Kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM–1) is a promising circulating biomarker in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), including papillary histology, a population in which validated biomarkers are currently lacking.Plasma KIM–1 levels are higher in patients with advanced papillary and clear cell RCC compared to levels previously reported in localized disease.High baseline KIM–1 levels are prognostic in advanced clear cell RCC and potentially in papillary RCC.Dynamic declines in circulating KIM–1 during therapy correlate with radiological response in both clear cell and papillary subtypes, suggesting value for real–time disease monitoring.KIM-1 may have a future role as an early treatment-monitoring biomarker, supporting real-time assessment of therapeutic benefit.Standardization of assay methodology and definition of clinically meaningful thresholds are essential steps toward integrating KIM–1 into biomarker–guided therapy for advanced RCC.
European Urology published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 02 Apr 2026.
The item focuses on KIM-1 in Advanced Papillary and Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.
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