VASISHTHA GENESIS SCHOOL

BIOLOGY INVESTIGATORY PROJECT ON

IMMUNOTHERAPY IN TREATMENT OF
KIDNEY CANCER

Academic
Session
2024-2025

SUBMITTED BY ~
MANSI A PATEL
12TH B SCIENCE
 INDEX

CERTIFICATE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

AIM

INTRODUCTION OF TOPIC

THEORY

APPLICATIONS

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my Biology

Teacher, Dhaval Kher Sir and Our Principal Sir, Gautam Guha Sir for
their able guidance and support in completing my project.

I am also thankful to my parents and friends for their constant

encouragement and cooperation throughout this project.
 AIM

The goal of immunotherapy for cancer is to induce our immune system

to recognize and kill cancer cells. Over the past few decades,
immunotherapy has become an important part of treating some types
of cancer. Immunotherapy is being use in treatment of various kind of
cancers such as breast cancer,cervical cancer,mouth cancer,throat
cancer,etc.

In this project our aim is to investigate that :

✓ What is an immunotherapy?
✓ What is the primary cause of kidney cancer?
✓ How to prevent it?
✓ What kind of immunotherapy is used in treating kidney cancer?
✓ How its work in patient’s body?
✓ How effective it is?
✓ Who is eligible for this therapy?
✓ Can a patient get fully recover from
kidney cancer?
✓ Side effects of this therapy.
 INTRODUCTION

➢ What is an immmunotherpy?

Immunotherapies are treatments that help the body’s immune system

fight cancer more effectively. Immunotherapy has become a major
focus of kidney cancer treatment research. Today, most people with
advanced kidney cancer will receive a type of immunotherapy drug
called an immune checkpoint inhibitor at some point during their
treatment.

Immunotherapy for kidney cancer is a

groundbreaking approach that harnesses
the body’s own immune system to fight
against kidney cancer cells.By stimulating
the immune system or blocking the signals
that cancer cells use to evade detection,immunotherapy helps the body
recognize and attack cancer more effectively.
 THEORY

➢ What is a kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a disease that starts in the
kidneys, which are bean-shaped organs located near the middle of your
back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are responsible for filtering
waste products from the blood and producing urine.

➢ SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEY CANCER :

It include blood in the urine, back pain just below the ribs that doesn't
go away, a mass or lump in the side or abdomen, weight loss, fatigue,
and intermittent fever.

➢ CAUSES OF KIDNEY CANCER :

The exact cause of kidney cancer is not always clear, but several factors
may increase the risk of developing it:

1. Smoking: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing kidney

cancer. Smokers are at a higher risk than nonsmokers.
2. Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of kidney
cancer. Obesity can cause changes in certain hormones and insulin
levels, which may promote the growth of kidney cancer cells.
3. High blood pressure (hypertension): High blood pressure may
increase the risk of kidney cancer.
4. Family history: A family history of kidney cancer or certain
hereditary conditions increase the risk of kidney cancer.
5. Age: The risk of kidney cancer increases with age, with most cases
occurring in people over the age of 45.
6. Exposure to certain substances: Occupational exposure to certain
substances such as asbestos, cadmium, benzene, organic solvents, and
certain herbicides may increase the risk of kidney cancer.

➢ HOW TO PREVENT KIDNEY CANCER?

While it's not always possible to prevent kidney cancer, there are
several steps you can take to reduce your risk:
1.Quit smoking: If you smoke, quit. Smoking is a major risk factor for
kidney cancer, and quitting can significantly reduce your risk.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Aim to
maintain a healthy weight through a
balanced diet and regular exercise. Obesity
is a risk factor for kidney cancer, so
maintaining a healthy weight can help
reduce your risk.
3. Eat a healthy diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Limit your intake of processed
foods, red meats, and foods high in
saturated fats and sugars.
4. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water
throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Adequate hydration may help reduce the
risk of kidney cancer.
5. Limit alcohol consumption: Limit your alcohol intake, as excessive
alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of kidney
cancer.
6. Manage high blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure,
work with your healthcare provider to manage it effectively. Lifestyle
changes, medication, and other treatments can help control high blood
pressure and reduce your risk of kidney cancer.
7.Get regular check-ups: Attend regular check-ups with your
healthcare provider and discuss any concerns or
symptoms you may have. Early detection and
treatment can improve outcomes for kidney
cancer.

➢ TYPES OF IMMUNOTHERAPY USED IN KIDNEY

CANCER

The main types of immunotherapy in treating kidney cancer include:

1.Immune checkpoint inhibitors: These drugs work by blocking
proteins called checkpoint inhibitors, which normally prevent the
immune system from attacking cancer cells. By blocking these proteins,
checkpoint inhibitors help activate the immune system to recognize
and attack cancer cells. The most common immune checkpoint
inhibitors used in kidney cancer treatment target proteins such as PD-1
(programmed cell death protein 1) or PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand
1) and CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4). Examples
of checkpoint inhibitors used in kidney cancer include nivolumab,
pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, and ipilimumab.

2. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) therapy: Interleukin-2 is a type of cytokine that

helps stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. High-dose IL-
2 therapy has been used for many years as a treatment for advanced
kidney cancer, particularly in patients with good performance status
and no significant comorbidities. However, IL-2 therapy is associated
with significant side effects and is typically administered in specialized
medical centers.

3. Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha): Interferons are proteins that help

regulate the immune response. Interferon-alpha has been used in the
treatment of kidney cancer, either alone or in combination with other
therapies. However, its use has declined in recent years due to the
availability of more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

4. Targeted immunotherapy: Some targeted therapies, such as tyrosine

kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)
inhibitors, may also have immunomodulatory effects. These drugs may
help enhance the body's immune response to cancer cells while also
targeting specific pathways involved in cancer growth and progression.
 APPLICATIONS

Immunotherapy works for kidney cancer by harnessing the power of

the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. The
immune system has mechanisms in place to detect and eliminate
abnormal cells, including cancer cells. However, cancer cells can
sometimes evade detection by the immune system or suppress its
activity, allowing them to grow and spread unchecked.

T cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the
immune response. Immunotherapy drugs, such as immune checkpoint
inhibitors, work by activating T cells and enhancing their ability to
recognize and attack cancer cells. These drugs target proteins called
immune checkpoints, which are molecules on the surface of T cells that
regulate immune responses. By blocking immune checkpoint proteins
like PD-1, PD-L1, or CTLA-4, immunotherapy helps unleash the immune
system to target and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy helps
amplify the body's natural immune response against cancer cells. By
activating T cells and overcoming the inhibitory signals produced by
cancer cells, immunotherapy helps stimulate a more robust and
effective immune response against the tumor.
 However,the success rate of
immunotherapy in kidney cancer can vary
depending on several factors, including the
stage of the cancer, the type of
immunotherapy used, and individual patient
characteristics. Overall, immunotherapy has
demonstrated significant benefits for many patients with kidney cancer,
particularly those with advanced or metastatic disease.

Overall success rates for immunotherapies are difficult to summarize,

but around 15-20% of people experience lasting results from
immunotherapy.After 18 months of treatment, 75% of patients on the
immunotherapy combination were still alive, compared with 60% who
had sunitinib alone. Of the patients using combination immunotherapy:

• 42% experienced a tumor response, versus 27% in the sunitinib group

• 9% experienced a complete response, meaning their cancer was no

longer detectable, versus 1% in the sunitinib group

• 46% experienced serious side effects, versus 63% in the sunitinib group

• 22% discontinued treatment because of side effects, versus 12% in the

sunitinib group

Immunotherapy can be used at various stages of kidney cancer, but its

use is typically more common in advanced or metastatic stages. The
specific stage at which immunotherapy is considered depends on
factors such as the type of kidney cancer, the overall health of the
patient, and individual treatment goals. Here's a general overview:
1.Localized or early-stage kidney cancer (Stage I to Stage III): Surgery is
usually the primary treatment for localized kidney cancer. This may
involve removing part of the kidney (partial nephrectomy) or the entire
kidney (radical nephrectomy). In some cases, minimally invasive
procedures such as radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation may be an
option for small tumors.
2.Advanced or metastatic kidney cancer (Stage IV): Immunotherapy,
particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, has become a standard
treatment option for advanced or metastatic kidney cancer. These
drugs are often used as first-line or subsequent-line therapies, either
alone or in combination with other treatments such as targeted
therapies or chemotherapy.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting proteins like PD-1, PD-L1, and

CTLA-4 have demonstrated efficacy in improving outcomes and
extending survival for some patients with advanced kidney cancer.
These drugs can induce durable responses in a subset of patients,
leading to prolonged disease control and improved quality of life.
The side effects of immunotherapy for kidney cancer can vary among
individuals and depend on factors such as the type of immunotherapy
used, the dose, and the overall health of the patient. Common side
effects of imunotherapy for kidney cancer may include:

o Fatigue

o Skin reactions

o Gastrointestinal issues

o Endocrine disorders

o Autoimmune reactions

o Infusion reactions
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint

inhibitors, has significantly advanced the treatment landscape for
kidney cancer, particularly for patients with advanced or metastatic
disease. Immunotherapy has demonstrated efficacy in improving
outcomes and extending survival for some patients with advanced or
metastatic kidney cancer.Treatment decisions should be made on a
case-by-case basis, taking into account individual patient
characteristics, disease characteristics, treatment goals, and
preferences. Ongoing research is needed to further optimize treatment
strategies, identify predictive biomarkers, and develop novel
immunotherapy approaches for kidney cancer. Clinical trials play a
crucial role in advancing the field and providing access to cutting-edge
treatments for patients.

Overall, immunotherapy has

transformed the management of
kidney cancer, offering new hope and
improved quality of life for many
patients. With continued research and innovation, immunotherapy is
expected to further improve outcomes and redefine the standard of
care for kidney cancer in the years to come.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

o www.cancer.org
o www.healthline.com
o www.cancerreasearch.com
o www.mayoclinic.org
o www.utswmed.org