Scientists have identified a potential therapy to reduce the side effects of cisplatin chemotherapy, which can cause kidney toxicity and neuropathic pain. Istradefylline, an approved Parkinson's disease drug, has been found to mitigate these harmful effects while preserving cisplatin's anti-tumor properties.
A gene signature of four specific genes (SAA1, SAA2, APOL1, and MET) predicts the risk of tumour spreading and survival in kidney cancer patients. The study identified a link between the microenvironment and immune system inhibition.
The PROSPER RCC trial showed no difference in recurrence-free survival between arms, with higher adverse events reported in the nivolumab arm. The trial's results inform future research on neoadjuvant trials in high-risk renal cell carcinoma.
A targeted kinase inhibitor added to a two-drug immunotherapy combination slowed the progression of advanced kidney cancer in previously untreated patients. The three-drug combination showed a 27% lower risk of progression or death compared to the two-drug control, with a median progression-free survival of 11.3 months.
A recent clinical trial at UT Southwestern Medical Center successfully tested stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SAbR) for patients with oligometastatic kidney cancer. The study found that more than 90% of patients with disease control at one year without systemic therapy, and no serious side effects were experienced.
A recent study published in the Journal of Urology found that robotic IVC thrombectomy is not inferior to standard open surgery and has lower complication rates. The robotic approach also showed a lower blood transfusion rate, making it an attractive option for patients with optimal candidacy.
Researchers identified differences in PTK activity between normal and cancer kidney tissue, with Src family kinases and PI3K pathways exhibiting high activity. Ex vivo treatment of clear cell RCC with TKIs revealed that tivozanib and cabozantinib were more potent inhibitors than sunitinib or pazopanib.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have discovered that combining anti-rejection medication with immune checkpoint inhibitors can significantly reduce the risk of organ rejection and eliminate cancer cells in a quarter of patients. The study involved 22 patients with renal transplants and incurable locally advanced or met...
Moffitt researchers have identified key splicing variants associated with clear cell renal cell carcinoma outcomes and developed a survival risk tool based on their combined expression levels. The study found that altered splicing variants may play a crucial role in disease development and progression, enabling the creation of a non-in...
A 5-tiered CT scoring algorithm, including mass-to-cortex corticomedullary attenuation ratio and heterogeneity score, showed substantial inter-observer agreement and moderate diagnostic accuracy for clear-cell RCC. The algorithm may represent a clinically useful tool for diagnosis in small solid renal masses.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet has identified a key mechanism behind treatment resistance in a deadly form of kidney cancer. By increasing mitochondrial content in cancer cells, researchers found that these cells became susceptible to the cancer drug sorafenib. This breakthrough offers hope for more targeted cancer treatments.
Researchers have discovered a novel treatment approach for chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) by targeting ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death. This strategy may provide an effective treatment option for patients with this rare and currently untreatable disease.
A study of patients with high-risk renal cell carcinoma found that those taking everolimus daily after surgery lived longer without disease recurrence. The results, although narrowly missed statistical significance, showed improvement primarily in very high-risk disease, with a 21% improvement in RFS for those with the highest risk.
New research provides insights into genetic characteristics of Wilms tumor relapse, identifying two previously unrecognised mutations that may aid in early detection and tailored therapies. The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, offers promise for improving patient outcomes.
A new study by the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology has found that one third of children with a Wilms' tumor, the most common form of childhood kidney cancer, have a hereditary predisposition. This discovery has led to the implementation of extensive genetic testing for all children with this disease in the Netherlands.
A Phase 1 clinical trial showed CBM588 significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with metastatic kidney cancer when combined with immunotherapy. The treatment also increased response rates compared to immunotherapy alone, with no significant differences in toxicity.
A new combination immune therapy treatment extends cancer patients' lives while reducing toxic side effects and improving their overall health. This study found that the treatment was less toxic than other drugs on the market, providing an added benefit for patients' quality of life.
A new study found that translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) is characterized by genetic alterations except for the gene fusion from which it gets its name. The research suggests that tRCCs may be responsive to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, providing a potential roadmap for clinical action.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.