Comparative analysis of approaches in renal cell carcinoma pharmacotherapy in different countries and in Ukraine

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/2519-4852.2026.353172

Keywords:

renal cell carcinoma, pharmacotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, clinical guidelines, regulatory framework

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common malignant kidney tumors, characterized by a steady increase in incidence and high mortality worldwide, including in Ukraine, which necessitates timely diagnosis and comprehensive multimodal treatment.

The aim of the study was to examine approaches to RCC pharmacotherapy in different countries to further develop measures to improve pharmaceutical care for RCC patients in Ukraine.

Materials and methods. The study was based on scientific publications on RCC pharmacotherapy, international RCC treatment guidelines - National Comprehensive Cancer Network (USA), European Society for Medical Oncology (EU), and American Society of Clinical Oncology (USA) - national RCC treatment protocols, as well as Ukrainian regulatory legal acts governing pharmaceutical care for oncology patients. Content analysis, comparison, information synthesis, and analytical review were used.

Results. International guidelines emphasize personalized therapy, wide use of immunotherapy–targeted therapy combinations, IMDC-based risk stratification, and multidisciplinary patient management. Combinations such as pembrolizumab + axitinib, nivolumab + cabozantinib, and nivolumab + ipilimumab are recommended as first-line therapy for metastatic RCC, while adjuvant pembrolizumab is indicated for patients at high risk of recurrence. The Ukrainian clinical protocol partially aligns with these standards but remains limited in immunotherapy options, risk stratification, adjuvant treatment, and the defined role of clinical pharmacists. Access to innovative medicines is further constrained by high costs and insufficient reimbursement.

Conclusions. Significant differences in approaches to RCC pharmacotherapy between Ukraine and other countries were identified, indicating the need to harmonize national protocols with international guidelines, expand access to innovative therapies, and implement a multidisciplinary approach with pharmacist involvement to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of RCC treatment in Ukraine

Author Biographies

Oleksandr Kaiota, National University of Pharmacy

PhD Student

Alina Volkova, National University of Pharmacy

Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of Department

Department of Social Pharmacy

Natalia Khokhlenkova, National University of Pharmacy

Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor, Head of Department

Department of Biotechnology

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Comparative analysis of approaches in renal cell carcinoma pharmacotherapy in different countries and in Ukraine

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Published

2026-02-28

How to Cite

Kaiota, O., Volkova, A., & Khokhlenkova, N. (2026). Comparative analysis of approaches in renal cell carcinoma pharmacotherapy in different countries and in Ukraine. ScienceRise: Pharmaceutical Science, (1 (59), 77–90. https://doi.org/10.15587/2519-4852.2026.353172

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No. 1 (59) (2026)

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Pharmaceutical Science

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Copyright (c) 2026 Oleksandr Kaiota, Alina Volkova, Natalia Khokhlenkova

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