Role of Clock Genes and Circadian Rhythm in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Recent Evidence and Therapeutic Consequences

Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-h cycle. These natural processes primarily respond to light and dark, and affect most living things, including animals, plants, and microbes. Circadian rhythm is also involved in the regulation of cellular differentiation and physiology as well as in the modulation of the immune system. Some genes controlling circadian rhythm may be implicated in the occurrence of common malignant cancers, including renal cell carcinoma. Recent studies showed that time-of-day infusion directly conditions the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with cancer. Drugs targeting the circadian clock have been identified and their role in the era of immunotherapy should be investigated. In this review, we illustrate the role of clock genes in kidney cancer onset, progression and prognosis, and the potential therapeutic consequences of this emerging evidence.