RAMPART Trial Highlights Kidney Cancer Treatment Options

Dr. Joshua Sabari, an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and director of High Reliability Organization Initiatives at Perlmutter Cancer Center, recently spoke with Dr. Chandler Park, a medical oncologist specializing in Genitourinary Medical Oncology at the Norton Healthcare Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, about the latest advances in kidney cancer treatment. Their conversation highlighted recent clinical trials that are shaping care and improving outcomes for patients with high-risk kidney cancer.

A major focus was the RAMPART trial, an international, phase three study examining the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with resected stage three renal cell carcinoma. In this trial, patients received either durvalumab alone or in combination with Imjudo (tremelimumab), a CTLA-4 inhibitor. The study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in disease-free survival for the combination therapy group, showing that adjuvant immunotherapy can reduce the risk of recurrence in high-risk patients.

Park emphasized that these findings reinforce the importance of early intervention following surgery. Patients with stage three disease, high tumor grade, or evidence of minimal residual metastatic disease may benefit from adjuvant immunotherapy. “If you or a loved one is diagnosed with early-stage kidney cancer, it’s crucial to discuss these options with a medical oncologist,” Park said. “Urologists can perform surgery, but oncologists guide the therapies that can prevent recurrence and improve survival.”

The conversation also touched on metastatic kidney cancer treatments. There are now multiple first-line options combining checkpoint inhibitors with other targeted therapies, such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab) plus Lenvima (lenvatinib) or Cabometyx (cabozantinib)-based regimens. Early data suggest that adding novel agents may further improve response rates and survival, offering hope for longer life and better quality of life for patients.

Both doctors stressed the importance of understanding biomarkers, exploring clinical trial options, and seeking second opinions to ensure patients access the most cutting-edge care. With these advances, the landscape for kidney cancer treatment continues to evolve, offering more hope and effective strategies for patients and their families.

Both doctors discussed the EMBARK trial, which evaluated patients with nonmetastatic or biochemically recurrent prostate cancer, in a prior conversation.

Reference

1. “Breaking Down Advancements in Prostate Cancer Care,” by Dr. Joshua K. Sabari, et al. CURE; Nov. 14, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/breaking-down-advancements-in-prostate-cancer-care

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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