Rethinking Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: Integrative Genomics, Immunotherapy, and Molecular–Orthomolecular Strategies

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is acknowledged as a heterogeneous malignancy underlined by complex genetic, metabolic, and immune dysregulation. In particular, molecular studies have revealed distinct oncogenic mechanisms that have been exploited and studied as therapeutic intervention targets. These include hypoxia-driven signaling, chromosomal translocations, and gene fusion events that affect tumor progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these targets and rethinks RCC management. Therapeutic concepts include the targeting of genomic fusion biology with emerging cell-based immunotherapies or targeted molecular inhibition, and orthomolecular therapeutic strategies are presented. Two clinical and pathological features are highlighted—namely, the TFE3 fusion proteins in translocation RCC and the growing role of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) inhibitors in clear-cell RCC. We also present recent data on novel immunotherapeutic approaches, including autologous hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell-based interferon-α gene therapy, as well as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. These therapies are discussed in light of their mechanistic rationale, translational potential, and existing clinical challenges due to unwanted side effects. At last, orthomolecular and natural product-based therapies are reviewed for their potential as adjunctive therapies that might be used for oxidative stress management, the targeting of tumor metabolism and immune effects, and to increase standard treatment tolerance. This review points to a multidimensional framework that might support further research and studies in precision-guided RCC management, as integrative approaches may enhance therapeutic efficacy, reduce toxicity, and support the development of personalized interventions for advanced or treatment-resistant RCC.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cancers
Published
2026-04-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18091435
Primary Topic
Renal cell carcinoma treatment
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Rethinking Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: Integrative Genomics, Immunotherapy, and Molecular–Orthomolecular Strategies

Dragan Trivanović, Krešimir Pavelić, Sandra Kraljević Pavelić, Marijana Turčić et al.
Cancers
Renal cell carcinoma treatment
article

Rethinking Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: Integrative Genomics, Immunotherapy, and Molecular–Orthomolecular Strategies

Dragan Trivanović, Krešimir Pavelić, Sandra Kraljević Pavelić, Marijana Turčić, Kristian Krpina
article en

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is acknowledged as a heterogeneous malignancy underlined by complex genetic, metabolic, and immune dysregulation. In particular, molecular studies have revealed distinct oncogenic mechanisms that have been exploited and studied as therapeutic intervention targets. These include hypoxia-driven signaling, chromosomal translocations, and gene fusion events that affect tumor progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these targets and rethinks RCC management. Therapeutic concepts include the targeting of genomic fusion biology with emerging cell-based immunotherapies or targeted molecular inhibition, and orthomolecular therapeutic strategies are presented. Two clinical and pathological features are highlighted—namely, the TFE3 fusion proteins in translocation RCC and the growing role of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) inhibitors in clear-cell RCC. We also present recent data on novel immunotherapeutic approaches, including autologous hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell-based interferon-α gene therapy, as well as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. These therapies are discussed in light of their mechanistic rationale, translational potential, and existing clinical challenges due to unwanted side effects. At last, orthomolecular and natural product-based therapies are reviewed for their potential as adjunctive therapies that might be used for oxidative stress management, the targeting of tumor metabolism and immune effects, and to increase standard treatment tolerance. This review points to a multidimensional framework that might support further research and studies in precision-guided RCC management, as integrative approaches may enhance therapeutic efficacy, reduce toxicity, and support the development of personalized interventions for advanced or treatment-resistant RCC.

CancersVol. 18(9)
University of Rijeka (HR), Juraj Dobrila University of Pula (HR), Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA)
European Commission
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Renal cell carcinoma treatment
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