ASCO GU Symposium Announces New Findings on Tumor Reduction and Survival Outcomes in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

The latest analysis, presented Feb. 13-14 at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO GU 2025), further solidifies the effectiveness of the lenvatinib (Lenvima) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) combination in treating this aggressive form of kidney cancer. Hutson played a key role in the study and provided insights into the impact of these findings.
“This analysis reinforces that greater tumor shrinkage correlates with improved survival outcomes,” Hutson said. “We now have compelling evidence that reducing overall tumor burden not only extends survival but also enhances the effectiveness of subsequent treatments, setting patients up for better long-term prognoses.”
The study, which initially led to the FDA approval of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab for advanced renal cell carcinoma in 2021, continues to provide valuable insights into treatment strategies. The new findings demonstrate that patients with greater reductions in total tumor size at disease progression had significantly longer median survival rates. Additionally, data from the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) show that patients receiving the combination therapy were more likely to maintain or improve their IMDC risk scores, further supporting the regimen’s impact on long-term survival.
“These findings emphasize the importance of aggressive tumor reduction in the fight against renal cell carcinoma,” Hutson added. “The data suggest that this combination therapy offers the best outcomes among currently available treatments, making it a strong contender for first-line treatment in advanced renal cell carcinoma.”
TTUHSC and UMC Health System remain committed to advancing cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes through innovative research and clinical excellence.
About Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
TTUHSC is a medical education, research and patient care leader dedicated to improving health outcomes across Texas and beyond.
About UMC Health System
UMC Health System is a nationally recognized academic medical center committed to delivering advanced patient care, innovative research and comprehensive cancer treatment.
Related Stories
TAMEST Executive Director Visits Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to Strengthen Research Collaboration
TTUHSC welcomed Terrence Henry, executive director of the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (TAMEST), for a campus visit aimed at strengthening partnerships and expanding research engagement opportunities across Texas.
TTUHSC Among National Academy of Inventors Top 100
For the fourth consecutive year, the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) ranked the Texas Tech University System among the Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents for 2025.
National Academy of Inventors Names TTUHSC Faculty Senior Members
The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has designated two current and one former TTUHSC faculty researchers as Senior Members.
Recent Stories
TAMEST Executive Director Visits Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to Strengthen Research Collaboration
TTUHSC welcomed Terrence Henry, executive director of the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (TAMEST), for a campus visit aimed at strengthening partnerships and expanding research engagement opportunities across Texas.
Schroeder Named Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin School of Medicine Regional Dean
Brian D. Schroeder, M.D., has been named the TTUHSC School of Medicine regional dean in the Permian Basin, effective May 1. Schroeder has served as the interim Jan & Ted Roden Endowed Chair and regional dean since May 2025.
Opening doors: Collaboration brings care closer to home in Burton
Washington County embarked upon new frontiers in health care access with an open house in Burton, Texas. Texas A&M University Health Science Center and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center joined with community members to celebrate the newest Texas A&M BUILD clinic.
