2024 AACR-KidneyCAN Innovation and Discovery Grant Recipients
08.01.24 – 07.31.25
Human endogenousretroviral (HERV) antigens are thought to drive the unexpectedly high response of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) to immune checkpoint inhibitors, despite its low mutation and neoantigen burden. Dr. Warren and his team aimed to characterize T-cell reactivity for hERV-encoded, HLA-A2 associated T-cell epitopes spontaneously arising in HLA-A2+ RCC patients and assess the anti-tumor potency of these T cells.
If successful, these studies may help lay the groundwork for a potential new approach to kidney cancer treatment, based on cellular therapy or vaccination.
“Kidney cancer is known for its sensitivity to immune therapy and developing antigen-specific therapy for kidney cancer is a major focus of our laboratory. The AACR-KidneyCAN Kidney Cancer Innovation and Discovery Grant will support the development of immune therapy for kidney cancer that targets the protein products of human endogenous retroviruses.”
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common form of kidney cancer, is often associated with the inactivation of VHL protein, which leads to the stabilization and accumulation of HIF-2α protein. Although the HIF-2α inhibitor belzutifan has received FDA approval for the treatment of ccRCC patients, both intrinsic and adaptive resistance to this drug have been reported. Dr. Zhang sought to identify potential targetable pathways that may contribute to HIF-2α inhibitor resistance.
Dr. Zhang and his team identified PTGES as a context-dependent contributor to belzutifan resistance. This finding may help explain variable responses to HIF-2α inhibitors and highlight PTGES as a potential therapeutic target for a subset of patients.
“HIF-2α inhibitor Belzultifan was approved by the FDA to treat advanced RCC. However, both intrinsic and adaptive resistance was reported, posing critical clinical challenges. This award will help generate vital preliminary data on uncovering the mechanisms underlying drug resistance and developing alternative treatments for HIF-2α inhibitor-resistant patients in kidney cancer.”
Since 1993, the American Association for Cancer research has awarded more than $540 million in funds toward almost 1,000 different grants. In 2021, the AACR awarded over $7 million.
The ACCR supports grantees from the United States and abroad, at every career stage. These grants accelerate cancer research.
📢 #KidneyCancer researchers: Don't miss this funding opportunity!
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Scholar-in-Training Awards (SITA) will support early-career investigators focused on kidney cancer research, helping them present their work, connect with
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Congratulations to @WesleyYipMD who received this year's Barry Hoeven Memorial Kidney Cancer Research Project Award! #ForaKure #KureIt #CancerResearch
Combination therapy is emerging as a standard in refractory RCC. Combos increase tumor shrinkage endpoints. TKI provides early disease control. CRs are possible but is cure? Toxicity consideration is critical in this setting. Biomarkers to guide choice of drug(s) are needed
5th annual #UromigosLive coming November 13th and 14th from Nashville! Lots of videos, livestream, debate, and a special Uromigos World Cup competition. 🥇 Stay tuned for details…
So well deserved @TiansterZhang! Fortunate to have you as a colleague and even more fortunate to have you as a friend. Keep up the tremendous work! @KidneyCancer @utswcancer @kidneycan
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Join us October 28 for our FREE Town Hall, Genetics and Kidney Cancer: From Family Risk to the Future of Patient Care.
Hear from Dr. Brian Shuch, Dr. David
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This is the 5th @IKCCorg Global Patient Survey on Kidney Cancer, marking 10 years of collecting data specific to the experiences of people living with #KidneyCancer. This milestone makes it possible to track positive and negative trends and demonstrate changes over time.
Add
Finding clinical trials that may be relevant to you doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Powered by AI and built specifically for people with #KidneyCancer, the Clinical Trial Navigator helps make complex clinical trial information easier to search and understand, so you can spend
#KidneyCancer can bring a lot of questions, and you don’t have to navigate them alone.
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No two #KidneyCancer journeys are the same. Built with @kcCURE, @kidneycan, @KidneyCancer @nkf & @EisaiUS Kompass can help guide you to tailored resources and support that fit where you are today. Explore for yourself at https://KidneyCancerKompass.com.
#AcceleratingCures
Need some direction when it comes to clinical trials?
Introducing the KidneyCAN Clinical Trial Navigator—a free, AI-powered tool designed specifically to help people with #KidneyCancer explore clinical trials that may be relevant to them.
Answer a few simple questions about
Why participate in the Global Patient Survey on #KidneyCancer? The information gathered helps create education, support and advocacy programs that respond to the needs of people affected by kidney cancer.
Take the survey: https://bit.ly/IKCC_Kidney_Cancer_Global_Survey
#AcceleratingCures @IKCCorg
