Dr. Sznol Discusses Advancements in Immunotherapy for RCC

Mario Sznol, MD, professor of Medicine, co-director, Yale SPORE in Skin Cancer, Yale Cancer Center, discusses advancements in immunotherapy for the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

One of the biggest advancements in the treatment of RCC in the past year were the results of the combination of ipilimumab (Yervoy) and nivolumab (Opdivo). This combination showed a survival benefit superior to that of sunitinib (Sutent), particularly in patients with intermediate and poor prognosis. Sznol says that this combination represents a possible new standard of care in the frontline setting of RCC.

Additionally, a phase III trial comparing atezolizumab (Tecentriq) and bevacizumab (Avastin) with sunitinib showed an advantage in progression-free survival across all subgroups. Combinations of VEGF inhibitors and anti—PD-1/PD-L1 agents look promising, according to Sznol.