What is it about?
This study investigated the role of circulating KIM-1 (Kidney Injury Marker-1) as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) using data from the CheckMate 214 trial. In this post-hoc analysis, it was evaluated whether baseline KIM-1 levels could predict clinical outcomes, including response to therapy, progression-free survival, and overall survival, in patients receiving immunotherapy. The analysis revealed that higher KIM-1 levels were associated with poorer prognosis in untreated or less responsive patients, while lower levels correlated with better outcomes. KIM-1 also showed potential as a predictive biomarker, helping to distinguish patients who are more likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab.
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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This study is important because it moves us closer to personalizing treatment for advanced kidney cancer. Circulating KIM-1 may reflect both tumor activity and kidney health, offering a way to stratify patients based on risk and likely response to therapy. Understanding how KIM-1 levels relate to outcomes can help identify which patients will benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors and avoid unnecessary treatment for those less likely to respond. This could help doctors make more informed, personalized decisions, optimize therapy selection, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Perspectives
This study highlights the potential of circulating KIM-1 as a practical and informative biomarker in advanced kidney cancer. It is interesting how a single blood-based marker can provide insight into both prognosis and likely response to immunotherapy. This approach could help refine patient selection and move us toward more personalized treatment strategies, ensuring that patients receive therapies most likely to benefit them while avoiding unnecessary side effects.
Deepthi Chowbene
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Evaluation of circulating kidney injury marker-1 (KIM-1) as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC): Post-hoc analysis of CheckMate 214., Journal of Clinical Oncology, February 2025, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO),
DOI: 10.1200/jco.2025.43.5_suppl.437.
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