Purpose of review: The daunting task of identifying key molecular drivers of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has begun to reveal significant insights into tumor biology. This review provides an update on recent discoveries in this field and their possible clinical implications.
Recent findings: Molecular profiles within the classic RCC histologic subtypes present distinctive appreciation of tumor biology and also allow for exploitation of targeted treatment regimens for patients with metastatic disease. Prognostic signatures have demonstrated the ability to accurately predict many clinical outcomes.
Summary: The molecular and genomic profiling of RCC subtypes has identified a unique and diverse spectrum of alterations. Utilization of these characteristics to improve our prognostic and therapeutic outcomes in the clinical realm remains in its infancy but is rapidly advancing.