Targeting a specific pathway in a rare type of kidney cancer
Official title: Targeting the CDK4/6 pathway in MiT/TFE-translocation renal cell carcinoma
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11032362 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a rare and tough type of kidney cancer called translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) to see if a certain pathway in cells can be targeted with existing medications to help slow down or stop the cancer from growing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $267,298 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA296230-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032362 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with translocation renal cell carcinoma who have not responded to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of renal cell carcinoma or those whose cancer has progressed beyond the point of intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC), a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer that currently lacks targeted therapies. The study aims to explore the CDK4/6 pathway, which is crucial for cell proliferation, as a potential target for treatment. By using both genetic and pharmacologic methods, researchers will assess how effective inhibiting this pathway is in slowing down or stopping the growth of tRCC cells. The research will involve laboratory experiments and possibly animal models to evaluate the therapeutic potential of existing FDA-approved drugs that target this pathway.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options specifically designed for patients with translocation renal cell carcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting the CDK4/6 pathway in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Viswanathan, Srinivas Raghavan — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Viswanathan, Srinivas Raghavan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how kidney cancer spreads to bone and how to fight it
A patient-focused look at how clear cell renal cell carcinoma spreads to bone and how new treatments might help people with advanced disease.
-
Improve precision medicine for kidney cancer in people of African descent
A research project will explore why kidney cancer affects people of African ancestry differently and how to use genomics to guide better treatments.
-
Engineering immunogenic cell death to boost melanoma and kidney cancer therapy
This grant supports research aimed at making melanoma and kidney cancer cells die in a way that triggers a stronger immune response in patients.
-
Prognostic test to predict metastasis in clear cell kidney cancer
A new 12-marker biomarker test for people with clear cell renal cell carcinoma may help doctors predict which patients are at higher risk of metastasis.
-
Defining metabolic targets in kidney cancer for new treatments
A cancer-focused project is exploring how kidney cancer uses metabolism so doctors can find new, targeted ways to treat it.
-
Targeting HIF2 in kidney cancer: a new approach for clear cell RCC
A kidney cancer research program tests whether blocking HIF2 can slow or stop tumors in people with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
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.