Drivers of cell division errors in clear cell kidney cancer

Convergent Drivers of Tumor Evolution at the Mitotic Spindle

['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11118671

Researchers are looking at how common gene changes in clear cell kidney cancer cause cells to divide incorrectly and where that may reveal new treatment targets.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11118671 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This work examines gene changes that almost always happen in clear cell kidney cancer and how those changes make tumor cells mess up when they divide. Scientists are following how proteins from those altered genes interact with the cell's division machinery (the mitotic spindle) using laboratory models and tumor samples. The team uses genetic tools and molecular experiments to pinpoint which changes lead to unstable DNA and faster tumor evolution. Understanding these mechanisms could highlight specific weak points in the cancer that future therapies might target.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with clear cell renal cell carcinoma, especially those whose tumors have the chromosome changes (loss of 3p and gain of 5q) or who can donate tumor samples, would be most relevant to this research.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of kidney cancer or those unable to provide tissue samples are less likely to directly benefit from this specific work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal new molecular targets to stop or slow tumor growth in clear cell kidney cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have linked the same genes (like SETD2, PBRM1, and VHL) to cell division and genome instability, but translating these findings into treatments is still early and unproven.

Where this research is happening

NASHVILLE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.