Management of patients with metastatic renal cell cancer and bone metastases

Abstract

Background/Aim: Previous research has suggested that patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) and bone metastases have a poorer prognosis compared to their counterparts with no skeletal involvement. Therefore, we analyzed the management and outcomes of such patients in our center. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 35 consecutive patients who received systemic treatment, largely targeted therapy, for mRCC with bone metastases. Results: The median overall survival was 25 months from the time of diagnosis of mRCC. The 5-year survival rate was 16%. Survival from diagnosis of mRCC was significantly worse in patients with bone metastases present at the start of first-line systemic therapy (median 13 months) compared to delayed metastases diagnosed later during the course of disease (46 months, p=0.01). Few patients (29%) were able to receive more than two lines of systemic therapy. Bone-only metastases were uncommon (11%). Conclusion: Most patients with mRCC and bone metastases have limited overall survival.