Abstract: In the interferon era, cytoreductive nephrectomy was recommended for the treatment of patients with good performance status that were diagnosed with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. In recent years, in spite of the wide application of targeted therapy, cytoreductive nephrectomy is still an important part of the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. With the publication of two prospective studies, CARMENA and SURTIME, the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy in the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma should be revalued. Based on the results and related considerations of above two studies, we reviewed recent progress in the application of cytoreductive nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.