Investigating a blood test for early detection of kidney cancer

Clinical characterization of Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) as a Biomarker in Renal Cell Carcinoma

NIH-funded research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11002012

This study is looking at a blood test that measures a substance called KIM-1 to see if it can help find kidney cancer earlier, track how the disease is changing, and figure out which patients might need extra treatment after surgery.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11002012 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on the potential of Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) as a blood biomarker for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). By analyzing blood samples, the study aims to determine if KIM-1 can help detect RCC earlier, monitor disease progression, and identify patients who may benefit from additional therapies after surgery. The research involves both retrospective analysis of existing patient samples and plans for future prospective trials. If successful, this could lead to improved outcomes for patients with kidney cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with small renal masses or those diagnosed with localized renal cell carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma who are not undergoing treatment or monitoring may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier detection and better monitoring of kidney cancer, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for cancer detection, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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 2026-06-13 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.