How VHL gene changes drive clear cell kidney cancer and new ways to target them
The von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Gene and Kidney Cancer: Insights into Oxygen Sensing and Treating Cancers Caused by Undruggable Mutations
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · NIH-11173812
This project is developing new drug approaches that exploit weaknesses in tumors caused by VHL or IDH mutations to help people with clear cell kidney cancer and other cancers with these mutations.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DANA-FARBER CANCER INST (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11173812 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you or someone you care for has clear cell kidney cancer, this project is working to find new drug targets caused by VHL or related IDH mutations. The team uses laboratory experiments, genetic screens, biochemical assays, and animal models to find proteins the tumor depends on, such as CDK4/6 or ITGAV, and to test drugs that block or destroy those proteins. The researchers build on past work that led to VEGF and HIF2 inhibitors and are focusing on 'synthetic lethality'—targeting partner vulnerabilities in tumors with undruggable mutations. Promising findings could point to new drug combinations and eventually lead to clinical trials at Dana‑Farber or collaborating centers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with clear cell renal cell carcinoma caused by VHL loss, and patients with IDH-mutant cancers needing new therapy options, would be the most relevant candidates for eventual trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers not driven by VHL or IDH mutations, or those looking for immediate clinical therapy, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify new treatment targets or drug combinations for people whose VHL-driven kidney cancers or IDH-mutant tumors do not respond to current therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Related discoveries from this team helped produce VEGF and HIF2 inhibitors and IDH blockers that benefit some patients, but applying synthetic lethality to target VHL or IDH tumors is a newer approach still being developed.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- DANA-FARBER CANCER INST — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KAELIN, WILLIAM G. — DANA-FARBER CANCER INST
- Study coordinator: KAELIN, WILLIAM G.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.