Understanding how kidney cancer cells evade the immune system
Official title: Genetic Mechanisms Controlling Kidney Cancer Immune Escape
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11061349 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how kidney cancer cells hide from the immune system, especially the important T-cells that help fight cancer, to find ways to make immunotherapy treatments work better for people with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $416,677 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA280069-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061349 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma who are undergoing treatment or have recently had surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of kidney cancer or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic mechanisms that allow kidney cancer cells to escape detection and destruction by the immune system, particularly focusing on CD8 T-cells, which are crucial for fighting cancer. The study aims to identify the specific genetic features that inhibit the formation of an immune-supportive niche within tumors, which is essential for the survival and effectiveness of anti-tumor T-cells. By analyzing cancer cells from patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the researchers hope to uncover insights that could enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies. The approach includes advanced techniques like RNA sequencing to understand the relationship between tumor genetics and immune response variability among patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies for kidney cancer patients, enhancing their chances of effective treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune evasion in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kissick, Haydn — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Kissick, Haydn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Maximizing anti-tumor immune responses in kidney cancer
A cutting-edge program at UT Southwestern aims to speed up better immunotherapy options for kidney cancer by studying how to activate both innate and adaptive immune responses.
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Kidney Cancer Career Enhancement Program (CEP) at DF/HCC
A career-boosting program supports junior investigators studying kidney cancer to help them advance in basic, translational, and clinical work.
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Kidney Cancer Development Program at DF/HCC
A funded program at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Kidney Cancer Center supports new ideas from researchers to improve understanding and treatment of kidney cancer.
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Personalized antigens for kidney cancer therapy
This grant explores identifying and targeting tumor-specific antigens in kidney cancer to develop more effective, personalized immunotherapies.
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Optimizing Anti-PD1 Therapy for High-Risk and Metastatic Kidney Cancer
A large cancer research grant is testing how best to use anti-PD-1 therapy to help people with high-risk and metastatic kidney cancer live longer and with fewer side effects.
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Targeting the HIF2 Pathway in Kidney Cancer
A cancer treatment program aims to see if a drug called belzutifan can help people with a specific kind of kidney cancer whose growth is driven by the HIF2 pathway.
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.