# Robust response to pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib in a patient with renal cell carcinoma with rhabdoid features: A case report

## TL;DR

A patient with aggressive kidney cancer showed a strong response to pembrolizumab and lenvatinib, suggesting this treatment may be effective for similar cases.

## Contribution

This case report demonstrates the potential efficacy of pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib in treating rare, aggressive RCC with rhabdoid features.

## Key findings

- Treatment with pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib achieved a sustained partial response in the patient.
- Disease control was maintained for 2 years with the addition of radiotherapy and resumption of systemic therapy.
- PD-L1 expression was observed in the rhabdoid areas of the tumor.

## Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with rhabdoid features is a rare and highly aggressive condition with no established treatment for early recurrence. We herein report a case involving a 58-year-old man who underwent nephrectomy for clear-cell RCC with rhabdoid features and developed rapid metastases within 3 months. Treatment with pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib achieved a sustained partial response, except for vertebral metastasis. Thereafter, radiotherapy was added, and systemic therapy resumed, which maintained disease control for 2 years. Immunohistochemistry revealed partial PD-L1 expression in rhabdoid areas. This case highlights the potential efficacy of pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib in RCC with rhabdoid features.

•RCC with rhabdoid features is a rare and highly aggressive subtype.•Studies on treatments for early recurrence of RCC with rhabdoid features are scant.•Pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib achieved robust control of RCC with rhabdoid features.

RCC with rhabdoid features is a rare and highly aggressive subtype.

Studies on treatments for early recurrence of RCC with rhabdoid features are scant.

Pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib achieved robust control of RCC with rhabdoid features.