Kidney Cancer

PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors are generally well-tolerated, so most patients face little or no issues with the drugs. However, there are still some things to look out for.

Immunotherapy is making landmark change in the treatment of patients with genitourinary (GU) cancers, with bladder cancer being the pioneer in the field, having five FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors. But kidney cancer is not far behind, with a breakthrough therapy designation granted for a Keytruda (pembrolizumab) combination this past January.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the immunotherapy combination of Yervoy (ipilimumab) plus Opdivo (nivolumab) to treat patients with intermediate- or poor-risk advanced renal cell carcinoma in the frontline setting. 

After a recent FDA approval for an additional dosing schedule option for Opdivo, patients must be educated on the potential side effects that may occur between prolonged visits.

Daniel George, MD, discusses the physical and emotional burden of kidney cancer and explains the importance of finding resources to help with patient and family support.

Daniel George, MD, educates viewers on newer therapies that show promise in treating more aggressive forms of kidney cancer.

Daniel George, MD, provides an overview of available treatment options in kidney cancer and remarks on the value of patient–physician collaboration in managing the disease.

Daniel George, MD, discusses the different ways in which kidney cancer may present and highlights the most common symptoms that lead to a diagnosis.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a supplemental biologics license application adding a four-week dosing schedule for Opdivo (nivolumab) across several of the PD-1 inhibitor’s indications.

A new combination – Keytruda (pembrolizumab) plus Lenvima (lenvatinib) – was granted a breakthrough therapy designation to treat patients with advanced and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).