Dr. Emre Yekedüz is a medical oncologist and research fellow in medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Dr. Emre Yekedüz

Dr. Emre Yekedüz discusses his top 3 key takeaways from attending the 2025 ASCO Genitourinary (GU) Cancers Symposium.

Top 3 Takeaways From ASCO GU 2025

Ensuring optimal treatment strategies for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains a key focus in oncology, particularly in the second line and beyond for metastatic disease. According to Dr. Emre Yekedüz, recent data from the 

2025 ASCO Genitourinary (GU) Cancers Symposium

 highlighted several promising developments in kidney cancer treatment.

During the meeting, investigators presented findings on the combination of Lenvima (lenvatinib) and Welireg (belzutifan), a regimen showing potential in metastatic clear cell RCC. Additionally, research on the kidney injury molecule-1 biomarker suggested its role in predicting prognosis and survival for patients receiving nivolumab plus ipilimumab.

In the interview, Yekedüz also discussed early-phase data on a novel HIF-2α inhibitor, which demonstrated a 30% objective response rate as a single agent in the second-line setting. Ongoing phase 3 trials will further evaluate this agent’s potential in RCC treatment, he explained in an interview with CURE.

The first one is actually the combination regimen the [Lenvima], which is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used in our [patients with] kidney cancer. And another one, [Welireg] is a HIF-2α inhibitor we can use in our [patients with] kidney cancer. The combination of these two regimens is promising in the second line of treatment and beyond in [patients with] metastatic clear cell RCC.

The second one, the kidney injury molecule-1, is a promising biomarker for evaluation of prognosis and also predicting survival in [patients with] metastatic clear cell RCC receiving [Opdivo (nivolumab) plus [Yervoy (ipilimumab)]. These are the immune checkpoint inhibitors in that we use in our [patients with] kidney cancer.

The third one is a novel HIF-2α inhibitor, which is a target for our [patients with] kidney cancer. Casdatifan is on the way. So the early phase 1 trial was presented by Dr. Toni Choueiri, and with 30% objective response rate as a single agent in the second line and treatment and beyond in [patients with] metastatic clear cell RCC. So actually, we are waiting for other combinations with the phase 3 trials. So this is a novel and promising agent for our [patients with] kidney cancer. I can say these [are] three important topics, from ASCO GU 2025.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness

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Dr. Emre Yekedüz highlighted strategies that may improve patients' quality of life and mitigate treatment-related side effects in renal cell carcinoma.

Investigating Quality of Life and Treatment Adherence in Kidney Cancer

Ensuring treatment adherence while minimizing side effects is a critical component of effective cancer care, specifically in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a kind of kidney cancer. According to Dr. Emre Yekedüz, side effect management remains a priority in kidney cancer care following data read-outs at the 

During the meeting, investigators shared information on a novel health-related quality-of-life questionnaire which was designed to assess functional well-being, emotional health, physical symptoms and treatment-related side effects in patients with localized RCC. Tools like these may help optimize symptom management, Yekedüz emphasized in an interview with CURE.

In the interview, he also discussed key findings from ongoing studies shared at the meeting. Yekedüz, a medical oncologist and research fellow in medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, also highlighted strategies that may improve patients' quality of life and mitigate treatment-related side effects.

Treatment adherence is essential in cancer care, so we must always consider side effect management and quality of life for our patients. A novel questionnaire was presented at the 2025 ASCO GU Symposium, [evaluating] novel health-related quality-of-life [measures]. This [tool] aimed to assess the functional well-being and emotional health in patients with localized RCC, as well as their physical symptoms and treatment side effects. Health-related quality-of-life tools can enhance symptom management, allowing us to optimize treatment strategies and assessments. 

Additionally, an abstract … evaluated Bavencio [avelumab] plus Inlyta [axitinib] — a combination commonly used for patients with clear cell RCC. According to the study design, if a response was observed with this combination, Inlyta could be discontinued while continuing Bavencio. However, if the disease progressed, Inlyta could be reintroduced. The study demonstrated a 50% partial response rate with the reintroduction of Inlyta, warranting further investigation. 

By [implementing] this strategy, we can [improve] patients' quality of life, reduce side effects during treatment, and enhance adherence throughout the treatment course. 

Dr. Emre Yekedüz

Top 3 Takeaways From ASCO GU 2025

Investigating Quality of Life and Treatment Adherence in Kidney Cancer

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