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

• By Mark Hendricks
• February 20, 2025
• Research

Thomas E. Hutson, D.O., Pharm.D., Ph.D., chief of the Hematology Oncology Division in the Department of Internal Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) and director of the University Medical Center (UMC) Cancer Center, shared groundbreaking findings from the landmark CLEAR (Clinical trial Comparing Lenvatinib with Ecerolimus or Pembrolizumab in Renal Cell Carcinoma) study. The findings underscore the critical role of tumor size reduction in improving survival outcomes for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC).

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.