In our 4th episode of Emerging Experts, Minas P. Economides, MD, unveils the challenges and opportunities for renal cell carcinoma treatment, focusing on the lack of therapies available in the second-line setting.
0:06 - Introduction
0:55 - Interest in Oncology
2:48 - Differences in Research in Greece vs U.S.
4:58 - Challenges/Rewards
6:07 - GU Cancer Updates
9:00 - Second-Line RCC Treatment
10:40 - Future Directions
12:55 - Challenging RCC Case
16:15 - Ethical Considerations
17:33 - Advice to Young Researchers
19:15 - Closing Thoughts
In our 4th episode of Emerging Experts, Minas P. Economides, MD, assistant professor of medicine at New York University (NYU) Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, unveils the challenges and opportunities for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treatment, focusing on the lack of therapies available in the second-line setting.
Economides has emerged as a dedicated figure in the field of oncology. His journey began in Athens, Greece, where he pursued his medical education. The pivotal moment that directed his career path occurred when 1 of his close friends was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. Seeing her fight fueled his desire to specialize in oncology and offer hope to others facing similar challenges.
Motivated by his personal connection to cancer, Economides made his way to the United States where he garnered valuable experiences working at large institutions, including MD Anderson Cancer Center and NYU. With a specific interest in genitourinary cancers, Economides is particularly invested in research for second-line treatments of RCC. Notable, this area lacks a standardized approach, prompting Economides to delve into research to find optimal treatment strategies.
Discussing the current treatment landscape of second-line treatments for RCC, Economides underscores the significant influence of physician preferences. The choice of treatment often hinges on the nature of the first-line therapy administered, resulting in a diverse range of targeted kinase inhibitors being employed.
“Trying to find rational combinations of the existing drugs or new drugs that will move the needle is something that we should absolutely strive to get, and there are different ways to do that. We have some trials planned here at NYU, and I'm looking forward to finding different pathways that will look to lead to long-term remissions,” Economides explains.
With a proactive move towards advancing the field, Economides advocates for further exploration of rational combinations of existing drugs or the development of novel therapeutic agents for the second-line treatment of RCC.
