In a study of advanced renal cell cancer patients, inherited cancer gene mutations were identified in 16%, of which 5.5% had mutations in genes related to renal cell cancer. Among the subgroup with non-clear cell renal cancer, about a fifth had an inherited cancer gene mutation, half of which had a gene mutation that could guide treatment. These findings suggest that more advanced renal cell cancers may arise in individuals with inherited cancer predisposition and are important to identify given their potential importance to guide treatment, inform future cancer risks, and provide patients with the potential to share test results with their family members.
Carlo MI, et al. JAMA Oncol. 2018 Sept 1. PMID: 29978187.