Scientific Publication

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most aggressive urological malignancies. Despite undeniable improvements in diagnostic management and treatment strategies, the search for new therapeutic targets and approaches is a challenge at every stage of the disease. Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX), a cancer associated protein, is a commonly used biomarker crucial in a precise diagnosis of RCC subtypes with high positivity in clear cell RCC (ccRCC). CA IX is one of the best markers of tumor hypoxia, its expression is associated with the aggressive tumor phenotype, metastatic tendency and poor response to therapy. Expression of CA IX is principally driven by HIF1 pathway. In RCC is high expression of CA IX associated with VHL inactivation. CA IX contributes to the maintenance of intracellular pH within physiological values and to the acidification of extracellular space.