Research progress in renal sarcomatoid carcinoma

Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinomas (sRCC) are not considered a distinct subtype and can be recognized in association with every histologic type of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Clinically, tumors with sarcomatoid changes carry a poor prognosis with rapid tumor growth, high rates of metastasis at the time of diagnosis, poor response to historical treatment, and shorter overall survival (OS). Limited research on tumors with sarcomatoid change has led to minimal progress in the understanding and treatment of these tumors. sRCC is an important entity for all clinicians to be familiar with. Because this entity may account for 10%~20% of patients with advanced disease, it continues to be a major contributor to RCC mortality.