Opinion|Videos|June 16, 2025

Top-Line Results of the Phase 3 ZIRCON Study

Panelists discuss how the ZIRCON trial results showed impressive test characteristics with 95% positive predictive value for clear cell renal cell carcinoma, meaning a positive test strongly indicates cancer requiring treatment.

Diagnostic Performance of the ZIRCON Trial

Main Discussion Topics:

  • A 93% to 95% positive predictive value for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC)
  • A 75% negative predictive value
  • Important observation that non–clear cell positive cases were still malignant
  • A positive test indicates cancer with high probability.

Key Points for Physicians:

  • When the test is positive, there is a greater than 90% probability of ccRCC.
  • The 7% of positive tests that weren’t ccRCC were still malignant tumors.
  • A positive test strongly supports proceeding with intervention.
  • A simplified interpretation: If it lights up, it’s very likely cancer.

Notable Insights:

A key clinical value is that a positive test is highly reliable for indicating malignancy, even in the small percentage that aren’t specifically ccRCC.

Clinical Significance:

The high positive predictive value provides actionable information that can guide clinical decision-making toward appropriate intervention.

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