Adjuvant therapy for renal cell carcinoma, finally a new standard?

Localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has the potential to be cured with surgery alone; however, some patients have a high risk of relapse and may benefit from additional treatment. Several efforts have been made to identify effective strategies, with mostly negative results. However, recent results with immune checkpoint inhibitors may change the current standard, and several ongoing trials are exploring new alternatives. In this perspective, we aim to provide an overview of previous adjuvant therapy efforts, current data supporting the use of checkpoint blockade, and a future outlook for adjuvant therapy in renal cell carcinoma.

Automated summary

Localized renal cell carcinoma can be cured with surgery, but some patients have a high risk of relapse and may need additional treatment. Previous efforts to find effective strategies have mostly been unsuccessful, but recent results with immune checkpoint inhibitors may change the current standard. Ongoing trials are exploring new alternatives for adjuvant therapy in renal cell carcinoma.