Recent advances in understanding the biology and genetics of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have led to major therapeutic implications. Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene inactivation, present in the majority of sporadic forms of RCC, leads to a defective VHL protein, followed by an active transcription of hypoxia-inducible genes, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), c-kit, and others. However, the concept of VHL inactivation in RCC and the subsequent malignant phenotype is almost exclusively seen in patients with clear cell histology.