Understanding the genetic changes that lead to kidney cancer.
Official title: Dissecting Convergent Somatic and Germline Alterations that Mediate the Origins and Evolution of Kidney Cancer
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11004978 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes, both from family and those that happen over time, can influence the growth of clear cell kidney cancer, with the hope of finding better ways to treat patients based on their unique genetic makeup.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $691,127 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278980-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004978 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma or those with a family history of kidney cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of kidney cancer or those without any genetic predisposition to kidney cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how both inherited and acquired genetic mutations contribute to the development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a common type of kidney cancer. By analyzing the interactions between these mutations, the study aims to uncover how they affect tumor growth and patient outcomes. The research employs advanced methodologies, including deep learning algorithms, to identify and catalog these genetic alterations, which could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for patients. The goal is to enhance our understanding of the genetic landscape of ccRCC and improve clinical decision-making.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with kidney cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding genetic mutations in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into kidney cancer as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Allen, Eliezer M — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Van Allen, Eliezer M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Personalized antigens for kidney cancer therapy
This grant explores identifying and targeting tumor-specific antigens in kidney cancer to develop more effective, personalized immunotherapies.
-
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.
-
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.