New combination therapies for non-clear cell kidney cancer
Developing novel polytherapies for Non-Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Combining JAK and AKT blockers with drugs that stop cancer cells from switching to burning fats to try to help people with non-clear cell kidney cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294318 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project tests drug combinations that block JAK and AKT signaling while also targeting a rapid metabolic switch (TIMR) that lets tumors survive by releasing and burning fatty acids. Researchers will study patient tumor samples, lab-grown cancer cells, and animal models to measure changes in metabolism, gene activity, and tumor growth. They will track mitochondrial activity and lipid breakdown to identify combinations that produce deeper tumor shrinkage. Promising combinations would be advanced toward early human testing at clinical sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma—especially those who have limited treatment options or whose tumors did not respond to existing therapies—would be the intended candidates.
Not a fit: People with clear-cell kidney cancer or other cancers not driven by the same pathways, and patients seeking immediate standard therapy, are less likely to benefit from this preclinical-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could produce drug combinations that cause deeper and longer tumor shrinkage and offer new treatment options for people with non-clear cell kidney cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work combining JAK and AKT inhibitors slowed tumor growth but did not produce deep regressions, so adding metabolic-targeting drugs is a novel extension of that approach.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, George Victor — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Thomas, George Victor
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.