Correlation between cathepsins and the likelihood of renal cancer: a Mendelian randomization study

This study confirmed a direct link between cathepsins and the risk of renal cancer. Specifically, cathepsin S has a significant positive correlation with the risk of pRCC. The findings of our research could provide significant contributions to both fundamental and clinical investigations pertaining to renal cancer. Key message What is already known on this topic? - Previous studies have suggested the role of some cathepsins in renal cancer occurrence and progression. However, the causal link between different cathepsins and renal cancer is unknown. What this study adds? - Our Mendelian randomization (MR) study revealed that the effects of different cathepsins on the risk of renal cancer. Remarkably, both univariable MR and multivariable MR demonstrated that the levels of cathepsin S increases the risk of papillary renal cell carcinoma. How this study might affect research, practice or policy? - The findings offer novel insights into the relationship between cathepsins and renal cancer, which may have implications for the prevention and management of renal cancer.