A clinical trial will harness synthetic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to deplete immune B cells and plasma cells producing donor-specific antibodies, aiming to achieve a compatible kidney match for patients with pre-existing antibodies. The NIH-funded study, led by Penn Medicine, intends to begin enrolling patients in 2022.
Alphataxin, a small-molecule drug, has been shown to significantly suppress tumor growth in mouse models of kidney cancer, including those with lung metastasis. The treatment also increased the formation of CD4+ T cells, which is essential for the immune system's ability to kill tumor cells.
The Kidney Cancer Program (KCP) at UT Southwestern has launched a national resource to advance precision medicine for kidney cancer, featuring the largest and most diverse catalog of kidney cancer tumor models. The platform includes models for over a dozen types of kidney cancer, allowing for more precise and personalized treatment.
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The Phase II trial demonstrated a significant clinical response to belzutifan, with 49% of patients experiencing objective responses and 96% reaching progression-free survival after 24 months. This breakthrough treatment offers new hope for patients with VHL disease-associated kidney cancer.
Researchers have developed a simple, postal urine test that can detect signs of urothelial cancer in Lynch Syndrome (LS) patients, who are at high risk of developing tumors. The test uses cell-free DNA shed into the urine to identify DNA from tumor cells with characteristic microsatellite instability.
Children in UK and Ireland diagnosed with larger kidney cancers, leading to late diagnosis and potential poorer outcomes. A call for frontline healthcare workers to be trained in paediatric medicine has been made to improve early detection.
A study found that younger B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors are at a higher risk of developing age-related diseases, including renal failure, pneumonia, and nutritional deficiencies. The research suggests that aggressive treatment regimens may be the underlying factor contributing to this increased risk.
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Researchers found immune cell patterns within tumours that can predict if patients with kidney cancer will respond to immunotherapy. The study identified a specific 'clonal' T cell receptor pattern linked to a greater chance of positive immunotherapy response.
Researchers analyzed data from over 3,200 brain metastatic tumors and discovered that different types of cancer tend to spread to specific parts of the brain. The study's findings may help predict where a particular cancer will metastasize and inform treatment strategies.
A systematic review of epidemiological studies found that muscle strengthening exercises associated with aerobic activities can significantly reduce cancer mortality. The analysis suggested that strength training twice a week can protect against cancer, with the benefit being even greater when combined with aerobic activities.
A new study found that using an existing immunotherapy drug for late-stage kidney cancer at an earlier stage can reduce the risk of cancer returning by a third. The KEYNOTE study involved over 1000 patients and showed similar side effects to other cancer treatments.
Researchers developed a novel treatment using stereotactic ablative radiation (SABR) to deliver high doses of radiation to tumor vein extensions. The approach has shown promise in reducing metastases and improving patient outcomes.
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The study confirms that childhood cancers originate from specific developmental cells and exhibit unique 'cellular signals' that can be used to classify them. This method holds promise as a tool for diagnosing patients with rare cancers, including one patient's cryptic kidney cancer identified through cellular signal analysis.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame reveals that many cosmetics sold in the US and Canada contain high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), linked to serious health conditions. The research found 56% of foundations and eye products, as well as lip products and mascaras, contained high fluorine levels.
Researchers have identified specific cell types and tumor pathways that can predict which kidney cancers respond to immunotherapy, offering new insights into treatment strategies. The study's findings could lead to the development of biomarkers to guide kidney cancer treatment.
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A new single-cell analysis tool identifies a unique sub-population of macrophages in kidney tumors associated with disease recurrence. The tool, called meta-VIPER, builds on previous techniques to accurately detect gene activity in individual cells, revealing potential targets for treatment and improving clinical outcomes.
Advanced-stage kidney cancer is more common among Hispanic Americans and Native Americans than non-Hispanic whites in Arizona. The study found that Arizona's Hispanic Americans have a two times higher risk of advanced-stage kidney cancer, while Native Americans face a 30% increased risk.
A cohort study of 672 cancer patients found a cumulative incidence of venous thromboembolism at 12.9% and arterial thromboses at 1.8%. This risk appears to be independent of underlying cancer type or immune checkpoint inhibitor used.
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Two studies published in Cancer Cell describe single-cell dissection of kidney tumors to identify new immunotherapy treatments and targets. Researchers found that exhausted CD8+ T cells and anti-inflammatory macrophages contribute to an immune dysfunction circuit, opening up a new landscape of potential treatment targets.
A recent study published in Oncotarget identified elevated platelet counts as a prognostic factor for poor outcomes in patients with metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, particularly those classified as intermediate-risk. These findings highlight the importance of stratification models in guiding treatment decisions and design c...
Patients with cancer and multiple physical comorbidities are more likely to experience high psychological distress and consult mental healthcare professionals. These findings highlight the importance of considering physical conditions when addressing mental health in cancer patients.
A phase III randomized study found that lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab significantly prolonged survival in patients with advanced kidney cancer. Treatment combinations showed improved progression-free and overall survival rates compared to sunitinib.
The combination of lenvatinib and pembrolizumab significantly improved overall survival, progression-free survival, and response rates compared to sunitinib in untreated patients with metastatic kidney cancer. The study results demonstrate the importance of immune checkpoint inhibitors in first-line treatment.
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A SWOG Cancer Research Network trial found cabozantinib to be the most effective treatment for patients with metastatic papillary kidney cancer, with a median progression-free survival of 9.2 months compared to 5.6 months with sunitinib. Additionally, 23% of patients experienced significant tumor reduction with cabozantinib.
A new study reveals that over half of cancer survivors in the US have additional medical conditions linked to severe COVID-19. The findings highlight the importance of protecting cancer survivors from transmission and prioritizing them in vaccine allocation.
A study published in JAMA found that the risk of stroke following a transient ischemic attack (TIA) has decreased over time, from 23.9% to 7.6%. Despite this improvement, patients with TIAs still face a significant risk of subsequent stroke, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and management of cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly half a million cancer patients in the US between 15-39 years old to determine cancer cases in this age group. The results show a 30% rise in cancer diagnoses among adolescents and young adults, with kidney, thyroid, and gastrointestinal cancers increasing at the greatest rates.
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Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that patients with acute interstitial nephritis, an autoimmune reaction, respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs. This finding may have broad implications for patients being treated with ICIs.
Researchers at UC have identified metabolic fingerprints that distinguish cancers from nonsmokers compared to smokers, providing important steps toward new and better therapeutic strategies for kidney cancers in both smoking and nonsmoking populations. The study reveals a separate metabolic subtype of kidney cancer with different weakn...
The CheckMate -9ER trial found that combining nivolumab and cabozantinib improved progression-free survival by doubling it compared to sunitinib, with a higher response rate and superior quality of life for patients. The combination treatment demonstrated meaningful efficacy benefits and manageable toxicity.
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A study analyzing nearly 900 kidney cancer patients identified novel biomarkers and gene signatures associated with treatment response. These findings could help personalize treatments for patients based on their individual tumor characteristics.
A study found that patients with metastatic kidney cancer who had a greater variety of gut microbes responded better to immunotherapy, and that eating a high-fiber diet may help improve treatment outcomes. The researchers suggest that modulating the gut microbiome during therapy could impact responses to therapy.
Physician-scientists use a comprehensive genomic analysis tool to determine the best treatment plan for each individual patient. The study suggests that mutations in the TERT gene can predict a patient's response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
A novel liquid biopsy method has been developed to detect early kidney cancer with high accuracy, including small and localized tumors that are often curable but difficult to detect. The test is nearly 100% accurate in blood samples but shows less accuracy in urine samples, which can be improved through technical optimization.
Researchers report a case of hyperprogression in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with immunotherapy combinations, highlighting the need for biomarker development and treatment strategies. Cabozantinib shows promise in controlling hyperprogression, but clinical trials are needed to identify optimal approaches.
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A minimally invasive procedure destroying cancer cells by freezing them is as effective as surgery for treating early-stage kidney cancer. Cryoablation offers similar 10-year survival rates with a lower rate of complications compared to traditional surgical options.
A study led by Dr. Dharam Kaushik found that the Nox4 protein is associated with high-grade kidney cancer progression and poor survival rates in patients. The research also identified a subgroup of patients who progress rapidly, making them ideal candidates for future targeted therapy studies.
Researchers identified key features of tumors that influence response to immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs in advanced kidney cancer. Unlike other types of cancer, high infiltration by CD8 T cells actually led to a worse outcome, contradicting previous observations.
A Phase II trial led by MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers found that treatment with MK-6482 resulted in a 27.9% objective response rate in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated renal cell carcinoma, with most side effects being grade 1 or 2. The drug directly targets HIF-2a and has been shown to be well-tolerated.
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A new form of local chemotherapy using a mitomycin-containing reverse thermal gel has been shown to be effective in treating low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer, allowing patients to keep their kidney. The treatment has a high complete response rate and is associated with manageable side effects.
A team of US researchers, led by Dr. Jie Zhang, collaborated with a scientist quarantined in Wuhan, China to develop a machine learning technique for distinguishing the rare tRCC kidney cancer subtype from other subtypes. The study used a large dataset of 74 tRCC samples and achieved significant results.
A new trial has found that chemotherapy after surgery significantly reduces the risk of rare kidney cancer returning. The treatment has been shown to increase survival rates by over half, with 71% of patients living cancer-free for three years or more.
Researchers will focus on developing new strategies to suppress lung tumors and improve chemotherapy outcomes. They'll also work on improving CT and fluorescence imaging for kidney cancer surgery.
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A clinical trial has identified HIF-2α as a pivotal protein in the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinomas, which is susceptible to inhibition by PT2385. The study found that the drug effectively blocks cancer-promoting genes and starves tumors of blood.
Researchers at MDC have found a weakness in the most common form of kidney cancer by identifying stem cells that depend on two critical biochemical signals. Blocking these signals hinders tumor growth in several laboratory models, suggesting a promising new approach to treating human patients.
A novel drug targeting hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 2-a has shown a 24% response rate in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The study, launched after phase I/II results, aims to further investigate the agent's efficacy and safety.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a new mechanism by which clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumors grow and spread. Inhibiting the enzyme TBK1, which becomes more active in these cancer cells, shows promise as a potential strategy for treating kidney cancer.
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A pooled analysis of nine studies involving over 750,000 adults found that recommended amounts of leisure-time physical activity were linked to a lower risk for seven cancers. The study suggests that people should aim for moderate- or vigorous-intensity activities for at least 2.5 to 5 hours/week to reduce cancer risk.
Researchers found that PBRM1 acts as a novel reader of the activated p53 pathway, suppressing renal tumor growth. Tumor-derived mutations in PBRM1 can disrupt this interaction, allowing cancer growth to occur.
Researchers discovered immune cells inside tumor samples can predict progression-free survival after surgery for kidney cancer. Patients with well-supported immune cells have longer disease control, leading to improved treatment options and potential adjuvant therapy trials.
A City of Hope-led study found that tivozanib improved progression-free survival for patients with renal cell carcinoma who had tried two or more treatments, compared to the FDA-approved sorafenib. The study suggests that targeted therapy may be a better option for repeat kidney cancer patients.
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Cancer cells adapt to treatment with checkpoint blocker drugs by altering a metabolic process, leading to shorter survival for patients. The study suggests that identifying biomarkers of metabolic changes related to treatment with checkpoint blockers could help identify patients who might benefit from combination therapy.
A new test developed by UT Southwestern Medical Center aims to identify kidney cancer patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapy. The test uses a diagnostic tracer to visualize tumors and assess PD-L1 expression, which can predict treatment response. The approach has shown promise in early studies.
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group's phase three trial, E2810, found that pazopanib treatment did not improve disease-free survival in Stage IV patients with no evidence of disease following a surgery to remove the metastases. Average survival for these patients is about two to three years and long-term survival is uncommon.
A study of over 300,000 Danish children reveals that heavier and taller kids are at greater risk of developing renal cell carcinoma as adults. Heavier boys have a 14% higher risk for every 1 kg weight difference, while taller girls have a 12% increased risk for every 8 cm height difference.
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A study of Swedish adults found a U-shaped relationship between kidney function and cancer incidence, with lower eGFR associated with higher cancer risk. The research suggests that individuals with mild to severe chronic kidney disease may be at increased risk for skin (non-melanoma) and urogenital cancers.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that a combination of two drugs, including an immunotherapy agent, significantly improved progression-free survival and response rates compared to a standard treatment. The results suggest that the new treatment may become a new standard for first-line treatment for patients with metastatic kidney cancer.
A new study found that kidney failure patients on dialysis and transplants have significantly higher risks of dying from cancer than the general population. Cancer deaths were mainly driven by cancers present prior to dialysis or arising after transplantation, particularly those related to immune deficiency and viral infection.
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A new study suggests that recurring infections could lead to delayed diagnoses of bladder or kidney cancer in women. Analysis of over 100,000 people found that many with blood in their urine had no check-up after initial UTI symptoms.
A new therapeutic target has been identified for aggressive pediatric cancers with few treatment options. The researchers discovered that malignant rhabdoid tumors may be sensitive to drugs that block the cancer cell's ability to dispose of misfolded proteins, and a Phase II clinical trial is underway to investigate this approach.