A type of interferon is still occasionally used in combination with a targeted therapy for metastatic RCC. Researchers in clinical trials are testing if cytokines make a good combination with immune checkpoint in- hibitors. But immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy options have largely replaced the use of interferon.
High-dose interleukin was one of the first immunotherapies approved to treat meta- static RCC. It offered a longer duration of complete remission, but patients are now carefully selected for this treatment because of the high level of side effects.
Clinical Trials
Immunotherapy for RCC is a large focus in clinical trials. Researchers are studying cancer vaccines to treat kidney cancer and prevent a recurrence with advanced RCC. Modified cytokines are also an area of research. The goal is to create an effective treatment with fewer serious side effects. With the increased use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, studies are ongoing to find more that are effective in kidney cancer. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for a clinical trial.