Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a biologically diverse malignancy with a rising global incidence and a high propensity for metastasis, particularly in its clear cell subtype. While traditional treatments have centered on surgery and targeted therapies, immunotherapy has emerged as a transformative approach in the management of advanced RCC. This review explores the evolution of immunotherapy in RCC, from early cytokine-based treatments to the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and their integration with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We detail the immunologic mechanisms underpinning these therapies, the rationale from preclinical models, and the pivotal clinical trials that redefined standard of care. Challenges such as immune resistance, tumor heterogeneity, and immune escape mechanisms are critically analyzed, highlighting tumor-intrinsic and microenvironmental factors. Lastly, we examine ongoing innovations including novel immune checkpoints, cytokine modulators, CAR-T therapies, and neoantigen-based vaccines, offering a forward-looking perspective on enhancing immunotherapeutic efficacy and personalization in RCC management.
肾细胞癌(RCC)是一种生物学特性多样的恶性肿瘤,其全球发病率持续上升,且具有较高的转移倾向,尤其在透明细胞亚型中表现显著。传统治疗主要围绕手术和靶向疗法展开,而免疫疗法已成为晚期肾细胞癌治疗中的变革性策略。本文综述了肾细胞癌免疫疗法的发展历程,从早期的细胞因子治疗到免疫检查点抑制剂(ICIs)的出现及其与酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(TKIs)的联合应用。我们详细阐述了这些疗法背后的免疫学机制、临床前模型的科学依据,以及重新定义治疗标准的关键性临床试验。文章重点分析了免疫耐药、肿瘤异质性和免疫逃逸机制等挑战,并深入探讨了肿瘤内在因素及微环境因素的影响。最后,我们审视了当前的研究进展,包括新型免疫检查点、细胞因子调节剂、CAR-T疗法以及基于新抗原的疫苗等创新方向,为提升肾细胞癌免疫治疗的疗效与个体化应用提供了前瞻性视角。
A Review of Immunotherapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Current Landscape and Future Directions