PMID: 8946619Nov 1, 1996Paper

Renal cell carcinoma: basic biology and clinical behavior

Seminars in Urologic Oncology
J R FranklinArie S Belldegrun

Abstract

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has gradually increased, and approximately 40% of all patients diagnosed with this disease will die of it. With the increasing availability of ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) scanning, incidental renal tumors are more frequently diagnosed. Overall, conflicting evidence still exists to support a trend towards early diagnosis and/or a change in the natural history of the disease. The localization of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene and other regions on chromosome 3p have contributed significantly to our understanding of the molecular genetics of both familial and sporadic RCC. Moreover, distinction between different cell types of RCC are being made at the molecular and genetic level. A relationship between environmental factors, such as cigarette smoking, and these genetic disturbances has yet to be determined. Although different determinants of nuclear grading are being proposed as prognostic factors, no convincing evidence has been identified to support the use of other molecular markers, such as the p53 tumor suppressor gene and epidermal growth factor. With regard to treatment, beyond the role of surgery in organ-confined RCC, other therapies for RCC ar...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.