Investigating Quality of Life and Treatment Adherence in Kidney Cancer

Ensuring treatment adherence while minimizing side effects is a critical component of effective cancer care, specifically in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a kind of kidney cancer. According to Dr. Emre Yekedüz, side effect management remains a priority in kidney cancer care following data read-outs at the 2025 ASCO Genitourinary (GU) Cancers Symposium.

During the meeting, investigators shared information on a novel health-related quality-of-life questionnaire which was designed to assess functional well-being, emotional health, physical symptoms and treatment-related side effects in patients with localized RCC. Tools like these may help optimize symptom management, Yekedüz emphasized in an interview with CURE.

In the interview, he also discussed key findings from ongoing studies shared at the meeting. Yekedüz, a medical oncologist and research fellow in medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, also highlighted strategies that may improve patients' quality of life and mitigate treatment-related side effects.

Transcript:

Treatment adherence is essential in cancer care, so we must always consider side effect management and quality of life for our patients. A novel questionnaire was presented at the 2025 ASCO GU Symposium, [evaluating] novel health-related quality-of-life [measures]. This [tool] aimed to assess the functional well-being and emotional health in patients with localized RCC, as well as their physical symptoms and treatment side effects. Health-related quality-of-life tools can enhance symptom management, allowing us to optimize treatment strategies and assessments. 

Additionally, an abstract … evaluated Bavencio [avelumab] plus Inlyta [axitinib] — a combination commonly used for patients with clear cell RCC. According to the study design, if a response was observed with this combination, Inlyta could be discontinued while continuing Bavencio. However, if the disease progressed, Inlyta could be reintroduced. The study demonstrated a 50% partial response rate with the reintroduction of Inlyta, warranting further investigation. 

By [implementing] this strategy, we can [improve] patients' quality of life, reduce side effects during treatment, and enhance adherence throughout the treatment course. 

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness

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