Dr. Jonasch on Utilizing the Tumor Microenvironment and Epigenetics as Biomarkers in RCC

Eric Jonasch, MD, professor, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses how understanding features within the tumor microenvironment and mutated epigenetic modifying genes may provide insight on prognosis or treatment strategies in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

The tumor microenvironment is made of up cells that yield signals, Jonasch explains. These signals, which may be associated with the genomics of the tumor, have the potential to inform clinicians on prognosis or specific treatment approaches.

Gene mutations are already known to be prognostic, Jonasch says. In RCC, a PBMR1 mutation is associated with a better outcome, whereas a worse outcome is associated with a BAP1 mutation, he says.

In the next 5 to 10 years, focus should be on understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment and of epigenetics as predictive biomarkers to develop more personalized therapies.