A KidneyCAN Town Hall Event
Kidney cancer patients and leading researchers united to illuminate the clinical trials journey. Discover firsthand experiences, unlock vital communication strategies, and explore the latest trials shaping the future of kidney cancer treatment.
➦Watch video and find resources below.
This event has already taken place, but you can watch the full video here.
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Resource Links from Topics Mentioned in the Program
Here are additional links to resources for patients and caregivers, some of which were mentioned in the program and chat.
Kidney Cancer Research Consortium
Oncology Center of Excellence (OCE) Rare Cancers Program
National Cancer Institute
Clinical Trials Help and Resources (Video)
Should I Join a Clinical Trial? (Video)
National Institutes of Health
CAR-T Trials for Kidney Cancer
American Cancer Society
Lazarex Cancer Foundation
International Kidney Cancer Coalition
Kidney Cancer Research Consortium
Many in our audience asked about Advocacy Days. This is an easy and free way for you to help accelerate cures for kidney cancer. Join us this fall to ask Congress for kidney cancer research funding! Contact Debra Beyhan, our Legislative Patient Advocate at debra.beyhan@kidneycan.org for more information.
KidneyCAN thanks all who participated in this special Town Hall event. Thank you as well to our patient and caregiver community for providing insights and resources in the chat and community social that followed the Town Hall.
Learn about the clinical trial experience from both ends of the stethoscope. For this Town Hall, we’re bringing you medical and patient experts!
Director, Prostate and Kidney Cancer Program at Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine
Dr. Naomi Haas is a respected figure in the world of kidney cancer research and treatment, dedicated to advancing the fight against this challenging disease. As the Director of the Prostate and Kidney Cancer Program and a Professor of Medicine in Hematology-Oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Haas brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her work. She has led numerous clinical trials, focusing on creating innovative therapies that not only aim to cure but also to improve the quality of life for patients battling kidney cancer.
With her extensive research in new treatment strategies, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies, Dr. Haas is at the forefront of discovering more effective and less invasive options for kidney cancer care. Her commitment to her patients and her passion for research make her a guiding light in the medical community and a trusted ally to those she serves.
Director of Clinical Research, Lank Center of Genitourinary Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dr. Bradley McGregor is a leading medical oncologist specializing in genitourinary malignancies, with a particular focus on kidney cancer. Serving as the Director of Clinical Research for the Lank Center of Genitourinary Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. McGregor is committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of kidney and other genitourinary cancers. His work is driven by a passion for developing new and more effective treatment strategies, including the latest in targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. McGregor has been involved in groundbreaking clinical trials that seek not only to extend life but also to improve the quality of life for his patients. He believes in a patient-centered approach to care, emphasizing the importance of understanding each patient’s unique journey and tailoring treatments to meet their specific needs.
Patient with Stage IV Kidney Cancer,
KidneyCAN Legislative Advocate
Debra Beyhan is a passionate kidney cancer patient advocate whose journey into advocacy began with her own diagnosis of stage IV renal cell carcinoma at age 53 in 2016. Facing a dire prognosis, Debra chose to fight back, not just for herself but for the broader kidney cancer community.
After participating in a clinical trial for which she had a positive response, Debra became deeply involved with KidneyCAN, focusing on legislative advocacy to ensure robust, sustainable funding for medical research. Her efforts have been instrumental in increasing appropriations for the Department of Defense’s Kidney Cancer Research Program, demonstrating her impactful role in the fight against kidney cancer.
Debra’s personal battle with kidney cancer and her subsequent role as a vocal advocate for the community embody her commitment to not just surviving but thriving. Her story is a testament to the power of patient advocacy in driving progress and hope for those touched by kidney cancer.
Patient Advocate,
SWOG Cancer Research Network
Laura is a 35-year-old metastatic kidney cancer survivor and HLRCC patient who was diagnosed with kidney cancer at the age of 29. She is a writer, marketer, and cat fanatic. Laura loves the beach, music, traveling, and not having cancer. Born in Louisiana and now living in California, Laura is a statistical abnormality who fights for cures for kidney cancer.
Laura says cancer is “one big game of deception,” as it took years for doctors to diagnose her with kidney cancer. Her young age deceived them. Despite her cancer diagnosis, she maintains a positive outlook and is always candid about her struggles with the disease. Laura has undergone major surgery to remove her kidney and other organs, and has experienced multiple setbacks, including a diagnosis of metastatic kidney cancer. However, she has been in remission for six years, thanks in part to the Cabometyx drug, which she received through the PAPMET/SWOG S1500 clinical trial.
Laura is committed to fighting for cures for kidney cancer and raising awareness about AYA (adolescent and young adult) cancer. You can read more on Laura’s blog here.
We at KidneyCAN know how challenging it can be to keep up with research developments and how they could impact your treatment options. We hope the ideas presented in our Town Hall help you as you work with your doctor to manage your care for kidney cancer.
If you’re looking to connect with more people who share your challenges and can offer support, check out our Smart Patients forum.
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