Renal Cell Carcinoma Associated with Germline Mutations in the Krebs Cycle

Abstract

Germline mutations in the fumarate hydratase (FH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) genes lead to hereditary leiomyomatosis and RCC (HLRCC) and hereditary paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma, respectively. The renal cell carcinomas that arise in these conditions are characterized by dysregulated Krebs cycles, accumulation of oncometabolites, downstream changes in gene expression, and epigenetic modifications that carry unique therapeutic implications. In this review, we evaluate the current literature on these tumors, including the epidemiology, clinical course, screening guidelines, and management of localized and metastatic disease.