Treatment for kidney cancer that increases the survival rate. It has effects in the advanced stages of the disease

A recent phase 3 trial, called KEYNOTE-564, investigated the adjuvant effect of pembrolizumab in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma who were at high risk of recurrence after surgery. In this double-blind study, participants were randomized to receive either pembrolizumab or a placebo.

The results were promising, showing that pembrolizumab given at 3-week intervals for up to 17 cycles or until relapse led to significant improvements in disease-free survival and overall survival compared with the placebo group.

Median follow-up was 57.2 months, and the benefit of pembrolizumab was consistent across all key subgroups of participants. However, it was noted that treatment with pembrolizumab was associated with a higher incidence of serious adverse events and grade 3 or 4 adverse events compared with placebo. It is important to note that although there were adverse events, no deaths were attributed to pembrolizumab therapy.

In conclusion, the results of this study show that adjuvant pembrolizumab brings a clinically significant improvement in overall survival for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma at high risk of recurrence after surgery, according to the study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

See also: The reason why you should always close the toilet bowl lid. A doctor’s VIDEO warning: An angry volcano of bacteria

What is clear cell carcinoma of the kidney

Clear cell carcinoma of the kidney is the most common form of kidney cancer and arises from the cells that line the small tubules in the kidney. Their clear appearance under the microscope is due to a large number of lipids and a lower degree of cells, which gives them a pale color under the microscope. This type of kidney cancer can have various degrees of aggressiveness and can be associated with various prognoses depending on the stage in which it is diagnosed and other risk factors such as the size of the tumor and its extension to other tissues or organs.

How it manifests

Kidneys – PHOTO: Freepik

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma may not cause symptoms in its early stages and may be discovered accidentally during routine medical examinations or imaging investigations performed for other health problems. However, when they do occur, symptoms may include:

– Blood in the urine (hematuria), which can only be seen or detected in laboratory tests.

– Pain or discomfort in the side or lower back.

See also: Treatment for people with dementia, side effects. Increased risk of stroke, heart attack, heart and kidney failure

– A mass or lump in the side or lower abdomen.

– Unintentional weight loss.

– Unexplained fatigue.

– Persistent fever.

– High blood pressure.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow DCMedical on Google News as well

Did this article help you?

Follow the DCMedical Facebook page and the DCMedical Health Dose Instagram page and access more useful content for your health, disease prevention and treatment, first aid measures and useful advice from doctors and patients.