Dr. Rini on Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in RCC

Brian Rini, MD, associate professor, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, discusses the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy in patients with synchronous metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

For the last 20 years, subsequent cytoreductive nephrectomy and interferon has been the standard treatment for patients with metastatic RCC, Rini says. However, physicians are starting to rethink this decision because of the advent of targeted therapies.

Rini says several retrospective analyses have supported that cytoreductive nephrectomy should remain the standard treatment. However, patient selection bias prevents too much weight being placed on these retrospective studies, Rini says.

Two prospective studies are underway, but it will be some time before those read out.