Journal of Cancer Science and Research
Open Access

Brief Note on Etiology and Pathophysiology Involved in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Ramsjo Azihan^{* *}Correspondence: Ramsjo Azihan, Department of Biotechnology, Himachal Pradesh University, Summer Hill, Shimla, India, Email:

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About the Study

Renal cell cancer, also known as Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), is rare but important form of cancer that originates in the kidneys. Although it is uncommon, it represents a considerable health challenge, as it often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage.

Understanding renal cell cancer

Renal cell cancer begins in the cells of the kidneys, two bean- shaped organs located on each side of the spine, just below the ribcage. These organs are responsible for filtering waste products and excess substances from the blood, producing urine, and regulating blood pressure [1]. Renal cell cancer primarily affects the renal tubules, which are small tubes within the kidney responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. The exact cause of renal cell cancer usually not noticed, but various risk factors have been identified.

Risk factors

Age: Renal cell cancer is more common in people aged 50 and older, with the highest incidence in those over 60.

Smoking: Smoking is an important risk factor for renal cell cancer, as it can introduce harmful chemicals into the bloodstream, affecting the kidneys [2].

Obesity: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of renal cell cancer. The reasons behind this is believed that, excess fat may lead to hormonal and metabolic changes that promote cancer development.

Hypertension: High blood pressure is a risk factor for renal cell cancer, and it may be related to the kidney's role in regulating blood pressure [3].

Family history: Individuals with a family history of renal cell cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease.

Genetic factors: In some hereditary conditions, such as Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome, and Hereditary Papillary Renal Carcinoma (HPRC), can increase the risk of renal cell cancer [4].

Symptoms of renal cell cancer

Renal cell cancer often remains asymptomatic in its early stages. As the illness increases, the following symptoms may appear:

Blood in urine: Hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine, is a common early symptom of renal cell cancer.

Pain or discomfort: Continuous pain or discomfort in the lower back or side, often on one side, can signal the presence of a kidney tumor.

Fever and night sweats: Some individuals may experience fever, night sweats, and other flu-like symptoms.

High blood pressure: Renal cell cancer can lead to increased blood pressure, sometimes for the first time [5].

Diagnosis

Diagnosing renal cell cancer typically involves several steps:

Medical history and physical examination: The medical professional will review the patient's medical history and perform a physical examination to look for any signs or symptoms of kidney cancer.

Imaging tests: Imaging studies such as ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans can provide detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding structures.

Biopsy: In some cases, a tissue sample (biopsy) is taken from the kidney to confirm the presence of cancer and identify its type.

Blood tests: Blood tests can detect elevated levels of certain substances that may indicate the presence of kidney cancer [6].

Treatment options

Treatment for renal cell cancer is determined by several factors, including the stage of the disease, the patient's health, and the type of renal cell cancer. The main treatment options include:

Surgery: Surgical removal of the affected kidney (nephrectomy) is the primary treatment for localized renal cell cancer [7]. Partial nephrectomy may be an option when the tumor is small and limited to a specific area of the kidney.

Targeted therapy: Targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, have transformed the treatment of advanced renal cell cancer [8]. These drugs aim to interfere with the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used in certain cases, particularly to relieve pain or control symptoms when surgery is not an option.

Immunotherapy: Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as nivolumab and ipilimumab, have shown the potential to treat advanced renal cell cancer by enhancing the body's immune response against cancer cells [9].

Ongoing research and advances

The field of renal cell cancer research is continuous, with ongoing efforts to improve early detection and treatment. Some of the current research areas include:

Biomarkers: Researchers are exploring the identification of biomarkers that can help in early diagnosis and prognosis.

Immunotherapy: Further development of immunotherapy and combination therapies to enhance the immune system's response against renal cell cancer.

Personalized medicine: Advancements in understanding the genetic and molecular factors contributing to renal cell cancer are leading to more personalized treatment approaches [10].

Clinical Trials: Numerous clinical trials are investigating novel treatments, including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and other experimental treatments.

Conclusion

Renal cell cancer, though relatively rare, is an effective condition that can go unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage. Understanding its risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options is essential for both patients and healthcare professionals. Ongoing research in the field of renal cell cancer bring about improved early detection and innovative therapies that offer hope for those affected by this complex and challenging disease. With advances in early detection and treatment, the outlook for renal cell cancer patients continues to improve, describing the importance of awareness and regular check-ups for individuals at risk.

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