tumorigenesis.

Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome is an inherited familial cancer syndrome characterized by the development of cutaneous lesions, pulmonary cysts, renal tumors and cysts and caused by loss-of-function pathogenic variants in the gene encoding the tumor-suppressor protein folliculin (FLCN). FLCN acts as a negative regulator of TFEB and TFE3 transcription factors, master controllers of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy, by enabling their phosphorylation by the mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1). We have previously shown that deletion of Tfeb rescued the renal cystic phenotype of kidney-specific Flcn KO mice. Using Flcn/Tfeb/Tfe3 double and triple KO mice, we now show that both Tfeb and Tfe3 contribute, in a differential and cooperative manner, to kidney cystogenesis. Remarkably, the analysis of BHD patient-derived tumor samples revealed increased activation of TFEB/TFE3-mediated transcriptional program and silencing either of the two genes rescued tumorigenesis in human BHD renal tumor cell line-derived xenografts (CDXs). Our findings demonstrate in disease-relevant models that both TFEB and TFE3 are key drivers of renal tumorigenesis and suggest novel therapeutic strategies based on the inhibition of these transcription factors.

High-throughput and targeted drug screens identify pharmacological candidates against MiT-translocation renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: MiT-Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is characterized by genomic translocations involving microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MiT) family members TFE3, TFEB, or MITF. MiT-RCC represents a specific subtype of sporadic RCC that is predominantly seen in young patients and can present with heterogeneous histological features making diagnosis challenging. Moreover, the disease biology of this aggressive cancer is poorly understood and there is no accepted standard of care therapy for patients with advanced disease. Tumor-derived cell lines have been established from human TFE3-RCC providing useful models for preclinical studies. METHODS: TFE3-RCC tumor derived cell lines and their tissues of origin were characterized by IHC and gene expression analyses. An unbiased high-throughput drug screen was performed to identify novel therapeutic agents for treatment of MiT-RCC. Potential therapeutic candidates were validated in in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies. Mechanistic assays were conducted to confirm the on-target effects of drugs. RESULTS: The results of a high-throughput small molecule drug screen utilizing three TFE3-RCC tumor-derived cell lines identified five classes of agents with potential pharmacological efficacy, including inhibitors of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and several additional agents, including the transcription inhibitor Mithramycin A. Upregulation of the cell surface marker GPNMB, a specific MiT transcriptional target, was confirmed in TFE3-RCC and evaluated as a therapeutic target using the GPNMB-targeted antibody-drug conjugate CDX-011. In vitro and in vivo preclinical studies demonstrated efficacy of the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BGT226, Mithramycin A, and CDX-011 as potential therapeutic options for treating advanced MiT-RCC as single agents or in combination. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the high-throughput drug screen and validation studies in TFE3-RCC tumor-derived cell lines have provided in vitro and in vivo preclinical data supporting the efficacy of the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BGT226, the transcription inhibitor Mithramycin A, and GPNMB-targeted antibody-drug conjugate CDX-011 as potential therapeutic options for treating advanced MiT-RCC. The findings presented here should provide the basis for designing future clinical trials for patients with MiT-driven RCC.