In a patient with renal clear cell carcinoma with adrenal metastasis, which drug is commonly used in first-line treatment?

Nivolumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits programmed death-1 (PD-1), a checkpoint protein on immune cells. This drug is commonly used in the setting of renal clear cell carcinoma, especially when there is advanced disease, such as adrenal metastasis. The mechanism by which nivolumab works allows the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

In the context of renal clear cell carcinoma, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab has transformed the treatment landscape, offering a strong initial therapeutic option that can lead to durable responses and increased survival rates compared to traditional chemotherapy. Evidence from clinical trials highlights its effectiveness, making it a standard part of first-line treatment protocols for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

While other treatments like paclitaxel, carboplatin, and fluorouracil have their own uses in different cancer types, they are not typically the first-line options for renal clear cell carcinoma with adrenal metastasis. The specific immunotherapy approach offered by nivolumab aligns with the current understanding of the disease and its treatment modalities.