Publication

Abstract : Target molecule Treatment (TMT) have emerged as the primary treatment in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Majority of the patients in pivot trials were post nephrectomy cases. The benefit of cytoreductive nephrectomy in the era of TMT is debated. The role of these molecules in the adjuvant settings and in neo adjuvant/pre surgical role has evoked interest. In this review the different molecules used in the treatment of metastatic renal cancer and its effect on the primary renal tumour is discussed. Information available in the public domain about the presurgical/neoadjuvant targeted molecular treatment (TMT) is reviewed to understand the benefits and adverse effects of this modality of treatment. Sunitinib and sorafenib are the most commonly used and effective molecules in the neo adjuvant/re surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Bevacizumab is less effective and has more chance of surgical complications in these settings mainly due to poor wound healing secondary to prolonged wash off period. The patent and the surgeon should be aware of the unpredictability and possible adverse effects before advising these molecule pre operatively. The response of the primary renal tumour to the target molecule is different from that of the metastatic tumour. The side effects of the molecules and its effect on the peri operative morbidity and mortality should also be considered when we advise these molecules as pre surgical/neo adjuvant treatment. © 2011 Indian Association of Surgical Oncology.