Advanced imaging tools for clear cell kidney cancer

Core D: Translational Imaging Core

NIH-funded research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11145113

Researchers are using new MRI and PET imaging tools to show a key cancer protein (HIF2α) inside clear cell kidney tumors in people.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-11145113 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would get advanced MRI and PET scans using a new tracer that binds the HIF2α protein to visualize clear cell kidney tumors. The Core supports both preclinical tumorgraft imaging and clinical imaging in people now that the tracer [18F]PT2385 has an FDA IND. The team expanded multiparametric MRI to look at tumor aggressiveness, blood vessel growth, and tumor heterogeneity, and is developing PET radiotracers to reveal oncogenic drivers and tumor–microenvironment interactions. The Translational Imaging Core helps investigators run these scans and develop imaging tools patients could access through participating projects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) who are eligible for imaging studies or related clinical trials would be the best candidates.

Not a fit: People without ccRCC or those who are not eligible for imaging trials or who cannot travel to the imaging center are unlikely to benefit directly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could let doctors see HIF2α activity inside kidney tumors to better guide treatment choices and monitor response.

How similar studies have performed: Multiparametric MRI has been used in kidney cancer before, and the HIF2α radiotracer [18F]PT2385 is a novel approach with an FDA IND but limited prior human experience.

Where this research is happening

Dallas, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.