Prognostic factors for cases with metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the era of targeted medicine

Prognostic factors in the setting of treated metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) can theoretically predict drug response, progression-free survival or overall survival. These factors are potentially useful for informing patients and for tailoring medical treatment according to risk assessment. Prognostic factors were well defined in the era of immunotherapy. Since 2006, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and anti-angiogenic drugs have revolutionized the treatment of mRCC by improving progression-free survival and overall survival. Physicians now need new predictive tools adapted to targeted therapies. The aim of our study was to review the current knowledge about prognostic factors in mRCC by focusing on anatomical, clinical, biological, histological, radiological and molecular parameters. The most recent integrated prognostic models will be reviewed as well.