A new study has identified FLT1 (VEGFR1) as a key driver of tumor growth in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Researchers found that cancer cells release VEGFA, which activates FLT1 in nearby blood vessel cells, creating signals that promote tumor growth and weaken immune responses.
This interaction triggers cellular senescence, where cells stop dividing but continue releasing inflammatory factors that support cancer progression and drug resistance. High activity in this FLT1 pathway was linked to more advanced disease and poorer survival.
Using single-cell and spatial analysis, the study showed VEGFA is mainly produced by tumor cells, while FLT1 and AKT1 are active in endothelial cells. Some blood vessel cells with both markers showed increased instability and cancer-promoting behavior. The same mechanism was also seen in animal models.
The findings suggest that blocking this pathway could improve treatment outcomes. Existing drugs such as sorafenib, regorafenib, lenvatinib, capivasertib, and bevacizumab may help target this signaling network in kidney cancer.