Cytotoxic chemotherapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

This article reviews 72 cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents used singly or in a limited number of two drug combinations. Results in 3502 adequately treated patients show objective response (complete and partial remissions) in only 197 or 5.6% (95% CI, 4.8% to 6.4%). Although some data suggest that a few drugs need further evaluation, at this time, renal cell carcinoma must be considered a chemotherapeutically resistant cancer.