Rechallenge Immunotherapy in Former Interferon-Treated Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Rechallenge Immunotherapy in Former Interferon-Treated Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma R enal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a prevalent malignancy arising from the renal cortex, accounting for the majority of primary renal neoplasms. Its global impact is over 400,000 new cases and 170,000 deaths reported annually. Approximately 16% of RCC cases are diagnosed at metastatic stage. Immunotherapy and targeted molecular therapy, has emerged as a promising approach for managing metastatic RCC, guided by disease burden and risk factors. Previously, immunotherapy with interleukin-2 (IL-2) or interferon alpha (IFN-) occupied a leading position due to their ability to stimulate interferons and natural killer cells. In particular, IFN- activates the immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells, including metastatic renal cell carcinoma. However, new generation agents such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have replaced IL-2 and IFN- due to better tolerability and survival rates. However, the challenge of choosing the most appropriate treatment remains after using these powerful options. Subsequent drug selection should be carefully considered, as the disease progresses and becomes more complex to manage.