Site-specific Response to Nivolumab in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background/aim Nivolumab monotherapy for advanced/metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) shows a survival benefit. The purpose of this study was to evaluate tumor responses to nivolumab in various metastatic and primary sites in patients with RCC. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed 68 patients who underwent nivolumab monotherapy after one or more regimens of targeted therapy for advanced/metastatic RCC. The site-specific response was evaluated and progression-free survival was estimated. Results The site-specific overall response rates (ORRs) were as follows: lung (36%), bone (5%), lymph node (33%), liver (50%), adrenal gland (29%), pancreas (33%), and brain (0%). The ORR of bone metastasis was significantly worse in comparison to lung and liver metastases (p=0.017, 0.008). The site-specific median progression-free survival times were as follows: lung (5.1 months), bone (not reached), lymph node (not reached), and liver (17.5 months). Conclusion Responses to nivolumab may vary depending on metastasized organs.