Understanding Kidney Damage Caused by Cancer Immunotherapy
Preclinical and Clinical Models of Drug Induced Kidney Injury
This research aims to understand why certain cancer immunotherapies can harm the kidneys and how to better protect patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127748 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are powerful new cancer drugs that help your body fight cancer, but they can sometimes cause unexpected kidney problems. These kidney issues, known as 'immune-related adverse events,' can lead to serious conditions like acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. We currently don't fully understand why some patients develop this kidney damage, how to detect it early, or the complex links between the drug, the immune system, and kidney health. This project uses advanced mouse models with human immune systems to uncover the exact causes of this kidney damage. The ultimate goal is to find better ways to predict, prevent, and treat these kidney side effects, making cancer immunotherapy safer and more effective for you.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for cancer patients who are receiving or may receive immune checkpoint inhibitors and are at risk for kidney complications.
Not a fit: Patients not receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to predict, prevent, and treat kidney damage in cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.
How similar studies have performed: While immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment, the specific mechanisms of kidney toxicity are not fully understood, making this a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joy, Melanie S — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Joy, Melanie S
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.