Understanding and treating a specific kidney cancer called tRCC

Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targeting of activated NRF2 signaling in MiT/TFE translocation renal cell carcinoma

NIH-funded research Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11144442

This project looks for new ways to treat a rare and aggressive kidney cancer called translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) by focusing on a specific cell pathway.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11144442 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) is a very aggressive type of kidney cancer that currently lacks specific treatments. We know that a particular cell pathway, called NRF2, is unusually active in tRCC, even though the typical changes seen in other cancers are not present. This suggests a unique way NRF2 works in tRCC. Our goal is to uncover exactly how this NRF2 pathway becomes active in tRCC cells. We also want to determine if blocking this pathway could be an effective new treatment for patients with this challenging cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients diagnosed with translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this research.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of kidney cancer or different cancer diagnoses may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of the first targeted therapies specifically designed for patients with translocation renal cell carcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: While NRF2 activation is known in other cancers, its unique regulation in tRCC and its potential as a specific therapeutic target for tRCC are novel and largely untested.

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.
Conditions Cancers
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.