Top 3 Takeaways From ASCO GU 2025

Ensuring optimal treatment strategies for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains a key focus in oncology, particularly in the second line and beyond for metastatic disease. According to Dr. Emre Yekedüz, recent data from the 2025 ASCO Genitourinary (GU) Cancers Symposium highlighted several promising developments in kidney cancer treatment.

During the meeting, investigators presented findings on the combination of Lenvima (lenvatinib) and Welireg (belzutifan), a regimen showing potential in metastatic clear cell RCC. Additionally, research on the kidney injury molecule-1 biomarker suggested its role in predicting prognosis and survival for patients receiving nivolumab plus ipilimumab.

In the interview, Yekedüz also discussed early-phase data on a novel HIF-2α inhibitor, which demonstrated a 30% objective response rate as a single agent in the second-line setting. Ongoing phase 3 trials will further evaluate this agent’s potential in RCC treatment, he explained in an interview with CURE.

Transcript:

The first one is actually the combination regimen the [Lenvima], which is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used in our [patients with] kidney cancer. And another one, [Welireg] is a HIF-2α inhibitor we can use in our [patients with] kidney cancer. The combination of these two regimens is promising in the second line of treatment and beyond in [patients with] metastatic clear cell RCC.

The second one, the kidney injury molecule-1, is a promising biomarker for evaluation of prognosis and also predicting survival in [patients with] metastatic clear cell RCC receiving [Opdivo (nivolumab) plus [Yervoy (ipilimumab)]. These are the immune checkpoint inhibitors in that we use in our [patients with] kidney cancer.

The third one is a novel HIF-2α inhibitor, which is a target for our [patients with] kidney cancer. Casdatifan is on the way. So the early phase 1 trial was presented by Dr. Toni Choueiri, and with 30% objective response rate as a single agent in the second line and treatment and beyond in [patients with] metastatic clear cell RCC. So actually, we are waiting for other combinations with the phase 3 trials. So this is a novel and promising agent for our [patients with] kidney cancer. I can say these [are] three important topics, from ASCO GU 2025.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.