Renal cell carcinoma is a highly immunogenic tumour. Older types of immunotherapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), such as the cytokines interferon-α and interleukin-2, have already receded into the background.
As part of therapy of mRCC, anti-tumour vaccines, antibodies against CTLA-4 and antibodies against PD-1/PD-L1 have been investigated. The first new immuno-oncological drug registered for the therapy of mRCC was nivolumab.
PD-1 pathway inhibitors can also be successfully combined with other immune drugs and anti-angiogenic treatment.