Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for a significant portion of new cancer diagnoses, with a subset presenting with tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava (IVC), complicating treatment and prognosis. Despite surgical intervention being the standard for non-metastatic RCC with IVC thrombus, the role of minimally invasive techniques and systemic therapies remains underexplored. Here, we systematically review the histopathologic features and oncological outcomes of non-metastatic RCC with IVC thrombus, analyzing data from 19 studies. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of clear cell histology and significant variability in survival outcomes based on histological subtypes and thrombus extent. The study underscores the potential of tailored therapeutic strategies, including neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, to improve patient outcomes. These insights contribute to refining treatment protocols and highlight the need for further research into personalized treatment approaches for RCC with IVC involvement.
European journal of surgical oncology : the journal of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the British Association of Surgical Oncology. 2025 Oct 01 [Epub ahead of print]
Francesco Lasorsa, Savio Domenico Pandolfo, Gabriele Bignante, Luca Lambertini, Angelo Orsini, Monica Rutigliano, Martina Milella, Emanuele Naglieri, Riccardo Autorino, Pasquale Ditonno, Giuseppe Lucarelli
Urology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy. Electronic address: ., Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Department of Urology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy., Division of Urology, Department of Oncology, University of Turin, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, Turin, Italy., Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy., Urology Unit, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy., Urology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy., Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy., Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA., Urology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy; Urology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy. Electronic address: .