Renal Cell Carcinoma
First-line systemic therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Emma (67 years old)

Emma is a 67-year-old woman who regularly takes care of stray cats that are brought to the local shelter. She was diagnosed with mRCC about 2 years ago after admission to the emergency department with macroscopic haematuria. She has a history of active smoking (50 pack-years) and dyslipidaemia.

About 2 years ago:

  • CT scan: right renal mass and 2 small lung nodules in right upper lobe (3 and 5 mm)
  • Underwent cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN): clear-cell RCC (ccRCC), no sarcomatoid/rhabdoid features – pT2N0M1, WHO/ISUP grade 3

Lost to follow-up, now:

  • CT scan: largest lesion stable at 5 mm, but smallest lesion grown from 3 to 12 mm
  • CT-guided lung biopsy of growing lesion: confirmed metastatic ccRCC
  • No symptoms
  • No contra-indications to immunotherapy or VEGFR-TKI therapy
  • ECOG PS: 0
  • KPS: 90%
  • Blood work: normal

Which of the following treatment options would you choose for this patient?