Find a kidney cancer clinical trial that’s right for you

Powered by KidneyCAN in partnership with Almara. Working together to accelerate cures for kidney cancer.

Clinical Trial Navigator by KidneyCAN | An AI-Driven Clinical Trial Finder for Kidney Cancer
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Need more help? Contact KidneyCAN at info@kidneycan.org.

What is a kidney cancer clinical trial?

A kidney cancer clinical trial is a research study that evaluates new treatments, therapies, or approaches to care for people with kidney cancer. Clinical trials help researchers determine whether new drugs, immunotherapies, or combinations are safe and effective, often providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments not yet widely available.

Why should I consider joining a clinical trial for kidney cancer?

Participating in a kidney cancer clinical trial can give you access to innovative treatments, expert care from leading specialists, and the opportunity to contribute to advancing kidney cancer research.

Many patients explore clinical trials as part of their treatment plan, especially when standard options are limited or evolving.

Is a clinical trial right for my stage or type of kidney cancer?

Clinical trials are available for many types and stages of kidney cancer, including localized, advanced, and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Eligibility depends on factors such as your diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health. The KidneyCAN Clinical Trial Navigator helps match you with trials based on your specific situation.

What is the KidneyCAN Clinical Trial Navigator?

The KidneyCAN Clinical Trial Navigator is an AI-powered tool designed to help kidney cancer patients quickly and easily find relevant clinical trials.

By answering a few simple questions, patients receive personalized trial matches tailored to their diagnosis, treatment history, and location.

How does the KidneyCAN Clinical Trial Navigator work?

The tool uses advanced AI and curated clinical trial data to match patients with kidney cancer clinical trials that fit their unique medical profile.

It simplifies the search process by filtering out irrelevant studies and presenting only the most appropriate options, saving time and reducing confusion.

Do I need to create an account to use the Clinical Trial Navigator?

No, the KidneyCAN Clinical Trial Navigator is designed to be accessible and easy to use without requiring a complicated sign-up process.

Patients can explore clinical trial options quickly and privately. We do not store or share your contact or health information.

Is the Clinical Trial Navigator free to use?

Yes, the Clinical Trial Navigator is completely free for kidney cancer patients, caregivers, and families.

KidneyCAN is funded through grassroots and industry donations and provides this resource as part of its mission to improve access to research and treatment options.

How accurate are the matches produced by the Clinical Trial Navigator?

The KidneyCAN Clinical Trial Navigator uses up-to-date clinical trial databases and trained intelligent matching technology to provide highly relevant results.

While the Clinical Trial Navigator offers strong matches, patients should always discuss options with their healthcare team to confirm eligibility and next steps for a specific trial. You can download, print, or email your matches to assist with bringing the results to your care team.

Can I participate in a clinical trial if I live far from a major cancer center?

Many kidney cancer clinical trials are available at multiple locations across the country, and some offer travel support or decentralized options.

The Clinical Trial Navigator allows you to search by location, helping you identify trials near you or those that may accommodate remote participation.

What questions should I ask my doctor about clinical trials?

You may want to ask about eligibility, potential benefits and risks, side effects, costs, and how a clinical trial fits into your overall treatment plan.

Bringing information from the KidneyCAN Clinical Trial Navigator to your appointment can help guide these conversations.

What is the Kidney Cancer Research Consortium, and how can it help me access care?

The Kidney Cancer Research Consortium is a network of leading academic medical centers dedicated to advancing kidney cancer research and improving patient outcomes.

These institutions often offer access to cutting-edge clinical trials and specialized care. You can learn more and explore participating sites by visiting the KCRC website.

Patients interested in receiving care at a Consortium site should speak with their doctor about referrals or contact the institution directly through the website.

Where can I find more resources and support for navigating kidney cancer diagnosis and treatment?

In addition to the Clinical Trial Navigator, KidneyCAN offers a comprehensive Patient Resource Center with educational materials, support tools, and guidance for patients and caregivers. Visit the Patient Resource Center to explore more kidney cancer resources, terminology guides, and support services.

KidneyCAN also offers educational webinars for patients and caregivers, as well as virtual support and social groups. You can connect with fellow patients and caregivers in the KidneyCAN SmartPatients group, too.

Are there risks to participating in a clinical trial?

Participation in any clinical trial involves risks, including possible side effects or the treatment being less effective than standard care.

These risks vary by study and are fully disclosed during the informed consent process.

How does the informed consent process work, and what are my rights regarding withdrawal from a trial?
Informed consent is a foundational element of participating in clinical research. It ensures that all participants are thoroughly informed about the study’s purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits before deciding to participate. Here’s how it works:

  • Detailed Information: Before joining a clinical trial, you will receive detailed information about the study. This includes the trial’s purpose, duration, required procedures, potential risks and benefits, and any other relevant details to help you make an informed decision.
  • Voluntary Participation: Participation in any clinical trial is entirely voluntary. You have the right to take your time to decide whether to participate and to discuss the opportunity with your family, friends, or healthcare providers before making your decision.
  • Right to Withdraw: Importantly, you retain the right to withdraw your consent and discontinue participation in the trial at any point, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. Your decision to withdraw will not affect your future care or relationship with your healthcare providers.
  • Ongoing Communication: Throughout the trial, you will be informed of any new findings or changes to the study that may affect your willingness to continue participating. This ensures that your decision to remain in the trial is based on the most current information available.

The informed consent process is designed to protect your rights and well-being as a participant in clinical research. If you have any questions or concerns about a trial or the informed consent process, we encourage you to discuss them with the research team.

Why are the rules for entry into a clinical trial so strict?

Strict eligibility criteria are in place to ensure patient safety, to determine the effectiveness of the treatment, and to ensure that the results are scientifically valid.

These criteria can also help identify participants who are most likely to benefit from the trial.

Can I participate even if I do not exactly qualify for a trial?

Typically, participants need to meet specific criteria to enroll in a clinical trial.

However, discussing your situation with the trial coordinator is worthwhile, as there may be other available studies or future opportunities.

When do the results of a clinical trial get published?

Results are generally published after the study’s conclusion and analysis, which can vary in time.

About Clinical Trials

From the National Cancer Institute: Watch to learn about the three main phases of clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. Understanding what they are can help you decide if a clinical trial might be an option for you or a loved one.

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The Kidney Cancer Clinical Trial Navigator was developed by KidneyCAN in partnership with Almara. KidneyCAN is funded entirely by grassroots donors in the kidney cancer community. Your generous contribution helps accelerate cures.