NIH-funded research R01 grant

Exploring how certain kidney cancer cells change and spread

Official title: Investigation of the role of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in renal cell carcinoma

Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11061417 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a tough type of kidney cancer called sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma to find out how certain changes in the cancer cells might help it grow and spread, with the goal of discovering new treatment options that could work better for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2021
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$630,665
NIH project number5R01CA258226-05
Project IDNIH-11061417 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma who are seeking new treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of kidney cancer or those who do not have sarcomatoid features may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (sRCC), a type of kidney cancer known for its aggressive nature and resistance to standard treatments. The study aims to understand the role of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMT) in the progression and metastasis of this cancer. By analyzing the genomic and molecular changes in these tumors, researchers hope to identify specific vulnerabilities that could lead to more effective therapies. Patients may benefit from insights that could improve treatment strategies and outcomes for this challenging cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies that improve outcomes for patients with sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma.

How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research into various aspects of kidney cancer, the specific focus on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
    Houston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Genovese, Giannicola — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Genovese, Giannicola

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.