KidneyCAN recently partnered with CancerNetwork to spotlight how legislative advocacy and multidisciplinary collaboration are transforming kidney cancer research and care. Dr. Elizabeth P. Henske (Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber) and Dr. Jason Muhitch (Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center) shared their insights on the critical role of advocacy in securing funding and fostering breakthroughs in kidney cancer treatment.

 

CancerNetwork

The experts emphasized the importance of connecting researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates through events like the Kidney Cancer Research Summit (KCRS) and International Kidney Cancer Symposium. These forums create opportunities to exchange knowledge, support patients, and advance research initiatives. Dr. Henske highlighted the power of advocacy networks in raising awareness and educating Congress on the urgency of funding kidney cancer research, while Dr. Muhitch noted how these efforts directly influence patient outcomes and researcher development.

The discussion also underscored the impact of the Kidney Cancer Research Program, which has increased funding, facilitated clinical breakthroughs, and supported innovative studies on rare kidney cancer variants. Smaller grants from private foundations were highlighted as a vital stepping stone for early-stage research that can later secure federal funding.

This collaboration highlights the shared mission of organizations like KidneyCAN and CancerNetwork to advance cancer research and improve patient outcomes. Visit CancerNetwork® to explore their expert-led content, including multidisciplinary insights from the journal ONCOLOGY®, offering timely clinical information for oncology professionals.

Watch excerpts from this conversation:

You can be a part of this incredible progress! Sign up to advocate with KidneyCAN for federal research funding in 2025.

Email our Legislative Patient Advocate Debra Beyhan for more information.