Recent Advances in nccRCC Classification and Therapeutic Approaches.

Abstract

Non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) constitutes a biologically diverse category of renal malignancies. The 2022 WHO classification framework has significantly evolved to incorporate molecularly defined entities alongside traditional histologic subtypes, reflecting the growing recognition of distinct pathogenic drivers. Current therapeutic paradigms for advanced disease remain suboptimal, with treatment strategies often extrapolated from clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In this review, we highlight transformative multi-omics approaches to address nccRCC's profound heterogeneity, which enables molecular stratification beyond conventional pathology, identifying novel subtypes characterized by unique immune microenvironment features, metabolic profiles, and genomic instability patterns. This molecular reclassification provides a foundational framework for precision oncology, facilitating patient selection for targeted therapies and immunomodulatory strategies. Advancements in multi-omics subtyping represent a pivotal shift toward biologically guided clinical management and underscore the imperative for biomarker-driven therapeutic development in nccRCC.