New combination therapies for non-clear cell kidney cancer
Official title: Developing novel polytherapies for Non-Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11294318 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | March 1, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $182,145 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA250378-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11294318 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, George Victor — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Thomas, George Victor
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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.