KidneyCAN CEO Bryan Lewis recently spent a full day immersed in one of the most dynamic kidney cancer research environments in the country: UC San Diego Health, guided by Dr. Rana McKay, a nationally recognized medical oncologist and leader in genitourinary (GU) cancer research.
From breathtaking coastal views to bustling labs and clinics, Bryan’s visit offered a powerful look at how collaboration, innovation, and patient-centered care come together to accelerate progress against kidney cancer.
The day began at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, perched high above the Pacific Ocean. With sweeping views of the coastline and the UC San Diego campus below, it was a fitting place to start a conversation about perspective—how far the field of kidney cancer research has come, and how much potential lies ahead.
Just minutes away, researchers, clinicians, and patients converge every day to push boundaries in cancer care.
The tour continued at the Koman Family Outpatient Pavilion, a state-of-the-art facility designed to bring specialty care, advanced imaging, and research-driven medicine together under one roof. The Pavilion is a cornerstone of UC San Diego Health’s patient-first approach, intentionally designed to reduce barriers between diagnosis, treatment, and innovation.
The Koman Family Outpatient Pavilion is a central hub for urology and advanced imaging at UC San Diego Health, intentionally designed to support timely, coordinated care for patients facing kidney cancer.
Bryan then met with Christopher Kane, MD, a urologic cancer surgeon at UC San Diego Health known for his expertise in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery for kidney and other urologic cancers. In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Kane is a respected mentor and leader in urology, helping train the next generation of surgeons to deliver compassionate, high-quality cancer care. He is passionate about teaching and improving the communication skills of care providers so that patients get not just expert clinical care, but also empathy and compassion.
Bryan met with Dr. Christopher Kane, a urologic cancer surgeon whose expertise in robotic kidney cancer surgery—and commitment to mentoring future surgeons—helps shape the next generation of patient-centered care.
A short walk led to the Center for Novel Therapeutics, home to the Varner Lab, led by Judith Varner, PhD, Professor of Pathology and Medicine and Co-Leader of Solid Tumor Therapeutics at Moores Cancer Center.
Dr. Varner’s research examines how tumors interact with their surrounding environment—particularly blood vessels and immune cells—and how disrupting those interactions can slow or stop cancer growth.
For kidney cancer, where tumors are often highly vascular and skilled at evading the immune system, this work is especially critical. Insights from labs like Dr. Varner’s help inform new combination therapies and treatment strategies designed to overcome resistance and improve long-term outcomes.
Dr. Varner’s research has significantly advanced the understanding of how macrophages promote tumor growth. Her work has led to the development of novel therapeutic approaches targeting macrophage signal transduction pathways, particularly through the inhibition of PI3Kinase gamma. This research contributed to the development of the therapeutic agent eganelisib (IPI-549), which is currently undergoing Phase II and III clinical trials as an immuno-oncology treatment.
The heart of the visit took place at Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health’s NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—a distinction held by only a small number of cancer centers nationwide. This designation reflects excellence not only in research, but also in patient care, prevention, and community engagement.
Walking through the clinic spaces and the Bamboo Garden, Bryan saw firsthand how Moores integrates advanced science with a healing-focused environment focused on the patient experience, reinforcing the idea that where care happens matters just as much as how it happens.
Bryan and Dr. Chen stand in the Bamboo Garden at Moores Cancer Center. The garden is located in the central courtyard of the building and serves as a natural retreat — an intentional space designed to bring calm and a moment of stillness to patients and care teams alike.
In the foyer at Moores Cancer Center, the San Diego Symphony welcomes patients with music. UC San Diego is a sponsor of Music Connects, which provides community tickets and concerts to the people of San Diego.
At the Moores Cancer Center, Bryan met with Yu-Wei Chen, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor specializing in genitourinary malignancies. Dr. Chen’s work focuses on caring for patients with kidney and other GU cancers while integrating emerging research findings into real-world clinical decision-making. Originally from Taiwan and having lived in multiple locations across the United States (East Coast, Midwest, and South), Dr. Chen enjoys working with patients with diverse cultural backgrounds at UC San Diego (USCD).
Bryan next met with Tyler Seibert, MD, PhD, a radiation oncologist, associate professor, and Co-Director of the Center for Translational Imaging. Dr. Seibert’s work sits at the intersection of radiation oncology, imaging, and bioengineering, using advanced imaging tools and artificial intelligence to better define tumors and tailor treatment.
For kidney cancer patients, these innovations hold promise for more precise targeting of tumors, fewer side effects, and improved outcomes, especially in complex or advanced cases.
A major focus of the visit was the Clinical Trials Office on the second floor of Moores Cancer Center, where Bryan met with a wide range of team members who make clinical research possible.
These included project managers, clinical research coordinators, and translational research staff such as Suzanna Lee, Chinmayi Vikramkumar Pandya, Archana Ajmera, NP, Alexandria Cronin, Karen Cuervo, Hadley Schaub, Abbey Kenaston, and Joannah Jung.
Frederick E. Millard, MD is a medical oncologist in UC San Diego’s Genitourinary Malignancies Program who works closely with patients taking part in clinical trials for kidney and other GU cancers. His focus is on helping patients access promising new treatments and guiding them through options when standard therapies aren’t enough.
Together, this team supports trials exploring new therapies, drug combinations, and treatment sequences for kidney and other GU cancers. Their work ensures that promising ideas from the lab are safely and efficiently tested in patients—an essential step in expanding treatment options and improving standards of care.
During his visit, Bryan spoke with Archana Ajmera and Laurie Elpers from the Clinical Trials Office. Dr. McKay explains that nurses and advanced practice providers (APPs) who help patients manage treatment side effects and navigate care day to day. APPs play a critical role in educating patients, answering questions, and making sure concerns are addressed quickly throughout treatment. Bryan is also pictured with Karen Cuervo (left) and Alexandria Cronin, MPH, CCP from the Clinical Trials Office.
Bryan also met with Aditya Bagrodia, MD, FACS, a urologic cancer surgeon and professor at UC San Diego Health who specializes in treating kidney and other genitourinary cancers. Dr. Bagrodia is known for his work in complex and minimally invasive surgical care and for his leadership within UC San Diego’s multidisciplinary GU oncology program, where surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists collaborate closely to personalize treatment for each patient.
Standing in the foyer of Jacobs Medical Center, Bryan’s conversation with Dr. Bagrodia underscored how kidney cancer care extends beyond any single treatment or specialty—bringing together expertise, coordination, and thoughtful decision-making to support patients at every stage of their journey.
Dr. Aditya Bagrodia had a few minutes outside the OR for a brief conversation at Jacobs Medical Center, standing near artist Jeff Koons’ Party Hat sculpture. The sculpture is part of a Healing Arts collection designed to increase feelings of health and wellbeing. It reflects UC San Diego Health’s multidisciplinary approach to kidney cancer care, where surgeons, medical oncologists, and researchers work together to guide each patient’s treatment.
Throughout the day, Dr. Rana McKay served as both guide and connector, weaving together the many threads of UC San Diego’s kidney and GU cancer ecosystem. As a medical oncologist and professor of medicine and urology, Dr. McKay is widely recognized for her leadership in clinical trials, her expertise in kidney cancer treatment, and her commitment to improving outcomes through research-driven care.
Dr. McKay’s work exemplifies the model KidneyCAN champions: science that is collaborative, patient-centered, and relentlessly focused on moving the field forward.
