Why some SMARCB1‑deficient kidney cancers grow faster after immunotherapy
Mechanisms of Hyperprogression to Immunotherapy in SMARCB1-Deficient Renal Malignancies
Researchers will try blocking specific immune-related switches to stop some SMARCB1‑deficient kidney cancers from growing faster after immunotherapy in people with these aggressive tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294301 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at why kidney cancers that lack the SMARCB1 gene often get worse quickly after immune checkpoint drugs. Scientists will study tumor tissue from patients and use genetically engineered mouse models to see how tumor cells activate myeloid-like programs that drive rapid growth. They will test whether blocking master regulators such as S100A9 and the CEBPB/p300 complex can prevent this hyperprogression. The work combines patient samples, lab models, and molecular tests to point toward treatments that could be tried in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with SMARCB1‑deficient renal cancers (for example renal medullary carcinoma), often younger patients including those of African descent with sickle cell trait, especially those who have received or may receive immune checkpoint therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with common kidney cancers that do not have SMARCB1 loss, or people with unrelated tumor types, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that prevent rapid tumor growth after immunotherapy and make immune drugs safer and more effective for patients with SMARCB1‑deficient kidney cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous reports have documented hyperprogression after immunotherapy in these tumors, but directly targeting myeloid regulators like S100A9 and CEBPB/p300 in SMARCB1‑deficient kidney cancers is largely novel and unproven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Msaouel, Pavlos — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Msaouel, Pavlos
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.