News from Kidney Cancer Association

The Kidney Cancer Association Announces Recipients for the Advanced Discovery Awards (ADA) and Young Investigator Awards (YIA)

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 05:41:36 GMT

A total of $1.3 million awarded to advance new treatments for kidney cancer

HOUSTON – September 16, 2019 – The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the Advanced Discovery Awards (ADA) and Young Investigator Awards (YIA). In April, the KCA approved $1.3 million in new grant funding to advance early detection and new treatments for kidney cancer.

“The KCA was delighted by the high caliber of proposals received for both awards and are hopeful that this research will advance the medical community’s understanding of kidney cancer,” said Dr. Christopher Wood, Chair of the KCA’s Board of Directors. “We are committed to making a substantive impact in the lives of patients with kidney cancer and look forward to seeing the groundbreaking proposals for the YIA and ADA each year.”

Established this year, the purpose of the ADA is to promote collaboration between a clinician including a urologic oncologist, medical oncologist or radiation oncologist and a Ph.D. to propose new research that will make an immediate impact in the field of kidney cancer. The YIA seeks to encourage promising researchers in urology and clinical oncology who are planning to pursue an investigative career in kidney cancer. ADAs are for established investigators and this year two $500,000 grants were awarded. In addition to these new grants, the KCA increased the number and value of the YIAs from two grants worth $50,000 to four grants worth $75,000.

All grant proposals were initially evaluated through a Letter of Intent (LOI) and top ranking LOIs were invited to submit a full proposal. An independent panel of reviewers, who are recognized experts in the field, conducted a scored review of all applications received.

The first installment of awards will be distributed in October 2019. A select number of recipients will present their projects to physicians, researchers, and medical staff from leading centers across the globe at the 19th International Kidney Cancer Symposium (IKCS) in November 2020. For more information on the awards and symposium, please visit the KCA website at www.kidneycancer.org.

Advanced Discovery Award Recipients

Research Team

Kathleen M. Mahoney, MD, PhD - Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center
Gordon J. Freeman, PhD - Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Rupal S. Bhatt, MD, PhD - Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center

HHLA2/KIR3DL3 as a novel therapeutic immune checkpoint pathway in renal cancer
This research team will explore a novel immune checkpoint pathway that is similar to, but non-overlapping with, the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, which has been the key driver of advances in immunotherapy that led to much improved outcomes for many patients with cancer. A better understanding of how this HHLA2/KIR3DL3 pathway works and determining if disrupting it allows immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells could be particularly important for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who might not benefit from existing immunotherapies.

Research Team

Eric Jonasch, MD - The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Guang Peng, PhD - The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

S-phase DNA damage response links genomic instability mechanisms to anti-tumor immunity in renal cell carcinoma
This research team will investigate how the novel tumor suppressor gene NPRL2 functions. The team will study how NPRL2 triggers innate immune response in RCC through impairing S-phase DNA damage response (S-DDR). NPRL2 is frequently deleted from chromosomes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and the research team will also explore treatment strategies exploiting this deficiency.

Young Investigator Award (YIA) Recipients

Scott M. Haake, MD - Vanderbilt University Medical Center
W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD (Mentor) - Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Endogenous retrovirus expression drives immunogenicity of papillary renal cell carcinoma
In prior published work, Dr. Haake and colleagues established that endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are a biomarker for immune response in ccRCC patients and a potential therapeutic target. This research project will shift focus to investigate ERV expression in papillary RCC (both type 1 and 2) to and how ERV impacts anti-tumor immune response in this understudied RCC subtype.

Akash Kumar Kaushik, PhD - University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Ralph J. DeBerardinis, MD, PhD (Mentor) - University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

In vivo glutamine metabolism in VHL and FH mutant renal cell carcinoma
Dr. Kaushik's research project will take a closer look at the amino acid glutamine – a major source of energy and growth for some cancer cells – and its role in cellular activity. In particular, Dr. Kaushik will investigate the efficacy of a glutaminase inhibitor in patient-derived mouse models with mutated versions of the VHL and FH tumor suppressor genes. He will also examine how effective specific inhibitors of a key energy-generating cellular process are in VHL- and FH-mutant tumors.

Ed Reznik, PhD - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
A. Ari Hakimi, MD (Mentor) - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Metabolic determinants of the tumor microenvironment and sensitivity to immunotherapy in ccRCC
The tumor microenvironment (TME), which includes blood vessels, stroma, immune and other types of cells, and signaling molecules, plays an important part in in the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Dr. Reznik will closely examine tumor metabolism as it relates to the TME of ccRCC. A better understanding of the TME and its varied components might help indicate which therapies are more likely to be effective for patients with ccRCC, thereby avoiding potentially unnecessary treatment. The findings also have the potential to identify new therapeutic targets.

Tian Zhang, MD, MHS - Duke Cancer Institute
Daniel J. George, MD (Mentor) - Duke Cancer Institute

Immune correlates of immunotherapy responses in renal cell carcinoma
Patients with metastatic ccRCC have several options when it comes to first-line immunotherapy, including combination treatment with VEGF inhibitors that stop blood vessels from growing excessively. Choosing between options is still a challenge. Dr. Zhang will analyze how the TME response to immunotherapy. In addition, Dr. Zhang will investigate a panel of five genes and its association with resistance to ipilimumab/nivolumab combination therapy.

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About The Kidney Cancer Association

Founded in 1990 by a group of physicians and patients at the University of Chicago and Northwestern, many of whom are still active in the organization today, the KCA’s mission is bringing an end to death and suffering from renal cancers and envisioning a world without kidney cancer.

The KCA is a recognized and respected thought leader on the topic of kidney cancer in the medical community and a trusted resource for patients navigating the disease. As an international organization, the KCA unites patients, families, doctors, researchers and other health professionals from around the world who are focused on education, research, and advocacy – all in an effort to promote the work necessary to understand, prevent and treat kidney cancer.

09/16/2019

The Kidney Cancer Association Announces $1.3 Million in New Research Opportunities

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 21:37:35 GMT

HOUSTON – April 16, 2019 – The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is pleased to announce its Board of Directors recently approved $1.3 million in new grant funding to advance early detection and new treatments for kidney cancer. The application process opens on April 17 and closes on May 20. Award winners will be announced in the Fall of 2019.

“The KCA Board of Directors is committed to providing research funding with the goal of identifying new treatments and finding new ways to prevent and manage the disease,” said Christopher Wood, Board President. “With these advancements in research and a greater understanding of these cancers, we believe the outcomes of these grants will have substantive impact for kidney cancer patients.”

Six grants are divided among two distinct awards – the Advanced Discovery Awards (ADA), two $500,000 grants for established investigators, and four $75,000 Young Investigator Awards (YIA).

The purpose of establishing the new ADA is to promote the collaboration between a clinician including a urologic oncologist, medical oncologist or radiation oncologist and a Ph.D., to propose new research that will make an immediate impact in the field of kidney cancer. Research may include biomarker development, development of novel therapeutic targets, correlative studies associated with ongoing or completed clinical trials, or assays that promote the early detection of kidney cancer.

The YIA seeks to encourage promising researchers in the areas of urology and clinical oncology who are planning to pursue an investigative career in kidney cancer. To qualify, applicants must have achieved a post-graduate degree or doctoral degree and currently be in the last two years of their final subspecialty training at an academic medical institution (a single entity medical school and university hospital) at the time of their application. The KCA has increased the amounts of the YIA from $50,000 to $75,000, and increased the number of grants from two to four to encourage more of these rising stars in this field.

All grant proposals will be evaluated through the Letter of Intent (LOI) Process. An independent panel of reviewers, who are recognized experts in the field, will conduct a blinded, scored review of all applications received.

Visit the KCA website at https://www.kidneycancer.org for additional information and application guidelines on the ADA and YIA.

About The Kidney Cancer Association

The KCA is a recognized and respected thought leader on the topic of kidney cancer in the medical community and a trusted resource for patients navigating the disease. As an international organization, the KCA unites patients, families, doctors, researchers and other health professionals from around the world who are focused on education, resesarch, and advocacy – all in an effort to promote the work necessary to understand, prevent and treat kidney cancer.

04/16/2019

The Kidney Cancer Association Appoints Kendall Monroe as CAO

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 20:59:24 GMT

HOUSTON – March 19, 2019 – The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is pleased to announce that Kendall Monroe has joined the organization as its first Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). Monroe brings more than a decade of experience in development, fundraising and donor relations.

Monroe most recently worked as the director of planned giving and board management with the University of St. Thomas. She previously held several positions within MD Anderson Cancer Center - including assistant director of development, associate director of development and director of trusts, estates and gift planning. Additional roles included director of development with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and multiple development positions with Child Advocates.

“I could not be more excited to have Kendall Monroe joining our team here at the Kidney Cancer Association,” said Gretchen Vaughan, CEO of the KCA. “Her proven skillset, dedication to her work and impressive track record will be an invaluable asset to the KCA.”

As a versatile development professional, Monroe has executed numerous successful development marketing campaigns - often surpassing fundraising goals. She has trained colleagues and management on giving strategies and techniques, developed giving program policies, crafted donor stories, newsletters and planned giving collateral materials and solicited gifts of all sizes.

Monroe holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University. In addition, she earned a certificate of charitable financial planning from Texas Tech University in 2017 and is a current member of the Planned Giving Council of Houston.

Founded in 1990 by a group of physicians and patients at the University of Chicago and Northwestern, many of whom are still active in the organization today, the Kidney Cancer Association’s mission is bringing an end to death and suffering from renal cancers and envisioning a world without kidney cancer. The KCA has recently moved its main office from its previous location to Houston in an effort to bring the organization closer to one of the largest, most prominent medical centers in the world. The KCA is a recognized and respected thought leader on the topic of kidney cancer in the medical community and a trusted resource for patients navigating the disease. As an international organization, the KCA unites patients families, doctors, researchers and other health professionals from around the world who are focused on education, research, clinical trials and advocacy - all in an effort to promote the work necessary to understand, prevent, and treat kidney cancer.

For additional information, visit kidneycancer.org.

High resolution headshot for Kendall Monroe can be downloaded here. Photo should be credited as follows: Photo courtesy of the Kidney Cancer Association.

03/19/2019

Dr. Marc-Oliver Grimm provided an overview of the many changes in the landscape for advanced renal cell carcinoma at the urogenital cancer treatment at a glance session

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 16:38:57 GMT

In this article, Dr. Marc-Oliver Grimm provides an overview of the many changes in the landscape for advanced renal cell carcinoma at the urogenital cancer treatment at a glance session.

03/18/2019

Joanne battles stage 4 kidney cancer

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 19:39:12 GMT

Four years ago, Joanne Romero, who lives in Texas, was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer when she was 26 weeks pregnant. Despite her challenges, Joanne remains positive and hopes her story serves as an inspiration to others.

My journey began on Feb. 16, 2015. I was currently 26 weeks pregnant. I was experiencing a cough that continued to get worse. That day, I was scheduled to have a lung procedure to see what was causing the cough. My high-risk OB ordered an ultrasound the night before. She wanted to make sure my baby was doing well enough for the procedure. During the ultrasound, the ultrasound tech asked me if I had any trouble with my kidney. I told her no and she continued to complete the ultrasound.

Then next morning before the procedure, my high-risk OB walked into the waiting room. She looks at me with a serious face. She informs me that I have a large tumor on my kidney. That is when I heard, “You have kidney cancer.” I was more concerned about the well-being of my baby. The words “You have kidney cancer did not sink in.

During the procedure, the tumor in my lung popped in my airway, causing me to stop breathing. My high-risk OB rushed in the operating room. She conducted an emergency C-section. During that time, doctors were rushing to move the tumor out of the way so I could receive oxygen. My baby, who weighed 1 pound 15 ounces, was rushed to the NICU. Once the doctors were able to stabilize me, they went out to inform my parents in the waiting room.

My dad says they were moved to a private room. They were informed that doctors would come in and talk to them. My mom says at that moment that something went terribly wrong. My high-risk OB and two doctors walked in very quiet. Then, my high-risk OB informed them that she had good news and bad news. She informed them that the good news was that their granddaughter was born and she would be fine. My dad then asked, “What about my daughter?” My high-risk OB responded, “I’m not sure. We have to wait and see, but it doesn’t look good.”

My mom called my husband who was doing inventory at his store. She informed him that he needed to come to hospital quickly so he could sign forms to transport our baby girl to Texas Children’s Hospital. A little while after, my husband arrived. He was escorted to see our baby girl in the NICU. The NICU doctor informed my husband that was she very small. He went on to tell my husband, “she only has 20 percent chance of living.” Later that evening, my baby girl was transported to Texas Children’s Hospital. Doctors gave us so much hope there. She stayed in the NICU for 78 days. We were so happy that our baby girl was coming home.

Once doctors were able to stabilize me in the ICU, my family came to see me. I had to be incubated because of the trauma my lungs had endured. My mom says I kept grabbing my stomach, like if I knew my baby was no longer there. My husband rubbed my feet but I had no reaction to it. My mom says she told me “Your baby is going to be OK.” Two days later, I woke up. I did not panic but just kept looking around. A few minutes later, my high-risk OB came to my bedside. She tells me “You have kidney cancer but I know you are going to be alright.” I continued to look at her since I still had the breathing tube. Later that evening, the nurse removed my breathing tube. It was so hard to talk. I was so weak that I could not move. My family came in to see me during visiting hours in the ICU. I could tell that they have been crying.

The next day, the oncologist came in and told what my plan was. He explained to me that he could give me the oral chemo there but knew I would be better off at MD Anderson. He told me his nurse would get all the paperwork ready for it to be sent to MD Anderson. Once I got out of ICU, I had a many tests done (MRI and PET Scans). Unfortunately, that’s when I learned the kidney cancer has spread from my right kidney to my right lung and brain.

February 16th, was a bittersweet day for my daughter and I in our journey of hope. My daughter turned 4-years-old and I celebrated living with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer for 4 years. I know my journey has been tough but I am hopeful that my journey brings hope to others.

To see how you can get involved during Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, go to www.kidneycancer.org/kidney-cancer-awareness-month

03/18/2019

Antibiotics Before Checkpoint Inhibitors Tied to Worse Survival

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 17:20:13 GMT

Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics 30 days before starting an immune checkpoint inhibitor was associated with a dramatic reduction in cancer patients' survival, a prospective study found.

03/11/2019

Novel Agents and Drug Development Needs in Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cancer

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 15:18:48 GMT

The treatment of metastatic clear cell renal cancer is changing rapidly, with the focus switching from vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapies to immune checkpoint inhibitors and novel combinations.

03/07/2019

Toxicity, Clinical Outcomes of Varying Cabozantinib Dosage in Metastatic RCC

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 15:18:15 GMT

While clinical outcomes may be comparable in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who are treated with full vs reduced dose of cabozantinib, reduced dose may not be associated with decreased adverse events.

03/06/2019

A five-gene signature predicts overall survival of patients with papillary renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 19:55:47 GMT

This study aims to investigate the gene expression changes in papillary renal cell carcinoma(pRCC) and screen several genes and associated pathways of papillary renal cell carcinoma progression.

03/05/2019

Sarcomatoid Renal Cell Carcinoma: Population-Based Study of 879 Patients

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 20:16:11 GMT

Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (sRCC) constitutes a rare and aggressive subtype of renal cell carcinoma. This study investigates its clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes at a national level.

03/05/2019

Brian I. Rini, MD, on Renal Cell Carcinoma: Results From the TIVO-3 Trial on Tivozanib vs Sorafenib

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 19:48:12 GMT

Brian I. Rini, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, discusses phase III findings on a comparison of tivozanib and sorafenib in patients with refractory advanced renal cell carcinoma

03/04/2019

Brian I. Rini, MD, on Renal Cell Cancer: Risk Stratification After Resection of Localized Disease

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 14:55:11 GMT

Brian I. Rini, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, discusses current models used to estimate the risk of recurrence of kidney cancer.

02/27/2019

ASCO GU 2019: When to Obtain Genetic Testing for Syndromic Renal Cell Cancer

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 15:44:58 GMT

Dr. Brian Schuch weighs in on genetic testing for kidney cancer.

02/26/2019

Top Medications Used to Treat Kidney (Renal Cell Cancer)

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 17:59:04 GMT

It is estimated there will be 73,820 individuals diagnosed with kidney cancer this year and 14,770 will succumb to their disease. This article discusses the top medications used to treat kidney cancer.

02/25/2019

Dr. McDermott on Single-Agent Pembrolizumab in Advanced RCC

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 19:52:29 GMT

In this video, David F. McDermott, MD, director of the Biologic Therapy Program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, discusses the use of single-agent pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in the treatment of patients with advanced non–clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

02/20/2019

ASCO GU 2019: First-line Pembrolizumab Monotherapy for Advanced Non-Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Results from KEYNOTE-427 Cohort B

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 15:20:49 GMT

Keynote 427 Cohort B results demonstrate promising anti-tumor activity with first line pembrolizumab monotherapy in non-clear cell advanced RCC.

02/19/2019

New therapeutic target found for aggressive pediatric cancers with few treatment options

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 15:23:16 GMT

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center recently discovered a new therapeutic target for malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRT). MRT is a rare pediatric cancer that commonly starts in the kidneys. Dr. Pavlos Msaouel, who was a 2017 Conquer Cancer Foundation Young Investigator Award recipient supported by the Kidney Cancer Association, was involved in this breakthrough finding.

02/19/2019

ASCO GU 2019: Genetic Evolution of Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 18:26:40 GMT

At ASCO GU in San Francisco, Dr. Samra Turajlic discussed the evolution of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

02/18/2019

ASCO GU 2019: Analysis of Overall Survival Based on Early Tumor Shrinkage in the Phase III METEOR Study of Cabozantinib versus Everolimus in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 18:28:56 GMT

During the Rapid Abstract Session on Renal Cell Cancer at the Annual ASCO GU 2019 meeting in San Francisco, CA, Dr. Duran presented on the analysis of overall survival (OS) based on early tumor shrinkage in the phase III METEOR study of cabozantinib (cabo) versus everolimus (eve) in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

02/18/2019

Aerobics, Strength Exercises Improve Quality of Life in Kidney Cancer Survivors

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 15:35:41 GMT

Meeting combined exercise guidelines – including both aerobics and strength training – improved quality of life in #KidneyCancer survivors; however, few individuals reported they follow such guidelines, according to study findings published in Psycho-Oncology.

02/12/2019

Merck Highlights Breadth of Immuno-Oncology Research Program in Genitourinary Cancers at ASCO GU

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 15:42:23 GMT

Merck announced yesterday that new combination and monotherapy data from the company’s broad immuno-oncology research program in genitourinary cancers – renal, prostate and bladder − will be presented at the 2019 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO GU) in San Francisco from February 14-16.

02/12/2019

Outcome of kidney function after ischaemic and zero-ischaemic laparoscopic and open nephron-sparing surgery for renal cell cancer

Fri, 08 Feb 2019 16:34:29 GMT

Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) remains gold standard for the treatment of localised renal cell cancer (RCC), even in the case of a normal contralateral kidney.

02/08/2019

Timing of brain metastases development in metastatic renal cell cancer patients treated with targeted therapies and survival outcomes: An Australian multicenter study

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 15:27:55 GMT

Targeted therapy (TT) has improved survival for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). However, survival is usually limited if brain metastases (BMs) develop.

02/06/2019

Comparative study of renal cell carcinoma in patients less than 40 years of age and older age patients: A retrospective single-center study

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 15:29:36 GMT

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is typically found in the older age group between 50 and 70 years of age. However, diagnosis of renal cancer is increasing more rapidly in patients less than 40 years if age compared to older age patients.

02/06/2019

If Someone in Your Life Just Survived Cancer, Here’s How You Can Support Them Now

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 15:48:17 GMT

This article explains how to support a loved one after cancer treatment.

02/05/2019

Some Cancers Are Rising in Millennials. Obesity Might Be Why

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 18:56:07 GMT

Kidney cancer had the sharpest annual increase for young Americans: 6.23% between 1995 and 2014.

02/04/2019

Newsmakers: Promotions and appointments of area executives

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 21:06:19 GMT

Gretchen Vaughan, Kidney Cancer Association, has been named chief executive officer of the nonprofit.

02/04/2019

First-Line TKIs Less Effective in Non-Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 17:02:57 GMT

According to a study that was published in Urologic Oncology, patients with metastatic non-clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) have worse outcomes from first-line therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) than patients with metastatic clear-cell RCC (ccRCC).

01/31/2019

Personalized Vaccine to be Tested in Patients with Kidney Cancer

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 19:50:40 GMT

Researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are working to develop a vaccine for the treatment of renal cell cancer.

01/30/2019

Personalised treatment benefits kidney cancer patients

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 15:27:32 GMT

Personalised treatment plans may extend life expectancy for early-stage kidney cancer patients who have risk factors for worsening kidney disease, according to a new study published in the journal Radiology.

01/29/2019

Changes in skeletal muscle area and lean body mass during pazopanib vs sunitinib therapy for metastatic renal cancer

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 16:02:03 GMT

This study evaluates whether sunitinib and pazopanib treatments are associated with change in skeletal muscle area (SMA) and total lean body mass (LBM) as well as to compare their efficacies and safety profiles in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC).

01/29/2019

The efficacy and safety of sunitinib given on an individualised schedule as first-line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A phase 2 clinical trial

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 16:05:47 GMT

Sunitinib is administered on a rigid schedule that may not be optimal for all patients. We hypothesised that toxicity-driven dose and schedule changes would optimise drug exposure and outcome for each patient.

01/29/2019

Obesity Factors May Increase Kidney Cancer Risk

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 18:44:58 GMT

According to recent research conducted by Spectrum Health, certain factors such as diastolic blood pressure and fasting insulin were found to be associated with renal cell carcinoma.

01/28/2019

Imaging Advances in the Management of Kidney Cancer

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:07:55 GMT

New developments in cross-sectional imaging, including contrast-enhanced ultrasound, dual-energy computed tomography, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography, and positron emission tomography, together with novel application of existing and novel radiotracers, have changed the landscape of renal mass characterization (ie, virtual biopsy) as well as the detection of metastatic disease, prognostication, and response assessment in patients with advanced kidney cancer.

01/25/2019

Kidney Cancer Association Appoints Gretchen Vaughan as CEO

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 00:09:11 GMT

HOUSTON – January 24, 2019 – Kidney Cancer Association is pleased to announce it has recently appointed Gretchen Vaughan as the nonprofit’s new CEO. Vaughan brings more than 27 years of experience in advanced fundraising, management, sales and major market business development in the healthcare and financial service industries.

Vaughan has most recently worked as the senior director of philanthropic resources with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, having been with the hospital in additional, previous roles since 2004. Her work with MD Anderson includes extensive fundraising and philanthropic efforts, strategic planning for major market development, relationship building and staff management. She is a member of numerous related professional organizations, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Association of Healthcare Philanthropy and National Association of Cancer Center Development Officers.

“We feel very fortunate to have Gretchen joining Kidney Cancer Association,” said Dr. Christopher Wood, board chair of Kidney Cancer Association. “Her extensive experience and leadership skills pair perfectly with her understanding of and dedication to our mission. We are confident she will guide our organization forward in significant, meaningful ways.”

Vaughan will lead Kidney Cancer Association’s efforts to continue to grow the organization and secure the funding resources required to support both the work of researchers striving to uncover new advancements in the treatment of kidney cancer and patients currently coping with the disease.

Originally founded, and currently domiciled in Chicago, Vaughan has facilitated the move of Kidney Cancer Association’s main office from its previous location in Florida to Houston in an effort to bring the organization closer to one of the largest, most prominent medical centers in the world. She is also overseeing the selection of additional Houston-based executive level officers.

Kidney Cancer Association provides grants to promising researchers, publishes a professional journal for medical professionals, and leads an international kidney cancer symposium all in an effort to promote the work necessary to understand, prevent, and treat kidney cancer.

For patients, the Association offers access to a wealth of information via their website, suggested resources for financial assistance and access to nurses with a thorough understanding of therapies and management of kidney cancer who can answer questions and offer advice via the phone or email.

In addition, Kidney Cancer Association understands the crucial role of clinical trials in advancing emerging medicine, and offers in depth information for patients on considerations for joining a trial and how to speak with their doctors on selecting a potential trial opportunity.

“I am extremely proud to join the dedicated patients, physicians, researchers and health professionals who have built Kidney Cancer Association into a critically important and impactful organization; a team fiercely committed to eradicating renal cancers,” said Vaughan. “It is exciting and deeply humbling for the opportunity to build upon this organization’s nearly 20-year legacy and lead them into the future.”

Founded in 1990 by a small group of patients and doctors, Kidney Cancer Association’s mission is bringing an end to death and suffering from renal cancers and envisioning of a world without kidney cancer. Kidney Cancer Association is an international organization, comprised of patients and their families, doctors, researchers and other health professionals focused on education, research and advocacy.

For additional information, visit kidneycancer.org.

High resolution headshot for Gretchen Vaughan can be downloaded here. Photo should be credited as follows: Photo courtesy of Kidney Cancer Association.

01/24/2019

Ten-Year Outcomes of Renal Tumor Radio Frequency Ablation

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 16:33:04 GMT

According to a study that was published by the Journal of Urology, a total of 112 tumors in 106 patients were treated with radio frequency ablation. The median followup was 79 months (IQR 28.9-121.1) and mean ± SD tumor size was 2.5 ± 0.8 cm. Initial technical success was achieved in 97 percent of cases.

01/23/2019

Patient-reported outcomes of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus sunitinib (CheckMate 214): a randomised, phase 3 trial

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 16:45:23 GMT

In the ongoing phase 3, CheckMate 214 trial, nivolumab plus ipilimumab improved overall survival compared with sunitinib in patients with intermediate or poor risk, previously untreated, advanced renal cell carcinoma.

01/23/2019

Cutaneous metastasis of renal cell carcinoma: Fine needle aspiration provides rapid diagnosis

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 16:50:39 GMT

The diagnosis of cutaneous metastasis of renal cell carcinoma is challenging in a young person in absence of a prior history of cancer. In such situation, fine needle aspiration alone as a minimally invasive procedure can provide rapid, accurate and cost effective diagnosis, even in case of unknown primary.

01/23/2019

Personalized treatment benefits kidney cancer patients

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 15:28:05 GMT

Personalized treatment plans may extend life expectancy for early-stage kidney cancer patients who have risk factors for worsening kidney disease, according to a new study published in the journal Radiology.

01/16/2019

European Commission Approves Opdivo (nivolumab) Plus Low-Dose Yervoy (ipilimumab) for First-Line Treatment of Patients with Intermediate- and Poor-Risk Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 17:15:38 GMT

Yesterday, Bristol-Myers Squibb announced that the European Commission has approved the combination of Opdivo (nivolumab) 3 mg/kg plus Yervoy (ipilimumab) 1 mg/kg (“low-dose”) for the first-line treatment of patients with intermediate- and poor-risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

01/15/2019

Immunotherapy/VEGF Inhibitor Combos to Define Frontline Standard in mRCC

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 17:28:42 GMT

VEGF TKIs have long defined the frontline standard of care in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), but several promising trials evaluating their use in combination with immunotherapy agents may redefine the frontline setting in this patient population.

01/15/2019

Royal Jelly May Ease Adverse Effects of RCC Drug Therapy

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 18:08:57 GMT

Royal jelly, a substance secreted by worker honeybees that is the exclusive food for queen bees, may ease the adverse effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

01/11/2019

New breath test for cancer currently under trial

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 17:14:31 GMT

A clinical trial in the U.K. has just launched to assess the effectiveness of a newly developed breath test that could help diagnose multiple forms of cancer, including kidney cancer.

01/09/2019

Clinical Trials to Treat Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 19:36:24 GMT

Looking to enroll in a clinical trial? Check out this list from the National Cancer Institute.

01/08/2019

US cancer death rate hits 25 years of decline, study says

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 19:40:17 GMT

The rate of people dying from cancer in the United States seems to have dropped steadily for 25 years, a new study says, but disparities remain between the rich and the poor. The overall nationwide cancer death rate fell continuously from 1991 to 2016 by a total of 27%, according to a study by the American Cancer Society, published Tuesday in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

01/08/2019

Biological Cartographers Seek To Map The Trillions Of Cells In The Human Body

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 17:57:33 GMT

There's an effort underway to make a new atlas of all the cells in the human body and to describe each cell type using all the powerful tools of today's genetic technology. The study will take quite a few years to complete but scientists say the payoff will be huge. Through this study, they are hoping to gain new insights into many different diseases such as cancer.

01/07/2019

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Multiple Brain Metastases From Renal-Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 18:10:28 GMT

This study discusses stereotactic radiosurgery for multiple brain metastases from renal-cell carcinoma.

01/04/2019

Some RCC Risk Factors Can Be Modified

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 16:14:55 GMT

Obesity, hypertension and smoking are the three modifiable risk factors that could aggressively be targeted to reduce renal cell carcinoma, according to a new study that was done by the University of Texas Health Science Center and the South Texas Veterans Healthcare System.

01/03/2019

Kidney Stones Up Kidney Cancer Risk

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 18:12:44 GMT

According to investigators, kidney stones are associated with an increased risk of papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

01/02/2019

A healthy organic diet reduces the risk of cancer by 65 percent

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 18:22:44 GMT

A recent study found that a healthy diet can reduce the risk of cancer by up to 65 percent.

01/02/2019

MSKCC Risk Stratification Model in RCC Updated to Include Genomic Information

Fri, 28 Dec 2018 16:10:01 GMT

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) risk stratification model in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) currently used in clinical practice stratifies patients into risk groups of favorable, intermediate, and poor.

12/28/2018

Cancer research legend urges patients to get multiple opinions

Thu, 27 Dec 2018 16:55:11 GMT

National Cancer Institute Chief of Surgery Steven Rosenberg recommends seeking out multiple professional opinions to confirm a diagnosis and to figure out what your best options are.

12/27/2018

Clinicopathological Features and Survival Data of Localized Renal Masses in Young Adults

Thu, 27 Dec 2018 16:59:09 GMT

According to a study that was done by the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, the overall survival rate of young adults (ages 18-40 years old) with localized renal masses is 93.8%.

12/26/2018

Optimizing Combinations Next Challenge in mRCC

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 13:43:37 GMT

As the treatment paradigm for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) continues to evolve, combination therapy is likely to be an important part of the future, said Bradley G. Somer, MD.

12/21/2018

Future Directions for RCC Research

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 16:55:11 GMT

Dr. Brian Rini and Dr. David McDermott explain whatâs next in kidney cancer research.

12/20/2018

Prognosis of renal cell carcinoma with bone metastases: Experience from a large cancer centre

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 17:20:56 GMT

Bone metastases (BMs) are associated with significant morbidity and shorter survival in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Our purpose was to identify prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) in RCC patients with BMs.

12/20/2018

Immediate Surgery No Help in Metastatic RCC

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 13:55:33 GMT

Treating metastatic kidney cancer with immediate cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) did not ward off disease progression, the randomized SURTIME trial confirmed.

12/14/2018

Life threatening toxicities of chemotherapies and immunomodulating medications

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 14:03:43 GMT

Life threatening toxicities of chemotherapies and immunosuppressants can occur with varying frequency depending on the agent suspected and underlying patient risk factors. It is important for clinicians to remember that these medications can be the cause or contributor to many important complications that occur in the ICU.

12/14/2018

Economic Burden of Metastatic Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma for French Patients Treated With Targeted Therapies

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 14:05:27 GMT

Targeted therapies have transformed the treatment of metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC). Despite the importance of mccRCC, studies on its economic burden in daily practice are sparse.

12/14/2018

Changes in Renal Cell Carcinoma Pathologic Staging and Histologic Grading

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 18:54:27 GMT

The most important prognostic factor when treating renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is tumor staging. Larger tumors (greater than 4 cm to 5 cm) need to be carefully assessed for the possibility of renal sinus invasion, according to a new review published Surgical Pathology Clinics.

12/13/2018

Overview of Renal Cell Cancer

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 18:56:14 GMT

Symptoms, risk factors and diagnosis of Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer.

12/13/2018

Tivozanib Promising for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 18:59:47 GMT

Updated clinical trial results reveal Tivozanib superior to Nexavar and headed to the FDA for US approval.

12/13/2018

Keytruda- Inlyta Treatment Combination Improves Outcomes in Renal Cell Caner

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 19:06:15 GMT

The pivotal Phase 3 KEYNOTE-426 clinical trial investigating Keytruda (pembrolizumab) anti-PD-1 therapy in combination with Inlyta (axitinib), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) improved both overall survival (OS) and delayed the time to cancer progression compared to Sutent (sunitinib) when used in the first-line treatment of advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

12/13/2018

Cancer Deaths on the Decline

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 19:11:25 GMT

Overall cancer death rates continue to decline in both men and women and across major ethnic and racial groups, according to the annual Status of Cancer report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

12/13/2018

Treatment & Management of Kidney Cancer

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 19:14:28 GMT

Treatment for renal cell cancer is tailored to each individual and may include surgery, precision cancer medicines, immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is not typically used for the treatment of renal cell cancer. The specific treatment depends on the stage and genomic profile of the cancer.

12/13/2018

Treatment of Stages I - III Kidney Cancer

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 19:15:55 GMT

Patients with Stage I renal cell cancer have a primary cancer that is less than 7 centimeters in size (about 3 inches). The cancer is limited to the kidney, and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.

12/13/2018

Treatment of Stage IV Kidney Cancer

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 19:17:43 GMT

Patients with Stage IV renal cell cancer have cancer that has spread to distant sites in the body, invaded directly into local structures, or has spread to more than one lymph node. Stage IV disease is also known as metastatic cancer.

12/13/2018

Check Your Medical Records For Dangerous Errors

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 14:49:08 GMT

This article explains the importance of checking your medical records for mistakes.

12/12/2018

French music producer donates all proceeds of his song, "I Want A Miracle" to the Kidney Cancer Association

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 21:50:09 GMT

French music producer Fred Rister details his battle with cancer in his latest single “I Want A Miracle.” The song opens with "I want a miracle, show me a sign/ 'Cause I don't feel ready now, to say goodbye." Rister released this song last March and is generously donating 100 percent of the proceeds to the Kidney Cancer Association for research. According to Rister, the song sheds a bit of hope to all of those fighting cancer. In a span of 30 years, he has battled cancer nine times. In 2009, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. After years of undergoing immunotherapy and chemotherapy and having bad side effects from the drugs, Rister decided to stop all treatments. In our interview with Rister, he discusses his diagnosis and the inspiration behind his new single. You can purchase “I Want A Miracle” here.

Q: Tell us about the song writing process of “I Want A Miracle.”

A: I composed an instrumental and wrote a rough chorus. The idea was born very quickly.

Q: How did the song come about?

A: When I finished the track, I sent it to my friend Sam Martin and Jason Evigan and asked them if they wanted to work with me for the project and they said “We love it, let’s do it.” When I finished the project, I sent the song to Mike Caren from APG Atlantic and told me “Yes, Fred, I can help you with a worldwide license.” I decided to give all the proceeds to the Kidney Cancer Association per Dr. Escudier. I’ll never forget what he did for me.

Q: What has your journey been like since you were first diagnosed with kidney cancer?

A: It’s hard. I think every day about the cancer, I’m not afraid of death but I’m afraid of the way to go, the pains…. I had treatment for a long time. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy... etc. One day I went to see my doctor and I told him I would like to stop all my treatments because side effects are too hard to deal with. But I can tell you, I gained many years of life with the treatments.

Q: How have you been taking care of yourself since the diagnosis?

A: If I have pains everywhere, working is the best way to deal with them. Composing songs and staying in my recording studio is my form of therapy. I try to live from day to day.

Q: You’ve had a very successful career in music. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

A: When I met David Guetta. We have worked together since 2006. One day, David asked me to work on his new album, and my first song for him was “Love Is Gone” for the album, Pop Life which was released in 2007, and since, we have continued to work together. He is like my brother. We have also composed “When Love Takes Over” for the album, One Love and won a Grammy Award for that song. It was like a dream! We have made a lot of hits together like, “I Gotta Feeling” for Black Eyed Peas, “Memories” feat. Kid Cudi, “Who’s That Chick?” feat. Rihanna, “Without You” feat. Usher and “Club Can’t Handle Me” feat. Flo Rida.

Q: What advice would you give to those battling cancer right now?

A: It’s a good question because everyone feels pain differently. You have to be strong in your head and try to think positive. You need to have a lot of love around you.

12/12/2018

Clinical Trials in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 18:03:39 GMT

Dr. Brian Rini and Dr. David F. McDermott discuss two different clinical trials for #KidneyCancer patients.

12/11/2018

A Novel Approach: TKI/I-O Combinations in RCC

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 18:07:20 GMT

Insights From: Brian Rini,MD, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus; David F. McDermott, MD, Harvard Cancer Center

12/11/2018

An overview of renal cell carcinoma

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 15:47:12 GMT

RCC is the seventh leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Check out this article for an overview of the condition.

12/10/2018

The 10 Most Common Types of Cancer in the United States

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 13:40:24 GMT

There will be 65,340 new cases of kidney cancer diagnosed in 2018.

12/07/2018

Metastatic RCC: Mechanisms of Resistance

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 17:04:00 GMT

Dr. Brian Rini talks about resistance in metastatic RCC.

12/06/2018

Artificial-Intelligence Smartphone App Significantly Reduced Severity of Cancer Patientsâ Pain and Hospital Admissions

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 17:05:36 GMT

A study of 112 people with metastatic solid tumors found that the use of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based smartphone app reduced both the severity of patientsâ reported pain and hospital admissions.

12/06/2018

RCC: Establishing Particular Agents' Roles in Sequencing

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 17:10:13 GMT

Dr. Brian Rini discusses different clinical trials for kidney cancer.

12/06/2018

Efficacy, safety, and prognostic indicators of first-line sunitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A single center experience

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 20:40:52 GMT

Sunitinib treatment has acceptable efficacy and safety profile in Malaysian mRCC patients. The MSKCC and IMDC factors are relevant for predicting survival in our patient cohort while HFS is a promising prognostic predictor which warrants further investigation.

12/05/2018

miRâ122 promotes proliferation and invasion of clear cell renal cell carcinoma by suppressing Forkhead box O3

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 20:45:34 GMT

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve an important role in renal cancer, but renal cancer miRNA expression data remains inconsistent.

12/05/2018

Ask the Doctors: How gut microbiome affects cancer treatment

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 20:59:16 GMT

According to Dr. Eve Glazier, the patients who responded best to treatment with a certain class of immunotherapy drugs were those with the more diverse and robust gut microbiomes.

12/05/2018

Fatty acid binding protein 7 may be a marker and therapeutic targets in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 16:45:16 GMT

An analysis showed that fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7) has the highest mean differential overexpression in ccRCC compared to normal kidney.

11/21/2018

Evolution of the NCCN Guidelines for Kidney Cancer -Tian Zhang

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 16:51:08 GMT

Tian Zhang and Charles Ryan highlight recent updates in the NCCN treatment guidelines for kidney cancer resulting from data leading to changes in treatment options. Incorporation of initial diagnosis, disease biology, risk category, and clinical factors assist with selecting the most appropriate therapy for these patients.

11/21/2018

Epidemiology of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 15:05:21 GMT

Despite the improvement in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) diagnosis and management observed during the last 2 decades, RCC remains one of the most lethal urological malignancies. With the expansion of routine imaging for many disorders, an increasing number of patients who harbour RCC are identified incidentally.

11/20/2018

A State of Flux for Kidney Cancer

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 20:30:27 GMT

A State of Flux for Kidney Cancer

11/19/2018

Scientists identify potential new treatment strategy for kidney cancer

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:35:47 GMT

Researchers have provided new insight on the mechanisms behind the development of clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC), according to new findings published in eLife.

11/14/2018

Clinical Trial Saves Life of Stage 4 Kidney Cancer Patient

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:39:44 GMT

Dallas journalist Robert Wilonsky beat the odds with help from the team at UT Southwestern.

11/14/2018

The 11 most common cancers in the U.S.

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:56:13 GMT

Kidney cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S. Men are twice as likely as women to be diagnosed with kidney cancer, according to the ACS. Men's increased exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in the workplace and increased likelihood of smoking may partly explain this gap. For all people, though, the symptoms may include blood in the urine, low back pain on one side of the body that's not linked to an injury, a lump in the lower back, fatigue, appetite loss, unexplained weight loss, and more.

11/14/2018

Adjuvant sunitinib in patients with high-risk renal cell carcinoma: safety, therapy management, and patient-reported outcomes in the S-TRAC trial

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 16:02:25 GMT

Adjuvant sunitinib has significantly improved disease-free survival versus placebo in patients with renal cell carcinoma at high risk of recurrence post-nephrectomy.

11/14/2018

CIP2A Promotes Proliferation, Invasion and Chemoresistance to Cisplatin in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 16:21:43 GMT

CIP2A is a well-known oncoprotein whose expression is elevated in multiple human solid tumor types. However, its role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) development is poorly understood.

11/14/2018

Phase 1 study of everolimus and low-dose oral cyclophosphamide in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 16:24:00 GMT

mTOR inhibitors are frequently used in the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC). mTOR regulates cell growth, proliferation, angiogenesis, and survival, and additionally plays an important role in immune regulation. Since mTOR inhibitors were shown to benefit immunosuppressive regulatory T-cell (Treg) expansion, this might suppress antitumor immune responses. Metronomic cyclophosphamide (CTX) was shown to selectively deplete Tregs.

11/14/2018

Trials Presented at ESMO 2018

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 16:31:54 GMT

In patients with previously untreated advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) whose tumors were positive for the PD-L1 checkpoint, a combination of the checkpoint inhibitor avelumab and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) axitinib increased the median PFS from 8.4 months to 13.8 months when compared with the TKI sunitinib (HR 0.69; P=0.0001).

11/14/2018

MDACC 2018: Systemic Therapy for Metastatic Non-Clear Cell Histology Patients: What Works and What Doesnât?

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 17:52:19 GMT

Our 2017 YIA winner Pavlos Msaouel is doing great work in kidney cancer research. In this article, he explains chemotherapy vs. targeted therapies.

11/12/2018

MDACC 2018: Debate: Is There Still a Role for Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in the Setting of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma?

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 17:57:14 GMT

Dr. Jose Karam explains the role of cytoreductive nephrectomies when patients have metastatic kidney cancer.

11/12/2018

MDACC 2018: Debate: What is the Best Salvage Therapy After Failure of Immune Checkpoint Inhibition?

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 18:02:50 GMT

Dr. Msaouel discusses the best treatment options after failure of immune checkpoint inhibition.

11/12/2018

MDACC 2018: Debate: What is the Best Front-Line Systemic Therapy for Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma?

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 18:09:46 GMT

In this article, Dr. Gao defends Nivolumab plus ipilimumab as the best front-line systemic therapy for mRCC.

11/12/2018

Sunitinib Alone or after Nephrectomy in Renal Cancer

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 17:09:41 GMT

In the CARMENA (Cancer du Rein Metastatique Nephrectomie et AntiangiogÃ©niques) trial, MÃ©jean et al. (Aug. 2 issue)1 determine the noninferiority of sunitinib alone, as compared with nephrectomy followed by sunitinib, on the basis of the observation that the 95% confidence interval for the hazard ratio of death did not exceed 1.20 (the noninferiority margin for the trial).

11/09/2018

Personalized Immunotherapy Combinations on Horizon

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 17:16:13 GMT

Future development of novel immunotherapy combinations should be based on individual patient characteristics, such as patient-level immune targets and tumor microenvironment, according to a presentation by Jason Luke, MD, at the 36th Annual CFS.

11/09/2018

Trends in Renal-Cell Carcinoma Incidence and Mortality in the United States in the Last 2 Decades: A SEER-Based Study

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 17:26:02 GMT

Despite an overall increase in the incidence of RCC, there has been a recent plateau in RCC incidence rates with a significant decrease in mortality.

11/09/2018

Systemic Therapy Options for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 17:37:34 GMT

Monty Pal and Charles Ryan discuss systemic therapeutic options and current clinical trials in the renal cell carcinoma space.

11/09/2018

Distress Levels High Among Patients With Common Form of Kidney Cancer

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 17:37:50 GMT

Many patients with renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer, experience high levels of distress, according to study findings published in BJU International.

11/08/2018

Front-Line Combo Found Superior for Advanced RCC

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 17:42:21 GMT

Avelumab plus axitinib combination therapy is associated with better outcomes compared with sunitinib alone as first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), according to study findings presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology 2018 Congress in Munich, Germany.

11/08/2018

Potential clinical applications of microRNAs as biomarkers for renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 17:46:22 GMT

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 3% of adult malignancies and more than 90% of kidney neoplasms. High rates of undiagnostic percutaneous kidney biopsies and difficulties in reliable pre-operative differentiation between malignant and benign renal tumors using contemporary imaging techniques result in large numbers of redundant surgeries.

11/08/2018

Tivozanib extends PFS in advanced renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:16:51 GMT

Tivozanib extended PFS compared with sorafenib among patients with highly refractory advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma, according to randomized phase 3 study results released by the agentâs manufacturer.

11/07/2018

Limiting protein intake may enhance response to immunotherapy

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:19:37 GMT

Restricting protein intake may improve responses to immunotherapy, according to study results published in Clinical Cancer Research.

11/07/2018

Tivozanib Improves PFS in Highly Refractory RCC

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:37:50 GMT

The VEGF inhibitor tivozanib (Fotivda) reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 26% compared with sorafenib (Nexavar) in patients with highly refractory advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), according to topline findings from the phase III TIVO-3 trial.

11/07/2018

Comprehensive assessment gene signatures for clear cell renal cell carcinoma prognosis

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:40:56 GMT

There are many prognostic gene signature models in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, different results from various methods and samples are hard to contribute to clinical practice. It is necessary to develop a robust gene signature for improving clinical practice in ccRCC. A method was proposed to integrate least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multiple Cox regression to obtain mRNA and microRNA signature from the cancer genomic atlas database for predicting prognosis of ccRCC.

11/07/2018

Non-Coding Micro RNAs and Hypoxia-Inducible Factors Are Selenium Targets for Development of a Mechanism-Based Combination Strategy in Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma-Bench-to-Bedside Therapy

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:42:55 GMT

Durable response, inherent or acquired resistance, and dose-limiting toxicities continue to represent major barriers in the treatment of patients with advanced clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

11/07/2018

Surgical Management of Advanced Kidney Cancer: The Role of Cytoreductive Nephrectomy and Lymphadenectomy

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:49:10 GMT

Despite the evolution of systemic therapy from the immunotherapy to targeted therapy eras, surgical management remains a mainstay of treatment of patients with locally advanced, lymph node-positive, and distant metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

11/07/2018

AVEO Oncology Announces Phase 3 TIVO-3 Trial of Tivozanib in Renal Cell Carcinoma Meets Primary Endpoint

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 19:25:56 GMT

AVEO Oncology today announced positive topline results from the primary analysis of the TIVO-3 trial, the Companyâs Phase 3 randomized, controlled, multi-center, open-label study to compare tivozanib (FOTIVDA) to sorafenib in 351 subjects with highly refractory advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

11/06/2018

Clinical Utility of Chromosome Genomic Array Testing for Unclassified and Advanced-Stage Renal Cell Carcinomas

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 19:32:25 GMT

Cytogenomic analysis provides a useful adjunct to traditional pathology in the categorization of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), particularly in morphologically ambiguous cases, but it has disadvantages, including cost.

11/06/2018

A Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Sunitinib vs. Interferon-alpha in Patient with Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma in Japan

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 19:38:21 GMT

Sunitinib has been shown to offer clinical benefits during the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma. However, molecular targeting drugs are expensive and can have a significant impact on medical expenses.

11/06/2018

Cabozantinib for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma: A retrospective analysis

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 19:47:48 GMT

Cabozantinib prolongs overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that progressed on first-line vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGFR-TKI). The role of cabozantinib has not been established in non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC).

11/06/2018

Outline of New ESMO Guidelines Indicates Inclusion of FOTIVDA (Tivozanib) for Patients with Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 15:13:11 GMT

EUSA Pharma (EUSA) welcomes the news that FOTIVDA (tivozanib) is expected to be included in the upcoming European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) clinical practice guidelines for advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC), anticipated to be published at the end of this year.

10/30/2018

Sunitinib vs Nephrectomy Followed by Sunitinib in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 15:27:10 GMT

In an interim analysis of the French phase III noninferiority Carmena trial reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, Arnaud MÃ©jean, MD, PhD, of the HÃ´pital EuropÃ©en Georges Pompidou, and colleagues found that sunitinib alone was not inferior in overall survival vs nephrectomy followed by sunitinib in patients with intermediate- or poor-risk metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

10/30/2018

Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab in Intermediate- or Poor-Risk Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:29:59 GMT

According to a study, patients with intermediate- or poor-risk disease, median overall survival was not estimable in the nivolumab/ipilimumab group vs 25.9 months in the sunitinib arm (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.63, P < .0001). Median progression-free survival was 11.6 vs 8.4 months (HR = 0.82, P = not significant). The objective response rate was 41.6% vs 26.5% (P < .0001). The efficacy of the combination was not established in patients with favorable-risk disease.

10/29/2018

Combination immunotherapy with IL-2 surface-modified tumor cell vaccine and PD-1 blockade against renal cell carcinoma

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:40:50 GMT

Studies show that immunotherapy may be an effective way to prevent postoperative recurrence of renal cell carcinoma.

10/29/2018

Eating Organic Food May Reduce Cancer Risk

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 19:06:06 GMT

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests those who frequently eat organic foods may have a lower risk of developing cancer.

10/25/2018

Tall people at greater risk of cancer, study says

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 19:27:13 GMT

Colon and kidney cancer and lymphoma were among the types of cancer for which the correlation was strongest.

10/25/2018

8 Surprising Health Benefits of Wakame Seaweed

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 18:01:56 GMT

Wakame seaweed may have cancer-fighting properties. A study found that specific compounds extracted from the seaweed were effective at inhibiting the growth of colon and kidney cancer cells.

10/12/2018

LoginSearchLATEST A look ahead to key trial readouts at ESMO

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 18:06:36 GMT

ESMO is only 7 days away. Here is an inside look at some of the trials that will be discussed.

10/12/2018

Cabozantinib to Be Featured in 13 Presentations at ESMO 2018 Congress

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 14:07:49 GMT

Cabozantinib will be the subject of 13 presentations at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2018 Congress, which is being held October 19-23, 2018 in Munich, Germany.

10/09/2018

Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (HLRCC): A Contemporary Review and Practical Discussion of the Differential Diagnosis for HLRCC-Associated Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 15:49:06 GMT

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome (HLRCC) is an uncommon disorder with germline-inactivating mutations in the fumarate hydratase ( FH) gene. The kidney cancers that develop in patients with HLRCC are often unilateral and solitary, with a potentially aggressive clinical course; morphologic identification of suspicious cases is of the utmost importance.

10/08/2018

No link between progression-free survival, quality of life in cancer trials

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 20:10:39 GMT

In clinical trials evaluating cancer interventions, there was no significant association between progression-free survival and health-related quality of life, according to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

10/05/2018

What Makes the Nobel-Winning Breakthroughs in Immunotherapy So Revolutionary Read more: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/nobel-winning-breakthroughs-in-immunotherapy-revolutionary-1809704

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 18:20:46 GMT

This week, the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo for their breakthrough discoveries in immunotherapy. This article by Smithsonian Magazine explains the importance of this approach in treating cancer.

10/04/2018

A New Front Line Is Taking Shape in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 18:27:23 GMT

The dismal prognosis for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has fueled an earnest quest for more effective treatments, culminating in a better understanding of the disease and regulatory approval of several new drugs and therapeutic combinations.

10/04/2018

Robotic Tumor Enucleation Appears Safe for Sporadic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 18:35:05 GMT

The use of robotic tumor enucleation conferred favorable long-term surgical margins and local recurrence rates in patients with sporadic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), according to the results of a single-center Italian study.

10/04/2018

Epidemiology of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 15:41:58 GMT

Smoking, obesity, hypertension and chronic kidney disease are risk factors for kidney cancer.

09/28/2018

Renal Cell Carcinoma Center of Excellence

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 16:04:15 GMT

We invite you to become a member of PracticeUpdate and the Renal Cell Carcinoma Center of Excellence, an expert-curated resource that’s dedicated to practicing physicians. The Renal Cell Carcinoma Center of Excellence provides physicians with the most up to date information on patient care.

09/27/2018

New nanotherapy offers hope in treating drug-resistant renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 18:55:55 GMT

A research team led by Arun Iyer, Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Wayne State University, has developed a nanoplatform technology that works in combination with existing chemotherapeutic drugs that may reverse drug-resistance in renal cell carcinoma.

09/26/2018

Obesity could overtake smoking as biggest preventable cause of cancer in women

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 16:09:36 GMT

Being overweight or obese as an adult increases the risk of 13 different types of cancer including breast, bowel and kidney cancer, but only around one in seven people in the UK are aware of the link.

09/24/2018

Susan describes her cancer diagnosis at age 25

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 14:37:09 GMT

Susan from Alberta, Canada, was diagnosed with stage 1 kidney cancer at age 25. After receiving a radical right nephrectomy, she has remained cancer-free for 12 years. Below, Susan shares her best advice for those going through a similar situation: 1.) Ask questions and record everything so you can remember what the doctor says. It will also serve as a journal for you down the road. 2.) Be kind to yourself. There will be bad days, hard days, but there will be many good days as well so enjoy those when they come. 3.) Let your close loved ones know when you are having a bad day, don’t keep your feelings to yourself. In my situation, I had to be the “strong” one for my mom and sister but at night, in secret, I fell apart and that was an unnecessary burden on me. I didn’t know how strong I was until being strong was the only choice I had. If you'd like to share your story with us, email agoodman@kidneycancer.org.

09/20/2018

Kidney Cancer: Risk Factors and Prevention

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 13:59:00 GMT

This article discusses the risk factors that can cause kidney cancer and what people can do to lower their chances of developing the condition.

09/19/2018

NLR Predicts Survival After Cytoreductive Nephrectomy+Thrombectomy

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:01:58 GMT

Preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may predict survival following cytoreductive nephrectomy plus thrombectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a new study suggest.

09/19/2018

10 Healthy Reasons to Eat a Banana Every Day

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 19:03:31 GMT

Researchers found that people who ate lots of fruits and vegetables - more than 75 servings per month, or roughly three servings total per day - had the lowest risk of developing renal cell carcinoma. When researchers looked at fruit specifically, bananas seemed to be the most beneficial due to their high concentration of antioxidants.

09/18/2018

Combinations Poised to Carry Clinical Benefit in RCC

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 19:13:55 GMT

In this Q&A article, Bradley McGregor, M.D., explains how combination therapy will have a global impact on patients.

09/18/2018

Dawnia survives kidney cancer after receiving a nephrectomy on her right kidney

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 16:03:00 GMT

Five years ago, Dawnia, who lives in Texas, was diagnosed with stage II kidney cancer at age 50. During a routine visit at her gynecologist’s office, the nurse practitioner was alarmed when she learned that Dawnia’s mother was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer. The nurse urged her to get an ultrasound which showed a 9×9 tumor. Dawnia credits her nurse practitioner’s suggestion of getting an ultrasound with saving her life. She has remained cancer-free following her nephrectomy. No chemotherapy or radiation was required. Dawnia had chest x-rays and abdominal CT scans every three to six months for two years as follow-up. If kidney cancer runs in your family, it is important to discuss it with your doctor so you can receive proper treatment.

09/11/2018

For new cancer treatments, less is more

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 16:31:23 GMT

People with advanced kidney cancer can skip surgery to have their kidneys removed and instead go right to drug treatment, a recent study showed.

09/11/2018

A healthy, organic diet lowers your risk of cancer by a whopping 65%

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 17:15:24 GMT

According to a recent study by the University of Florida, a healthy organic diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and dairy can help lower your cancer risk by 65 percent. The study also states that avoiding tobacco can help lower your risk of developing kidney cancer.

09/10/2018

A Genetic Cause for Kidney Cancer

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 15:02:18 GMT

UNC scientists have discovered some really interesting information about how RCCC develops, providing new pathways for targeted therapies. Targeted therapies are those that work by zeroing in on a specific pathway in the cancer’s development. In this case, Qing Zhang, PhD, and his team of fellow scientists saw that in 90% of RCCC, an important tumor suppressor gene called VHL was either missing or malfunctioning. When this happens, a protein called ZHX2 accumulates in high quantities in the renal cells. The VHL gene loss is responsible in not only in the origination of the tumor(s), but also plays a key role in their development and metastasis, as the ZHX2 protein promotes blood vessel growth.

09/04/2018

Imaging for Screening and Surveillance of Patients with Hereditary Forms of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 15:02:36 GMT

According to the University of Texas, 5-8% of RCC cases are hereditary.

08/29/2018

Young Investigator Award winner Dr. Liam Macleod discusses his research on regionalization

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 17:01:34 GMT

Since 2006, the Kidney Cancer Association has supported an annual Young Investigator Award (YIA) through the Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The YIA supported by Kidney Cancer Association provides funding to promising doctors to pursue careers in kidney cancer research. This year, the Kidney Cancer Association supported two awards – a YIA and an ASCO Annual Meeting Merit Award – through the Conquer Cancer Foundation. The 2018 Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO/Kidney Cancer Association YIA recipient, Liam C. Macleod, M.D., M.P.H., is currently completing his second year of fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh and received $50,000 from the Kidney Cancer Association for his research on regionalization and how it affects patients.

08/28/2018

Immunotherapy: What Makes this Cancer Treatment So Promising?

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 17:34:04 GMT

Immunotherapy to treat cancer has been around for a while, but new research is making headway in directions that are both exciting and are giving hope to patients fighting cancer. In this video, Dr Shubham Pant, an oncologist in Houston Texas, demystifies immunotherapy.

08/28/2018

Kuzel Discusses Treatment Options for Metastatic RCC Based on Risk Stratification

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 16:07:50 GMT

Dr. Kuzel discusses treatment options for metastatic RCC based on risk stratification. In the article, Dr. Kuzel talks about two different case scenarios.

08/27/2018

My patients are dying. But it’s their right to keep going.

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 16:19:50 GMT

Isaac Chan, a medical oncology fellow at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, discusses a patient's right to refuse palliative care.

08/27/2018

Endogenous retrovirus expression is associated with response to immune checkpoint blockade in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 15:39:59 GMT

Although a subset of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients respond to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), predictors of response remain uncertain.

08/24/2018

"Kidney Cancer" Journal Release New Issue

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 15:45:22 GMT

The newest issue of the journal, “Kidney Cancer” just came out! The issue includes two review articles on the topics of diagnostic imaging and adjuvant therapy, a commentary about partial nephrectomy and five research articles, plus a new Clinical Trials Corner.

08/24/2018

African Americans Urged To Consider Clinical Trials

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 15:03:17 GMT

An initiative launched today encourages newly-diagnosed African American cancer patients in Maryland to consider clinical trials as the first-line option, not the last resort. The ads are intended to reward those progressive physicians who are actively supporting their patients’ access to the most advanced options for improved care, including clinical trials for prostate, bladder and kidney cancer.

08/23/2018

Selecting Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma for Adjuvant Sunitinib Therapy

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 15:14:52 GMT

Daniel J. George, MD, professor of medicine and surgery at Duke Cancer Institute, discusses his rationale for choosing patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that should receive adjuvant sunitinib (Sutent) therapy.

08/23/2018

Diabetes Can Develop in Cancer Patients Treated With Checkpoint Inhibitors

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 13:46:05 GMT

Cancer treatment has been transformed by the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that block immune inhibitory ligands CTLA-4 and PD-1, known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). With these options for treatment of cancers that are resistant to conventional cancer therapies, the life expectancy of patients with melanoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and other cancers, has shown significant improvement. However, according to the journal Diabetes, some patients experience adverse effects. One percent of patients treated with anti–PD-1 or –PD-L1 CPIs develop diabetes.

08/22/2018

Case Studies: Perspective on the Treatment of Advanced Renal Cell Cancer

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 18:11:28 GMT

In this video, Dr. Robert J. Motzer discusses the treatment methods he used on a 49-year-old male with recurrent RCC.

08/21/2018

Personalized Medicine Continues to Evolve in Oncology

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 18:22:47 GMT

The use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a novel means of improving cancer care, but there are other methods of improving care that extend beyond the panel itself, explained Leonid Shunyakov, MD, a hematologist/oncologist at Central Care Cancer Center.

08/21/2018

Case Studies: Treatment of Refractory Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 18:27:34 GMT

Thomas Hutson, DO, PharmD, reviews the case of a 70-year old woman who presents with symptomatic, metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

08/21/2018

VTE Risk May Hurt Survival After Kidney Cancer Surgery

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 16:35:42 GMT

All-cause mortality was significantly higher among renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients who developed symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) after undergoing nephrectomy and inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombectomy (TT) accompanied by intravascular tumor thrombosis, a retrospective analysis showed.

08/20/2018

Testing turns up heavy metals in baby food; what Consumer Reports says parents need to know

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 16:44:01 GMT

Testing of dozens of the most popular packaged foods for babies and toddlers turned up noticeable and even “worrisome” levels of lead and other heavy metals, according to the watchdog Consumer Reports. Over the course of a child's development, exposure to heavy metals increases the likelihood of developing cancer, particularly lung cancer, bladder cancer and kidney cancer, and increases the risks of issues with neurological development,

08/17/2018

Surgery Prevails as Initial Therapy for mRCC

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 16:45:52 GMT

Patients with untreated metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) had significantly better survival with surgery rather than targeted therapy as the initial treatment, a retrospective review of 15,000 patients showed.

08/17/2018

Cabozantinib In mRCC

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 15:01:28 GMT

In this video, doctors discuss Cabozantinib in mRCC.

08/16/2018

Disease Progression In Patients With Metastatic RCC

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 16:33:35 GMT

This video discusses disease progression in patients with metastatic RCC.

08/15/2018

Robots An Increasing Presence In Maine Operating Rooms

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 16:18:01 GMT

Robots now assist surgeons with kidney cancer, difficult hernias and gynecologic cancers. Robot-assisted surgeries have the best outcomes and are most justified for hard-to-reach areas of the body, such as for prostate removal and head and neck surgeries, according to a 2016 study published in The Milbank Quarterly, a scholarly journal.

08/14/2018

https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/PFAS-toxin-every-household-states-sue-chemical-companies

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 17:56:56 GMT

Medical studies have linked PFAS in drinking water to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, pancreatic cancer and birth defects.

08/13/2018

New Blood Test Could Predict Kidney Cancer 5 Years Before Diagnosis

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 18:45:40 GMT

According to a study, a blood test could predict kidney cancer risk and survival, five years prior to its diagnosis.

08/13/2018

British Scientists Identify Kidney Cancer's Cellular Origin

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 16:46:00 GMT

Researchers from Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Cambridge and the University of Newcastle discovered that adult renal carcinoma cells are a version of a specific rare subtype of healthy adult kidney cell, called PT1. They found that despite genetic differences, all the renal carcinoma cells studied had developed the same PT1 characteristics. These results could provide the basis of a new method for treating cancer by targeting the PT1 cell specifically.

08/10/2018

Ways To Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 17:01:54 GMT

Kidneys are one of the most important organs in our body. Kidneys helps with the metabolism of the body, regulated blood volume and pressure, makes red blood cells, keeps the bones strong and gets rid of the all the waste accumulated in our bodies. Our unhealthy lifestyle and strenuous lives put the kidneys under stress and they become susceptible to kidney stones, infections, cysts, tumor, and a kidney failure.

08/10/2018

Asheville Firefighter's Line-Of-Duty Death Could Set Precedent For Death Benefits

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 16:46:24 GMT

Asheville firefighter Will Willis died of kidney cancer earlier this year. The Asheville Citizen-Times first reported that for just the second time in such cases, the North Carolina Industrial Commission decided it was a line-of-duty death.

08/09/2018

Renal Cell Carcinoma and Myelodysplastic Syndrome Show Epigenetic Association

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 16:57:29 GMT

Hypermethylation has been documented in some myeloid disorders including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A group at the Mayo Clinic noticed the epigenetic marking patterns between these vastly different conditions and wondered if there was a connection. The group found that there was a strong association.

08/09/2018

New Evidence May Help Improve Management Of Rare Kidney Cancers

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 20:20:04 GMT

Researchers have identified relapse patterns of nonclear cell renal cell carcinomas — an understudied group of rare kidney cancers — that are distinct from the more common clear cell renal cell carcinomas. The findings may help improve the management of patients with nonclear cell renal cell carcinomas (non-ccRCC), who represent approximately 20 percent of kidney cancer patient populations.

08/08/2018

Dr. Drake On The Role of Cytoreductive Nephrectomy In RCC

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 20:26:59 GMT

Charles G. Drake, MD, PhD, director of Genitourinary Oncology, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and co-director of Columbia’s Cancer Immunotherapy Programs, discusses the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy in the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

08/08/2018

VEGF TKI + Immunotherapy Combinations For mRCC

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 20:38:47 GMT

This video discusses strategies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma that involve I-O therapies in combination with VEGF-targeted therapies.

08/08/2018

Results From The Carmena Trial

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 20:41:00 GMT

Arnaud Méjean, MD, PhD, of the Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, discusses his study’s potentially practice-changing finding that nephrectomy is no longer the standard of care for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (Abstract LBA3).

08/08/2018

Sunitinib vs Nephrectomy Followed By Sunitinib In Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 21:04:08 GMT

In an interim analysis of the French phase III noninferiority Carmena trial reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, Méjean et al found that sunitinib alone was not inferior in overall survival vs nephrectomy followed by sunitinib in patients with intermediate- or poor-risk metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

08/08/2018

Biomarkers May Predict TKI Response In Metastatic RCC

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 21:05:43 GMT

Angiogenesis-related biomarkers regulated by hypoxia were found to be strong predictors of primary renal tumor response (PRT), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) who were being treated with sunitinib prior to kidney removal, according to research published in Clinical Cancer Research.1

08/08/2018

How Ablation Destroys Cancer To Prolong Lives

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 15:25:30 GMT

Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses targeted radiation to kill tumors. This technique is prolonging survival rates for kidney cancer patients.

08/07/2018

Young Mother Has Hope and Health After a New Technique for Treating Kidney Cancer

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 15:29:30 GMT

Twenty-two weeks into her third pregnancy, Jessica Dykstra experienced incredible joy and intense fear --- in just a few minutes. Jessica learned she was having a baby girl to complement her two toddler boys. And just minutes before, the 25-year-old San Diego resident was diagnosed with stage 2 renal cell carcinoma — a malignant tumor on her left kidney.

08/07/2018

Kidney Cancer Association earns 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for fourth consecutive year

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 15:20:12 GMT

The Kidney Cancer Association’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency has earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. “People can donate to our charity with confidence. We scored 100 percent in accountability and transparency,” said Bill Bro, vice president of the Kidney Cancer Association. Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics, focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness, to its ratings methodology. These accountability and transparency metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, reveal which charities operate in accordance with industry best practices and whether they are open with their donors and stakeholders. On June 1, 2016, Charity Navigator upgraded its methodology for rating each charity's financial health with "Charity Navigator 2.1" to further substantiate the financial health of its four star charities. “We are proud to announce that the Kidney Cancer Association has earned our fourth consecutive 4-star rating. This is our highest possible rating and indicates that the organization adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way,” said Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator. “Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that the Kidney Cancer Association exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in their area of work. Only 14 percent of the charities we evaluated have received at least 4 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that the Kidney Cancer Association outperforms most other charities in America. This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets the Kidney Cancer Association apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness.” About the Kidney Cancer Association: The Kidney Cancer Association, www.kidneycancer.org, is the world’s first international charity dedicated specifically to the eradication of death and suffering from renal cancers. It is also by far the largest kidney cancer charity, with members in more than 100 countries. We fund, promote and collaborate with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), American Urological Association (AUA) and other institutions on research projects. We educate families and physicians and serve as an advocate on behalf of patients at the state and federal levels in the United States and globally. About Charity Navigator Charity Navigator, www.charitynavigator.org, is the largest charity evaluator in America and its website attracts more visitors than all other charity rating groups combined. The organization helps guide intelligent giving by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency of more than 8,000 charities. Charity Navigator accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations, nor does it charge the public for this trusted data. As a result, Charity Navigator, a 501 (c) (3) public charity itself, depends on support from individuals, corporations and foundations that believe it provides a much-needed service to America's charitable givers. Charity Navigator, can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288, or by mail at 139 Harristown Road, Suite 101, Glen Rock, N.J., 07452.

08/06/2018

Cytoreductive Nephrectomy May Still Remain Standard For Some With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 15:30:47 GMT

The addition of cytoreductive nephrectomy to treatment with sunitinib malate did not provide a survival benefit for intermediate and poor-risk patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, according to results of the phase 3 CARMENA clinical trial presented at ASCO Annual Meeting.

08/06/2018

Pic Your Power Challenge

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 14:44:55 GMT

We’ve taken part in the #ReadyRaiseRise movement with Bristol Myers Squibb to help raise money for advocacy groups like us. Now, it’s your turn. Rising up to #cancer takes a unique inner power - what’s yours? Show us by joining the Pic Your Power challenge. https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverIO

08/03/2018

Scientists Identify New Mechanisms Underlying Pediatric Kidney Cancer

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 14:48:02 GMT

In a new study, researchers have found that miRNA processing mutations exhibit higher levels of Pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1), a protein that normally functions during development to turn on IGF2 expression. In kidney cells with miRNA mutations, PLAG1 levels are abnormally high, leading to inappropriate production of IGF2, which in turn promotes Wilms tumor formation.

08/02/2018

Thirteen Jobs That Can Up Your Risk for Cancer

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 18:26:11 GMT

Heating metals to very high temperatures can be incredibly dangerous for the 111 million people around the world who weld. The culprits are welding fumes, as well as exposure to radiation and asbestos, according to scientists at the International Agency for Research on Cancer. These toxins can potentially cause lung cancer, kidney cancer, and melanoma of the eye, as well as other health problems.

08/01/2018

Certain Renal Cancer Subtypes Linked to Obesity

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 15:46:38 GMT

Obesity is associated with development of clear cell and possibly chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but not papillary RCC, according to researchers.

07/31/2018

mRCC: Impact of CABOSUN and CheckMate-214

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 16:23:48 GMT

Martin H. Voss, M.D., discusses the positive results of the CABOSUN trial.

07/30/2018

'We’ll never be normal again:’ Little boy who’s been through a lot serves as honorary survivor at Relay for Life

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 16:50:12 GMT

A kindergartner from Wisconsin who was diagnosed with Wilms tumor serves as honorary survivor at Relay for Life.

07/30/2018

30 Simple Ways You Can Prevent Cancer

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 15:56:26 GMT

People who eat broccoli and its cousins such as cabbage, cauliflower and bok choy at least once per week have a lower risk of kidney cancer compared with people who consume them less than once a month, according to a multinational European study.

07/27/2018

Choueiri Reflects on Recent RCC Advances

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 16:16:54 GMT

Toni K. Choueiri, MD reflects on recent RCC advances.

07/27/2018

Sexual Disorders of Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC) Treated With Antiangiogenic Therapies

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 16:22:15 GMT

Targeted therapies, in particular antiangiogenic therapies (AATs), have become the standard of treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Although common adverse effects like fatigue have been well-established, sexual disorders induced by these treatments, although often reported, have been poorly evaluated.

07/27/2018

Combined assessment of low PGRMC1/positive ATP1A1 levels has enhanced prognostic value for renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 16:33:24 GMT

Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) and Na+/K+‑ATPase α1 subunit (ATP1A1) are two proteins associated with the clinical prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and RCC cell proliferation. However, the two proteins have been previously studied independently, and their combined influence on the clinical outcome of RCC remains unclear.

07/27/2018

mRCC: Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in the Modern Era

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 14:56:42 GMT

Walter Stadler, M.D., who is on our medical steering committee, is one of the panelists in this video.

07/26/2018

Patients With Early Kidney Cancer Benefit From Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 15:11:33 GMT

A comprehensive study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC, which has found that robotic partial nephrectomy offers significantly better patient outcomes.

07/26/2018

Comprehensive analysis of a novel lncRNA profile reveals potential prognostic biomarkers in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:35:14 GMT

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the main subtype of malignant kidney cancer. Long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) serves a key role in predicting survival in patients with cancer.

07/25/2018

Efficacy of Nivolumab in a Patient with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma and End-Stage Renal Disease on Dialysis

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:44:52 GMT

Treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis poses a therapeutic challenge, particularly as this patient group was excluded from the pivotal clinical trials. In addition, there is uncertainty regarding drug dosing/pharmacokinetics, lack of safety and efficacy data, and potential for increased toxicity when using targeted therapy or immunotherapy for the management of patients with mRCC on dialysis.

07/25/2018

Poorer RCC outcomes with incidental upstaging after partial nephrectomy

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:49:11 GMT

Patients with incidental pathologic T3a (pT3a) upstaging after partial nephrectomy (PN) have significantly reduced recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) when compared to patients whose disease isn't upstages from pT1a-b.

07/25/2018

Good results seen with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy following selective embolization of tumor

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 16:08:16 GMT

The short-term oncological and functional outcomes for partial nephrectomy are comparable for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy following selective embolization of tumor (LPNE) in a hybrid operating room and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). A longer follow-up and a larger cohort of patients would be necessary to verify the benefits of LPNE, which appears to be a very interesting alternative to RAPN.

07/25/2018

Rise in Localized High-Risk RCC Reported

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 15:28:32 GMT

Over a 25-year period, the proportion of patients with high-risk clinical T1 tumors increased by nearly 20 percent and clinical tumor size decreased from 8.4 to 6.2 cm, an Italian study found.

07/24/2018

VHL substrate transcription factor ZHX2 as an oncogenic driver in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 15:42:04 GMT

Studies show that ZHX2 could be used as a potential therapeutic target for ccRCC.

07/20/2018

Diabetic women at greater risk of developing cancer

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 15:45:19 GMT

Women with diabetes have an 11 percent higher chance of developing kidney cancer.

07/20/2018

Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Cancer

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 16:15:48 GMT

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in cancer patients and occurs in up to 30% of patients during their disease course. Multiple myeloma, leukemia/lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are commonly associated with the development of AKI.

07/19/2018

Germline Mutations in Cancer Susceptibility Genes in Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 16:23:17 GMT

In a study reported in JAMA Oncology, Carlo et al found a high prevalence of germline mutations in cancer susceptibility genes in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

07/19/2018

Renal cell cancer risk after kidney transplantation

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 16:38:32 GMT

This study shows the risk of RCC after kidney transplantation.

07/19/2018

Only 16% of those most at risk of bladder and kidney cancer check for this one vital sign

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 15:35:34 GMT

Blood in urine is a key symptom of kidney cancer.

07/19/2018

Researchers suggest new treatment for rare inherited cancers

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 16:05:15 GMT

While studying two rare inherited cancer syndromes, Yale Cancer Center (YCC) scientists have found the cancers are driven by a breakdown in how cells repair their DNA.

07/18/2018

Magnetized wire could be used to detect cancer in people

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 16:12:04 GMT

Scientists at Stanford used a magnetic wire to capture free-floating tumor cells in the blood, a technique that soon could be used in humans to yield an earlier cancer diagnosis.

07/17/2018

BMS’ Opdivo/Yervoy combo cleared for kidney cancer

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 15:47:24 GMT

Approval was based on data from the Phase III CheckMate -214 clinical trial, in which the Opdivo (nivolumab) + Yervoy (ipilimumab) combination showed “a significant and unprecedented increase in overall survival (OS) in this patient population compared to a current standard of care, sunitinib,” according to BMS.

07/16/2018

A Call for Better Screening for Hereditary Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 13:35:34 GMT

It may be time to adopt a broader approach to tumor and matched normal sequencing in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), according to a large new study.

07/13/2018

Anastomosing hemangioma of the kidney: radiologic and pathologic distinctions of a kidney cancer mimic

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 15:21:12 GMT

Anastomosing hemangioma (ah) is a rare subtype of primary vascular tumour that can, clinically and radiologically, present similarly to malignant renal tumours such as renal cell carcinoma (rcc) and angiosarcoma.

07/12/2018

Targeting tumor-associated acidity in cancer immunotherapy

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 15:07:35 GMT

Checkpoint inhibitors, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibodies have changed profoundly the treatment of melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and bladder cancer. Currently, they are tested in various tumor entities as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapies or targeted therapies. However, only a subgroup of patients benefit from checkpoint blockade (combinations).

07/11/2018

Patients with early kidney cancer see significant benefits with robotic partial nephrectomy

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 13:46:50 GMT

A comprehensive study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC has found that robotic partial nephrectomy offers significantly better patient outcomes.

07/11/2018

This is how a 9-year-old celebrates being cancer free

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:59:35 GMT

Nine-year-old JaKiah Collins had a big doctor's appointment ahead of her. She was used to coming to the hospital; she'd been in and out of hospitals for years. But this appointment was a big milestone.

07/10/2018

Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Advanced Renal-Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:49:10 GMT

In the CheckMate 214 trial, Motzer et al found higher overall survival among intermediate- and poor-risk patients with previously untreated metastatic renal-cell carcinoma who received nivolumab plus ipilimumab than among those who received sunitinib

07/05/2018

Otago scientists' breakthrough in childhood kidney cancer

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 14:08:32 GMT

A world-first discovery by University of Otago scientists may change the way children suffering from a rare form of kidney cancer are treated.

07/03/2018

The Secrets of Spontaneous Cancer Remission

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 19:17:13 GMT

Once in a rare while, we hear a story of someone given months or weeks to live who ends up surviving and defiantly thriving. Like the first person to run a four-minute mile, climb Mt. Everest, or walk on the moon, such individuals are living proof that the impossible is possible. Yet because their experience is so far outside the norm, these survivors have been labeled medical anomalies and set aside from the lens of research. That is, until Kelly Turner, PhD, came along. The author of Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds (HarperCollins, 2014), Turner has studied hundreds of spontaneous-remission cases to see what can be learned from them.

07/01/2018

A Simpler, Safer Option For Treating Kidney Cancer

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 16:35:38 GMT

Many cases of early-stage kidney cancer can be treated with a relatively new, nonsurgical procedure used to destroy tumors, a new study by a team led by Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian suggests. The procedure, called percutaneous ablation, involves the insertion of a needle.

06/29/2018

Gender May Play a Role in Immunotherapy Efficacy, Further Studies Are Warranted

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 19:33:32 GMT

Immunotherapy continues to evolve as a treatment option for various cancers; however, men may see more benefit from it more than women, according to a study published in The Lancet Oncology.

06/29/2018

Robotic surgery is no better than traditional surgery, study finds

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 19:42:12 GMT

Robotic-assisted procedures have now become ubiquitous in some kinds of surgeries. What once was seen as a technological marvel is commonplace in many hospitals. But studies in recent years have shown robotic surgery performs no better than traditional surgery - even though it comes at a steeper cost to the overall health-care system.

06/29/2018

Dr. Pal Discusses the Role of PD-L1 in Metastatic RCC

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 14:34:38 GMT

Sumanta Kumar Pal, MD, associate clinical professor, Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, co-director, Kidney Cancer Program, City of Hope, discusses the role of PD-L1 in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). One of the biggest unanswered questions in the frontline setting of metastatic RCC is the role of PD-L1. Pal says that there is more to the PD-L1 story, particularly considering the findings of the CheckMate-214 trial. There was a clear difference in clinical outcomes for patients who were PD-L1–positive versus PD-L1–negative, Pal explains. Whether that is clinically applicable is not established.

06/28/2018

Bristol-Myers' BLA for Opdivo Label Expansion Accepted by FDA

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 17:06:35 GMT

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company BMY announced that the FDA accepted its supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for the label expansion of its blockbuster immuno-oncology drug Opdivo for the indication first-line advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with tumor mutational burden (TMB) ≥10 mutations per megabase (mut/Mb). The FDA set an action date of Feb 20, 2019.

06/27/2018

Ipsen and MD Anderson Announce Bench-to-Bedside Cancer Drug Development Partnership

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 17:10:28 GMT

Ipsen, a global biopharmaceutical group, and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced a global licensing and joint development agreement for a pre-clinical oncology drug candidate discovered by researchers in MD Anderson’s Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS).

06/27/2018

California emergency room use has actually risen after the passage of Obamacare

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 17:15:33 GMT

Emergency department visits, including those that resulted in hospital admissions, grew an average 4 percent every year from 2010 to 2016.

06/13/2018

Pembrolizumab Showed Overall Response Rate of Nearly 40 Percent as First-Line Therapy

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 17:18:01 GMT

KEYNOTE-427 is a single-arm, open-label, non-randomized, multi-cohort, Phase 2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of KEYTRUDA as monotherapy in patients with advanced RCC who have not received prior systemic therapy.

06/13/2018

More Frequent Use of Partial Nephrectomy May Benefit Kidney Cancer Patients

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 17:21:00 GMT

To evaluate trends in the use of partial nephrectomy in the United States, researchers collected information about more than 48,000 patients with non-metastatic kidney cancer treated between 1998 and 2007.

06/13/2018

2018 Young Investigator Award Winners

Tue, 29 May 2018 20:49:17 GMT

The Kidney Cancer Association has announced the winners of its annual Young Investigator Award (YIA). The award provides funding to promising doctors to pursue careers in kidney cancer research.

05/05/2018

FDA approves combination for advanced renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 14:56:55 GMT

The approvals were based on CheckMate 214 (NCT02231749), a randomized open-label trial. Patients with previously untreated advanced RCC received nivolumab (3 mg/kg) plus ipilimumab (1 mg/kg) every 3 weeks for 4 doses followed by nivolumab monotherapy (3 mg/kg) every 2 weeks, or sunitinib 50 mg daily for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks off every cycle.

04/17/2018

First step to kidney cancer may occur in childhood

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 15:01:04 GMT

A single damaged cell may be all it takes to trigger aggressive and terminal kidney cancer almost a lifetime after the first step towards the disease is taken.

04/17/2018

JAMA: Payments influence oncologist prescribing

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 15:06:08 GMT

Lead study author Aaron Mitchell said they also found prescriptions increased as the amount of money physicians received went up. Payments for research, by contrast, were not associated with statistically significant differences in prescribing.

04/17/2018

New Y-trap Technology Shows Promise as Cancer Immunotherapy

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 13:19:25 GMT

A new technology has shown promise in treating several types of tumors in mice that do not respond to cancer immunotherapy medications called checkpoint inhibitors.

04/06/2018

Combinations: The Future of Renal Cell Carcinoma Treatment?

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 15:09:38 GMT

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common form of kidney cancer, with an estimated 65,340 patients expected to be diagnosed in 2018 in the United States alone. Nearly a third of those patients will be diagnosed with the advanced or metastatic disease.

04/05/2018

Nivolumab, ipilimumab combination improves advanced renal cell carcinoma survival

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 14:56:49 GMT

Nivolumab plus ipilimumab improved OS and objective response rates compared with sunitinib among patients with intermediate- and poor-risk advanced renal-cell carcinoma, according to findings published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

04/04/2018

When you have kidney cancer...

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 15:00:32 GMT

There's one important thing to remember, when you've been diagnosed with kidney cancer. What is it?

02/21/2018

Videos:2017 Kidney Cancer Association Patient & Survivor Conference

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 21:34:29 GMT

Videos from KCA patient and survivor conference that held in North Carolina on December 9th, 2017 is now available online: Welcome and Introduction to the Kidney Cancer Association/ Genetics of RCC: Is my family at risk?/ Advances in the Surgical Treatment of RCC/ Adjuvant treatment of RCC/ Sequencing therapies for metastatic RCC/ Use of Immunotherapy in RCC/ Recent clinical trial advances in RCC/ Integrating early palliative care in RCC management/ Managing the side effects of RCC treatment/ Panel for Questions and Conclusions.

01/09/2018

FDA Grants Breakthrough Designation for Avelumab in Combination with INLYTA in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 16:42:38 GMT

"A combination approach with an immunotherapy, whose activity may complement existing agents such as INLYTA, has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with advanced renal cancer..."

01/02/2018

FDA Approves Adjuvant Sunitinib for High-Risk RCC

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 15:37:07 GMT

The FDA has approved sunitinib (Sutent) for use as an adjuvant therapy in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received nephrectomy and are high risk for recurrence.

12/31/2017

U.S. FDA Approval of CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib) Tablets for Previously Untreated Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 00:51:34 GMT

Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXEL) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib) tablets for the expanded indication of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). RCC is the most common form of kidney cancer in adults.

12/19/2017

NICE recommends Eisai’s Kisplyx for renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 16:06:33 GMT

Eisai Oncology business group EMEA chairman and CEO Gary Hendler said: “We are delighted that NICE is recommending lenvatinib in combination with everolimus for routine access to adult patients for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following one prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy.

12/14/2017

Phase III IMmotion151 Study Met Co-primary Goal In Kidney Cancer

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 17:19:56 GMT

The study demonstrated that the combination of TECENTRIQ (atezolizumab) and Avastin (bevacizumab) provided a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the risk of disease worsening or death...

12/12/2017

Dr. Escudier: The Future of RCC Treatment

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 20:46:48 GMT

Bernard Escudier, MD, is the former chair of the genitourinary group of the Institut Gustave Roussy in Villejuif, France. He is a member of the Kidney Cancer Association Professional Group and formerly a member of its Medical & Scientific Steering Committee. His research focuses on renal cell carcinoma, immunotherapy and on development of new therapeutics.

12/07/2017

“I need to go to the doctor,” Quiet 5-year-old girl knew something was wrong

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 15:27:29 GMT

Reese Park is working toward a day with no training wheels outside her Bridge Creek home. The 5-year-old is biking with her siblings, which includes quite a crew since she's the second oldest of six children. Reese's parents describe her as strong and quiet, so she seemed very out of character last July when she told her dad she needed medical help right away.

12/06/2017

Preoperative Cholesterol Level Is Associated With Worse Pathological Outcomes

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 15:34:16 GMT

Lipid metabolism has been suggested to be associated with clinical outcomes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative cholesterol level (PCL) and postoperative outcomes of patients with localized RCC.

12/06/2017

Will You Answer This Question? It Will Help To Determine The Future Of Patient Education

Sat, 28 Oct 2017 14:53:08 GMT

We're seeking your input on the planning of a large patient education meeting that would span two days and include presentations from leading experts from the major institutions...

10/31/2017

Request for Proposals (RFP): Kidney Cancer Young Investigator Award (YIA)

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:38:48 GMT

The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) invites proposals from young investigators for the 2018-2019 grant cycle. Young Investigator Award (YIA) abstracts are being accepted beginning October 30, 2017. The YIA is a one-year research grant totaling $50,000, which is paid in two equal installments to the awardee’s institution. Its aim is to provide funding to promising investigators to encourage and promote quality research in urology and clinical oncology. The awards given are based on individual merit and availability of funds.

An applicant must have attained a postgraduate degree or a doctoral degree (MD, DO, PhD, or equivalent) and currently be within the last two years of his/her subspecialty training at an academic medical institution at the time of grant submission, and planning an investigative career in kidney cancer. If there are questions regarding whether the potential applicant is at the correct career stage, send an email to office@kidneycancer.org for clarification and eligibility verification.

For more information about the Request for Proposals, please visit: https://www.kidneycancer.org/about-us/research/research-grant-applications/

About KCA
The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is working to create a world free from death and suffering from kidney cancer by funding research, sharing knowledge with physicians and patients worldwide, and supporting initiatives to ensure that all people have access to high-quality cancer care.

10/30/2017

CDMRP:Transforming Healthcare through Innovative and Impactful Research

Sat, 28 Oct 2017 14:34:23 GMT

Kidney Cancer Research (KCRP) has been funded by the CDMRP for many years under various programs including the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program, and, most recently, by the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP). From FY10 through FY16, the PRCRP invested over $9.8M in kidney cancer research. In FY17 the US Congress directed $10M to kidney cancer research in the DoD appropriation, thus establishing the Kidney Cancer Research Program.

10/28/2017

Wanted: 1 million people to study genes, habits and health

Thu, 05 Oct 2017 11:51:38 GMT

In a quest to end cookie-cutter health care, U.S. researchers are getting ready to recruit more than 1 million people for an unprecedented study to learn how our genes, environments and lifestyles interact...

10/05/2017

Department of Defense Kidney Cancer Research Program

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 12:39:07 GMT

The FY17 Defense Appropriations Act provides $10 million (M) to the Department of Defense Kidney Cancer Research Program (KCRP) to support United States Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA). As directed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, the Defense Health Agency (DHA) J9, Research and Development Directorate manages the Defense Health Program (DHP) Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation. The managing agent for the anticipated Program Announcements/Funding Opportunities is the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).

09/30/2017

Study Evaluating Opdivo in Combination with Yervoy Stopped Early for Demonstrating Overall Survival Benefit

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 14:23:47 GMT

The median PFS for the combination group was 11.6 months (95% CI: 8.71 to 15.51) versus 8.4 months (95% CI: 7.0 to 10.8) for the sunitinib group.

09/17/2017

FDA has approved biosimilar of Roche's Avastin

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 18:10:42 GMT

Amgen Inc. AMGN, -1.37% and Allergan AGN, -1.08% said Thursday that the Food and Drug Administration has approved their biosimilar version of Roche's Avastin for five types of cancer.

09/15/2017

Kidney Cancer Guidelines

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 14:23:13 GMT

NCCN's Caitlyn Donnelly (left), Katy Winckworth-Prejsnar (center), and KCA's Paula Bowen (right) display Kidney Cancer Patient Guidelines® in French and German at the 2017 ESMO meeting in Madrid. Chinese and English translations are also available both online and in hardcopy from NCCN and KCA.

09/12/2017

ARMO BioSciences's Phase 1b Trials Demonstrate Continued Promising Response Rates and Survival

Sun, 10 Sep 2017 14:14:21 GMT

It is particularly promising to see these high, durable responses in advanced NSCLC patients with low as well as high PD-L1 expression and in intermediate to poor risk advanced RCC patients who have received 2 or more prior therapies."

09/11/2017

AVEO Pharma stock rises 6% after cancer drug gets approved

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 12:57:14 GMT

The drug, Fotivda, was approved for adults with advanced renal cell carcinoma -- the most common type of kidney cancer

08/29/2017

Translocation Renal Cell Carcinoma: An Update

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 13:00:11 GMT

Microphthalmia-associated transcription (MiT) family translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) comprises Xp11 tRCC and t(6;11) RCC.

08/29/2017

Advice For Newly Diagnosed Patients From Mike Lawing

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 12:58:29 GMT

Michael B. Lawing from Rutherford County, NC is involved in advocacy for cancer patients at the local, National and International levels. He serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Kidney Cancer Association, the world’s largest non-profit dealing exclusively with Kidney Cancer with over 90,000 members in 102 countries.

08/26/2017

Exelixis Submits sNDA for Kidney Cancer Drug

Sat, 19 Aug 2017 14:11:13 GMT

The sNDA submission was based on positive results from phase II trial, CABOSUN, in patients with previously untreated advanced RCC with intermediate- or poor-risk disease per the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC).

08/20/2017

California kidney cancer shows declining incidence

Sat, 19 Aug 2017 14:08:29 GMT

The research study, published online in the peer-reviewed journal Kidney Cancer, is important because it is the first report to demonstrate that the rising rate of kidney cancer seen in the U.S. over the past two decades may have ended.

08/19/2017

Bristol-Myers Squibb shares slip as kidney cancer drug trial falls short of goal

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 14:34:58 GMT

...use of the drugs Opdivo and Yervoy showed that renal cell carcinoma patients responded better to the combination versus those taking the drug sunitinib, survival rates without progression of the disease did not reach statistical significance.

08/16/2017

NICE knocks back advanced kidney cancer drug duo

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 19:48:03 GMT

While the guidance is only in its draft stage, the decision could mean that Eisai’s Kisplyx (lenvatinib) and Eusa Pharma’s Fotivda (tivozanib) are withheld from NHS patients in England and Wales.

08/15/2017

Patent for Enhancing Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment Granted

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 19:49:59 GMT

This patent provides intellectual property protection for the ongoing human trial that evaluates the effect of the combination of GR-MD-02 with approved cancer immunotherapy drugs

08/15/2017

Dr. Choueiri Discusses Novel RCC Drug Combos

Sat, 05 Aug 2017 14:55:17 GMT

In an interview with OncLive during ASCO, the study’s lead author, Toni Choueiri, MD, senior physician and director of the Kidney Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, reflected on the avelumab/axitinib results and other emerging combos in RCC.

08/07/2017

OncLive® Presents State of the Science Summit™ on Genitourinary Malignancies

Fri, 21 Jul 2017 14:28:07 GMT

This educational event will discuss some of the most pressing issues faced by oncologists and other medical experts when dealing with genitourinary malignancies. The summit will discuss critical topics such as bone targeting, treatment of castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer, kidney cancer and new clinical trials.

07/21/2017

Exelixis Announces Settlement of Dispute with Genentech Regarding Companies’ Collaboration

Fri, 21 Jul 2017 14:30:36 GMT

Effective July 1, 2017, as part of the settlement the companies entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the existing Collaboration Agreement, dated December 22, 2006, to revise the revenue and cost-sharing arrangements for the collaboration. The Amendment resolves the companies’ dispute pursuant to the arbitration demand filed on June 3, 2016, and aligns both companies’ interests in advancing cobimetinib as a promising therapy for patients with multiple forms of cancer.

07/21/2017

New Journal, Kidney Cancer, Launched With Expert Editorial Board

Fri, 21 Jul 2017 14:39:09 GMT

Kidney Cancer is an international multidisciplinary journal to facilitate progress in understanding the epidemiology/etiology, genetics, molecular correlates, pathogenesis, pharmacology, ethics, patient advocacy and survivorship, diagnosis and treatment of tumors of the kidney.

07/21/2017

Socialized Medicine Strikes Again! Patients Needlessly Suffer

Wed, 19 Jul 2017 15:11:01 GMT

"To make progress we need to look at investing more money to hasten the implementation of the Cancer Strategy; we need to speed up, not slow down, patient access to cost-effective medicines in the NHS and we need to create a more ambitious plan for using real-world evidence to shine a light on cancer treatment outcomes."

07/19/2017

Two Short Quizzes Reveal What You Know About Kidney Cancer

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 13:49:10 GMT

A donation to support the work of young investigators is made for each quiz taken. There is a ten-question quiz and a one-question quiz. Each takes less than a minute to complete. See how you compare to others!

07/18/2017

Kidney cancer drug approved for NHS use in England

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 17:38:23 GMT

A drug which could prolong life for people with advanced kidney cancer has been approved for use on the NHS in England and Wales.

07/12/2017

EUSA Pharma Receives Positive CHMP Opinion for Tivozanib

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 17:44:58 GMT

The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has adopted a positive opinion recommending the approval of FOTIVDA® (tivozanib) for the management of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). EUSA's marketing authorisation application included data from the TiVO-1 pivotal study, which included over 500 patients with advanced RCC.

07/12/2017

You Can Support Research By Clicking This One-Question Quiz!

Sat, 17 Jun 2017 12:50:51 GMT

Take a one-question (or a 10-question) quiz and a donation to support kidney cancer research will be made by an anonymous donor. It costs you nothing and could help to save lives. World Kidney Cancer Remembrance Day is June 21, 2017.

06/21/2017

World Kidney Cancer Remembrance Day: June 21st

Fri, 28 Apr 2017 17:03:04 GMT

We invite you to upload photos of your loved ones, including those who have survived renal cancers, family and friends, and those who whose memory we honor on June 21, 2017, in a worldwide celebration of life and remembrance.

06/20/2017

Considering a Clinical Trial? Phase II Clinical Study of Lenvatinib

Sat, 17 Jun 2017 12:52:36 GMT

Eisai announced today the initiation of a global Phase III Clinical Study (Study 307, CLEAR Study) of its in-house developed multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor lenvatinib mesylate (lenvatinib) in respective combination regimens with the anticancer agent everolimus and the anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab as a potential first-line treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma.

06/17/2017

Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO Awards $5.65 Million to Support Cancer Research

Wed, 31 May 2017 16:41:24 GMT

The Kidney Cancer Association announces another Young Investigator Award (YIA) made collaboratively with Conquer Cancer Foundation (ASCO). The Award is a research grant that supports promising investigators and encourages quality research in clinical oncology, providing funding during a physician’s pivotal career transition from a fellowship program to a faculty appointment.

06/06/2017

Can regular aspirin use reduce your cancer risk?

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 12:42:51 GMT

But when inflammation is chronic, lasting for months or even years due to injury or disease, it can become a perfect environment for many types of cancer cells to develop and thrive.

06/03/2017

Better treatment for kidney cancer thanks to new mouse model

Wed, 31 May 2017 16:18:31 GMT

Roughly 2-3 percent of all people suffering from cancer have kidney cancer. The most common form of this disease is called clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In roughly half of all patients with this disease, the tumor develops metastases and generally cannot be cured.

05/31/2017

Four Tomatoes A Day May Reduce Kidney Cancer Risk

Sun, 28 May 2017 15:52:58 GMT

Women who eat more tomatoes or other lycopene-containing fruits and vegetables may have a lower risk of developing kidney cancer, a study suggests.

05/28/2017

Phase 2 Study Comparing CB-839 With Everolimus vs. Placebo With Everolimus

Thu, 25 May 2017 16:45:46 GMT

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Study Comparing CB-839 in Combination with Everolimus (CBE) vs. Placebo with Everolimus (PboE) in Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

05/25/2017

Phase 2/3 Trial of Abexinostat In Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 23 May 2017 15:41:09 GMT

Xynomic Pharma, a clinical stage US oncology drug R&D company, today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with the University of California San Francisco ("UCSF") to conduct PAX Study, a multi-national, multi-center, randomized Phase 2/3 study of Pazopanib plus Abexinostat versus Pazopanib monotherapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma ("RCC").

05/23/2017

Doctors Excited By Results Of New Immunotherapy Cancer Treatment

Fri, 05 May 2017 15:53:00 GMT

“We have never seen anything like this in most human solid tumors,” Allegheny Health Network Oncologist Dr. Gene Finley said.

05/05/2017

FDA warns of 14 ‘fraudulent’ cancer cure companies

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 15:20:47 GMT

The companies are taking advantage of frightened cancer patients and their loved ones, said consumer safety officer Nicole Kornspan.

04/26/2017

Surgery could double life span in kidney cancer patients

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 14:09:24 GMT

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found surgery for patients with late-stage kidney cancer may more than double their life expectancy.

04/25/2017

Obesity fuelling rise in kidney cancer cases

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 14:10:51 GMT

Being obese, with a body mass index ( BMI) of 30 or more, increases the risk of getting kidney cancer. It causes around 25% of cases in men and 22% in women.

04/25/2017

Hundreds of Experts Attend European International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 17:26:40 GMT

Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) sponsors 12th annual medical meeting in Munich, Germany

04/20/2017

Argos Reports Interim Results of the ADAPT Trial

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 17:28:41 GMT

A total of 462 patients were enrolled in the ADAPT study and randomized 2:1 between combination treatment with Rocapuldencel-T and sunitinib (combination arm) vs. sunitinib monotherapy (control arm).

04/20/2017

Adjuvant Treatment for High-Risk Clear Cell Renal Cancer

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 15:00:47 GMT

Do high-risk clear cell renal cancer (ccRCC) (≥pT3 or node-positive) patients receiving adjuvant sunitinib or sorafenib have improved disease-free survival, and does the dose intensity of either drug affect outcome?

03/13/2017

"Richness of Choices" Available in Kidney Cancer, But Patient Selection Is Key

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 15:04:24 GMT

Between the frontline and second-line settings, there are multiple treatment options available for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but it is critically important for oncologists to decide on an agent with a patient’s characteristics—and goals—in mind, according to Eric Jonasch, MD.

03/11/2017

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder Proclaims March: Kidney Health and Cancer Awareness Month

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 17:59:46 GMT

The precise cause of kidney cancer is unknown, however the two main causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure, which are responsible for more than 70 percent of all kidney failure cases. Therefore, kidney failure and disease can often be delayed or prevented...

03/09/2017

Gene Expresion Analysis of A-498 cells after treatment with Englerin A

Fri, 24 Feb 2017 14:23:25 GMT

Natural products possess enormous structural and chemical diversity and are a rich source of drugs or drug-like leads. Although the final products may not necessarily represent the active ingredients of the natural source, the majority of all drugs in the market have their origin in nature. Englerin A is guaiane sesquiterpene that was isolated from the Tanzanian plant Phyllanthus engleri and has attracted much attention because of its unique structure and cytotoxicity profile in cancer cells.

02/25/2017

Argos says independent committee predicts trial failure

Thu, 23 Feb 2017 15:10:52 GMT

Argos Therapeutics Inc said on Wednesday that an independent data monitoring committee concluded that the company's experimental treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma would likely fail.

02/24/2017

Your participation in this research project can help ensure that the company’s brochure and other materials are relevant to patients

Thu, 23 Feb 2017 21:07:03 GMT

A major pharmaceutical manufacturer has commissioned market research to help improve its communications directed toward Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) patients.

Your participation in this research project can help ensure that the company’s brochure and other materials are relevant to patients’ concerns and expressed in a clear and comprehensible way.

Fieldwork, an independent healthcare research and consulting firm located in the U.S., has been engaged to conduct these research interviews on pharmaceutical manufacturer’s behalf. The research project consists of a one-time telephone interview lasting 60 minutes.

The research project is open to patients who had RCC, received a nephrectomy and were non-metastatic at the time of surgery. Please note that space is limited and the research project enrollment will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The research will not require any special preparation by patients, and it will be conducted in strict accordance with all pertinent privacy laws and regulations, including maintaining participants’ confidentiality. Internet access or email access will be required.

In appreciation of your time and valuable contribution, you will receive an honorarium of $150 payable upon successful completion of the telephone interview.

For more information on how you may participate in this important research project please contact:

Rita Thomas
Fieldwork
888-863-4353
Confirmations@nrc.fieldwork.com

02/24/2017

Tumor Ablation Market is Driven by Rise in Cancer Incidence

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 19:13:21 GMT

Tumor ablation is a treatment that destroys cancerous tumors without removing them. This is done using a probe that utilizes thermal energy to heat or cool tumorigenic tissue to cytotoxic levels. Techniques such as computed tomography (CT), ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to guide and position the needle probe into the tumor. Tumor ablative techniques are used in patients having few tumors which are small in size.

02/23/2017

Clinical Data From Phase I Dose-Escalation Study Of NKTR-214

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 19:07:44 GMT

Nektar Therapeutics (Nasdaq: NKTR) today announced that positive Phase 1 clinical data for Nektar's lead immuno-oncology agent, NKTR-214, in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were presented at ASCO GU 2017.

02/22/2017

#GU17 News You Can Use From The Symposium

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 19:04:21 GMT

All the news in one place! View the abstracts from the 2017 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium held recently in Orlando, Florida USA.

02/21/2017

Kidney Disease, Cancer, and Obesity

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 16:06:46 GMT

World Kidney Day promotes education about the harmful consequences of obesity and its association with kidney disease, advocating healthy lifestyle and health policy measures that make preventive behaviors an affordable option. Obesity is also a risk factor, along with smoking and others, that may contribute to the development of renal cancers.

02/14/2017

Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (GUCS) 2017

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 16:24:20 GMT

In a small study of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma, nearly half had durable responses after discontinuing checkpoint inhibitors because of toxicities.

02/14/2017

What Your Height Says About Your Health

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 14:22:52 GMT

Yes, how tall or short you are decides a few health issues you may experience in your lifetime, says a study. Read on to know more…

12/22/2016

Driven to Cure Donates $200,000 to Advance Rare Kidney Cancer Research

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 15:02:33 GMT

The donation will support the research of W. Marston Linehan, M.D., Chief of Urologic Surgery and the Urologic Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, at the National Cancer Institute...

12/22/2016

Does IL-2 Still Have a Role in Cancer Immunotherapy?

Fri, 16 Dec 2016 14:22:11 GMT

Howard L Kaufman discusses the continuing role of high dose interleukin (HD IL-2), an approved therapy for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC)...

12/16/2016

Argos Therapeutics Enters into Strategic Research Agreement

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 14:57:39 GMT

Argos Therapeutics Inc. (ARGS) (“Argos”), an immuno-oncology company focused on the development and commercialization of individualized immunotherapies based on the Arcelis® precision immunotherapy technology platform, announced today that it has entered into a strategic research agreement with Personalis, Inc., a precision medicine company, focused on genomics solutions for immuno-oncology, cancer, and genetic disease.

12/15/2016

Support Us When Holiday Shopping!

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 15:47:46 GMT

Support the Kidney Cancer Association by shopping smile.amazon.com. When you do, a percentage of your purchase will be donated to support our charity's mission.

12/13/2016

Cancer Drug Tied to Heart Problems

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 15:05:50 GMT

"All drugs have risks and benefits," noted lead researcher Dr. Ming Hui Chen, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School...

12/12/2016

The Making of a Hometown Hero

Wed, 07 Dec 2016 20:57:41 GMT

His insights tell the story of more than a great sports legend, but that of a man with the strength of character to face kidney cancer head on and beat it in 1998.

12/07/2016

Immunotherapy kills cancer, and organs too

Mon, 05 Dec 2016 14:55:18 GMT

Priority is anti-tumor effects. Everything else, however severe, is considered the price worth paying.

12/06/2016

Immunotherapy before surgery could dramatically improve cancer survival

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 18:49:47 GMT

Dr Michele Teng, who led the study, said if they results were replicated in humans it could lead to widespread changes in oncology practices

12/06/2016

FDA starts speedy review of Merck/Pfizer's PD-L1 inhibitor

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 14:19:35 GMT

Pfizer and Merck KGaA have moved closer to bringing the fourth checkpoint inhibitor to the US market after the FDA granted a priority review for the drug in a rare form of skin cancer.

12/05/2016

Therapeutic target in clear cell renal cancer

Fri, 02 Dec 2016 16:41:15 GMT

Examination of the TCGA RNA-seq dataset also revealed widespread activation of NOTCH pathway in a large cohort of CCRCC samples.

12/02/2016

Different Approaches to Adjuvant Therapy in RCC

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 14:30:15 GMT

...these approaches allow oncologists to examine tissue samples and learn more about how these drugs affect the primary tumor - See more at: http://www.onclive.com/onclive-tv/dr-margulis-on-different-approaches-to-adjuvant-therapy-in-rcc#sthash.RO7Md4Zh.dpuf

12/01/2016

New drug combo stops advanced kidney tumors

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 14:27:46 GMT

The first drug to target a key enzyme that cancer cells need to keep them alive has shown that it is effective in controlling disease in patients with advanced kidney cancer...

11/30/2016

Onions and Garlic May Prevent Cancers

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 16:23:51 GMT

Italian researchers found that people whose diets are rich in onions, garlic, and other alliums have a much lower risk of several types of cancer than those who avoid the pungent herbs.

11/22/2016

New Links Between Diet, Cancer Risk

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 21:19:10 GMT

Together, this research offers some of the strongest evidence to date of a link between diet and cancer, the study authors said

11/15/2016

Survival of mRCC patients treated with AGS-003

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 13:48:32 GMT

An update on two unusual cases from this Phase 2 study with intermediate risk mRCC, who obtained long term control of metastatic disease that is remarkably still ongoing nearly seven years after initiation of AGS-003 therapy.

11/08/2016

VIDEOS from International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 19:24:23 GMT

AGENDA

Localized RCC

http://www.oncologytube.com/index.php?page=videos&section=view&vid_id=10000169&pla_id=100120

Locally Advanced / Metastic RCC

http://www.oncologytube.com/index.php?page=videos&section=view&vid_id=10000177&pla_id=100121

Adjuvant Therapy: Looking Ahead to Immunoncology

http://www.oncologytube.com/index.php?page=playlists&section=view&pla_id=100122

To Combine or Sequence

http://www.oncologytube.com/index.php?page=videos&section=view&vid_id=10000189&pla_id=100123

Industry Session

http://www.oncologytube.com/index.php?page=videos&section=view&vid_id=10000193&pla_id=100124

Non-Clear Cell RCC

http://www.oncologytube.com/index.php?page=videos&section=view&vid_id=10000199&pla_id=100125

Abstract Session

http://www.oncologytube.com/index.php?page=videos&section=view&vid_id=10000222&pla_id=100126

Previously Treated RCC: What's Best?

http://www.oncologytube.com/index.php?page=videos&section=view&vid_id=10000219&pla_id=100127

Durable Responses: How Do We get There?

http://www.oncologytube.com/index.php?page=videos&section=view&vid_id=10000213&pla_id=100128

11/08/2016

Our 9th 4-star Rating

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 18:51:43 GMT

KIDNEY CANCER ASSOCIATION EARNS

COVETED 4-STAR RATING FROM CHARITY NAVIGATOR

(CHICAGO, ILL., NOVEMBER 1, 2016) – The Kidney Cancer Association’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the 9^th time that The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) has earned this top distinction in the past decade.

Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness to its ratings methodology. These Accountability & Transparency metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, reveal which charities operate in accordance with industry best practices and whether they are open with their donors and stakeholders. On June 1, 2016, we upgraded our methodology for rating each charity’s’ financial health with CN 2.1.These enhancements further substantiate the financial health of our four-star charities.

“KCA’s exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, President & CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This puts KCA in a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges. Based on its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support KCA.”

“It’s important our donors trust that we’re using their donations wisely to accomplish our mission of ‘A World Without Kidney Cancer’,” said Carrie Konosky, KCA’s president. “Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating demonstrates to our supporters our good governance and financial accountability.”

KCA’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org. More-detailed information about KCA’s rating is available to Charity Navigator site visitors who become registered users, another free service.

#####

11/01/2016

Getting Into A Clinical Trial

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 19:52:42 GMT

Just initiating a search on the clinicaltrials.gov site (a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health) raises numerous questions for the lay person...

10/27/2016

ObamaCare Accountability

Wed, 26 Oct 2016 16:03:14 GMT

WSJ: Next year’s enormous price increases are merely the latest expression of ObamaCare’s underlying problems, and the dysfunction is undermining the health security of Americans who lack employer coverage.

10/26/2016

The Changing Landscape

Tue, 18 Oct 2016 19:58:25 GMT

The treatment landscape for advanced kidney cancer has changed dramatically over the past few years, with several targeted drugs and an immunotherapy approved by the FDA.

10/18/2016

Kidney Cancer Journal

Tue, 18 Oct 2016 19:56:22 GMT

Articles include: Rebuilding the treatment paradigm with new pivotal trial data; Statins and targeted therapy

10/17/2016

News from ESMO16

Tue, 18 Oct 2016 19:57:11 GMT

Positive progression-free survival data in patients with previously untreated advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

10/16/2016

Research: obesity may prolong survival

Sun, 02 Oct 2016 18:19:23 GMT

Research has associated obesity as a factor that puts people at greater risk for cancer. This includes an increased risk for kidney cancer for people who are obese. Interestingly, however, once you have kidney cancer if you are obese research has shown that you may live up to 9 months longer...

10/03/2016

New Potential First-Line Therapy

Sun, 02 Oct 2016 18:17:59 GMT

Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today the initiation of a global Phase III Clinical Study (Study 307, CLEAR Study) of its in-house developed multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor lenvatinib mesylate (lenvatinib) in respective combination regimens with the anticancer agent everolimus and the anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab as a potential first-line treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma.

10/03/2016

Is 'immunotherapy' a cancer game-changer?

Sat, 17 Sep 2016 15:24:07 GMT

Immunotherapy seeks to expose tumours to the cancer-killing power of the human immune system. It was declared “Breakthrough of the Year” by the journal Science in December 2013.

09/17/2016

First Patient Dosed in a Phase I Study of CB-1158

Fri, 16 Sep 2016 11:31:49 GMT

Arginase is an enzyme in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which prevents T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell activation in tumors.

09/16/2016

FDA Modifies Dosing Regimen for Nivolumab

Fri, 16 Sep 2016 11:34:26 GMT

The new dosage regimen is for 240mg IV every 2 weeks until disease progression or intolerable toxicity for renal cell carcinoma...

09/16/2016

Bi-allelic Alteration and Dysregulation of the Hippo Pathway in Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 12:45:58 GMT

Cell lines (CAKI-1, HK2 or A704) were either transfected with 2 independent siRNAs or non-target controls.

09/15/2016

Exelixis, Ipsen say EU approves kidney cancer drug

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 12:47:46 GMT

The drug, cabometyx, is approved for patients in advanced stages of the disease who have already received prior treatment. The drug was approved by the U.S.'s Food and Drug Administration in April.

09/15/2016

Targeted therapy: An elusive cancer target

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 12:49:17 GMT

Advanced tumors may have met their match with new drugs, but why have these treatments proved ineffective at stopping early-stage tumors from coming back?

09/15/2016

Kidney and Thyroid Cancer Rates Up Among U.S. Children, Study Finds

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 13:11:39 GMT

Siegel hopes that these findings will encourage investigators to find out the "driving forces behind these increases."

09/12/2016

What Is Sickle Cell Trait?

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 00:17:42 GMT

In rare circumstances, a person with sickle cell trait may develop a rare kidney cancer called renal medullary carcinoma.

09/11/2016

Body Mass Index and Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Clinical and Biological Correlations

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 00:59:35 GMT

High BMI is a prognostic factor for improved survival and progression-free survival in patients with metastatic RCC...

09/11/2016

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 14:52:42 GMT

Summary of "Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome: identification and clinical characterization of a novel mutation in the FH gene in a Colombian family."

08/29/2016

VICC helps launch new alliance for rare kidney cancer

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 16:09:56 GMT

Children, adolescents or young adults, particularly African-Americans, diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer may actually have a rare form of the disease known as renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) that requires a specialized approach and expert intervention.

08/29/2016

Study examines different types of surgery for kidney cancer

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 14:01:07 GMT

For completely endophytic kidney tumors, which grow inward, both open partial nephrectomy (OPN) and robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) led to excellent patient outcomes in a recent study.

08/02/2016

Precision Therapy Offers Promise for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 14:03:58 GMT

Gurkamal Chatta, MD, professor of oncology and chief of genitourinary oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York, said that improved understanding of kidney cancer is long overdue.

08/02/2016

Top-Line Results From Phase 3 S-TRAC Trial

Sun, 17 Jul 2016 16:09:07 GMT

S-TRAC is the First RCC Trial of a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor to Prolong Disease-Free Survival in the Adjuvant Setting

07/17/2016

FREE Kidney Cancer Awareness Ribbon!

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 19:40:44 GMT

For your FREE orange awareness ribbon, send a self-addressed, stamped, envelope to: Kidney Cancer, P.O. Box 2322, Pineland, FL 33945. Hurry, while supply lasts!

06/30/2016

Finding a niche for girentuximab in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 29 Jun 2016 14:54:28 GMT

A small phase II study highlights modest efficacy and a concerning safety profile associated with this compound in patients with metastatic RCC.

06/29/2016

What to ask your doctor about #KidneyCancer

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:20:11 GMT

Knowing what questions to ask is critically important to your care,

06/16/2016

CCF/KCA Young Investigator Awards

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 18:16:43 GMT

Conquer Cancer Foundation/Kidney Cancer Association Young Investigator Award Recipients

Henk Verheul, MD, PhD

“Combination antiangiogenesis and anticoagulatory therapy in patients with advanced renal cell cancer”

2006 Young Investigator Award

Patricia Tang, MD

“The Role of VEGF-A Signaling in Maintenance of the Glomerular Filtration Barrier and Blood Pressure”

2007 Young Investigator Award

Aymen Elfiky, MD

“Targeting Phosphoinositide 3-kinase in Renal Cell Cancer”

2008 Young Investigator Award

Kevin Courtney, MD, PhD

“Identification of activators of phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling in renal cell carcinoma as potential therapeutic targets; and Evaluation of signaling mechanisms involved in prostate cancer development and progression.”

2008 Young Investigator Award

Stephen Keefe, MD

“Predicting Response to Antiangiogenic Therapies in Renal Cell Carcinoma”

2009 Young Investigator Award

Aditya Bardia, MD, MPH

“Evaluation of cardiac glycoside, digoxin, as a novel inhibitor of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1a and its target genes in tumor microenvironment.”

2010 Young Investigator Award

Thai Ho, MD, PhD

“The role of SETD2, a histone methyltransferase, in the development of renal cell carcinoma”

2011 Young Investigator Award

Martin Voss, MD

“Predictive Tissue Biomarkers for mTOR Inhibitors in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC).”

2012 Young Investigator Award

Eliezer Van Allen, MD

“Dissecting clinical resistance to PI3K inhibitors in PIK3CA or PTEN-mutant cancers”

2013 Young Investigator Award

Kathleen Mahoney, MD, PhD

“PD-L1 and a secretory variant in Renal Cell Carcinoma”

2014 Young Investigator Award

Matthew Campbell, MD

“Enhancing therapeutic efficacy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma by combining immune check point blockade with cryoablation.”

2015 Young Investigator Award

Raj Gopal, MD, PhD

“Mitochondrial Profiling in Kidney Cancer”

2016 Young Investigator Award

05/31/2016

AVEO Announces Dosing of First Patient in the Pivotal Phase 3 TIVO-3 Study

Sat, 28 May 2016 13:22:17 GMT

The Phase 3 trial is expected to enroll approximately 322 patients with recurrent or metastatic RCC who have failed at least two prior regimens, including VEGFR-TKI therapy (other than sorafenib).

05/28/2016

FDA Approves Lenvatinib) for Treatment of mRCC

Tue, 24 May 2016 14:34:29 GMT

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lenvima (lenvatinib, in combination with everolimus for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma...

05/16/2016

First Patient Dosed In Phase 1/2 Trial Evaluating CRLX101 In Combination With LYNPARZA

Wed, 11 May 2016 11:10:19 GMT

The U.S. FDA has granted CRLX101 Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of ovarian cancer and Fast Track designation in combination with Avastin® in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

05/11/2016

FDA Approves CABOMETYX™ (Cabozantinib) Tablets for Patients with Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 20:46:14 GMT

CABOMETYX, which was granted Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy designations by the FDA, is the first therapy to demonstrate in a phase 3 trial for patients with advanced RCC, robust and clinically meaningful improvements in all three key efficacy parameters...

04/25/2016

Lenvatinib in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 13:23:55 GMT

"...it produced a 43% response rate, a PFS in the 14- or 15-month range, and a 25-month median OS. I think it’s impressive."

04/23/2016

Discovery of a novel target for renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 12:04:30 GMT

We recently reported that monotherapy using the TGase 2 inhibitor GK921 in a xenograft tumor model abrogated RCC growth through p53 stabilization.

04/22/2016

Low-Dose Aspirin Tied to Better Cancer Survival

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 12:06:05 GMT

The findings, published April 20 in the journal PLOS ONE, are based mostly on so-called observational studies.

04/22/2016

Enhancing antitumor activity of vitamin D

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 13:21:53 GMT

Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) research on the most potent form of vitamin D, commonly called calcitriol, offers new insights into approaches that may enhance the antitumor activity of this much-studied human hormone.

04/19/2016

There’s No Other Hospital Like It

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 14:38:50 GMT

Some 1,200 credentialed physicians, dentists, and PhD researchers; 620 nurses; and 450 allied health-care personnel work in patient care units and laboratories in numerous areas of clinical study...

04/17/2016

The Big Downside to Better Medicine?

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 14:40:29 GMT

IMS Health estimates that total U.S. spending on prescription medicine clocked in at $425 billion last year. What's behind this surge in drug spending?

04/17/2016

New and Updated NCCN Guidelines Presented

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 13:19:20 GMT

More Than 1,600 Oncology Professionals Attended the NCCN 21st Annual Conference, Which Featured Presentations of the Latest Developments in the Treatment of More Than 15 Cancer Types, as Well as Expert Roundtables and Panel Discussions

04/12/2016

Largest ever genomic study set to revolutionize cancer treatment

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 13:46:52 GMT

Scientists suggests that one in 10 cancer patients would be more accurately diagnosed if their tumors were defined by cellular and molecular criteria rather than by...

04/10/2016

For RCC, VEGFR-TKIs Safe, Effective After PD-1 Inhibitors

Sat, 09 Apr 2016 15:20:40 GMT

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs) are safe and effective after treatment with a programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma...

04/09/2016

This Week's Kidney Cancer Association Video Blog

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:21:48 GMT

News about kidney cancer in a video blog (VLOG) hosted by Carrie Konosky and Bill Bro of the Kidney Cancer Association.

04/07/2016

Aveo Pharmaceuticals to pay $4 million to settle kidney drug case

Wed, 30 Mar 2016 12:22:37 GMT

Biotech company Aveo Pharmaceuticals Inc will pay $4 million to settle civil charges that it misled investors about U.S. regulators' concerns about its drug to treat kidney cancer...

03/30/2016

USA Today: Mediaplanet USA’s Kidney and Liver campaign

Tue, 29 Mar 2016 14:55:12 GMT

We recently participated in Mediaplanet USA’s Kidney and Liver campaign in which the industry united to raise awareness about the often times difficult-to-detect, kidney or liver diseases that are steadily turning into a silent epidemic here in the United States. The campaign discusses the different types of kidney and liver diseases and how Americans can take a more proactive approach to ensuring they are not at risk. The special report was distributed through USA Today on March 29th, 2016 and is published online. Learn more: http://bit.ly/1SrdBed

03/29/2016

Kidney Cancer Research Proposals Wanted

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 15:06:07 GMT

The Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) has $50 Million dollars to invest for FY2016. One of the cancers they would like to have better represented among the proposals received is kidney cancer. There are multiple award mechanisms including a translational science team award for $1 million dollars. For more information, please click here.

Award Mechanism	Eligibility	Key Mechanism Elements	Funding
Career Development Award	Principal Investigator (PI): Independent early-career investigator within 10 years after completion of his/her terminal degree (excluding time spent in residency or on family medical leave) by the time of the application submission deadline. Designated Mentor: Investigators at or above the level of Associate Professor (or equivalent); must have a proven publication and funding record in cancer research.	Preproposal is required; application submission is by invitation only. Supports independent, early-career investigators to conduct impactful research with the mentorship of an experienced cancer researcher *Must* address at least one of the FY16 PRCRP Topic Areas *Strongly encouraged* to address at least one of the FY16 PRCRP Military Relevance Focus Areas Preliminary data not required *Clinical trials are not allowed*	Maximum funding for the entire period of performance is$360,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs) Maximum period of performance is 3years
Idea Award with Special Focus	Investigator with a faculty-level appointment (or equivalent).	Preproposal is required; application submission is by invitation only. Supports innovative, untested, high-risk/potentially high-reward concepts, theories, paradigms, and/or methods in cancer research that are relevant to Service members, their families, and other military beneficiaries Emphasis on innovation and military relevance/impact *Must* address at least one of the FY16 PRCRP Topic Areas *Must* address at least one of the FY16 PRCRP Military Relevance Focus Areas Preliminary data not required *Clinical trials are not allowed*	Maximum funding for the entire period of performance is$400,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs) Maximum period of performance is 2years
Translational Team Science Award	At least two and up to three PIs must partner in one overarching correlative or translational research study. At least one of the PIs is *encouraged* to be a military or Department of Veterans Affairs investigator.	Preproposal is required; application submission is by invitation only. Supports translational correlative studies associated with an *ongoing or completed* clinical trial and/or translational study that can lead to a future clinical trial or clinical application in cancer research that is relevant to Service members, their families, and other military beneficiaries Not intended to support high throughput screenings, sequencing, etc. *Must* address at least one of the FY16 PRCRP Topic Areas *Must* address at least one of the FY16 PRCRP Military Relevance Focus Areas Preliminary data is *required* *Clinical trials are not allowed*	Maximum funding for the entire period of performance is$1,000,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs) Maximum period of performance is 3years
Horizon Award (to be released at a later date)	PI: A *predoctoral* candidate within two years of successfully passing qualifying examinations or a *postdoctoral* fellow within three years of completion of his/her terminal degree (excluding medical residency or family medical leave). Mentor: The Mentor must be an experienced cancer researcher as demonstrated by a strong record of funding and publications. In addition, the Mentor must demonstrate a commitment to advancing the PI's career in cancer research. *The PI and the Mentor must be at the same organization.*	Supports junior-level scientists to conduct impactful research with the mentorship of an experienced cancer researcher (i.e. Mentor) Challenges junior scientists to develop and implement research in the cancer field Emphasis on discovery *Must* address at least one of the FY16 PRCRP Topic Areas *Encouraged* to address at least one of the FY16 PRCRP Military Relevance Focus Areas Preliminary data not required *Clinical trials are not allowed*	Maximum funding for the entire period of performance is$150,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs) Maximum period of performance is 3years

03/28/2016

The Value of Targeted Therapies in Kidney Cancer

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 14:11:48 GMT

The Value of Targeted Therapies in Kidney Cancer (PDF)

03/25/2016

Kidney cancer: Improving survival in Nigeria

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 14:56:22 GMT

The average age at diagnosis is 64 in whites, in whom kidney cancer is rare under age 45. However, in Nigeria, kidney cancer tends to occur earlier, with the average age of occurrence being in the forties.

03/24/2016

Cholesterol pill boosts cancer immunotherapy, at least in mice

Thu, 17 Mar 2016 11:50:02 GMT

Tweaking cholesterol levels with a simple pill may boost the effectiveness of new immunotherapy drugs that are starting to revolutionize the treatment of cancers, experiments in mice suggest.

03/17/2016

Largest genomic study on kidney cancer brings hope for more effective treatments

Tue, 15 Mar 2016 12:33:12 GMT

A comprehensive molecular analysis of 894 primary renal cell carcinomas resulted in nine subtypes defined by systematic analysis of five genomic data platforms. Each major histologic types represent substantial molecular diversity.

03/15/2016

Patients Needed for Research Project

Tue, 15 Mar 2016 12:34:24 GMT

A major pharmaceutical manufacturer has commissioned market research to help improve its communications directed toward Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) patients.

Your participation in this research project can help ensure that the company’s website and other materials are relevant to patients’ concerns and expressed in a clear and comprehensible way.

Flince Research + Design, an independent healthcare research and consulting firm located in the U.S., has been engaged to conduct these research interviews on pharmaceutical manufacturer’s behalf. The research project consists of a one-time telephone interview lasting 60 minutes.

The research project is open to patients, or caregivers of patients, who have Stage IV metastatic RCC and who have received at least one line of treatment beyond nephrectomy. Please note that space is limited and the research project enrollment will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

In appreciation of your time and valuable contribution, you will receive an honorarium of $200 payable upon successful completion of the telephone interview.

For more information on how you may participate in this important research project please contact:

Jason Turner

Field Director

Flince Research + Design

+1 773 383 9090

jturner@flinceresearch.com

03/14/2016

Core-Needle Biopsy Leads to 94% Accurate Renal Carcinoma Diagnosis

Sat, 12 Mar 2016 15:03:25 GMT

Adding core-needle biopsy to other clinical care may help improve outcomes for some patients with renal cell carcinoma...

03/12/2016

Role for anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor

Sun, 06 Mar 2016 16:05:33 GMT

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expressed on the tumour cell surface, or on neighbouring host immune cells in the tumour microenvironment, engages the programmed death 1 (PD-1) receptor on activated cytotoxic T cells and thus downregulates the tumour-directed host immune response.

03/06/2016

The burden of kidney cancer

Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:21:09 GMT

Natural killer cells usually protect the body from harm, but a team from the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, USA, has been investigating the unexpected role these cells play in the pathology of kidney cancer...

02/25/2016

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey Collaborates with Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium on Clinical Trial for Metastatic Kidney Cancer

Thu, 25 Feb 2016 21:46:44 GMT

n conjunction with the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium (BTCRC), Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey has opened a clinical trial for patients with kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).

02/25/2016

Renal mass biopsy accurate for small renal masses

Thu, 18 Feb 2016 20:53:56 GMT

"Renal mass biopsy for a small renal mass can be performed accurately," the authors write. "A second biopsy should be considered in nondiagnostic biopsy cases."

02/18/2016

Design and characterization of the tumor vaccine MGN1601

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 14:41:24 GMT

The tumor vaccine MGN1601 was designed and developed for treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). MGN1601 consists of a combination of fourfold gene-modified cells with the toll-like receptor 9 agonist dSLIM, a powerful connector of innate and adaptive immunity.

02/11/2016

Patient Access to Immuno-Oncology Agents

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 14:54:36 GMT

Developments in the field of immuno-oncology (I-O) have ushered in a new era of hope in cancer care. This new concept has forced scientists and clinicians to think beyond the organ of origin of the tumor and wonder about the dynamic interaction between the tumor and its environment.

02/11/2016

Nutrient deprivation kills kidney cancer cells

Thu, 04 Feb 2016 15:47:05 GMT

Duke University researchers have discovered a promising target for renal cell carcinomas

02/04/2016

Celldex Therapeutics Initiates Phase 1/2 Study in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 14:53:24 GMT

"Varlilumab is an attractive candidate for combination immunotherapy across a variety of cancers due to its target's restricted expression and strong activity in a variety of tumor models, as well as positive data and a favorable safety profile from our Phase 1 study."

02/01/2016

Online support group for people living with kidney cancer

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 21:18:03 GMT

Registration is now open for CancerCare’s new 15-week online support group for people diagnosed with kidney cancer. This online group provides a safe, confidential space where participants can discuss the unique challenges of living with this illness while receiving support, information and guidance. This group takes place in a password-protected forum that is moderated by a licensed oncology social worker. It is completely free of charge.

Start Date: Monday, February 1, 2016

End Date: Friday, May 13, 2016

Moderator: Rachel Odo, LCSW

To join this support group, please visit http://www.cancercare.org/support_groups/137 to complete our online registration process. This group will continue to accept new participants on a rolling basis through the middle of April.

01/31/2016

Mundipharma EDO GmbH have entered into an agreement for the development and testing of a DRP™ biomarker for Mundipharma EDO’s lead compound EDO-S101

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 15:53:51 GMT

Medical Prognosis Institute A/S (MPI.CO) (Denmark and Phoenix, AZ, USA) announced today that MPI and Mundipharma EDO GmbH have entered into an agreement for the development and testing of a DRP™ biomarker for Mundipharma EDO’s lead compound EDO-S101 for the treatment of cancer.

EDO-S101 is a first in class fusion molecule that combines two drugs' mechanism of action in the cancer cell in order to increase the effect of treatment.

MPI's specific DRP™ multiple biomarker for EDO-S101 is to identify those patients who have the highest likelihood of response to the combination of bendamustine and vorinostat. Thereby the response rate will increase and time and resources spent will decrease.

"We are excited at the prospect of our partner Mundipharma EDO moving into Phase I with a DRP™ biomarker developed by MPI A/S," says adjunct professor Peter Buhl Jensen, M.D., Ph.d., CEO at MPI. “This is precisely where MPI's DRP™ makes a difference, due to the fact that our technology can be used for all cancer diseases and for most anti cancer drugs on the market or under development,” adds adjunct professor Peter Buhl Jensen, M.D., Ph.d., CEO at MPI.

Mundipharma EDO CEO Dr. Thomas Mehrling says "We look forward to seeing a validation of MPI's DRP biomarker in our clinical trials".

About the Anti Cancer drug candidate EDO-S101

EDO-S101 is a first in class fusion molecule that combines the DNA damaging effect of bendamustine with the pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), vorinostat, with the aim of increasing the efficacy of the alkylator through the HDACi-mediated chromatin relaxation.

About MPI's multiple biomarker called Drug Response Predictor - DRP™

MPI's lead product, the DRP™ diagnostic platform, is a tool to develop tumor-derived gene signatures that may predict which cancer patients are highly likely responders to a given anticancer product. The DRP™ has been tested in 32 trials, where 26 trials showed that drug-specific DRP™ Biomarkers could predict which patients had a positive effect of the treatment. The DRP™ platform has also been externally validated and published in collaboration with leading statisticians at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The DRP™ method can be used to design the Clinical Development Plan, i.e. to select which indications are relevant for a given anticancer drug. Further to and in addition to this, individual patients' gene patterns can be analyzed as part of a screening procedure for a clinical trial to ensure inclusion of those patients who have a high likelihood of response to the drug. The DRP™ platform can be used in all cancer types and has been patented for more than 60 anticancer drugs in the US.

About MPI

Medical Prognosis Institute advances personalized medicine by partnering with cancer drug developers to apply its DRP™ diagnostic platform to streamline and de-risk clinical trials and drug development via biomarker optimization, patient stratification, and development of companion diagnostics.

About Mundipharma EDO GmbH

Mundipharma EDO GmbH (Early Development in Oncology) is developing early stage assets in oncology for the Mundipharma Network of independent associated companies. EDO is committed to increasing the treatment options available for cancer patients and improving their quality of life through the early development of small molecules and biologics.

For further information, please contact

MPI

Peter Buhl Jensen, CEO

e-mail: pbj@medical-prognosis.com

Phone: +45 21 60 89 22

Mundipharma EDO GmbH

Dr. Thomas Mehrling M.D., Ph.D., Managing Director thomas.mehrling@mundipharma-edo.com

Phone: +41 798 701948

Certified Advisor: Carsten Yde Hemme, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Strandvejen 44, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark.

01/31/2016

Cancer / Oncology Neurology / Neuroscience Melanoma / Skin Cancer Radiology / Nuclear Medicine Nivolumab combined with radiation therapy may be new treatment option

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 19:50:35 GMT

Nivolumab has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and melanoma; however, the impact of nivolumab on brain metastases is unclear.

01/28/2016

PD-L1 Inhibitor Active in Advanced Kidney Cancer

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 14:02:11 GMT

The highest response rates were observed in patients with a high Fuhrman grade or sarcomatoid features (22%), grade 4 tumors (25%), or sarcomatoid histology (33%). Overall, 46% of patients had some degree of tumor shrinkage, the authors reported.

01/18/2016

Lenvatinib/Everolimus Combo Submitted for Approval

Sun, 17 Jan 2016 14:29:13 GMT

“The news that Eisai has submitted this application is hugely positive, for both clinicians and patients alike. The current outlook for people with this aggressive cancer is poor, and therefore the potential of lenvatinib is very exciting indeed.” - See more at: http://www.onclive.com/web-exclusives/lenvatinib-everolimus-combo-submitted-for-approval-in-advanced-rcc#sthash.nJ74LEgg.dpuf

01/17/2016

Supinoxin™ Oral Administration Produces Clinically Meaningful Tumor Inhibition

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 21:19:41 GMT

In a poster presentation entitled “The Anti-Cancer Effects of Supinoxin (RX-5902) in Renal Cell Cancer,” Rexahn scientists detailed the results of several preclinical studies showing the antiproliferative effects of Supinoxin in various human renal cancer cell lines and xenograft renal cancer models.

01/13/2016

Eisai submits EMA application of in-house developed lenvatinib for renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:49:38 GMT

The number of patients with renal cancer in Europe is estimated to be 115,000,1 and renal cell carcinoma comprises more than 90% of all malignancies of the kidney.2 For advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma that is difficult to treat with surgery, the standard treatment method is molecular targeted drug therapy, however with low 5-year survival rates, this remains a disease with significant unmet medical need.

01/12/2016

Ilya Tsimafeyeu receives prestigious ASCO Merit Award

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 15:30:08 GMT

Kidney Cancer Association Professional Group member Ilya Tsimafeyeu received the prestigious ASCO Merit Award for his institution's RCC translational study at the ASCO Gunitourinary Cancer Symposium in San Francisco. His abstract was recognized as a Top Poster in the track.

01/11/2016

Kidney Cancer Highlights From GU ASCO

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 21:33:39 GMT

Dr. Toni Choueiri, of Dana Farber, presents highlights from ASCO GU 2016 Genitourinary Symposium held in San Francisco

01/10/2016

New U.S. cancer cases holding steady, deaths declining

Sat, 09 Jan 2016 21:08:53 GMT

The number of new cancer diagnoses in the U.S. is largely steady while the number of cancer deaths continues to decline, according to a new report from the nation's leading cancer advocacy group.

01/09/2016

Discontinuing VEGF-targeted therapy for progression or toxicity affects outcomes of second-line therapies in mRCC

Sat, 09 Jan 2016 21:12:30 GMT

Dr de Velasco talks to ecancertv at ASCO GU 2016 about analysing when VEGF-targeted therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is discontinued.

01/09/2016

FDA to Review Expanded Indication for Cabozantinib

Mon, 04 Jan 2016 18:21:54 GMT

Exelixis announced that it has completed the submission of its rolling New Drug Application (NDA) with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and requested Priority Review for cabozantinib (tablet formulation) as a treatment for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received one prior therapy.

01/04/2016

Nonprofit initiates new fund to assist Medicare patients with kidney cancer

Mon, 04 Jan 2016 18:21:26 GMT

HealthWell fund will provide financial assistance to under-insured patients with renal cell carcinoma.

01/01/2016

An Ethical Lapse?

Wed, 06 Jan 2016 21:06:45 GMT

12/20/2016

Dear Colleague:

As a stakeholder in the kidney cancer advocacy and research community, we are writing today to update you on a matter we believe is of serious concern to patients and families impacted by kidney cancer globally.

You may be aware that for several years the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) has sought to bring to light certain activities of the International Kidney Cancer Coalition (Coalition) – a group whose fundraising and governance practices have raised concerns among some of the most prominent researchers and leaders in the kidney cancer community.

Since its founding several years ago, the Coalition has refused to adhere to even the most basic tenets of transparency and disclosure in terms of its governance and its acceptance of funding from industry – fundamental rules that all credible organizations in the cancer research and advocacy communities must follow as a matter of public trust. When the Coalition was launched in Europe in 2009, our organization was asked to participate. We refused – quite quickly and firmly – because the Coalition declined to provide KCA with audited financial statements.

We have called upon the Coalition repeatedly to disclose its financial statements, but to no avail. To this day, there is no evidence that the Coalition has any proper third-party auditing of its funding practices, despite repeated requests.

The Coalition has hosted five formal annual meetings and has still issued no substantive reports or research contributions nor specific data regarding its funding from prominent pharmaceutical companies, begging the question: What is its real purpose?

In a nutshell, the question remains as to how much money is being provided, how much is being expended, and what safeguards are in place to prevent improper influence by industry on the Coalition’s work. And that’s unacceptable.

In another apparent ethical lapse, Coalition director Deb Maskens proposes to host a January 2016 cancer meeting that coincides with a genitourinary meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in San Francisco. This appears to be a violation of ASCO’s blackout policy, which calls for groups to refrain from gathering at times that conflict with ASCO meetings.

Adding insult to injury, this group appears to have infringed on a KCA trademark – the International Kidney Cancer Congress, or IKCC® – in performance of its activities.

The Coalition just can’t seem to understand the importance of proper ethics in its day-to-day operation. What it all adds up to is an ongoing history of uncooperative and frankly, harmful, behavior.

With its refusal to take the most basic step of accountability—financial transparency—the Coalition puts cancer patients and families at risk by possibly exposing them to various kinds of improper influence by industry, while at the same time flouting the conventions and norms of the cancer community. Without any of the usual safeguards and firewalls that are applied when industry provides monetary support for not-for-profit conferences, patients and families are placed in a vulnerable position. It’s that simple.

We believe strongly that with its lack of transparency, the Coalition has opened a huge door through which corporate influence can march unimpeded. This is a very bad precedent for all of us who are trying to serve kidney cancer patients and their families in an ethical and responsible manner.

We invite you to read a more comprehensive news story about the Coalition’s activities, which will be posted on our website in 2016.

Please consider contacting the Coalition directly to protest its possibly unethical practices. We believe this will send a strong signal to the cancer research and advocacy communities in general, and the kidney cancer community in particular, that financial transparency is a must when it comes to governance and fundraising.

Contact information for the Coalition follows:

info@ikcc.org

Respectfully,

Christopher G. Wood, M.D., Chair

Paula E. Bowen, Chair Emerita

Bill Bro, Chief Executive Officer

Carolyn Konosky, Co-Chief Executive Officer

12/20/2015

Linking Cancer and Polycystic Kidney Disease

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 14:04:51 GMT

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one of the most common inherited diseases—a parent with PKD has a 50 percent chance of passing the disease on to their child.

12/15/2015

FDA approves nivolumab for mRCC

Fri, 04 Dec 2015 14:56:24 GMT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Opdivo (nivolumab) to treat patients with advanced (metastatic) renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer, who have received a certain type of prior therapy.

12/05/2015

Finding Out You Have Kidney Cancer

Fri, 04 Dec 2015 15:13:09 GMT

Michael Lawing, now 67, wasn't much for going to the doctor. Born and raised in Spindale, North Carolina, he always felt so healthy that he didn't see a need.

12/04/2015

Thanks for making #GivingTuesday a success!

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 04:04:17 GMT

$2,620 were raised on #GivingTuesday, including matching funds.

12/02/2015

Kidney Cancer Might Be Linked To How You Cook Your Meat

Thu, 12 Nov 2015 21:27:40 GMT

Some potentially good news for all you carnivores out there: A new study shows meat itself might not cause cancer. It could be how you cook it.

11/12/2015

Cancer Genetics Reports Biomarker Findings in Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma

Sun, 08 Nov 2015 12:39:00 GMT

Presentation of results from a University of Utah (Huntsman Cancer Institute)-led research study at the 14th International Kidney Cancer Symposium in Miami, Florida, on November 7th, 2015.

11/08/2015

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals Reports Interim Clinical Data for Archexin® at the 14th International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 13:33:57 GMT

“We are excited to present interim data from the ongoing Phase IIa clinical trial showing that Archexin, in combination with everolimus (Afinitor®), appears to be safe and well tolerated at the doses tested to date.

11/06/2015

Initiation Of Phase III First-Line Trial Of Avelumab

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 16:06:44 GMT

The clinical development program for avelumab now includes more than 1,400 patients who have been treated across more than 15 tumor types, including breast cancer, gastric/gastro-esophageal (GEJ) cancers, head and neck cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, melanoma, NSCLC, ovarian cancer, renal cell carcinoma and urothelial (e.g., bladder) cancer.

11/05/2015

RANK/OPG ratio of expression in primary clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 11:57:15 GMT

We aimed to investigate whether expression in the primary tumour of genes involved in the development of BM is associated with outcome in m-ccRCC patients treated with anti-VEGFR-TKIs.

11/04/2015

Arkadia-ESRP2 axis suppresses tumor progression

Tue, 03 Nov 2015 21:22:03 GMT

Tumor-specific alternative splicing is implicated in the progression of cancer, including clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

11/03/2015

A CpG-methylation-based assay to predict survival

Sun, 01 Nov 2015 02:18:28 GMT

Clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs) display divergent clinical behaviours. Molecular markers might improve risk stratification of ccRCC.

10/31/2015

Nintedanib Shows Promise For Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Sat, 17 Oct 2015 11:39:46 GMT

Post-hoc analysis suggested that nintedanib may have been particularly effective in patients with liver metastases at baseline, extending both PFS (8.4 vs 5.6 months) and OS (12.1 vs 8.2 months) compared with sunitinib.

10/17/2015

Lenvatinib Phase II Results Show Significant Improvement in Progression-Free Survival When Used With Everolimus

Fri, 16 Oct 2015 15:07:49 GMT

Phase II results show lenvatinib, when used in combination with everolimus, demonstrates significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) versus everolimus alone in people with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) following prior VEGF-targeted therapy.

10/16/2015

Savolitinib completes enrolment for Phase II clinical trial in Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 13:36:11 GMT

This is a Phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of savolitinib monotherapy (600 mg once daily) in papillary renal cell carcinoma (“PRCC”) in the United States, Canada and Europe. PRCC represents about 14% of all new cases of kidney cancer.

10/15/2015

Gender differences in incidence and outcomes in kidney cancer.

Thu, 08 Oct 2015 13:21:21 GMT

A gender discrepancy exists in the incidence of both urothelial and kidney carcinomas, with more men presenting with these cancers than women. Men have a threefold greater risk of developing bladder cancer than women, but female gender has been identified as an independent adverse prognostic factor for both recurrence and progression of this disease.

10/08/2015

RCC trials don’t mirror real-world experience

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:35:17 GMT

Researchers have found that real-world metastatic renal cell cancer patients being treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors are often sicker than subjects in clinical trials for these drugs, leading to questions about safety for use in the very patients who need the drugs in clinical practice.

10/06/2015

Cancer: Quality of Life vs. Survival

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:25:47 GMT

We performed a cross-sectional survey of patients with cancer and HCPs to evaluate their perceptions about treatment priorities and to analyse variables that might influence their opinions. To identify treatment choices, we interviewed all participants using a structured questionnaire with fictitious case vignettes.

10/05/2015

What we learned from Europe’s largest cancer conference

Sat, 03 Oct 2015 13:46:09 GMT

We look back on some of the announcements from the European Cancer Conference in Vienna to highlight research which could make a big impact on cancer care and treatment.

10/03/2015

Here's where to find a clinical trial for #kidneycancer #immunooncology

Fri, 02 Oct 2015 19:35:25 GMT

A fast, free, service from the Kidney Cancer Association and EmergingMed

10/02/2015

Summary of the Sixth BHD and First International Upstate Kidney Cancer Symposium

Fri, 02 Oct 2015 19:39:41 GMT

Ongoing clinical trials were discussed by Dr Jason Muhitch, who spoke about the AGS-003 immunotherapy trial (discussed in this blog post) and the potential of high-dose radiation to bolster anti-tumour immune responses, and Dr Namita Chittoria who discussed trials for papillary RCC caused by MET mutations.

10/02/2015

Screening test predicts poor treatment response in mRCC

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 15:34:56 GMT

Expression levels of a key protein involved in tumor cell survival appear to predict response to standard first-line therapy in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma...

10/01/2015

New drug improves outcome in treatment resistant kidney cancer

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 15:35:20 GMT

A new drug has been found superior to current treatments in slowing the growth of advanced kidney cancer in patients who became resistant to the first-line therapies that had kept it in check...

09/30/2015

New Model More Accurately Predicts Patient Survival

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 19:29:10 GMT

Each 10 mm increment in tumor burden prior to second-line therapy was associated with a significant 2.6% increased risk of death...

09/29/2015

Aspirin 'can double life expectancy in cancer patients', study says

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 13:51:15 GMT

Cancer patients who regularly take aspirin, were found to have a "significant survival benefit" compared with those who do not, in a major study analyzing data from nearly 14,000 patients.

09/28/2015

CheckMate 025: a randomized, open-label, phase III study of nivolumab (NIVO) versus everolimus (EVE)

Sun, 27 Sep 2015 13:14:32 GMT

Current treatments for advanced or metastatic RCC (mRCC) are associated with limited overall survival (OS) in previously treated patients. NIVO, a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor, demonstrated encouraging OS and manageable safety in a phase II study in previously treated patients with mRCC (J Clin Oncol 2015;33:1430–7). This phase III study compared NIVO vs EVE in RCC after prior anti-angiogenic treatment...

09/26/2015

Correlative analyses of serum biomarkers and clinical outcomes in the phase 2 study of lenvatinib, everolimus, and the combination, in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma following 1 VEGF-ta

Sun, 27 Sep 2015 13:16:47 GMT

Lenvatinib (LEN) – n oral inhibitor of VEGFR1–3, FGFR1–4, PDGFRα, RET, and KIT – in combination with everolimus (EVE) improved median progression-free survival (PFS; 14.6 mo) vs EVE (5.5 mo; hazard ratio [HR] 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24–0.68; P<0.001) or LEN (7.4 mo; HR 0.66; 95%CI 0.39–1.10; P=0.121) in a randomized, 3-arm, phase 2 study of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) following 1 VEGF-targeted therapy. In an updated analysis, LEN/EVE also showed an overall survival (OS) benefit vs EVE (HR 0.51; 95%CI 0.30–0.88; P=0.024). Here, we examine potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers from this study.

09/26/2015

Efficacy and safety of nivolumab in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who were treated beyond progression in a randomized phase 2 dose-ranging trial

Sun, 27 Sep 2015 13:18:27 GMT

Nivolumab, a programmed death-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, demonstrated encouraging overall survival (OS) and manageable safety in previously treated patients (pts) with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in a randomized phase 2 dose-ranging trial (NCT01354431). Median OS was 18.2–25.5 months (Motzer RJ, et al. J Clin Oncol, 2014). As response patterns with immunotherapy differ from those with chemotherapy, some pts may benefit from continued treatment with immunotherapy after initial evidence of RECIST-defined progression (Wolchok JD, et al. Clin Cancer Res, 2009). We present efficacy and safety in a subset of pts who were treated with nivolumab beyond RECIST-defined progression to investigate the potential benefits of this treatment approach.

09/26/2015

New prognostic factors for second-line targeted therapy (TT) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC)

Sun, 27 Sep 2015 13:21:36 GMT

The International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) model has been validated for patients (pts) with mRCC in the second line TT setting. This model does not consider time from 1st to 2nd line therapy, tumor shrinkage during 1st line and tumor burden before 2nd line. We sought to investigate these factors in addition to IMDC ones.

09/26/2015

PATIENTS: Learn About Immuno-Oncology for Kidney Cancer

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:35:57 GMT

News and information about clinical trials and the role of immunotherapy in the treatment of renal cancers.

09/25/2015

Metal-based compound to fight kidney cancer

Sun, 27 Sep 2015 13:19:30 GMT

Researchers have developed a promising titanium and gold based compound that destroys kidney cancer cells, while leaving normal cells unharmed.

09/25/2015

Bristol's Opdivo boosts kidney cancer survival

Sun, 27 Sep 2015 13:19:04 GMT

The successful outcome means Opdivo is the first so-called immune checkpoint inhibitor drug to show an improvement in overall survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a common type of kidney cancer.

09/25/2015

WSJ: Price Controls Limit New Drug Development

Wed, 23 Sep 2015 13:37:12 GMT

Investment—not good intentions—fuels high-risk research, and price controls will limit new therapies.

09/23/2015

Switching Therapies in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 14:53:08 GMT

Following progression on first-line therapy, patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) often do not need to be hurried to second-line treatment, says David F. McDermott, MD. If there is existing disease that is not harming the patient, and the patient feels well, there is no reason to switch therapies, adds Eric Jonasch, MD.

09/22/2015

Penn State's Bob Shoop turns sacks into cash for KCA

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 14:53:49 GMT

Today's Penn State football news features a look at defensive coordinator Bob Shoop, who announced via Twitter Friday that every sack registered by the Nittany Lions defense will result in a $107 donation to help fight kidney cancer

09/21/2015

Request for Proposals: KCA Young Investigator Award

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 12:56:58 GMT

The Young Investigator Award (YIA) is a one-year research grant totaling $50,000, paid in two equal installments to the awardee’s institution.

09/19/2015

Healthier lifestyle could cut cancer cases by 84,000

Sat, 19 Sep 2015 03:48:38 GMT

"The link between tobacco and cancer is widely known and readily accepted by the public but many are not yet fully convinced that healthy eating, regular exercise and not drinking alcohol can lower your cancer risk."

09/18/2015

Being tall increases the risk of kidney cancer

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:16:38 GMT

Developmental factors in the womb, and during childhood and adolescence, that influence growth are linked to an increased risk...

09/18/2015

miR‐372 suppresses tumour proliferation

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 15:32:20 GMT

Up to now, the role of miR‐372 in renal cell carcinoma has remained unknown; in this study, we have aimed to reveal its functional importance in this tumour.

09/08/2015

NCCN Publishes New Patient Education Resources for Kidney Cancer

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 18:25:24 GMT

NCCN has published the NCCN Guidelines for Patients® and NCCN Quick Guide™ for Kidney Cancer, the newest addition to the library of NCCN Guidelines for Patients

09/03/2015

Cancer cells programmed back to normal by US scientists

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:48:20 GMT

Scientists have turned cancerous cells back to normal by switching back on the process which stops normal cells from replicating too quickly

08/25/2015

Identifying Common Treatment Recommendations in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 14:15:41 GMT

The authors of this study aimed to obtain treatment algorithms and develop decision trees through the analysis of treatment of mccRCC from experts at 11 institutions.

08/06/2015

Immunicum presents continued improvement in phase I/II survival data for INTUVAX-treated renal cancer patients

Sun, 13 Sep 2015 12:51:34 GMT

Immunicum reports updated survival data from the Company's phase I/II study in patients with metastatic renal cancer treated with the cancer vaccine INTUVAX.

08/05/2015

Novel targets in altered tumour metabolism in kidney cancer

Wed, 29 Jul 2015 13:52:49 GMT

Through use of a combined proteomic and metabolomic analysis approach, a new paper enhances our understanding of the metabolomic alterations that occur in RCC and highlights new therapeutic targets.

07/29/2015

FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation To Lenvatinib For The Potential Treatment Of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wed, 29 Jul 2015 13:57:03 GMT

Eisai Inc. announced today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted lenvatinib, the company's multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Breakthrough Therapy designation for the investigational use in patients with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who were previously treated with a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy.

07/29/2015

Chemotherapy may worsen end-of-life quality, study finds

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 12:40:21 GMT

A new study suggests that patients may not benefit from end-of-life chemotherapy — and that for many, their quality of life may worsen in their final weeks compared with patients who forgo last-ditch treatment.

07/24/2015

Chemotherapy Use, Performance Status, and Quality of Life at the End of Life

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 20:13:05 GMT

Although many patients with end-stage cancer are offered chemotherapy to improve quality of life (QOL), the association between chemotherapy and QOL amid progressive metastatic disease has not been well-studied. American Society for Clinical Oncology guidelines recommend palliative chemotherapy only for solid tumor patients with good performance status.

07/23/2015

Dalantercept plus axitinib versus placebo plus axitinib

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 14:57:40 GMT

Dr Martin Voss, (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York City, USA) talks to ecancertv at ASCO GU 2015 on part 1 of the DART study, a phase II randomised trial using dalantercept plus axitinib versus placebo plus axitinib in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

07/22/2015

Opdivo found effective in kidney cancer

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 11:11:28 GMT

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co said a late-stage trial of its drug, Opdivo, was stopped early after the immunotherapy was found to be effective in patients with the most common form of kidney cancer.

07/21/2015

Exelixis Drug Slows Kidney Cancer

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 11:14:39 GMT

Those impressive reductions in death are still only likely to mean that Cometriq gave patients, on average, a few more months of life.

07/21/2015

Potential therapeutic target in renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:46:24 GMT

Axl plays multiple roles in tumourigenesis in several cancers. Here we evaluated the expression and biological function of Axl in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

07/17/2015

Argos fully enrolls its trial to test a cancer therapy

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 11:08:07 GMT

Argos is developing a therapy to treat metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and hit the enrollment goal of 450 randomized patients. This is a Phase 3 trial, meaning it is one of the last major steps a drug developer takes before submitting an application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

07/16/2015

Penn State Uplifting Athletes raises $120,000 at Lift for Life

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 12:29:19 GMT

The 13-year total for “Lift for Life” is now more than $1.12 million. More than 100 members of the Nittany Lion football team participated in Saturday's Lift For Life.

07/14/2015

New surgical technique preserves kidney function following tumour removal

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 12:32:19 GMT

Patients benefit twice from the new technique: during the operation itself, the risk of bleeding and complications is lower. In the long term, renal function is preserved and there are no long-term consequences of renal impairment.

07/14/2015

Kidney Cancer Association - Urology Care Foundation Research Scholar Award

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 17:50:38 GMT

Andrew C. Novick & P.H.M. de Mulder / AUA Urology Care Foundation Research Scholar Award

Abraham Hakimi, MD

Project Title: "Interrogation of the Sorbitol Pathway in VHL-Independent HIF driven Renal Cell Carcinomas"

Institution: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Mentor: James J. Hsieh, MD, PhD

Sponsor: Kidney Cancer Association

07/10/2015

Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinomas in young adults

Wed, 01 Jul 2015 13:41:03 GMT

Little is known about the biological behavior of Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) as few clinical studies have been performed using a large sample size.

07/01/2015

Angiotensin system inhibitors and survival outcomes in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Sun, 28 Jun 2015 14:04:29 GMT

The renin-angiotensin system may play a role in carcinogenesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of angiotensin system inhibitors (ASI) on outcomes in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients treated in the targeted therapy era.

06/28/2015

Penn State’s annual Lift for Life set

Fri, 26 Jun 2015 11:11:05 GMT

The event will include the Penn State offense facing the defense in a series of competitions to benefit the Kidney Cancer Association.

06/26/2015

PRednisone Plus EVerolimus clinical trial

Fri, 26 Jun 2015 11:13:05 GMT

Title Phase II study of oral PRednisone 5 mg bid plus EVerolimus in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer after failure of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (PREV study).

06/25/2015

Can you match the ribbon with the correct awareness month?

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 14:42:13 GMT

The infographic displays the official ribbon colors of various diseases and matches them with awareness months.

06/24/2015

Can Epigenetics Stop Late-Stage Cancer?

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 14:43:30 GMT

A new study from the Mayo Clinic hints at a promising treatment for late-stage cancer patients—but a real breakthrough could be years away.

06/24/2015

Circulating interleukin-6 and cancer: A meta-analysis using Mendelian randomization

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 14:45:06 GMT

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a contributory role in the progression and severity of many forms of cancer; it however remains unclear whether the relevance between circulating IL-6 and cancer is causal.

06/24/2015

Cancer Awareness Ribbons

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 15:05:46 GMT

by Wheels For Wishes

06/22/2015

Final results from the large sunitinib global expanded-access trial

Fri, 19 Jun 2015 16:37:19 GMT

We report final results with extended follow-up from a global, expanded-access trial that pre-regulatory approval provided sunitinib to metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients, ineligible for registration-directed trials.

06/19/2015

Pathways in Renal Cell Carcinoma: An Animated View

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 18:50:43 GMT

Learn more about a type of kidney cancer called advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) and the pathways involved in the disease in this animated whiteboard...

06/18/2015

Predictive Biomarkers and Nivolumab Activity in mRCC

Wed, 17 Jun 2015 14:04:30 GMT

This exploratory study identified several biomarkers suggestive of adaptive immune activity that correlated with better clinical outcomes during nivolumab treatment.

06/17/2015

Improved Survival and Response With Lenvatinib ± Everolimus vs Everolimus Alone in Metastatic RCC

Wed, 17 Jun 2015 14:06:01 GMT

Phase II results indicate promising efficacy of second-line treatment with lenvatinib alone or in combination with everolimus in mRCC.

06/17/2015

Future perspectives for mTOR inhibitors in renal cell cancer

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 13:46:56 GMT

Everolimus is a mTOR inhibitor that demonstrates antitumor and antiangiogenic activities.

06/16/2015

Beating Advanced Cancers: New Epigenomic Block for Advanced Cancer Progression

Wed, 17 Jun 2015 00:16:24 GMT

Another research paper funded by the Kidney Cancer Association related to the ASCO Young Investigator Award. These data suggest that during progression of ccRCC, a decline in H3K36me3 is observed in distant metastases...[continue reading]

06/16/2015

Physicians pioneer the use of stereotactic body radiation

Sat, 06 Jun 2015 16:06:46 GMT

Currently, there are no treatment options in the setting of recurrent or unresectable RCC IVC-TT. Even though RCC may be resistant to conventionally fractionated radiation therapy, hypofractionated radiation has shown excellent control rates for both primary and metastatic RCC.

06/06/2015

A national independent market research organization is recruiting advanced and metastatic kidney cancer patients

Sat, 06 Jun 2015 16:36:34 GMT

Flince Research + Design, a national independent market research organization, is recruiting advanced and metastatic kidney cancer patients to participate in paid, one-on-one telephone interviews with follow-up journaling activities. These sessions are non-promotional and for market research purposes only.

Participants in this market research will be asked to provide feedback on their own experiences with advanced / metastatic kidney cancer and its treatment.

If you are an advanced or metastatic kidney cancer patient, 21 years of age or older, we invite you to participate in this market research. The interviews will take place by phone, and last approximately 90 minutes. After the interview you will be asked to complete a 5-day journal. The market research will need to be completed by July 31.

In return for your help, you will receive an honorarium in the amount of $400. Your identity and your responses will be kept confidential.

If you’d be interested in helping with this research, please email Jason Turner (jturner@flinceresearch.com) or call him at 773.383.9090. You will be asked some preliminary questions to determine if you are eligible for this market research.

06/06/2015

Activating genomic mutations in the mTOR pathway to predict responses to everolimus and temsirolimus

Wed, 27 May 2015 15:45:59 GMT

Supported, in part, by Kidney Cancer Association’s funding supporting this ASCO Merit Award. Samples from 79 of 94 patients were successfully sequenced and were included in the analysis.

05/27/2015

US Government backs down on some requirements for digital medical records

Tue, 26 May 2015 15:21:04 GMT

Government regulators are backing down from many of their toughest requirements for doctors' and hospitals' use of digital medical records, just as Congress is stepping up its oversight of issues with the costly technology.

05/26/2015

A Urine Test for Kidney Cancer?

Tue, 26 May 2015 15:23:34 GMT

... it may be a better way of testing for kidney cancer than a biopsy, which can only provide results for the portion of tissue that was removed, not the entire organ.

05/26/2015

Wilms Study: Saving Kids, Saving Adults

Tue, 26 May 2015 15:27:24 GMT

More than 20 percent of Wilms’ tumor survivors who had radiation to the chest developed breast cancer by age 40, compared to just .03 percent who didn’t have radiation.

05/26/2015

KIDNEY CANCER EDUCATION WORKSHOP: Free Event for Patients, Survivors and Caregivers in Seattle on June 20, 2015

Tue, 26 May 2015 16:10:12 GMT

05/26/2015

Argos Therapeutics: A Cure For Cancer?

Sat, 23 May 2015 11:58:59 GMT

AGS-003 for metastatic renal cell carcinoma ((mRCC)) in Phase III with the full patient enrollment expected in Q2-2014. The final results should come out in the second half of 2016. The primary endpoint of the study is the overall survival.

05/23/2015

Sutent Rechallenge In mRCC Patients

Fri, 22 May 2015 12:15:00 GMT

Retrospective and prospective study in mRCC patients treated with sutent in first line and rechallenged by Sutent in 3rd and 4th line.

05/22/2015

Kidney Cancer Secrets Revealed?

Fri, 22 May 2015 12:17:47 GMT

Tumors gain survival advantage by reprogramming their metabolism according to an international team of scientists, led by UC Davis nephrologist Robert Weiss...

05/22/2015

FDA Regulatory Feedback for Advancing Tivozanib in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 21 May 2015 12:04:21 GMT

Final results now show a median PFS in this setting of 11.0 months and median overall survival (OS) of 21.6 months, demonstrating the efficacy of tivozanib in a VEGF treatment refractory population.

05/21/2015

Smoking ups risk of complications from urologic cancers

Thu, 21 May 2015 12:07:42 GMT

Current and former smokers have more complications from major surgery for some urology-related cancers, according to new research.

05/21/2015

Seahawks' Williams to undergo surgery for kidney cancer

Wed, 20 May 2015 21:06:44 GMT

The Kidney Cancer Association has reached out to Seattle Seahawks reserve defensive tackle Jesse Williams who will undergo surgery after being diagnosed with kidney cancer.

05/20/2015

2015 ASCO Annual Meeting

Thu, 14 May 2015 14:37:08 GMT

Abstracts in genitourinary cancers, including: Changes in treatment patterns among patients receiving at least two targeted therapies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in the US...

05/14/2015

Blocking a metabolic pathway may shrink aggressive form of common kidney cancer

Tue, 12 May 2015 14:36:45 GMT

An aggressive form of kidney cancer subsides in mice when researchers block the metabolism of an amino acid called glutamine, a new study shows.

05/12/2015

Analysis of Gene Expression of RCC by DNA Microaray in Patients treated with Sunitinib

Mon, 11 May 2015 12:01:12 GMT

Gene Evaluation of DNA expression from snap-frozen renal cell cancer tissue from 5 patients with locally advanced non-metastatic tumors, submitted to nephrectomy after being treated with 2 cycles of neoadjuvant Sunitinib...

05/11/2015

2015 Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO Young Investigator Award Funded by Kidney Cancer Association

Mon, 11 May 2015 12:02:21 GMT

Matthew Campbell, MD
Chief Fellow, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center

New agents called immune check point inhibitors have been FDA approved in the treatment of metastatic melanoma and metastatic squamous cell lung cancer. These agents have shown exciting activity in bladder, kidney, and a variety of other cancers in early clinical studies and are being explored in larger studies. The first of these agents, ipilimumab, is an antibody that binds to CTLA-4, a molecule that is increased by T cells responding to a stimulus, to help shut off the immune response. When the anti-body binds to CTLA-4, the immune system is able to stay activated and recognize a cancer cell as foreign targeting it for destruction. A similar agent to ipilimumab is tremelimumab. Agents targeting CTLA-4 have produced a response in 10-15% of patients treated with the majority of these patients having a very long-lasting response. Our group has identified that patients with bladder and prostate cancer treated with ipilimumab have increased numbers of T cells expressing high levels of the inducible costimulator (ICOS). In a retrospective analysis, patients with metastatic melanoma with a sustained high level of ICOS expressing T cells were found to have superior survival. Cryosurgery is a minimally invasive procedure that places a metal probe in a tumor allowing the delivery of liquid nitrogen freezing tumor tissue while sparing normal surrounding tissue. Cryosurgery kills cells in a variety of different ways with certain cells undergoing a complete bursting (necrosis) or through a programmed cell death (apoptosis). Cryosurgery can be performed on small tumors in a variety of anatomical locations. Cryosurgery has also been associated with the “Abscopal effect”, which refers to treating one tumor and seeing an untreated tumor in a separate part of the body shrink or disappear. Though the mechanism is unclear, the immune system is implicated. Preclinical animal studies in both melanoma and prostate cancer have found the combination of cryoablation and anti-CTLA-4 more effective than either treatment alone in protecting animals from tumor rechallenge and death from cancer. With this knowledge, a pilot study in metastatic renal cell carcinoma has been proposed. In the study, a group of patients will receive two doses of tremelimumab followed by cytoreductive nephrectomy (removal of the kidney with tumor despite the presence of metastatic disease). A second group of patients will have cryoablation of a metastatic lesion followed by two doses of tremelimumab and cytoreductive nephrectomy. A third group of patient will have cytoreductive nephrectomy alone (control). Our hypothesis is that using cryoablation with tremelimumab will be more effective than tremelimumab or no treatment in increasing the frequency of ICOS expressing T cells both in the tumor tissue and in the systemic circulation (bloodstream). We hypothesize patients with an increased frequency of ICOS expressing T cells in the systemic circulation and within the tumor will have an increased anti-tumor effect found at the time of nephrectomy. My first aim is to ensure the safety of cryoablation with tremelimumab, and we will tabulate the side effect profile of each treatment arm. My second aim is to study both the tumor tissue and blood samples prior to treatment, during treatment, and after treatment to understand if changes in the immune system are detected that may predict if certain patients are more likely to benefit from this approach than others.

Biography
Five years ago I was diagnosed with melanoma in situ on my cheek. After the stress, subsequent surgeries, and a look in the mirror, I knew I wanted to enter into cancer based research. During my time in Indiana, I had the wonderful opportunity to work in a basic science laboratory. I successfully published two first author papers focusing on inflammation and innate immunity in a renal obstruction model and collaborated on several other efforts. I learned the tremendous dedication, attention to detail, and work ethic required to be successful in medical research. After my time in the laboratory, my clinical training was in internal medicine at Indiana University and now in medical oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center. I have served as chief medicine resident and currently serve as the chief fellow of the hematology/medical oncology fellowship at MD Anderson. Since my arrival in Houston, I have dedicated myself to a career in translational genitourinary medical oncology. I have worked closely with Drs. Nizar Tannir, Arlene Siefker-Radtke, and Padmanee Sharma. I have published the results of a phase I clinical trial, served as the second author on a phase II clinical trial which has been submitted for publication, built a comprehensive dataset of 220 patients who have survived for greater than 4 years with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and presented this work in poster form at the 2015 Genitourinary Cancer Symposium, written a clinical protocol at the ASCO/AACR Vail conference, participated in a master’s of science program dedicated for clinical and translational researchers, and worked in Dr. Padmanee Sharma’s laboratory group collaborating on several projects. Under Dr. Sharma’s mentorship, I have learned important skill sets needed to perform my Conquer Cancer Foundation Young Investigator Award project. I am committed to a career in translational research in cancer immunotherapy, especially as it relates to renal and bladder malignancies, and have dedicated my fellowship to try and equip myself with the tools needed to succeed down this pathway. I plan on joining the MD Anderson Cancer Center Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology upon my graduation this upcoming June.

05/10/2015

Read the latest edition of Kidney Cancer Journal

Mon, 04 May 2015 20:37:34 GMT

05/04/2015

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma mimicking diverticulitis

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:21:24 GMT

We present an unusual case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) mimicking diverticulitis in a 76-year-old man with a 16-year history of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and a 2 cm left renal mass.

04/28/2015

Dr. Thomas Hutson on Drug Sequencing in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:26:46 GMT

Seven new agents have been approved for renal cell over a relatively short period of time. That has made it difficult to determine which drugs should be used for first, says Hutson.

04/28/2015

From One Happy Valley To Another: The Story Of Alison

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 14:18:18 GMT

Willie sells her scarves for $20 each and has raised more than $45,000 for the Kidney Cancer Association since beginning to knit.

04/28/2015

Climb 4 Kidney Cancer Announces May 30 Stair Climb Event

Sat, 25 Apr 2015 12:33:10 GMT

Where: TCF Bank Stadium, race check-in 15-45 minutes prior to heat near Minnesota Tribal Nations Plaza, (West end of the stadium). Same day registration is possible at the race check in location.

When: May 30th, 2015, racing climbers and Burly Bank climbers start at 7 am, Participant Climbers start at 900 am.

Who: Everyone! If you’re a serious racer or athlete, the timed race through 6054 stairs will challenge you (3027 up and 3027 down). If you just want to have fun or show support for kidney cancer awareness and climb stairs, set your goal and achieve it, the lower bowl has fewer than half stairs and at anytime you can step out of the course and walk over to the elevator to the Club Room. Be sure to pop some kidney cancer cells (balloons) and end up in the air conditioned Club Room. Early Bird Registration ends May 16th, midnight (Adults $35, Kids 12-17 $28.00, under 12 free, Teams of 5 or more $28.00 each), Then $45, $38 May 17-29. Same day registration $55, $48.

What: Break the Bank- Climb 4 Kidney Cancer is a celebration for those whose lives have been affected by Kidney Cancer. It is also a professionally managed event with a chip-timed race early in the morning, and a non-competitive fun climb. Children under the age of 10 are welcome to climb with adult supervision, but are not allowed in the race portion of the climb. FAQ

The Piggy Bank: Climb the lower bowl! Smaller steps. 2536 Stairs (1267 up and 1267 down), 760 ft. of elevation rise. Average finishing time last year was 41 minutes. Race Map. Register

The Big Bank: A Tour de Stade, Climb the entire stadium! 6054 Stairs (3027 up and 3027 down) 1785 ft. of elevation rise. Average finishing time last year was 54 minutes, winning time 34 minutes. Race Map. Register

The Burly Bank (New This Year!): Climb the entire stadium over and over until your calves just can’t take it any more during the 5 hours of the event. Must climb the Big Bank completely and then return to the starting point. You can start as early as 7 am and the last time through the stadium must be started by 11 a.m. and conclude by 12 noon. Your fastest lap will be considered for Big Bank placing. Race Map. Register

You will indicate which “Bank” you want to climb on climb day at check in. The race finishes through the grand arched gate next to Goldy’s Locker Room. Then head up to the beautiful TCF Bank Club Room for a post race reception. Look out from the best seats in the house and see your face on the famous TCF Bank Scoreboard! All participants will take home a performance jersey. Extra jerseys can be purchased by going to the registration site, shirts must be picked up on race day, no shipping. FAQ

Kidney Cancer Information (New This Year!): At 11:30 there will be a short educational presentation in the Club Room on Kidney Cancer and the challenges we face and how you can help.

See Your Face on the TCF Scoreboard. Click here for details on how you can see your face, or the face of your loved one on the famous 5 story TCF Bank Stadium scoreboard. This is a unique opportunity for us to recognize our kidney cancer heroes in the same place where we recognize our favorite Minnesota Gophers and Minnesota Vikings heroes.

Fundraise (New This Year!): You can make your climb count even more this year. You can make an individual or team fundraising web page through our easy online tool-click here. It only takes a few minutes and then you can email, or post on facebook, twitter or other social media platforms to raise money. Donations are 100% tax deductible and all donations go directly to kidney cancer research, i.e. none are used for event operating expenses, etc. Instructions here. Or you can donate directly now by clicking here.

100% of the net proceeds from this event will go to University of Minnesota Foundation to fund Kidney Cancer research. An example of a project this event will help support is the development of an exciting new medication for kidney cancer! Other projects include a kidney cancer screening study and a patient educational app.

Help Spread the Word If you can, please feel free to print off the poster/flier and share with friends, neighbors, coworkers and family.

Check Out C4KC Videos–Click here.

Volunteer- We are looking for volunteers to help promote the event, prepare the stadium and help participants through the stadium and clean up after the race. Click here to volunteer. Volunteers get into the event for free and get a free t-shirt.

Frequently Asked Questions- FAQ If you have questions, check out the FAQ page and if the answer is not there please post questions on Facebook or email at climb4kc@gmail.com

Hosted by Climb 4 Kidney Cancer, a division of TeaM8, the Masonic Cancer Center and Institute for Prostate and Urologic Cancers at the University of Minnesota .

04/25/2015

UNM Cancer Center enrolls first patient in phase 3 international clinical trial for kidney cancer vaccine

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 14:52:51 GMT

The phase 3 trial at the UNM Cancer Center tests a promising new approach: it uses a person's own kidney cancer cells to make a vaccine tailored to kill those cells.

04/21/2015

Promising Data on First Inhibitor of HIF-2a for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 15:28:17 GMT

Preclinical data indicates that lead investigational compound PT2385 suppresses gene expression essential for tumor growth, proliferation, and angiogenesisPhase 1 study of PT2385 ongoing; first clinical stage HIF-2a program.

04/20/2015

Applying for Disability Benefits with Kidney Cancer (PDF)

Sun, 19 Apr 2015 17:31:37 GMT

Kidney cancer is typically aggressive and difficult to manage and treat. There are often no symptoms of the disease in its early stages, which unfortunately allows the cancer time to grow and spread. When caught early, surgical removal of the kidney or kidneys can be curative. If the disease has spread or metastasized, there is no known effective treatment, though there are treatments that can prolong life and slow the progression of the disease.

04/19/2015

Cardinal Francis George, key Catholic orthodoxy voice, dies

Sat, 18 Apr 2015 20:46:35 GMT

George, who retired as Chicago archbishop in the fall of 2014, a few months before announcing his treatment for kidney cancer had failed, died late Friday morning, according to the Archdiocese of Chicago.

04/18/2015

WTX Tumor Suppressor Interacts with the Transcriptional Corepressor TRIM28

Fri, 17 Apr 2015 12:15:18 GMT

WTX may modulate tumorigenesis and cell differentiation in part through its effect on chromatin regulation.

04/17/2015

Patient Friendly Summary: 13th International Kidney Cancer Symposium (PDF)

Sun, 19 Apr 2015 03:28:55 GMT

A patient friendly summary of the most recent international symposium is available online, on the Kidney Cancer Association's web page for medical education. The summary was produced and edited by KCA director Michael B. Lawing.

04/15/2015

Bialecki Kidney Cancer Foundation Announces Give STL Day!

Tue, 14 Apr 2015 10:54:48 GMT

04/13/2015

Exelixis (EXEL) Stock Rises Today Following FDA Fast Track Designation

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 14:05:59 GMT

The fast track designation is designed to expedite the review process for treatments of fatal diseases that do not already have viable alternatives for treatment. With the designation, cabozantinib is now also eligible for a Priority Review of a New Drug Application.

04/10/2015

Uncovering Kidney Cancer

Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:24:14 GMT

Imagine the devastation of learning you have cancer, and then imagine being told it has advanced and already spread to other areas of your body

04/06/2015

Phase II Study of Vandetanib in Individuals With Kidney Cancer

Sun, 05 Apr 2015 19:29:50 GMT

The purpose of this investigational study is to better understand how vandetanib affects humans who have kidney cancer related to von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, and to develop tests that may improve researchers understanding of kidney cancer and its effects.

04/05/2015

Kidney Cancer Basics (Novartis video)

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 19:21:19 GMT

Pathways in RCC video from Novartis
Posted by Kidney Cancer Association on Wednesday, April 1, 2015

04/02/2015

Is cancer immunotherapy really a "miracle cure"?

Fri, 03 Apr 2015 02:06:23 GMT

Right now, most cancer patients only have a few options for treatment. They can get chemotherapy or radiation in order to kill bad cells and stop them from dividing, and they can get surgery to cut out the disease.

04/02/2015

More Americans Survive Childhood Cancers

Fri, 03 Apr 2015 02:08:10 GMT

More Americans are surviving childhood cancers than ever before, but many suffer lingering health problems as adults, a new study finds.

04/02/2015

Exelixis Entering Critical Six-Month Period

Fri, 03 Apr 2015 02:09:43 GMT

Cabozantinib is also in 45 ongoing or planned clinical trials, including pivotal Phase 3 trials in metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) in METEOR and advanced hepatocellular cancer (CELESTIAL).

04/02/2015

Rosetta Genomics Receives Key U.S. Patent for Novel Kidney Cancer Test

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 12:17:13 GMT

Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ:ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, announces...

03/27/2015

Kidneys From Dead Older Donors May Help Seniors

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 12:18:58 GMT

Older people who need a kidney transplant are better off receiving an available organ from an older deceased donor rather than waiting for one from a younger donor, a new study shows.

03/27/2015

Alternating sunitinib, everolimus not supported in advanced RCC

Thu, 26 Mar 2015 14:10:43 GMT

Australian researchers report that an alternating regimen of sunitinib and everolimus, although feasible and low-risk in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), failed to meet the prespecified criteria for use or continued development.

03/26/2015

Study: Biomarkers in urine help detect kidney cancer early

Fri, 20 Mar 2015 15:53:41 GMT

Researchers identified two protein biomarkers— aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and perlipin-2 (PLIN2)— that were more than 95 percent accurate in detecting early-stage kidney cancers. The tests also didn’t result in any false-positives caused by non-cancerous kidney disease.

03/20/2015

New drug regimen that reduces toxicities

Thu, 19 Mar 2015 12:25:46 GMT

The seven-year study began in 2007 and the findings revolutionized the standard protocol for patient management in NCCS with an attenuated-dose regimen of sunitinib for patients with mRCC.

03/19/2015

Obesity Triggers Enhanced MDSC Accumulation in Murine Renal Tumors

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 12:39:13 GMT

Obesity is one of the leading risk factors for developing renal cell carcinoma, an immunogenic tumor that is treated clinically with immunostimulatory therapies. Currently, however, the mechanisms linking obesity with renal cancer incidence are unclear.

03/17/2015

African bush may help kidney cancer treatment

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 12:41:41 GMT

Professor Beech said: "This unexpected discovery is exciting because it means we could develop new cancer drugs towards these particular proteins, TRPC4 and TRPC5.

03/17/2015

Trends in Renal Cell Carcinoma Incidence and Mortality

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 21:07:52 GMT

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) incidence rates are higher in developed countries, where up to half of the cases are discovered incidentally. Declining mortality trends have been reported in highly developed countries since the 1990s.

03/16/2015

A new study for people with Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

Wed, 04 Mar 2015 20:52:44 GMT

This study will explore the effectiveness of the experimental drug known as CRLX101 combined with bevacizumab (Avastin), in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

03/04/2015

Exercise and Cancer

Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:01:44 GMT

How does exercise benefit cancer patients? It turns out that there are a number of different reasons why exercise has such a positive impact on cancer patients. The immune system becomes more activated during exercise...

03/03/2015

Lycopene may ward off kidney cancer in older women

Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:03:20 GMT

A higher intake by postmenopausal women of the natural antioxidant lycopene, found in foods like tomatoes, watermelon and papaya, may lower the risk of renal cell carcinoma...

03/03/2015

Novartis completes series of transactions with GSK

Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:04:43 GMT

Novartis has completed a series of transactions with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), including the acquisition of certain oncology products and pipeline compounds from GSK, the creation of a world-leading consumer healthcare business through a joint venture...

03/03/2015

Kidney Cancer Update (PDF)

Tue, 03 Mar 2015 21:40:51 GMT

Starting with this issue, Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology is launching a bimonthly column on kidney cancer in conjunction with the Kidney Cancer Association. The column will include information about the state of research, advances in treatment, and other news for oncologists who treat patients with kidney cancer. We will begin with an overview of the Kidney Cancer Association and its mission.

03/03/2015

March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 14:09:54 GMT

Since its founding in 1990 by the late Eugene P. Schonfeld, Ph.D., KCA has developed scores of highly effective relationships with organizations and institutions around the world.

03/01/2015

ASCO GU Keynote: Future Clinical Trials in Renal Cell Cancer

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 14:18:44 GMT

Daniel J. George, MD, of Duke Cancer Institute, gives an overview of what is on the horizon in renal cell cancer (RCC) research. Topics discussed include emerging clinical trials, how to move forward with predictive biomarkers, clinical outcomes for RCC trials, and unmet needs in advanced RCC that Dr. George describes as being “imminently attainable.”

03/01/2015

Combination Therapy with Sunitinib and Gemcitabine in Rapidly Progressive mRCC

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 14:20:30 GMT

Standard single-agent treatment options offer meager prospects for metastatic sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and poor-risk RCC, both of which demonstrate aggressive tumor biology and rapid clinical disease progression. However, results of a single-arm, open-label, phase II trial suggest that combining select treatment options may deliver the necessary punch to keep these aggressive forms of RCC in check (Abstract 408).

03/01/2015

Phase Ib DART Trial Examines Combination Axitinib and Dalantercept

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 14:22:09 GMT

Interfering with two different stages of angiogenesis concurrently proves promising in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) based on early clinical results from the DART trial. In this phase Ib study of combined treatment with axitinib and dalantercept, objective responses have been observed in 25% of patients, along with a preliminary median progression-free survival duration of 8.3 months (Abstract 407).

03/01/2015

Body Mass Index Predicts Survival

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 14:59:14 GMT

Body mass index (BMI) predicts survival and overall response (ORR) rates in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma, according to authors of an external validation data analysis (Abstract 405) presented during the 2015 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.

03/01/2015

Take The 2015 Kidney Cancer Trivia Challenge!

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 17:22:44 GMT

Post by Kidney Cancer Association.

Use the hashtag #kidneycancer and @kidneycancer when you Tweet during March, Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. Help increase awareness and the need for a cure!

03/01/2015

ASCO GU: The Future of Treatment for Advanced RCC

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 14:15:30 GMT

New developments are now foreseen with the resurgence of immune checkpoint blockers in mRCC. The development of antibodies against the PD-1 pathway, either alone or in combination, may represent the potential next clinical breakthrough. In addition, the understanding of resistance mechanisms to agents targeting angiogenesis has identified some potential new targets such as Ang-2, FGFR, MET, and others.

Post by Kidney Cancer Association.

02/27/2015

Patient Participation Vital To Research

Thu, 26 Feb 2015 22:43:12 GMT

Kidney Cancer Association educates patients about the value of clinical trials.

02/26/2015

Sunitinib, sorafenib of no benefit in ECOG-ACRIN renal cell trial

Tue, 24 Feb 2015 16:48:06 GMT

Philadelphia, Pa., February 23, 2015, 5:00 PM – Research results highlighted today at the press conference of a major medical meeting report no benefit from the use of either Sutent® (sunitinib) or Nexavar® (sorafenib) among patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma at high risk of recurrence...

https://secure.kidneycancer.org/neon/resource/kca/files/ECOG-ACRIN_PressRelease_E2805_renal-cell-trial.pdf

02/24/2015

Posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms in renal cell carcinoma

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 15:47:58 GMT

he purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the associations and co–occurrence between PTSS, depressive, and other cancer–related symptoms...

02/23/2015

Phase 2 clinical trial on volitinib in papillary renal cell carcinoma

Sat, 21 Feb 2015 14:59:10 GMT

At the Thirteenth International Kidney Cancer Symposium, Dr Toni Choueiri (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, MA) discusses the new AstraZeneca-sponsored Phase 2 clinical trial on the c-Met inhibitor, volitinib, in patients with papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC).

02/21/2015

Effectiveness of medical supportive team for outpatients treated with sorafenib

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 16:13:07 GMT

We retrospectively studied 70 outpatients treated with sorafenib between May 2009 and December 2012 at Okayama University Hospital.

02/20/2015

Biomarker for patients with renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 21:53:01 GMT

Microarray experiments were performed to determine the expression of 32,183 lncRNA transcripts belonging to 17,512 lncRNAs in 15 corresponding normal and malignant renal tissues.

02/19/2015

Lycopene inversely linked to renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 13:30:47 GMT

For postmenopausal women, lycopene intake seems to be inversely associated with the risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), according to a study published in the Feb. 15 issue of Cancer.

02/17/2015

Device for Early Detection of Kidney Cancer

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 21:41:48 GMT

A new mobile device that allows bladder and kidney cancer to be detected at an early stage.

02/16/2015

Tumor suctioned from vein

Thu, 12 Feb 2015 14:20:23 GMT

Physicians at Henry Ford Hospital successfully suctioned a cancerous tumor from a major vein in a patient with metastatic kidney cancer, clearing the way for him to undergo a minimally-invasive kidney removal.

02/12/2015

The International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium model as a prognostic tool

Thu, 12 Feb 2015 14:23:58 GMT

Previous prognostic models for second-line systemic therapy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma have not been studied in the setting of targeted therapy. We sought to validate the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) model in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma receiving next-line targeted therapy after progression on first-line targeted therapy.

02/12/2015

Pathologic Stage T3a Significantly Increases Disease Recurrence

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 14:25:45 GMT

We investigate the effect of pathologic tumor stage on the relationship between tumor size and risk of disease recurrence.

02/10/2015

Microdiversity Predicts Outcome

Mon, 09 Feb 2015 16:39:23 GMT

Investigators at Lund University (Sweden) have termed genetic variation in such minute samples as microvariation or microdiversity. They established the importance of this type of variation by analyzing millimeter sized specimens from 44 cases...

02/09/2015

Transcriptome analysis of kidney cancer

VIDEO: NC Kidney Cancer Patient & Survivor Meeting

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 00:47:19 GMT

View the agenda and fast forward through this two-video playlist to the segment(s) you wish to view.

01/22/2015

Rosetta Kidney Cancer Test™

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 15:14:15 GMT

Clinician Survey Supporting Value Proposition of the Rosetta Kidney Cancer Test™ Published in the Journal of Kidney Cancer.

01/21/2015

Novel approach developed to visualize, measure protein complexes in tumors

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 15:13:42 GMT

PLA allows specific protein complexes to be visualized and measured in cancer specimens. This may aid in patient treatment decisions in the future.

01/20/2015

Understanding Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Kidney Cancer

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 17:46:00 GMT

A video series intended to help patients evaluate therapeutic options for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: http://www.proleukin.com/mrcc/

01/13/2015

Cancer Biopsies Do Not Promote Cancer Spread

Sat, 10 Jan 2015 18:26:34 GMT

A long-held belief by a number of patients and even some physicians has been that a biopsy can cause some cancer cells to spread.

01/10/2015

Potential new tool to monitor radiotherapy side effects

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 14:55:34 GMT

The University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust - both part of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre - has explored the use of patient-reported outcomes to improve the recording of side effects...

01/09/2015

Biological bad luck blamed in two-thirds of cancer cases

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 14:33:28 GMT

"When someone gets cancer, immediately people want to know why," said oncologist Dr. Bert Vogelstein of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore...

01/02/2015

US Cancer Death Rates Fall, Saving 1.5 Million Lives

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 14:36:15 GMT

Cancer death rates hit a peak in 1991, largely driven by tobacco-related lung cancer in men, according to the report.

01/02/2015

Kidney Cancer Journal - Winter 2014

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 16:13:43 GMT

The official journal of the Kidney Cancer Association, Kidney Cancer Journal is the only publication of its kind dedicated exclusively to kidney cancer. Read the winter edition FREE online!

01/02/2015

Phenotypic and genotypic stability in a preclinical model of renal cell carcinom

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 14:59:41 GMT

Genome variation profiling by genome tiling array

12/31/2014

Kidney cancer inspires woman to become life coach

Tue, 30 Dec 2014 20:50:50 GMT

Nearly 25 years ago, Kathleen Zurenko was diagnosed with kidney cancer.

12/30/2014

Time to Start Prepping ObamaCare Reforms

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 20:50:24 GMT

The Supreme Court’s decision to hear arguments in King v. Burwell next year poses an enormous danger to ObamaCare, but it also presents an urgent challenge to the law’s opponents.

12/18/2014

Global Life Expectancy Continues to Climb

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 21:23:08 GMT

"This is an encouraging trend as people are living longer. We just need to make sure we are making the right health policy decisions today to prepare for the health challenges and associated costs that are coming," Murray said in an institute news release.

12/18/2014

PAX-8 expression in renal tumors

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:38:32 GMT

Immunohistochemical stains have greatly improved the diagnostic accuracy of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) for primary and distant tumours. We evaluate a marker that has recently been incorporated in clinical practice, PAX-8, in primary and metastatic RCCs.

12/17/2014

Identification of genes and pathways involved in RCC

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:40:12 GMT

We combined differentially expressed genes, pathways and network analyses to gain new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of the disease development.

12/17/2014

Why tumours exhibit fatty degeneration

Tue, 16 Dec 2014 13:53:48 GMT

In cases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma – the most common type of renal cell carcinoma – the cancer cells become fatty.

12/16/2014

Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measurements in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 16 Dec 2014 13:56:19 GMT

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of region of interest (ROI) size and positioning on perfusion and permeability parameters as well as on interobserver and intraobserver variability of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE-MRI) of primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and metastases.

12/16/2014

Patients with operable kidney cancers more likely to have partial nephrectom

Mon, 15 Dec 2014 20:34:21 GMT

Patients with operable kidney cancers were more likely to have a partial nephrectomy -- the recommended treatment for localized tumors -- when treated in hospitals that were early adopters of robotic surgery, according to a new study.

12/15/2014

Ono Pharma, Bristol-Myers & Kyowa Hakko Kirin enter pact to condutct phase 1 combo study with Opdivo & mogamulizumab in advanced solid tumors

Mon, 15 Dec 2014 20:36:41 GMT

Ono Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd. have entered into a clinical trial collaboration agreement to conduct a phase 1 combination study with Opdivo (nivolumab), a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, and mogamulizumab, an anti-CCR4 antibody.

12/15/2014

Robotic Surgery Leads To Organ Preservation For Kidney Cancer Patients

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:12:35 GMT

Research Led By NYU Langone Medical Center Shows Greater Experience Utilizing Robotic Surgery Leads to Better Use for Partial Nephrectomies

12/12/2014

Researchers find personality can affect our health

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:13:58 GMT

Being an extrovert can boost your immune system, but conscientiousness and being open can...

12/12/2014

Genome Institute gets $25 million gift

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:15:26 GMT

A drug approved to treat kidney cancer actually targeted that gene. Within two weeks of taking it, Wartman’s cancer was gone.

12/12/2014

Myriad Genetics Unveils Positive Cancer Study Results

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 15:02:50 GMT

Once this is done, demand for these tests is expected to increase.

12/11/2014

Why Scientists Are Blaming Cilia for Human Disease

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 15:05:23 GMT

“Kidney disease and blindness, multiple digits, shortened bones or extremities, obesity—all of these things, it turns out, are due to defects in cilia,” he says.

12/11/2014

Albuquerque musician says random knockout revealed kidney cancer

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 15:07:58 GMT

“I just feel really grateful to God, or the universe, or whatever you want to call it,” Cohen said.

12/11/2014

Meet Houston's smallest police officer

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 16:28:50 GMT

She has over 185,000 fans on Facebook already cheering her on in the fight. [more]

12/10/2014

A conversation with a cancer patient about palliative care

Tue, 09 Dec 2014 20:23:40 GMT

End-of-life-care expert Timothy Quill carries out a discussion with neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi who was diagnosed in 2013 with advanced-stage lung cancer.

12/09/2014

Immune Checkpoint Tx Takes Down Ca

Tue, 09 Dec 2014 20:28:07 GMT

Treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor led to consistent responses across multiple types of cancer...

12/09/2014

Kidney cancer shock figures

Tue, 09 Dec 2014 20:32:56 GMT

The number of cases of kidney cancer diagnosed each year in Great Britain has risen over 9,000 for the first time, new figures from Cancer Research UK show today.

12/09/2014

Fargo, ND, mayor known for flood fights dies at 73

Fri, 05 Dec 2014 02:00:09 GMT

Walaker had been battling kidney cancer for several months. Deputy Mayor Tim Mahoney said Walaker was hospitalized over the weekend from a reaction to...[more]

12/04/2014

Exciting Product Development Developments For Provectus' Lead Drug

Fri, 05 Dec 2014 02:03:40 GMT

These developments de-risk the drug, showing that far from being a fraud, it is medicine with a very promising potential, bearing good news for cancer sufferers and for PVCT investors. [more]

12/04/2014

Don’t ignore cancer symptoms, says study

Fri, 05 Dec 2014 02:06:03 GMT

Perhaps driven by fear, people often prefer to dismissing potential warning signs of cancer, thereby putting their lives at risk, says a study. [more]

12/04/2014

Navigating the Treatment Landscape

Wed, 03 Dec 2014 14:35:37 GMT

Navigating the Treatment Landscape for Advanced-stage Kidney Cancer

Mayer N. Fishman, MD, PhD

For the patient with advanced-stage kidney cancer, deciding on a course of treatment presents diverse choices. The physician must weigh how quickly the cancer is spreading, the pattern of that spread, and relative risks from other medical conditions against the patient’s individual treatment goals and medical needs. In many cases of patients with advanced disease, there are therapies that can realistically be used to meet the goals of longer survival, longer time to disease progression, and tumor shrinkage. While choosing a kidney cancer treatment can be a complex process, it is one in which the patient can and should participate. Patient input may impact the disease in real and significant ways.

Once the patient and physician decide to start medical therapy, there is an array of options. As shown in Table 1, such options include FDA-approved agents as well as investigational drugs, and can generally be divided into a just a few general categories:

Immunotherapy such as interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-alfa, which are cytokines
Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors, which are newer agents still only available in trials; examples are the drugs that are PD-1 inhibitors[1]^,[2],[3]
Targeted therapies such as medicines that inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway; most of these agents are commonly known as VEGF receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKI)[4]
Targeted therapies that block proteins of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway[5]

For some patients, treatments could include several investigational agents, for example, vaccines or endoglin/ALK1 pathway inhibitors. The medicines in this endoglin/ALK1 group block another target on blood vessels within a tumor and are being tested in combination with VEGF inhibitors.[6]

Which Drug to Start With?

Criteria for selecting one drug over another are not always well defined by detailed, specific data. In general, the decision of whether to choose immunotherapy or a targeted agent as initial therapy depends on a number of patient- and cancer-related factors.[7] The answer will not be the same for every patient.

VEGFR-TKIs

Overall, the VEGF inhibitors are the most-used medical treatment for advanced kidney cancer. Reasons for this include the potential for inducing visible tumor shrinkage, availability for administration in the outpatient setting (which is important for patients motivated to avoid hospitalizations), and the convenience of oral dosing. Sunitinib and pazopanib are the most commonly used VEGF inhibitors for initial therapy in advanced kidney cancer patients, although sorafenib, bevacizumab and axitinib may be used in certain cases, based on physician judgment.[8]^,[9],[10] There are side effects among patients treated with VEGFR-TKIs. These include high blood pressure, thyroid problems, mouth pain, diarrhea, rashes and blisters on the hands and feet, but usually can be managed with other medications such as anti-diarrheal agents, or thyroid supplements, or dose changes.[11]^,[12],[13]

IL-2

For many patients, IL-2 is an attractive therapy because of its potential to induce complete and durable responses, where all of the metastatic cancer regresses and stays gone. Treatment with IL-2 is generally appropriate to consider for patients with clear-cell kidney cancers with metastases that are not that big, and who lack high-risk features such as an unresectable primary tumor (a kidney tumor that cannot be removed surgically), cancer-related anemia, and high levels of calcium in the blood. However, IL-2 is impractical for many patients because it is administered at a high dose on an intense schedule, and good heart, lung and liver function in the patient are required. Additionally, the experience with a low chance of a complete response to IL-2, coupled with required hospital stays, may motivate patients to choose targeted therapy instead. When a patient does choose to receive IL-2, it is important to manage the known side effects, and to administer the highest dose that is practical and tolerable.[14] Response rates to targeted therapies when used after IL-2 appear to be similar to those reported with initial targeted therapy, but this comparison has not been specifically tested in a prospective, large trial format.[15]

mTOR Inhibitors

Patients at higher risk, defined by the presence of risk factors such as anemia, spread of the cancer into the liver, or a diseased kidney with the tumor still in place, may benefit from blocking the mTOR pathway as the first medical treatment. Improved survival with weekly intravenous (IV) temsirolimus treatment has been observed in higher-risk patients, compared to that seen with interferon.[16] Alternatively, the mTOR inhibitors may be administered after VEGFR-TKI drugs in this setting. In the RECORD-1 trial, the oral mTOR inhibitor everolimus, administered after VEGFR-TKI therapy, was superior to placebo (no treatment).[17] Consequently, everolimus is often considered for patients whose kidney cancers had gotten worse while on anti-VEGF treatment. In the RECORD-3 trial, the sunitinib-then-everolimus sequence was superior to the reverse sequence in terms of median progression-free survival (PFS) and in the early assessment of overall survival.[18] Although treatment with an anti-mTOR therapy is not uncommon in patients with advanced kidney cancer, most often, it is not first-line treatment.

Specific Sequences of VEGFR-TKI therapy

Does it matter which VEGFR-TKI drug is used exactly first line? Exactly second? For many patients, the selection of follow-on therapy can be as important as choosing the initial therapy, especially if the first medicine works only for a short time. Some trials have addressed the sequence issue. However, as shown in Table 2, the prospective, randomized trials directly comparing different initial choices within the anti-VEGF group, or different sequences of anti-VEGFI therapies, do not show an overall survival advantage for one sequence over another.[19]^{,[20],[21],[22],[23]} It is possible that subsequent treatments, administered after the use of trial drug ended, had had more of an impact on overall survival, but such differences, if they exist, are very hard for these trials to detect. Similarly, testing of treatment selection strategies based on tumor features has not demonstrated a specific way to make a choice. For patients who have decided on starting treatment with VEGFR-TKI medications, but are faced with choosing from among the approved agents, there may not be a wrong answer, from this perspective.

When patients experience disease progression after IL-2 therapy, the usual second-line treatment is a VEGF inhibitor; often that is the first targeted drug to be used.[24] But when patients progress after anti-VEGF therapy, they face another choice between a second VEGF inhibitor or an mTOR inhibitor. This issue has been described as the “TKI then TKI then mTOR vs. TKI then mTOR then TKI” question. Practically, the choice may be influenced by factors such as how well -- and for how long -- the first anti-VEGF agent was tolerated. If there had been a poor tolerance or a shorter duration of tolerability with the first medicine, it may justify switching to an anti-mTOR drug sooner rather than later.

Future Directions in the Treatment of Advanced Kidney Cancer

When the anti-VEGF drugs were introduced about a decade ago, IL-2 and interferon-alfa had been in use for years. It did not take long for the VEGF inhibitors to capture a majority of initial prescriptions, even in patients exhibiting the general features that appeared to be conducive to IL-2 response. That is because the disease attributes that favor an IL-2 response are essentially the same as those that favor a positive initial response to VEGF inhibition. In a small, retrospective study, higher toxicity and low responses were seen with IL-2 when used as an immediate salvage therapy for patients experiencing disease progression while on anti-VEGF therapy.[25] Consequently, IL-2 was generally reserved for first-line use, and had been excluded from subsequent lines of therapy. However, opinions have evolved in recent years. While IL-2 is still used more often as initial therapy than after other treatments, some clinicians will consider prescribing IL-2 to patients who had been on targeted therapy, and who otherwise still meet the IL-2 patient criteria.[26]

The capacity for immunotherapies such as IL-2 and interferon to make kidney cancer regress has been known for years.[27] An evolving area of research focuses on another type of immunotherapy, checkpoint inhibitors. Blocking the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) pathway, a checkpoint on white blood cells, is thought to make the immune system attack tumors that were previously being ignored.³ Such a treatment strategy holds promise for the treatment of many patients in addition to those with kidney cancer. The subset of patients who respond to the checkpoint inhibitors may be different from those who respond to cytokine therapy (e.g., IL-2, interferon).[28]^,[29] We may be hopeful that as these drugs are developed, an increasing proportion of patients with kidney cancer can be immunotherapy responders.

Deciding about Participation in a Clinical Trial

From one perspective, participation in a clinical trial, whether of a first-line therapy or for a later line, is a way of “paying it forward” to advance new drug development, but it can also be a chance to try a drug that is not yet commercially available. Table 1 lists only a few of many investigational drugs in testing; Table 3 provides links to various resources that provide clinical trial information.

Increasing numbers of clinical trials and investigational drugs, combined with a better understanding of the biology of cancer, present a widening range of on-trial treatment options for kidney cancer patients, even compared to a few years ago. Each type of trial has its own particular details about patient eligibility and expected responses. Eligible and motivated patients must review potential trials with their doctor and clinical trial staff members. While understanding medical terminology and choosing a kidney cancer therapy can be a daunting task, improved education and understanding helps a person to make critical decisions in partnership with their doctor. Understanding the treatment landscape can give patients an opportunity to have a sense of control about outcomes of their treatment and ultimately become better partners in their own care.

Table 1. Drug therapies for advanced kidney cancer

FDA-approved (i.e., indicated for use in advanced kidney cancer)	Immunotherapy	Targeted agents
	Immunotherapy	VEGF inhibitors	mTOR inhibitors
	Interferon-alfa	Axitinib	Everolimus
	Interleukin-2 (IL-2)	Bevacizumab	Temsirolimus
		Pazopanib
		Sorafenib
		Sunitinib
Selected investigational agents*	Checkpoint inhibitors: Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) MPDL-3280a Nivolumab (BMS- 936558) Ipilimumab MEDI-4736	Cabozatanib (also inhibits C-MET)	mTORC2 inhibitors	Endoglin & ALK1 inhibitors: Dalantercept TRC-105
		Not currently in development for RCC: Tivozanib Dovitinib	Note: “mTOR” may refer to mTOR complex 1 mTORC1. mTORC2 = mTOR complex 2)	Angiopoetin 1 & 2 (Ang-1 & Ang-2) inhibitor: AMG-386

	Vaccines: ARGOS dendritic cell vaccine

*In general, access to investigational agents is limited to clinical trial participants.

Table 2. Selected large, prospective, randomized, head-to-head trials of targeted drugs

Trial	Treatment arms	OS results	Comment
SWITCH²⁰	Sunitinib followed by sorafenib Sorafenib followed by sunitinib	Similar in both arms	PFS and frequency of major response also similar in both arms
COMPARZ^19,[30],[31]	Sunitinib Pazopanib	Similar in both arms	Final median OS were reported with a split by risk group; no significant differences in terms of which drug to use first Favorable risk: 42.5 months for sunitinib vs. 43.6 months for pazopanib Intermediate risk: 26.9 vs. 26.1 months High risk: 9.9 vs. 7.7 months
PISCES[32]	Sunitinib followed by pazopanib Pazopanib followed by sunitinib	Not reported	PFS similar in both arms. Quality-of-life assessments favored pazopanib
AXIS²¹	Sorafenib as 2^nd-line treatment Axitinib as 2^nd-line treatment	Similar in both arms	PFS favored axitinib overall and in patients previously treated with immunotherapy, but not for patients previously treated with sunitinib
TIVO-1²³	Sorafenib Tivozanib	Similar in both arms	PFS favored tivozanib. Most sorafenib patients crossed over to tivozanib; few tivozanib patients took 2^nd-line treatment. Tivozanib was not approved
GOLD²²	Sorafenib as 2^nd-line treatment Dovitinib as 2^nd-line treatment	Similar in both arms	PFS similar in both arms
RECORD-3¹⁸	Sunitinib followed by everolimus Everolimus followed by sunitinib	Preliminary results favored sunitinib first	PFS also favored sunitinib first. OS results favored sunitinib but were still preliminary at time of report

(OS=overall survival; PFS = progression-free survival)

Table 3. Online resources for clinical trial information

Website	URL	Comments
National Cancer Institute	www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials	Searchable database of more than 12,000 open clinical trials across various cancer types
ClinicalTrials.gov	www.clinicaltrials.gov	Lists more than 170,000 trials (not limited to cancer) in 50 states and 187 countries
Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) Clinical Trial Matching and Referral Service	http://emergingmed.com/partners/kca/	Free, confidential matching service offered by KCA in partnership with EmergingMed
World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform	http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Default.aspx	Search portal provides access to central database containing trial registration data sets provided by clinical trial registries around the world

[1] Belldegrun AS, Klatte T, Shuch B, et al. Cancer-specific survival outcomes among patients treated during the cytokine era of kidney cancer (1989-2005): a benchmark for emerging targeted cancer therapies. Cancer. 2008;113(9):2457-63. doi: 10.1002/cncr.23851.

[2] Yang JC, Sherry RM, Steinberg SM, et al. Randomized study of high-dose and low-dose interleukin-2 in patients with metastatic renal cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2003;21(16):3127-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12915604.

[3] Harshman LC, Drake CG, Wargo JA, et al. Cancer Immunotherapy Highlights from the 2014 ASCO Meeting. Cancer Immunol Res. 2014;2(8):714-9. doi: 10.1158/2326-6066.CIR-14-0119.

[4] Albiges L, Salem M, Rini B, et al. Vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapies in advanced renal cell carcinoma. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2011;25(4):813-33. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2011.04.006.

[5] Pal SK, Figlin RA. Future directions of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor therapy in renal cell carcinoma. Target Oncol. 2011;6(1):5-16. doi: 10.1007/s11523-011-0172-y.

[6] Blanco FJ, Santibanez JF, Guerrero-Esteo M, et al. Interaction and functional interplay between endoglin and ALK-1, two components of the endothelial transforming growth factor-beta receptor complex. J Cell Physiol. 2005;204(2):574-84. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15702480 .

[7] Fishman MN. Targeted therapy of kidney cancer: keeping the art around the algorithms. Cancer Control. 2013;20(3):222-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23811706.

[8] Bellmunt J, Fishman M, Eisen T, et al. Expert opinion on the use of first-line sorafenib in selected metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2010;10(6):825-35. doi: 10.1586/era.10.68.

[9] Rini BI, Escudier B, Tomczak P, et al. Comparative effectiveness of axitinib versus sorafenib in advanced renal cell carcinoma (AXIS): a randomised phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2011;378(9807):1931-9. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(11)61613-9.

[10] Heng DY, Xie W, Regan MM, et al. Prognostic factors for overall survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted agents: results from a large, multicenter study. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27(34):5794-9. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2008.21.4809.

[11] Bellmunt J, Eisen T, Fishman M, et al. Experience with sorafenib and adverse event management. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2011;78(1):24-32. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2010.03.006.

[12] Méndez-Vidal MJ, Martínez Ortega E, Montesa Pino A, et al. Management of adverse events of targeted therapies in normal and special patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2012;31(1):S19-27. doi: 10.1007/s10555-012-9355-y.

[13] Larkin J, Fishman M, Wood L, et al. Axitinib for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: recommendations for therapy management to optimize outcomes. Am J Clin Oncol. 2014;37(4):397-403. doi: 10.1097/COC.0b013e31827b45f9.

[14] Schwartzentruber DJ. Guidelines for the safe administration of high-dose interleukin-2. J Immunother. 2001;24(4):287-93. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11565830

[15] Birkhäuser FD, Pantuck AJ, Rampersaud EN, et al. Salvage-targeted kidney cancer therapy in patients progressing on high-dose interleukin-2 immunotherapy: the UCLA experience. Cancer J. 2013;19(3):189-96. doi: 10.1097/PPO.0b013e318292e8a4.

[16] Hudes G, Carducci M, Tomczak P, et al. Temsirolimus, interferon alfa, or both for advanced renal-cell carcinoma. N Engl J Med. 2007;356(22):2271-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17538086

[17] Motzer RJ, Escudier B, Oudard S, et al. Phase 3 trial of everolimus for metastatic renal cell carcinoma : final results and analysis of prognostic factors. Cancer. 2010;116(18):4256-65. doi: 10.1002/cncr.25219.

[18] Motzer RJ, Barrios CH, Kim TM, et al. Phase II Randomized Trial Comparing Sequential First-Line Everolimus and

Second-Line Sunitinib Versus First-Line Sunitinib and Second-Line Everolimus in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma. J Clin Oncol. 2014 Jul 21. pii: JCO.2013.54.6911.

[19] Motzer RJ, Hutson TE, McCann L, et al. Overall survival in renal-cell carcinoma with pazopanib versus sunitinib. N Engl J Med. 2014;(18):1769-70. doi: 10.1056/NEJMc1400731.

[20] Michel MS, Vervenne W, de Santis M, et al. SWITCH: A randomized sequential open-label study to evaluate efficacy and safety of sorafenib (SO)/sunitinib (SU) versus SU/SO in the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC). J Clin Oncol 2014;32(4). http://meetinglibrary.asco.org/content/123686-142.

[21] Motzer RJ, Escudier B, Tomczak P, et al. Axitinib versus sorafenib as second-line treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma: overall survival analysis and updated results from a randomised phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2013;14(6):552-62. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(13)70093-7.

[22] Escudier BJ, Porta C, Squires M, et al. Biomarker analysis from a phase III trial (GOLD) of dovitinib (Dov) versus sorafenib (Sor) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma after one prior VEGF pathway–targeted therapy and one prior mTOR inhibitor therapy. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(4). http://meetinglibrary.asco.org/content/123462-142.

[23] Motzer RJ, Eisen T, Hutson TE, et al. Overall survival results from a phase III study of tivozanib hydrochloride versus sorafenib in patients with renal cell carcinoma. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(6). http://meetinglibrary.asco.org/content/107537-134.

[24] Birkhäuser FD, Pantuck AJ, Rampersaud EN, et al. Salvage-targeted kidney cancer therapy in patients progressing on high-dose interleukin-2 immunotherapy: the UCLA experience. Cancer J. 2013;19(3):189-96. doi: 10.1097/PPO.0b013e318292e8a4.

[25] Cho DC, Puzanov I, Regan MM, et al. Retrospective analysis of the safety and efficacy of interleukin-2 after prior VEGF-targeted therapy in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. J Immunother. 2009;32(2):181-5. doi: 10.1097/CJI.0b013e3181952b1d.

[26] Lam ET, Wong MK, Agarwal N, et al. Retrospective analysis of the safety and efficacy of high-dose interleukin-2 after prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. J Immunother. 2014 Sep;37(7):360-5.

[27] Coventry BJ, Ashdown ML. The 20th anniversary of interleukin-2 therapy: bimodal role explaining longstanding random induction of complete clinical responses. Cancer Manag Res. 2012;4:215-21. doi: 10.2147/CMAR.S33979.

[28] Topalian SL, Hodi FS, Brahmer JR, et al. Safety, activity, and immune correlates of anti-PD-1 antibody in cancer. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(26):2443-54. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1200690.

[29] Brayer J, Fishman M. Regression of metastatic clear cell kidney cancer with interleukin-2 treatment following nivolumab (anti-PD-1) treatment. J Immunother. 2014;37(3):187-91. doi: 10.1097/CJI.0000000000000024.

[30] Motzer RJ, Hutson TE, Cella D, et al. Pazopanib versus sunitinib in metastatic renal-cell carcinoma. N Engl J Med. 2013;369(8):722-31. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1303989.

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 16:15:55 GMT

Researchers have found that patients with an advanced form of kidney cancer, for which there is no standard treatment and a very poor prognosis, respond well to a combination of two existing anti-cancer drugs.

11/19/2014

Kidney Cancer Association Ranked In Top 2% Of US Charities

Mon, 17 Nov 2014 21:37:33 GMT

11/17/2014

Kidney Cancer Association Patient and Survivor Conference to be Held in North Carolina December 13, 2014

Fri, 14 Nov 2014 16:11:55 GMT

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) -- The University of North Carolina will be hosting its second conference for kidney cancer patients and their families on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

“Last year’s conference was attended by patients and family members from the Carolinas, Georgia and Virginia,” says 18-year kidney cancer survivor and KCA board member, Mike Lawing. “This year’s conference will cover a number of topics of great interest to those dealing with kidney cancer including up to date information on immunotherapy and the management of the side effects of targeted therapies for treatment of advanced disease.”

The KCA encourages anyone interested in attending to register in advance by visiting the Association’s website, www.kidneycancer.org and selecting calendar of events or at the following link: https://secure.kidneycancer.org/np/clients/kca/event.jsp?event=3728

The meeting location, agenda, and list of distinguished speakers is also available on the event page.

“I am glad to see the Kidney Cancer Association, the University of North Carolina and Duke University working together to present this information,” said Lawing. “Since kidney cancer is one of the less common cancers, it is vitally important for those diagnosed with this disease to be well-informed self-advocates who are knowledgeable about the latest treatments and procedures which are available. This conference will help to inform and empower attendees in these areas.”

KCA was founded in 1990 by a small group of patients, including Eugene P. Schonfeld, Ph.D., and medical doctors in Chicago, Illinois. It is a nonprofit charity incorporated in the State of Illinois. It has also been designated as a tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service code. Donations to the Association are tax deductible in the United States of America.

Visit the Kidney Cancer Association’s online Support Community

Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:52:46 GMT

To investigate discriminating protein patterns and serum biomarkers between clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients and healthy controls, as well as between paired pre- and post-operative ccRCC patients.

11/05/2014

The DART Study (a clinical trial)

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 03:19:49 GMT

The purpose of Part 1 of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of dalantercept in combination with axitinib in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to determine the recommended dose level of dalantercept in combination with axitinib for Part 2.

The purpose of Part 2 of this study is to determine whether treatment with dalantercept in combination with axitinib prolongs progression free survival (PFS) compared to axitinib alone in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Learn more on ClinicalTrials.gov

11/03/2014

Mystery patient in medical milestone revealed

Sun, 02 Nov 2014 15:45:50 GMT

First in world to have cancer tumour sequenced

11/02/2014

Presentations from 13th International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:02:04 GMT

Since 1990, the Kidney Cancer Association has dedicated itself to the eradication of kidney cancer and to improving care, stimulating research, and increasing survival of kidney cancer patients worldwide. We are the only organization of its kind to serve kidney cancer patients, their families, and physicians around the world. As we work to globalize our organization, we hope to continue our collaboration with you so that we may be of further assistance to you and your patients.

11/02/2014

Remission of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis during bevacizumab therapy

Sat, 01 Nov 2014 16:35:44 GMT

This suggests that bevacizumab might have a promising future in the treatment of psoriasis and PsA.

11/01/2014

The connection between kidney cancer and the use of aristolochic acid

Thu, 30 Oct 2014 13:42:46 GMT

There is aan apparent link between exposure to aristolochic acid and incidence of kidney cancer, particularly in Romania.

10/30/2014

Groundbreaking Sound Based Technology to Ablate Renal Cancer

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:08:16 GMT

Dr. David Schulsinger spearheads pilot study for ablation of renal cell carcinoma with SonaCare Medical’s Sonatherm® Laparoscopic Soft Tissue HIFU Surgical Ablation Device.

10/29/2014

Patients who receive chest radiation for Wilms tumor face breast cancer risk later in life

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:11:35 GMT

Published early online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the findings suggest that cancer screening guidelines might be re-evaluated to facilitate the early diagnosis and prompt treatment of breast cancer among Wilms tumor survivors.

10/29/2014

PD-1 Inhibition in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:15:55 GMT

10/29/2014

Russian International Kidney Cancer Symposium Set for March 2015

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 18:59:56 GMT

10/16/2014

Research: Marriage Survival Advantage in Kidney Cancer

Wed, 15 Oct 2014 18:49:29 GMT

10/15/2014

Meet Kidney Cancer Survivors!

Tue, 14 Oct 2014 16:00:32 GMT

10/14/2014

BMS and MD Anderson Cancer Center announce novel research collaboration

Tue, 07 Oct 2014 11:58:56 GMT

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced a novel clinical research collaboration to evaluate multiple immunotherapies...

10/07/2014

Nintedanib receives positive CHMP opinion for second-line treatment

Mon, 29 Sep 2014 17:44:29 GMT

Nintedanib*, when added to docetaxel, is the first lung cancer treatment to have provided over one year overall survival for patients with advanced adenocarcinoma, after first-line chemotherapy.

09/29/2014

Surgeon is first in world to use robotic technology to remove kidney tumor in outpatient procedure

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 21:36:03 GMT

Keck Medical Center of the University of Southern California (USC) is the first medical center in the world to use new robotic technology in an outpatient procedure for a kidney cancer patient.

09/18/2014

Scientists unlock hidden potential of cutting-edge cancer drugs

Wed, 17 Sep 2014 19:58:33 GMT

A class of cutting-edge cancer drugs could keep patients alive for much longer than they do now following a major new discovery about exactly how they attack tumours.

09/17/2014

Predictor of kidney cancer death

Wed, 17 Sep 2014 20:07:37 GMT

The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an indicator of the systemic inflammatory response.

09/17/2014

Danish kidney cancer patients dying at an alarming rate

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:47:36 GMT

Survival rates much better in neighbouring countries than at home

09/12/2014

Correlation of radiographic renal cell carcinoma tumor volume utilizing computed tomography

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:14:39 GMT

Correlation of radiographic renal cell carcinoma tumor volume utilizing computed tomography and magnetic... http://t.co/gDZZ5poX7s
— UroToday.com (@urotoday) September 10, 2014

09/11/2014

Video: Investigators in kidney cancer

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:17:27 GMT

Investigators in #Kidney #Cancer – watch a video about our peer review process & apply for a YIA! http://t.co/hmhmoCpbHE
— Conquer Cancer Fdtn (@iConquerCancer) September 10, 2014

09/11/2014

Treatment of kidney cancer with a novel nanoparticle

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 13:07:13 GMT

Certain nanoparticles (NP) emit heat energy when excited by near-infrared (NIR) laser energy. We determined efficacy of a novel nanoparticle to induce hyperthermic cellular death of renal cell carcinoma in vitro.

09/09/2014

Adjuvant Therapy for RCC

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:23:40 GMT

At the present time, the standard of care for patients who have received nephrectomy for localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is radiographic surveillance.

09/05/2014

Aggressive bone cancers build more blood vessels

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 15:53:49 GMT

Osteosarcoma cells expressing high levels of VEGFR1...

09/04/2014

Phase I Study of Sunitinib in Combination With Gemcitabine and Capecitabine for First-Line RCC Treatment

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 15:58:59 GMT

The combination of gemcitabine plus capecitabine and sunitinib (GCS) shows activity in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

09/04/2014

mTOR Inhibition Induces Compensatory, Therapeutically Targetable MEK Activation in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:34:29 GMT

Rapamycin derivatives allosterically targeting mTOR are currently FDA approved to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and catalytic inhibitors of mTOR/PI3K are now in clinical trials for treating various solid tumors.

09/03/2014

MiR-7 Promotes Epithelial Cell Transformation by Targeting the Tumor Suppressor KLF4

Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:36:00 GMT

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small non-coding RNAs that have a pivotal role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and their misregulation is common in different types of cancer.

09/03/2014

Anti-tumor effect of ribavirin in combination with interferon-alpha on renal cell carcinoma cell lines in vitro

Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:37:30 GMT

Ribavirin is an anti-viral drug; however, recent data suggest that it may also be effective in cancer therapy.

09/03/2014

New agents and new targets for renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 29 Aug 2014 15:41:10 GMT

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway blockers and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors have dramatically improved the treatment options and outcome for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

08/29/2014

EDAP Highlights HIFU Expertise at 7th International Symposium

Wed, 27 Aug 2014 13:56:37 GMT

Focal Therapy and Imaging in Prostate and Kidney Cancer

08/27/2014

AUDIO: A call for clinical cancer trials to be more efficient

Tue, 26 Aug 2014 14:17:45 GMT

Professor Dilts has some suggestions how to improve the situation.

08/26/2014

Ten Questions to Ask Your Doctor After a Cancer Diagnosis

Tue, 26 Aug 2014 14:26:31 GMT

Dr. Bavesh Balar is a board-certified hematologist and oncologist on staff at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, N.J.

08/26/2014

Want to help researchers by clicking your mouse?

Tue, 26 Aug 2014 19:17:19 GMT

We would like to inform you of an opportunity to be a part of an important study being conducted by researchers at Northwestern University.

Researchers in the Department of Medical Social Sciences are seeking individuals to participate in an on-line kidney cancer patient registry study (STU00043773). This study aims to help researchers evaluate the usefulness of an on-line registry, and to better understand the impact of disease symptoms and treatments on the quality of life of those with kidney cancer. Individuals age 18 or older who have been diagnosed with kidney cancer, and are able to read English sufficiently enough to complete questionnaires, are eligible to participate.

To view additional information about the study and the consent form or to enroll in the study, click on this link or visit www.MYQOL.org.

If you have questions about this study, please feel free to call the study coordinator Veronica Valenzuela at 312-503-3657.

08/26/2014

Research Grant in Kidney Cancer - Young Investigator Award

Tue, 26 Aug 2014 23:51:54 GMT

Young Investigator Award (YIA)

Application Deadline: September 25, 2014

The Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO is now accepting applications for the 2015 Young Investigator Award (YIA). The YIA, a one-year $50,000 grant, provides funding to promising investigators in the last two years of their subspecialty training to encourage and promote quality research in clinical oncology.

For 2015, CCF has funding for early career researchers who are interested in kidney cancer research.

This grant is designed to encourage investigators early in their careers by promoting the development and conduct of high-quality cancer research. Research proposals in all oncology sub-specialties and emerging disciplines are considered for funding.

The application deadline is September 25, 2014. Recipients will be announced in April 2015.

For more information please visit www.ConquerCancerFoundation.org/YIA.

Please note the following:

Applicants must be an MD, DO, or International Equivalent
Applications from outside the United States are welcome
Applicants must be ASCO members or must submit a membership application with the grant application
Applications must be completed in English
Applications must be submitted online through Easygrants

Prospective applicants can submit questions by e-mail to grants@conquercancerfoundation.org.

08/26/2014

Sequence of rare kidney cancer reveals unique alterations involving telomerase

Mon, 25 Aug 2014 14:09:58 GMT

Clues about genetic alterations that may contribute to a rare form of kidney cancer have been discovered...

08/25/2014

Diabetes mellitus is independently associated with an increased risk of mortality among clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients

Sat, 23 Aug 2014 12:41:43 GMT

Conflicting data exist regarding the interaction of diabetes mellitus (DM) with outcomes for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

08/23/2014

New Research Suggests Cancer Can't Be Cured

Sat, 23 Aug 2014 12:49:12 GMT

Cancer simply may be here to stay.

08/23/2014

The Somatic Genomic Landscape of Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 15:02:23 GMT

Comprehensive molecular analysis is performed on 66 kidney chromophobe cases

08/22/2014

Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Antibody-Drug Conjugate SGN-CD70A for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 13:02:43 GMT

"CD70 is a very promising ADC antigen, which is highly expressed in both NHL and RCC, and has minimal expression in healthy tissues," said Jonathan Drachman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, Research and Development, at Seattle Genetics.

08/21/2014

Practice Update: Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 14:08:07 GMT

Improve patient care by participating in The West Cancer Center Tumor Boards or start your own case discussions.

08/21/2014

Don't judge every tumor by its tissue

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 13:31:31 GMT

For most cancer patients and their doctors, the most important things to know about a tumor are where it arose in the body and how much it has grown.

08/19/2014

Clear cell urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder: a case report and review of the literature

Fri, 15 Aug 2014 14:34:39 GMT

Clear cell urothelial carcinoma is exceedingly rare, with only nine clinical cases described in the literature.

08/15/2014

Extremely delayed brain metastasis from renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 15 Aug 2014 14:39:29 GMT

Brain metastasis occurs in 3.9-24% of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), with an average interval from nephrectomy to brain metastasis of 1 to 3 years.

08/15/2014

Case report: Complete response of sunitinib therapy

Thu, 14 Aug 2014 15:23:17 GMT

Sunitinib was administered for 9 months, which led to complete response (CR)

08/14/2014

Obesity Ups The Ante

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 20:46:14 GMT

High body mass index (BMI) is associated with an elevated risk of various cancers in men and women, according to a new report.

08/07/2014

Active Surveillance of the Small Renal Mass

Mon, 04 Aug 2014 19:45:18 GMT

Active surveillance in kidney cancer involves closely observing the tumor with periodic imaging studies rather than immediately proceeding to an invasive treatment.

08/04/2014

First molecular test kit for kidney cancer developed by researchers

Sat, 02 Aug 2014 19:17:21 GMT

A team of researchers and doctors in Singapore has developed the first molecular test kit that can predict treatment and survival outcomes in kidney cancer patients.

08/02/2014

Brazilian researchers identify RNA that regulates cell death

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 14:52:14 GMT

Scientists were able to effect a 10-fold reduction in the volume of subcutaneous malignant tumors by administering local injections of a plasmid containing a RNA that modulates the action of an important gene in the process of programmed cell death.

07/31/2014

Which is the best surgery?

Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:50:18 GMT

07/30/2014

A New Target for Fighting Clear Cell RCC?

Sat, 26 Jul 2014 14:12:43 GMT

Scientists have discovered a new molecular target for therapy to fight clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC)...

07/26/2014

Sunitinib or Everolimus First-Line for Kidney Cancer?

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 14:28:25 GMT

The study, known as RECORD-3, was published online July 21 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

07/25/2014

The ObamaCare-IRS Nexus

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 17:05:44 GMT

The supposedly independent agency harassed the administration's political opponents and saved its health-care law.

07/25/2014

Enzyme lost in 100 percent of kidney tumors analyzed

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 11:53:24 GMT

The new study, published online this week in Nature, was led by Celeste Simon, PhD, a professor of Cell and Developmental Biology and the scientific director for the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute at Penn.

07/24/2014

Cytoreductive nephrectomy can benefit patients with mRCC

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 11:54:35 GMT

Patients treated with targeted therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) may derive significant survival benefit from cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN), particularly if their initial prognosis is good, study findings indicate.

07/24/2014

Partial nephrectomy retains edge over radical nephrectomy in larger renal tumors

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 11:55:42 GMT

Patients with renal cell carcinoma tumours larger than 4 cm benefit from undergoing elective partial nephrectomy (PN) rather than radical nephrectomy (RN) surgery, a study has found.

07/24/2014

Patient Friendly Summary 2014 European International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 19:04:08 GMT

07/24/2014

Scientists Awarded Grants To Study Cancer Cures

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 13:51:50 GMT

Dr. Andre Khalil of the University of Maine, studying breast cancer and Dr. Leif Oxburgh from Maine Medical Center Research Institute, studying kidney cancer, each received nearly $180,000 to further their research.

07/22/2014

Metabolic enzyme stops progression of kidney cancer

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 16:27:07 GMT

An enzyme called FBP1 -- essential for regulating metabolism -- binds to a transcription factor in the nucleus of certain kidney cells and restrains energy production in the cell body, researchers report.

07/21/2014

Immunotherapy for Kidney Cancer

Sat, 19 Jul 2014 02:46:12 GMT

Joseph I. Clark, MD

Immunotherapy, a type of treatment designed to enhance or restore the body’s ability to fight cancerous cells by activating the immune system, has long been a mainstay of treatment for kidney cancer, and continues to attract considerable attention from oncologists and patients alike. The attention is not only due to the clinical benefits that patients continue to experience with immunotherapy, but also to the apparent promise of newer immunotherapeutic agents that are currently being investigated in clinical trials.

Although surgical resection (removal) of the kidney is often used in patients with localized kidney cancer (i.e., that which has not spread beyond the kidney), immunotherapy and molecular-targeted therapy are generally considered standard of care in patients with metastatic disease (i.e., that which has spread to other organs). Consequently, the stage of the patient’s cancer, as well as the rate and extent of metastasis (spread), will usually determine which type of therapy the patient will receive.

Immunotherapy is a type of biological response modification therapy, so called because it is designed to improve the body’s natural response to disease. A number of immunotherapeutic approaches have been investigated in the treatment of cancer. One approach focuses on cytokines, proteins secreted by cells of the immune system that serve to regulate the immune system. Cytokines such as interferons (IFNs) and interleukins have activity in the treatment of various malignancies. One type of IFN, interferon-alfa, has been shown to regulate the immune response by activating certain types of leukocytes (white blood cells) and interfering with the division of cancer cells, and may slow tumor growth. However, although IFN-alfa is indicated for the treatment of malignant melanoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and several hematologic (blood-based) cancers, it is only approved to treat patients with kidney cancer in combination with the targeted agent, bevacizumab. Such patients are therefore more likely to be treated with one of the interleukins, a group of related proteins produced by leukocytes and other cells in the body.

High-dose interleukin-2: the standard-bearer

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is one of more than a dozen interleukins that have been identified. Naturally produced by activated T-cells, IL-2 enhances the proliferation of leukocytes, thereby boosting the body’s immune response to cancer. It also triggers production of antibodies by B-cells to attack cancer cells.

High-dose interleukin-2 (HD IL-2, also known as aldesleukin) is a laboratory-made interleukin that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992 for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Even after more than two decades of use in this patient population, HD IL-2 is still considered an important treatment for mRCC. In a recently published retrospective study conducted at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, researchers reported an overall response rate (ORR) of 16% among the 88 patients with mRCC who received HD IL-2, including four patients (4.5%) who had a complete response (CR). Median overall survival (OS) was 35.5 months, and 60% of the patients in this study were still alive after 2 years. Other recent HD IL-2 studies have reported ORRs in the range of 25-30%, durable CRs of 7.5-8.0%, and median OS ranging from 36.5 to 42.8 months.[1]^,[2]

Sequential treatment for kidney cancer: when to use immunotherapy

One of the major questions oncologists face is when to administer the various types of medications that are available to treat patients with kidney cancer, and which drug to use first. In addition to immunotherapy, available drugs include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), a group of targeted therapies that include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors.

Although the VEGF inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed medications for kidney cancer, and are most frequently used as initial treatment, evidence suggests that starting with immunotherapy, and then switching to a TKI once the disease progresses, provides a longer-term benefit than that seen with targeted therapy alone.[3] Even if patients do not respond to initial HD IL-2 therapy, some studies suggest they may benefit more from second-line TKI therapy if they first receive IL-2, based on reports of longer median OS and more durable responses than those observed in patients who were not initially treated with IL-2.^2,3

The future of immunotherapy

While HD IL-2 remains an important therapy for patients with kidney cancer, newer types of immunotherapeutic agents appear to hold great promise. Such agents include PD-1 inhibitors, a type of monoclonal antibody (a laboratory-made protein that binds to cancer cells) that interferes with an immune system checkpoint known as the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) pathway. Preliminary reports suggest that PD-1 inhibitors are at least as effective as HD IL-2 in patients with clear-cell renal carcinoma, in terms of the number of responders and extended survival.[4]^,[5],[6] Moreover, the reported response rates and duration of benefit appear to give the PD-1 inhibitors an advantage over the TKIs, whose primary advantage is an improvement in progression-free survival (PFS), without inducing durable long-term remissions.

If the early results with the PD-1 inhibitors are borne out by future clinical trials, the pendulum may swing back to using immunotherapeutic agents as initial therapy for the majority of patients with kidney cancer, especially those with advanced disease. Additionally, the anti-PD-1 agents are designed to be administered in the outpatient setting, adding an element of convenience that may dramatically change the way kidney cancer is treated.

In the future, there will probably be more studies comparing different sequences of immunotherapy and TKIs for the treatment of kidney cancer, along with more studies of combination therapy. The latter will likely include studies in which immunotherapeutic agents and TKIs are used in combination, as well as those that combine two or more immunotherapeutic agents in a treatment regimen. Ongoing combination and sequencing studies will surely generate continued interest in these approaches.

Clearly, immunotherapy still plays an important role in the treatment of kidney cancer, and ongoing research suggests it will continue to play that role, even if not every patient benefits from it. Ten years from now, we may be talking about immunotherapy as first-line therapy for the vast majority of patients with kidney cancer. While the TKIs will also continue to have a role, these agents may be used less often in the first-line setting, and may largely be restricted to sequential therapy or to use in patients who are not considered candidates for immunotherapy.

Whatever type of therapy emerges as the most commonly used treatment, oncology researchers will continue to strive to advance our understanding of the optimal therapeutic approaches for patients with kidney cancer. That will require sufficient numbers of patients who are willing to enroll in clinical trials of investigational therapies. With the help of patients participating in clinical trials, we can learn more about how to improve the lives of individuals living with kidney cancer, and may even reach our ultimate goal of eliminating this devastating disease.

[1] Dandamudi UB, Ghebremichael M, Sosman JA, et al. A phase II study of bevacizumab and high dose interleukin-2 in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a cytokine working group (CWG) study. J Immunother 2013;36:490-495.

[2] McDermott DF, Cheng SC, Signoretti S, et al. The high dose (HD IL-2) “select” trial: a trial designed to prospectively validate predictive models of response to HD IL-2 treatment in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Submitted to Clin Cancer Res 2014.

[3] Morse M, McDermott DF, Daniels GA, et al. High-dose (HD) IL-2 for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in the targeted therapy era: extension of OS benefits beyond complete response (CR) and partial response (PR). J Clin Oncol 2014;32(5s):abstr 4523.

[4] Topalian SL, Hodi FS, Brahmer JR, et al. Safety, activity, and immune correlates of anti-PD-1 antibody in cancer. N Engl J Med 2012;366(26):2443-2454.

[5] Brahmer JR, Tykodi SS, Chow LQM, et al. Safety and activity of anti-PD-L1 antibody in patients with advanced cancer. N Engl J Med 2012;366(26):2455-2465.

[6] Hammers HJ, Plimack ER, Infante JR, et al. Phase I study of nivolumab in combination with ipilimumab in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). J Clin Oncol 2014;32(5s):abstr 4504.

07/18/2014

University of Houston researchers create new method to draw molecules from live cells

Sat, 19 Jul 2014 02:54:42 GMT

Technique using magnetic nanomaterials offers promise for diagnosis, gene therapy

07/18/2014

Football squad raises $131K at annual Lift For Life

Sun, 13 Jul 2014 13:54:47 GMT

“To see the impact that we make on the families around the area, with kidney cancer families, is always very rewarding,” tight end Adam Breneman said.

07/13/2014

Information Regarding Compound Medicine

Sun, 06 Jul 2014 15:37:39 GMT

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING COMPOUND MEDICINE

Many well-known pharmacy benefit managers and insurance companies, including Express Scripts, Catamaran, Optum, United HealthCare, and BCBS of various states, have made major changes to their coverage of prescribed compounded medicines.

Why it Matters

Compounded medicines are used to treat a number of serious health conditions such as autism, many forms of cancer and chronic pain. Additionally, compounded medicines are often an essential part of ongoing health care for many women, men and small children.

No one can predict what medical needs they’ll face tomorrow. So, even if you don’t need compounded medicines today, you, or a member of your family, may need them in the future.

Time is Short

Many providers are changing their coverage policies in the middle of the year, with limited notice in several cases. When benefits packages change mid-year, out-of-pocket costs can rise almost immediately.

Take Action

If you have prescription coverage through your insurance plan, contact your employer’s Human Resources department immediately and ask them to protect your access to compounded medications.

Don’t Stop There

Make sure you spread the word to your colleagues, neighbors, friends, relatives and social media followers. Learn more at www.saverxaccess.org.

07/06/2014

Podcast: About Kidney Cancer

Fri, 27 Jun 2014 12:29:33 GMT

Your browser does not support native audio, but you can download this MP3 to listen on your device.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer, with more than 200,000 new cases of RCC diagnosed worldwide each year, and 25-30% of kidney cancer patients diagnosed with metastatic disease. With advancements in medical science, patients with advanced RCC can now have better chances of surviving cancer as Professor Dr. Marniza Saad informs us

06/27/2014

A Clinical Trial For Kidney Cancer

Fri, 27 Jun 2014 12:50:31 GMT

06/27/2014

MET is a potential target across all papillary renal cell carcinomas

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 11:58:46 GMT

Recent report of MET inhibition strengthened the role of c–Met inhibition across pRCC.

06/17/2014

Case Study: Observation in Metastatic RCC

Sat, 14 Jun 2014 10:39:24 GMT

Occasionally, patients present with very indolent disease and may not require initial treatments, notes Robert A. Figlin, MD. The identification of these patients can be challenging, as can knowing when to initiate therapy.

06/14/2014

Low cholesterol may increase kidney cancer patients' risk of dying

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 14:30:47 GMT

Patients with high cholesterol had a 43 percent lower risk of dying.

06/12/2014

Phase 1 Cancer Trial for Altiratinib (DCC-2701) MET/TIE2/VEGFR/TRK Kinase Inhibitor for Solid Tumors

Sat, 31 May 2014 19:53:03 GMT

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on improved kinase inhibitor treatments for cancer today announced the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial of its MET/TIE2/VEGFR2/TRK inhibitor altiratinib (DCC-2701). The Phase 1 trial will evaluate the safety tolerability and initial efficacy of altiratinib in cancer patients with solid tumors. Altiratinib has been shown to exhibit high potency and selectivity for inhibiting MET TIE2 VEGFR2 and TRK kinases in preclinical studies. A companion diagnostic assay will also be co-developed during the course of clinical studies.

05/31/2014

ASCO 2014 Renal Cell Carcinoma Abstracts

Sat, 31 May 2014 19:59:53 GMT

Abstracts mentioning renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) from the 2014 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago.

05/31/2014

Cell-Cycle Gene Test Shows Early Promise in Clear Cell RCC - See more at: http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/aua-2014/Cell-Cycle-Gene-Test-Shows-Early-Promise-in-Clear-Cell-RCC#sthash.DhoRovxs

Wed, 21 May 2014 18:13:29 GMT

A cell-cycle gene array test demonstrated independent value for predicting metastatic progression after surgery for organ-confined renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of clear cell histology...

05/21/2014

Results of our recent Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) survey

Wed, 21 May 2014 18:34:33 GMT

74% of respondents say they were able to obtain coverage through the Affordable Care Act

47% report having lost access to a doctor, hospital, treatment center, or medicine

43% have had difficulty using a preferred doctor, treatment, or medical facility

44% report having their health insurance cancelled due to the Affordable Care Act

50% say their insurance premium and/or co-pay has increased due to the Affordable Care Act

This non-scientific survey tends to mirror the results of other polls, pointing to significant problems for people living with cancer.

05/21/2014

Intratumour heterogeneity in renal and lung cancer

Wed, 21 May 2014 19:36:01 GMT

Prof Charles Swanton - CRUK London Research Institute and UCL, London, UK

Prof Swanton talks to ecancertv at the EIKCS conference about his work looking at intratumour heterogeneity in renal and lung cancer.

'Intratumour heterogeneity' refers to the subpopulations of cells with distinct genomic alterations within the same solid tumour and its discovery is likely to have implications for cancer therapeutics and biomarkers.

05/21/2014

Centrose receives National Cancer Institute grant

Tue, 20 May 2014 14:57:26 GMT

Madison-based biotech firm Centrose received a six-month $224,734 grant...

05/20/2014

Study Confirms Clinical Benefit for Interleukin-2

Wed, 07 May 2014 17:54:36 GMT

Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma face a poor prognosis; currently, 30% of patients already have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, according to national data.

05/07/2014

An antimicrobial drug may help in treating advanced kidney cancer

Wed, 07 May 2014 18:00:11 GMT

"The strategy of repurposing drugs that are currently being used for other indications is of significant interest to the medical community..."

05/07/2014

Surgical strategies available for renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 07 May 2014 20:10:05 GMT

Prof Wood talks to ecancertv at the EIKCS conference about the different surgical strategies available for approaching renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava invasion and their outcomes post-surgery.

05/07/2014

Bristol-Myers Squibb Continues to Lead the Advancement of Immuno-Oncology

Tue, 06 May 2014 13:49:20 GMT

Results for nivolumab and Yervoy® (ipilimumab) as a combination regimen in three tumor types to be presented, including melanoma and the first findings in non-small cell lung cancer and renal cell carcinoma.

05/06/2014

Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma Clinical Trials Review 2014

Thu, 01 May 2014 12:32:45 GMT

Global Clinical Trials Review, H1, 2014" provides data on the Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma clinical trial scenario.

05/01/2014

A phase 2, single-arm study of ramucirumab in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 01 May 2014 12:36:38 GMT

Resistance to these agents develops frequently, and their use is often limited by intolerance.

05/01/2014

BJUI Special Issue Puts Focus on Kidney Cancer

Thu, 01 May 2014 12:49:38 GMT

Volume 113, Issue 5b (May, 2014)

05/01/2014

Take the KCA Summer Fitness Challenge

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 13:03:21 GMT

Celebrity board member actress Denise Richards invites you to take the Fitness Challenge

04/30/2014

Kidney Cancer Association Gathers Hundreds of Medical Professionals in Dublin

Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:54:04 GMT

European International Kidney Cancer Symposium helps unlock cancer's secrets.

04/28/2014

Bernard Escudier, MD, Delivers Prestigious Memorial Lecture in Dublin

Mon, 28 Apr 2014 13:01:24 GMT

Follow this link to the CNN iReport Video

04/28/2014

Prof. Martin Gore Delivers Schonfeld Memorial Lecture in Dublin

Mon, 28 Apr 2014 13:04:35 GMT

04/28/2014

Penn State Athletics Charity Auction

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 12:11:24 GMT

Bid on a PSU Football team worn jersey with proceeds to benefit the Kidney Cancer Association

04/22/2014

Free Kidney Cancer App for iPhone & iPad

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 13:19:46 GMT

In the App Store; a free app for patients, survivors, and family members. Coming soon--a free prognostic tool for medical professionals.

04/21/2014

Take The 2014 Kidney Cancer Fitness Challenge!

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 14:31:16 GMT

Did you know that exercise can play a key role in your recovery from cancer? Here's a fun way to improve your fitness, overall health, and your emotional response to cancer. Building on the success of our 2013 Challenge, this year's Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) Summer Fitness Challenge offers participants the opportunity to become fit and stay active, while raising funds for the world's oldest, largest, and most trusted kidney cancer charity. You don't have to travel, join a group, or commit to a specific exercise program—just get off the sofa!

Commit to an ongoing program of healthy physical activity between now and June 30, and then confirm your participation by visiting our Facebook page to post a comment or by purchasing apparel that helps to promote awareness of kidney cancer and the need for a cure.

Thu, 17 Apr 2014 14:02:25 GMT

Kidney cancer survival rates have shown a significant rise in spite of rising incidence of the disease, according to a new report* by Public Health England’s National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN).

04/17/2014

3D-printed kidneys could become standard for simulated cancer surgery

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 16:16:38 GMT

At the European Association of Urology congress in Stockholm, Sweden, surgeons from Japan announced that they have created 3D-printed tumor-containing kidneys for the use of simulated cancer surgery.

04/15/2014

Renal medullary carcinoma in a white adolescent with sickle cell trait

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 16:25:37 GMT

Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a rare neoplasm of the kidney that has been recently described.

04/15/2014

Moffitt Cancer Center begins Phase I clinical trial of new immunotherapy

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 13:39:14 GMT

The drug, ID-G305, harnesses the body's immune system to fight various cancers

04/11/2014

Kidney Cancer Facebook Page Nears 100,000 "Likes"

Wed, 09 Apr 2014 19:02:22 GMT

"We're closing in on 100,000 'Likes' on our Facebook page," says Carrie Konosky, Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) Vice President for Public Affairs. "With the achievement of this milestone close at hand, we are beginning to consolidate social media resources," she adds. "This will make navigating our website a simpler experience for users."

KidneyCancer.ME, a website dedicated to bringing together patients, survivors, and caregivers, has been integrated with KCA's Facebook page. This eliminates the need for users to switch back and forth between social media. Although KidneyCancer.ME had thousands of users, its membership was dwarfed by that of KCA's strong presence on Facebook.

"This change is effective today," Konosky says. "For those who prefer a more intimate social network, KCA maintains several smaller Facebook groups that are dedicated to various aspects of dealing with renal cancers."

04/09/2014

Renal cancer cells thrive when put in right environment

Mon, 07 Apr 2014 15:14:40 GMT

Researchers found renal cancer cells planted in a supportive environment proliferate with the help of an enzyme usually only seen in the brain.

04/07/2014

Case report: long-lasting response in a patient with metastatic renal cell cancer

Mon, 07 Apr 2014 15:22:00 GMT

Adoptive immunotherapy can be a therapeutic option...

04/07/2014

RxPathways: Connecting Patients to the Help They Need

Wed, 02 Apr 2014 13:20:15 GMT

Pfizer RxPathways, formerly Pfizer Helpful Answers, is a comprehensive assistance program that provides eligible patients with a range of support services...

04/02/2014

LONG TERM USE OF PAINKILLERS CAN CAUSE KIDNEY CANCER

Wed, 02 Apr 2014 15:05:40 GMT

A study published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicinehas shown that people who regularly take painkiller drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen are 51 percent more likely to develop kidney cancer.

04/02/2014

Results from phase III patient preference study of GSK’s Votrient® (pazopanib) vs. Sutent® (sunitinib)

Wed, 02 Apr 2014 15:12:45 GMT

The primary objective of this study was to assess how the tolerability and safety differences between GSK’s Votrient (pazopanib) versus Sutent (sunitinib)...

04/02/2014

Immunicum submits the final report for its phase I/II trial in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 18:52:15 GMT

Immunicum® AB (publ) today submitted the final report to the Swedish Medical Products Agency regarding its clinical phase I/II study in 12 patients with newly diagnosed kidney cancer, treated with the cancer vaccine INTUVAX®. No vaccine-related serious adverse events were noted and the report presents a hitherto achieved median survival for patients with poor prognosis that clearly exceeds the expected median survival for patients treated with established drugs.

04/01/2014

Kidney Cancer Association March 2014 Newsletter

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 14:01:02 GMT

Breaking news from the KCA

03/29/2014

Hyponatremia Associated with Poorer Overall Survival

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 14:16:36 GMT

In metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) patients treated with targeted therapy, baseline hyponatremia is associated with poorer overall survival (OS), time to treatment failure (TTF), and disease control rate (DCR), according to a study published in European Urology.

03/29/2014

Court bans export of generic kidney, liver cancer medication

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 13:24:14 GMT

Sorafenat is the generic alternative to Bayer's Nexavar, and is used to treat a type of kidney cancer called advanced renal cell carcinoma as well as liver cancer.

03/28/2014

Elderly cancer victims could be denied drugs

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 13:47:56 GMT

Thousands of seriously ill cancer patients could be denied treatment under changes to the way drugs are funded...

03/27/2014

Husband Seeks Compassionate Use Of Anti-PD-1 Drug For Young Wife With Rare Kidney Cancer

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 13:50:11 GMT

Enrolling in a clinical trial has been difficult because Mikaela’s past treatment and need for corticosteroids to control brain swelling are criteria that exclude her from most Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials.

03/27/2014

Get "Survivors Stories" Five Ways

Wed, 26 Mar 2014 23:47:42 GMT

We Have Kidney Cancer: Survivors Stories is available in five different formats, including as a PDF download, Kindle book and paperback (on Amazon.com), on YouTube, and on KidneyCancerRadio.com.

03/26/2014

Study reveals a major mechanism driving kidney cancer progression

Sat, 22 Mar 2014 13:31:21 GMT

The shortage of oxygen, or hypoxia, created when rapidly multiplying kidney cancer cells outgrow their local blood supply can accelerate tumor growth...

03/22/2014

Renal mass biopsy rates increasing in kidney cancer

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 16:03:06 GMT

Rates of renal mass biopsy (RMB) have been historically low in patients with kidney cancer, but are steadily rising, shows an analysis of Medicare data.

03/20/2014

BNC105 Phase II Renal Cancer Trial Results

Wed, 19 Mar 2014 13:00:31 GMT

Results show BNC105 utility in patients with advanced disease

03/19/2014

Distinguishing between renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 18 Mar 2014 13:39:11 GMT

Raman molecular imaging was evaluated as a tool for differentiating between kidney tumors which are sometimes confused using conventional histopathological methods.

03/18/2014

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib decreases (111)In-girentuximab uptake in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:49:50 GMT

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

03/14/2014

Kidney Cancer Association Invests $1.4 Million in Research Activities

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 17:20:50 GMT

The world’s oldest charity dedicated exclusively to the eradication of renal cancers, the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA), highlights the importance of research during March, Kidney Cancer Awareness Month.

03/13/2014

World Kidney Day Live Web Chat 13 March, 2014

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 14:48:49 GMT

03/12/2014

Hollywood's Denise Richards Promotes Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

Thu, 06 Mar 2014 12:20:32 GMT

March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month and the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) and its nearly 90,000 members in more than 100 countries are celebrating by honoring the many collaborators who have helped to make it the largest organization of its kind.

03/06/2014

Cancer Genetics Announces Compelling Diagnostic Sensitivity (99%) and Accuracy (93%) for Its Patent-Protected Genomic Kidney Cancer Test

Thu, 06 Mar 2014 14:38:16 GMT

Cancer Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CGIX) ("CGI") announced today the results of a collaborative study conducted with The Cleveland Clinic to validate CGI's kidney cancer microarray test.

03/06/2014

ACA Causing Some Kidney Cancer Patients to Lose Health Coverage

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 12:58:05 GMT

03/05/2014

Neurologic status at surgery affects metastatic spinal renal cell carcinoma survival

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 15:10:13 GMT

Neurological status at surgery, the grade of the original nephrectomy specimen and activity of the systemic disease were factors found to influence a patient’s survival after spine surgery for metastatic spinal renal cell carcinoma...

02/28/2014

Calithera begins phase I study of CB-839 in patients with advanced solid tumours

Thu, 27 Feb 2014 14:07:55 GMT

CB-839 is a potent, selective, orally bioavailable inhibitor of glutaminase that interferes with tumor metabolism and blocks cancer cell growth and survival.

02/27/2014

Partial nephrectomy may offer younger renal cancer patients survival advantage

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 16:26:18 GMT

Overall survival at 10 years was 94.0% with nephron-sparing surgery and 89.7% with radical nephrectomy, with a hazard ratio of 0.50.

02/26/2014

Perioperative blood transfusion worsens kidney cancer patients’ survival

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 16:27:26 GMT

Receipt of a blood transfusion significantly reduced cancer-specific (68 vs 92%) and recurrence-free survival (63 vs 88%) at 5-years’ follow-up on univariate analysis.

02/26/2014

Transgene Announces Plans for a Phase 1b/2 Trial with Pexa-Vec in Advanced Solid Tumors

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 16:30:08 GMT

The Phase 1b/2 trial will evaluate Pexa-Vec in combination with metronomic cyclophosphamide, a drug used in combination with other therapies to treat a wide variety of cancers.

02/26/2014

The only top 10 cancer where survival rates are falling

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 16:31:31 GMT

Yet, it is still a cancer that is hardly ever talked about.

02/26/2014

Forty-nine-month survival in a metastatic renal cell carcinoma patient across six lines of targeted therapy

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 16:34:13 GMT

The survival and prognosis of mRCC patients may thus be significantly improved with the suitable use of newer targeted agents.

02/26/2014

Cancer Genetics (CGIX) to Present Positive Data from UroGenRA-Kidney Test

Tue, 25 Feb 2014 14:03:02 GMT

Cancer Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CGIX) announced that new data that further validates its UroGenRA-Kidney diagnostic test for renal cell cancer...

02/25/2014

Advanced age should not preclude sunitinib use for mRCC

Sun, 23 Feb 2014 16:49:44 GMT

Elderly kidney cancer patients benefit from sunitinib therapy just as much as their younger counterparts, a retrospective analysis of six clinical trials shows.

02/24/2014

Stephen Blackwood: ObamaCare and My Mother's Cancer Medicine

Mon, 24 Feb 2014 14:15:19 GMT

The news was dumbfounding. She used to have a policy that covered the drug that kept her alive. Now she's on her own.

02/24/2014

Altering sunitinib dosing schedule improves tolerability

Sun, 23 Feb 2014 16:48:13 GMT

Shortening the time that patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma are on and off treatment with sunitinib improves the drug’s overall tolerability without affecting its efficacy, say Japanese researchers.

02/23/2014

Kidney cancer care improves with vaccine-based approach

Thu, 20 Feb 2014 14:09:48 GMT

The Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute has opened a novel Phase III, vaccine-based clinical trial aimed at providing kidney cancer patients long-term control of their disease.

02/20/2014

Comparative outcomes of everolimus, temsirolimus and sorafenib as second targeted therapies

Thu, 20 Feb 2014 14:14:28 GMT

To compare outcomes of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients treated with everolimus, temsirolimus, and sorafenib following initial treatment with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in community and academic practices throughout the US.

02/20/2014

Sunitinib safe, effective in patients with mRCC, renal insufficiency

Fri, 14 Feb 2014 13:43:20 GMT

Sunitinib demonstrated encouraging activity and manageable toxicities in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and renal insufficiency, according to study results.

02/14/2014

Is yours a "junk" health plan? Obamacare may say it is, but perhaps not.

Thu, 13 Feb 2014 15:40:20 GMT

According to The Heritage Foundation, Obamacare disrupts nearly all areas of health care. Governed by an independent Board of Trustees, The Heritage Foundation is an independent, tax-exempt institution.

02/13/2014

Clinical Trials and Health Insurance Coverage

Wed, 12 Feb 2014 20:20:03 GMT

New patient information is now available on Cancer.Net about the coverage of costs for research study participation under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which now requires health insurance companies to cover routine costs associated with approved clinical trials.

02/12/2014

The political origins of health inequity: prospects for change

Tue, 11 Feb 2014 14:31:14 GMT

Despite large gains in health over the past few decades, the distribution of health risks worldwide remains extremely and unacceptably uneven.

02/11/2014

Vitreous Hemorrhage as the Initial Sign of Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastasis

Tue, 11 Feb 2014 14:33:19 GMT

Choroidal metastases generally appear as a solitary, yellow- or orange-colored mass in the macula or perimacular region of the eye. In an analysis of 520 eyes with uveal metastasis, the tumor appeared as a solitary mass (71%) with mean basal dimension of 9 mm and mean thickness of 3 mm.1 In that analysis, associated findings included subretinal fluid (73%) and retinal pigment epithelial alterations (57%). Hemorrhage is an unusual finding with choroidal metastatic disease. Single case reports have highlighted this rare association.

02/11/2014

Survival Outcomes Similar Regardless of Sorafenib-Sunitinib Sequence in mRCC

Mon, 10 Feb 2014 15:09:43 GMT

The SWITCH trial makes it official: it makes no difference whether patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) first start on sorafenib and then switch to sunitinib upon progression or vice versa.

02/10/2014

Prognostic Tools that Help Make Sense of Localized RCC Heterogeneity, Guide the Decision-Making Process

Mon, 10 Feb 2014 15:11:53 GMT

One of the greatest challenges clinicians face in treating patients with small renal masses is to make sense of tumor heterogeneity and determine how best to treat these individuals.

02/10/2014

Left ventricular infiltration from thyroid papillary carcinoma mimicking the electrocardiographic changes of acute myocardial infarction

Sun, 09 Feb 2014 15:35:51 GMT

No abstract (ahead of publication)

02/09/2014

Defining Early-Onset Kidney Cancer: Implications for Germline and Somatic Mutation Testing and Clinical Management

Sun, 09 Feb 2014 15:36:58 GMT

Purpose Approximately 5% to 8% of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is hereditary. No guidelines exist for patient selection for RCC germline mutation testing. We evaluate how age of onset could indicate the need for germline mutation testing for detection of inherited forms of kidney cancer.

02/09/2014

Journal of the National Cancer Institute: Investigation of the Obesity Paradox in RCC

Fri, 07 Feb 2014 19:32:58 GMT

Obesity increases risk for clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, but obese patients appear to experience longer survival than nonobese patients. Why the paradox?

02/07/2014

Results of the MARS study in renal cell carcinoma

Sun, 02 Feb 2014 16:08:53 GMT

Dr Vincent Launay-Vacher - Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital, Paris, France

02/02/2014

MET variant as a prognostic marker in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Sun, 02 Feb 2014 16:09:48 GMT

Dr Ari Hakimi - Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA

02/02/2014

Dr. Primo Lara Presents His Top Five Lists in Renal Cancer Research

Sun, 02 Feb 2014 16:12:01 GMT

Primo Lara, MD, of the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, counts down the top five successes and disappointments in the past 20 years of renal cancer research. High on the list of successes: multispecialty coordination in renal cancer research and patient care.

02/02/2014

Access the kidney cancer CONNECT Registry

Fri, 31 Jan 2014 19:08:07 GMT

"By working together and sharing information, we can transform medicine in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago."

01/31/2014

The development of squamous cell carcinoma in a patient after kidney transplantation

Fri, 31 Jan 2014 19:53:07 GMT

In patients with organ transplantation as compared to the general population the risk of cancer is significantly increased.

01/31/2014

2014 ASCO GU Renal Cell Cancer Abstracts

Fri, 31 Jan 2014 20:06:20 GMT

Meeting abstracts--search free!

01/31/2014

ASIs Improve Survival: News from 2014 ASCO GU

Sat, 01 Feb 2014 02:28:50 GMT

Learn more...

01/31/2014

Outcome predicted by early tumor response from stereotactic radiosurgery

Thu, 30 Jan 2014 14:44:34 GMT

"We could eventually predict for individual patients before we treat them what the likelihood is that they would respond," said Dr. Ewend.

01/30/2014

AGS-003 Clinical Trail Update

Fri, 31 Jan 2014 00:19:28 GMT

For more: read press release online

01/30/2014

Argos Therapeutics To Present Progress Update On Adapt Phase 3 Trial With AGS-003 At 2014 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 22:15:22 GMT

Argos Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of fully personalized immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases using its Arcelis™ technology platform, today announced that the company will present a trial-in-progress update on the company's ongoing pivotal phase 3 clinical trial of AGS-003 for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

01/29/2014

Randomized Controlled Trial of Expressive Writing for Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 23:37:29 GMT

This randomized controlled trial examined the quality-of-life benefits of an expressive writing (EW) intervention for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and identified a potential underlying mechanism of intervention efficacy.

01/29/2014

Vote For A Rare Disease Champion

Tue, 28 Jan 2014 13:55:32 GMT

Vote in the Uplifting Athletes Competition Today

01/28/2014

Early tumor response from stereotactic radiosurgery predicts outcom

Tue, 28 Jan 2014 14:10:01 GMT

The response of a patient with metastatic brain tumors to treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery in the first six-to-twelve weeks can indicate whether follow-up treatments and monitoring are necessary, according to research conducted at the University of North Carolina.

01/28/2014

FDG-PET as a predictive biomarker

Tue, 28 Jan 2014 14:13:43 GMT

The mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor, everolimus, affects tumor growth by targeting cellular metabolic proliferation pathways and delays renal cell carcinoma (RCC) progression.

01/28/2014

The Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Award

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 16:17:49 GMT

Your Vote Counts!

The Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Award is given to a leader in college football, individual or organization, who has realized his or her potential to make a positive and lasting impact on the rare disease community. Online voting ends January 31st.

01/15/2014

The link between smoking cannabis and lung disease and cancer

Sat, 11 Jan 2014 14:21:12 GMT

01/11/2014

Rexahn initiates Phase Ib clinical trial of RX-3117 for treatment of solid tumors

Fri, 10 Jan 2014 15:51:50 GMT

RX-3117 has broad spectrum anti-tumor activity against 80 different human cancer cell lines (including NSCLC, breast, ovarian, pancreas, colon, renal, brain, bladder, cervical) and efficacy in 12 different mouse xenograft models (including colorectal, non-small cell lung, pancreatic and renal cell carcinoma) superior to that of gemcitabine.

01/10/2014

Most California Physicians Refuse to See Obamacare Patients

Fri, 10 Jan 2014 19:33:28 GMT

70% of physicians in California are rebelling against the state's Obamacare health insurance exchange and won't participate--these include top-rated kidney cancer doctors.

01/10/2014

NewLink Genetics initiates Phase I renal cell cancer trial

Tue, 07 Jan 2014 18:53:03 GMT

NewLink Genetics Corporation, a biopharmaceutical company, has initiated a first in human Phase I clinical trial of HyperAcute Renal immunotherapy in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer.

01/07/2014

Factors affecting survival in 267 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastasis from renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 07 Jan 2014 19:04:19 GMT

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) frequently metastasizes to the spine, and the prognosis can be quite variable.

01/07/2014

FIVE FINALISTS FOR 2014 RARE DISEASE CHAMPION AWARD

Tue, 07 Jan 2014 20:14:11 GMT

Utah linebacker Trevor Reilly is a finalist for the Uplifting Athletes 2014 Rare Disease Champion Award. His daughter, who is only 15 months old, is battling kidney cancer. To vote for him, please click here. Your vote counts! Please pass this along to your friends and request they vote for Trevor, too.

01/07/2014

I'm Suing Over ObamaCare Exemptions for Congress

Mon, 06 Jan 2014 14:35:48 GMT

If the president wants to change the health-care law, he must ask Congress to do it.

01/06/2014

NCI: Smoking Marijuana Causes Lung Cancer

Mon, 06 Jan 2014 20:17:25 GMT

40-year study validates the link between smoking and the development of cancer. Smoking is a risk factor for kidney cancer.

01/06/2014

Hating On ObamaCare Somewhere In The Pacific

Fri, 03 Jan 2014 15:43:31 GMT

The net result of ObamaCare, thus far, is that more people have lost coverage under ObamaCare, than have gained coverage. And the worst is yet to come.

01/03/2014

Cancer Immunotherapy: Science's breakthrough of the year

Fri, 03 Jan 2014 15:53:09 GMT

Science magazine chooses for its section 2013 Breakthrough of the Year, the subject of cancer immunotherapy, claiming that this form of treatment has marked a "turning point", as the human body's own immune system is honed in to direct the fight against the cancerous cells.

01/03/2014

Rosetta Genomics receives NYSDOH approval for Rosetta Kidney Cancer Test

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:43:57 GMT

Rosetta Genomics Ltd., a molecular diagnostics company, has received conditional approval from the New York State Department of Health, or NYSDOH, for the Rosetta Kidney Cancer Test for testing on patient samples from the state.

01/02/2014

Recent Cancer-related Search Questions

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 14:24:55 GMT

Not only experts, but also novice users can find this tool useful in quickly finding answers to all their Cancer-related questions. Currently, the expert's knowledge base covers nearly 14,000 questions, and several million chunks of information.

01/01/2014

FREE Books About Kidney Cancer and End-of-Life Issues

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 13:57:46 GMT

110 pages and 13 languages, written by experts in the treatment of renal cancers.

12/30/2013

12th International Kidney Cancer Symposium (An Overview)

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 15:41:34 GMT

12/30/2013

New robotic kidney tumor procedure benefits high-risk patients

Sat, 28 Dec 2013 14:55:15 GMT

Surgeons at Beaumont Health System are pioneering a technique that uses robotic surgery to remove cancerous kidney tumors in patients with only one kidney.

12/28/2013

What's Your Story?

Sat, 28 Dec 2013 15:47:34 GMT

Kidney Cancer Connect enables survivors and caregivers to put themselves on an interactive world map, enabling families to connect with others who are on the same cancer journey. Login with Facebook.

12/28/2013

Kidney Cancer Association Live Support Online through New Year’s Day

Fri, 27 Dec 2013 20:33:35 GMT

Global cancer charity strives to serve patients through the holiday.

12/27/2013

Kidney Cancer Association Live Support Online Christmas Day

Tue, 24 Dec 2013 14:15:00 GMT

World’s Largest Renal Cancer Charity Strives to Serve Patients Through the Holiday

12/24/2013

Sunlight exposure may cause skin tumour development in TSC

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 19:19:52 GMT

UV rays in sunlight cause DNA damage and sun exposure is a major risk factor in most skin cancers. A recent study from Harvard suggests that sun exposure may also worsen the number and severity of skin lesions found in tuberous sclerosis patients (Tyburczy et al., 2013)

12/23/2013

Cancer Research UK and AstraZeneca sign deal to repurpose asthma drug that could fight kidney cancer

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 19:21:47 GMT

Cancer Research UK and Cancer Research Technology – the charity’s development and commercialisation arm – have reached an agreement with AstraZeneca to take AZD2098, an experimental drug originally designed for asthma, into a clinical trial to treat kidney cancer.

12/23/2013

Cancer Immunotherapy Named Science 'Breakthrough of the Year'

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 15:36:08 GMT

A type of cancer treatment that directs the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells has been named as the "breakthrough of the year" by one of the world's top science journals.

12/20/2013

NEWLINK GENETICS LAUNCHES PHASE I CLINICAL TRIAL

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 15:41:05 GMT

NewLink Genetics Corporation (NASDAQ: NLNK), a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing cancer therapeutics, today announced that it had launched a first in human Phase 1 clinical trial of HyperAcute Renal immunotherapy in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer.

12/20/2013

Merck, Glaxo to Partner on Renal Cell Cancer Treatment

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:04:58 GMT

Merck is looking for more collaborations like the one with Glaxo to test how MK-3475 works with other anticancer treatments against a variety of tumor types...

12/19/2013

Technology shortens cancer treatment time

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 17:51:04 GMT

"I had very minor side effects," Bachelor said. "After the last one, I just had a little tiredness for a few days."

12/18/2013

STK15 F31I Polymorphism and Cancer Susceptibility

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 14:55:53 GMT

The association between the Serine/threonine kinase 15 (STK15) F31I polymorphism (rs2273535) and cancer susceptibility remains controversial. To further investigate this potential relationship, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of 27 published studies involving a total of 19,267 multiple cancer cases and 24,359 controls.

12/17/2013

Researchers evaluating immunotherapy approaches for treating metastatic kidney, prostate, bladder cancers

Sat, 14 Dec 2013 14:36:13 GMT

Researchers at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) Center for Immunotherapy are enrolling patients in three different clinical trials of novel immunotherapy approaches for treating genitourinary cancers.

12/14/2013

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with concomitant sarcomatoid transformation

Sat, 14 Dec 2013 14:37:53 GMT

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma is the third most common form of adult renal epithelial neoplasm. A sarcomatoid component occurs in approximately 8% of all chromophobe renal cell carcinoma cases, while metaplastic bone formation is extremely rare.

12/14/2013

PKPD Modeling of Predictors for Adverse Effects and Overall Survival in Sunitinib-Treated Patients

Thu, 12 Dec 2013 21:13:45 GMT

A modeling framework relating exposure, biomarkers (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFR)-2, -3, soluble stem cell factor receptor (sKIT)), and tumor growth to overall survival (OS) was extended to include adverse effects (myelosuppression, hypertension, fatigue, and hand–foot syndrome (HFS).

12/12/2013

Laser therapy may boost vaccine potency

Thu, 12 Dec 2013 21:14:55 GMT

Visit spurs Mass. General doctor to pursue treatment

12/12/2013

Early tumor shrinkage predicts targeted therapy efficacy

Thu, 12 Dec 2013 21:16:34 GMT

Early tumor shrinkage in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) following vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy may herald good long-term survival, research shows.

12/12/2013

Low sodium levels linked to poor targeted therapy outcomes

Study: Smoking Worsens Treatment Outcome

Fri, 06 Dec 2013 16:34:52 GMT

Ascorbic Acid and Contrast-induced Kidney Injury

Fri, 06 Dec 2013 19:15:59 GMT

12/06/2013

A New Type of Renal Cancer

Thu, 05 Dec 2013 13:42:15 GMT

Tubulocystic Carcinoma of the Kidney

12/05/2013

Renal Cancer and Blood Type

Thu, 05 Dec 2013 15:27:10 GMT

12/05/2013

Predicting outcome for high-dose IL-2 therapy in cancer patients

Tue, 03 Dec 2013 14:15:39 GMT

One of the most potent forms of immunotherapy for patients with metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma is high-dose (HD) bolus IL-2 therapy. Approximately 15% of patients respond to HD IL-2 therapy, with almost 5% going into complete remission; however, use of HD IL-2 therapy is limited due to the toxic effects associated with treatment. Because HD IL-2-associated toxicity is severe, it would be beneficial for clinicians to determine if a patient would respond favorably to this treatment prior to side effect onset.

12/03/2013

Prognostic factors of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma with removed metastases

Fri, 29 Nov 2013 11:40:37 GMT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognosis and prognostic factors of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who underwent metastasectomy.

11/29/2013

VIDEOS: 12th International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Fri, 29 Nov 2013 13:33:33 GMT

11/29/2013

Presurgical therapy with axitinib

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 12:47:53 GMT

Presurgical therapy with axitinib for advanced renal cell carcinoma: a case report

11/25/2013

CELLDEX THERAPEUTICS INC Symbol U : CLDX Recent Sedar Documents Celldex Therapeutics' CDX-1127 Well Tolerated and Demonstrates Anti-Tumor Activity

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 12:49:39 GMT

Very favorable safety profile; no evidence of immune related toxicities; three patients with significant tumor shrinkage...

11/25/2013

Kidney cancer patient loses employer-provided health plan because of PPACA

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 13:05:09 GMT

Virginia Beach was notified by their insurance provider that their plan no longer qualified under Obamacare’s regulations.

11/25/2013

Senate passes bill for stricter regulation of compounding pharmacies

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 13:01:37 GMT

Pastor Joey Butler, the beloved Blue Springs minister whose faith inspired thousands, has died at age 51. Suffering with renal cell cancer...

11/21/2013

The Race For A Cure For Cancer

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 13:03:38 GMT

"They don't want a cure."

11/21/2013

VIDEO: Another wave of Obamacare health plan cancellations hits

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 13:11:32 GMT

A new and independent analysis of Obamacare warns of a ticking time bomb...

11/21/2013

Papillary renal cell carcinoma

Mon, 18 Nov 2013 11:24:18 GMT

A clinical, radiologic, and pathologic study of 34 cases.

11/18/2013

Why study Nivolumab?

Sat, 16 Nov 2013 00:40:07 GMT

Nivolumab is an investigational compound being studied as a potential treatment option for lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), and melanoma.

11/15/2013

Germline PTEN Mutation Cowden Syndrome

Sat, 16 Nov 2013 00:43:50 GMT

An Underappreciated Form of Hereditary Kidney Cancer

11/15/2013

Scotland approves new cancer drugs

Tue, 12 Nov 2013 13:49:54 GMT

Scotland has become the first part of the UK to approve two new cancer drugs for routine use in the NHS

11/12/2013

Argos Therapeutics Presents Data Showing Memory T Cell Expansion After Administration of Fully Personalized Immunotherapy

Tue, 12 Nov 2013 13:53:05 GMT

Analysis of Phase 2 data evaluating induced memory T cell immunity following treatment with AGS-003 in combination with sunitinib presented at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC).

11/12/2013

Climb 4 Kidney Cancer Announces November 21 Stair Climb Event

Mon, 11 Nov 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Climb 4 Kidney Cancer

Thursday, Nov. 21

5:30–8 p.m. (The climb is at 5:30, the reception is at 7.)

TCF Bank Stadium, University of Minnesota

1602 Brighton Boulevard

Minneapolis, MN 55413

The Climb: Participants will climb stairs at TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota. Weather permitting, we will climb outside stadium stairs, but an inside option is available. You can choose your level of participation on the day of the event; you can skip the climb and go straight to the reception, or you can choose one of several climbing tiers. We'll meet at the TCF Bank Stadium's Hall of Fame to kick off the climb. All participants will receive a free T-shirt.

The Reception: Urologist Christopher Weight, MD, will give a short presentation about our kidney cancer research, education and patient care program. A celebration of patients and families will follow. The reception will be in the indoor Club Room.

The Photos: Show the world the face of a kidney cancer survivor! We will display kidney cancer survivors on the big screen at TCF Bank Stadium during the climb.

The Cost: Registration fees support the kidney cancer program at the Institute for Prostate and Urologic Cancers. Registration is $20 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-17 and free for children under 3. Parking is available at the stadium for $10.

Volunteers: If you are not interested or unable to climb, please let me know if you can help and volunteer.

Registration: Sign up for the event at https://www.onlineregistrationcenter.com/register.asp?m=303&c=3548

Click here if you would like to make a donation to the program beyond your registration fee: www.giving.umn.edu/kcrf

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Climb4KC

11/11/2013

Kidney cancer: Vascular wall margins have little impact on cancer outcomes

Wed, 06 Nov 2013 15:12:24 GMT

In a study of 256 patients treated surgically for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with venous thrombus at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center between 1993 and 2009, median recurrence-free interval was significantly shorter in patients with positive vascular margins (22.1 months vs 70.2 months). However, although tumour invasion into the vein wall at the resection margin was independently predictive of local recurrence, multivariable analysis revealed that it had minimal effect on systemic recurrence or cancer-specific survival.

11/06/2013

Gene Responsible for Hereditary Cancer Found to Disrupt Growth-Regulating Cellular Pathway

Tue, 05 Nov 2013 19:52:24 GMT

Whitehead Institute scientists report that the gene mutated in the rare hereditary disorder known as Birt-Hogg-Dubé cancer syndrome also prevents activation of mTORC1, a critical nutrient-sensing and growth-regulating cellular pathway.

11/05/2013

Expert Panel: Controversies in the Treatment of Renal Cancers

Fri, 01 Nov 2013 13:36:39 GMT

11/01/2013

Differentiation of oncocytoma from chromophobe renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 14:29:04 GMT

Standard treatment of renal neoplasms remains surgical resection, and nephrectomy for localised renal cell carcinoma (RCC) still has the best chance of cure with excellent long-term results. For smaller renal masses, especially stage T1a tumours less than 4 cm, nephron-sparing surgery is often employed. However, small incidentally detected renal masses pose an important diagnostic dilemma...

10/30/2013

Tumour shrinkage measured with first treatment evaluation under VEGF-targeted therapy as prognostic marker

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 14:32:06 GMT

Tumour shrinkage measured with first treatment evaluation under VEGF-targeted therapy as prognostic marker in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

10/30/2013

Characterizing late recurrence of renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 14:33:18 GMT

Very few studies have followed patients with renal cell carcinoma for long enough to characterize late relapses. Newly published research suggests that late-recurring tumours are more likely to be of low nuclear grade and show a better response...

10/30/2013

Cruciferous Vegetables Intake Is Associated with Lower Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 17:59:44 GMT

Evidence from a Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

10/29/2013

Christopher G. Wood, M.D., Honored By Kidney Cancer Association

Sat, 26 Oct 2013 14:50:02 GMT

Tue, 22 Oct 2013 13:40:50 GMT

10/22/2013

How many people have signed up for "Obamacare?"

Mon, 21 Oct 2013 19:10:04 GMT

PPACA Update from KCA VIDEOS on Vimeo.

How many people have actually obtained Obamacare? It's a difficult question to answer and the feds haven't disclosed a total.

10/21/2013

Allsup Reviews Top 10 Compassionate Allowance Conditions

Sun, 20 Oct 2013 14:55:53 GMT

Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security Disability Insurance(SSDI) representation, encourages individuals filing for SSDI to determine if they are eligible for the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Compassionate Allowance (CAL) program.

10/20/2013

Targeting the Genetic Basis of Kidney Cancer

Sun, 20 Oct 2013 15:00:34 GMT

10/20/2013

Science cracks cancer’s shield

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 13:30:27 GMT

Drugs that help the immune system attack diseased cells are proving successful

10/18/2013

Breaking through cancer's shield

Wed, 16 Oct 2013 14:03:33 GMT

For more than a century, researchers were puzzled by the uncanny ability of cancer cells to evade the immune system.

10/16/2013

NCCN Collaborates With Pfizer on Program Focused on Health Care Quality

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 15:27:52 GMT

NCCN and Pfizer Will Elicit Proposals for Quality Improvement and Education in Rare Cancer Types; Grants to Provide Funding for Approximately Nine Proposals Focused on Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma...

10/15/2013

Kidney cancer symptoms highlighted

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 15:29:41 GMT

A campaign has been launched to highlight the symptoms of bladder and kidney cancer as new figures were revealed showing a rise in the number of kidney cancer cases over the past decade.

10/15/2013

10-year-old’s positive outlook, despite cancer

Sun, 13 Oct 2013 12:36:05 GMT

Maddie Windle, 10, loves the animals on her family’s farm and wants to be a veterinarian some day, but first she has to beat cancer — for the third time.

10/14/2013

Prometheus Laboratories Inc. Announces Inclusion of Proleukin® (Aldesleukin for Injection)

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 14:34:14 GMT

Guidelines Cite a Potential for Durable Response in Subset of Select Melanoma Patients

10/11/2013

Cancer Drug Nexavar Tied to Pancreas Damage

Thu, 10 Oct 2013 15:37:02 GMT

Pancreas shrank by up to one-third in case studies following long-term use

10/10/2013

Threshold Pharmaceuticals Announces New Data on TH-302

Tue, 08 Oct 2013 12:30:50 GMT

Early Clinical Data on Combinations of TH-302 With Anti-Angiogenic Therapies in Solid Tumors

10/08/2013

Advancing the War Against Kidney Cancer

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 11:41:41 GMT

Currently, there’s no standard of care to treat kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. A phase ll trial involving an existing drug may change that.

10/07/2013

What Makes Jamie Run?

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 11:45:27 GMT

Jamie's late father, who died from kidney cancer, said...

10/07/2013

Kidney Cancer Drug Information Sheets

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 11:48:32 GMT

Several therapeutics are used to treat advanced kidney cancer...

10/07/2013

Renal Cell Carcinoma Outcome Calculator

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 11:53:27 GMT

"What are my chances of survival?"

10/07/2013

VIDEO: "I Survived Kidney Cancer"

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 11:58:04 GMT

Watch his encouraging story...

10/07/2013

Discouraging Medical Research/Development: an Unintended Consequence of Nationalized Healthcare

Sun, 06 Oct 2013 12:28:43 GMT

It is so frustrating that folks like VP Joe Biden and others who should know better continue to mock the concept of de ath panels.

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer in 1995 at age 32, about 3 months after my daughter was born. Reality is that if my

longer term kidney cancer survivor friends and I were British citizens, we would not be alive. [read more]

10/06/2013

Omeros Unlocks Six Additional Class A Orphan GPCRs and Identifies Small Molecules Targeting Two Commercially Validated Class B GPCRs

Fri, 04 Oct 2013 19:34:38 GMT

The CRA detects receptor antagonists, agonists and inverse agonists. Omeros has announced that it has identified and confirmed sets of compounds that interact selectively with 52 orphan receptors linked to metastatic melanoma and lung cancer (GPR19), renal cell carcinoma...

10/04/2013

SIU professor to lead kidney cancer study

Fri, 04 Oct 2013 19:42:43 GMT

A research scientist at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield has been awarded a three-year federal grant, worth more than $375,000, from the National Cancer Institute...

10/04/2013

Cancer clinical trials: Five myths worth busting

Fri, 04 Oct 2013 20:16:29 GMT

Myth No. 1: Placebo means no treatment

10/04/2013

Seventh Annual Benefit for Jane Planned for October 13

Thu, 03 Oct 2013 15:34:52 GMT

Contact: Kirsten Daniels

B4Jane@adampayne.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tue, 24 Sep 2013 20:05:31 GMT

Estate Planning for Kidney Cancer Patients: Finding Joy and Opportunity in the Midst of Challenge

Wealth Transfer Planning Expert Ray Odom of the Northern Trust offers advice on how to avoid estate pitfalls that can lead to family friction – both before and after death

Your mother was diagnosed with kidney cancer six months ago and now she is terminally ill, with her doctors saying she is not likely to survive for more than a few days. For months, your life has been a blur as you and your family have dealt with the emotional burdens of this terrible turn in your lives.

But now you have an additional problem: It was only recently that you began talking to your mother about her estate and her wishes after death, and what you have learned is murky at best. Her financial records are scattered and disorganized, and as a result of her cancer progression, treatment side-effects and terminal condition, she is now confused and unable to speak coherently. She has no will, and she has made conflicting statements to your siblings in recent years about how she would like her property to be handled after her death.

A difficult path lies ahead as you and your family deal with both the grief of losing a loved one and the challenges of sorting out her financial affairs.

Unfortunately, this scenario is not unusual: A 2007 Harris Poll found that 55 percent of American adults have no will, and many have never discussed their end-of-life plans with a loved one. When they delay this vital step too long, they run the risk of creating extreme challenges for their heirs – and potentially creating friction among siblings and other family members, as well as unneeded legal and financial complications.

For kidney cancer patients in particular, the lack of estate planning carries unique risks. It’s not uncommon for kidney cancer to metastasize to the brain, making cognitive decline a possibility – and that means sound decision-making about matters of one’s estate is less likely. Even without metastatic cancer, estate planning while weakened by illness is not optimal.

But wealth planning expert Ray Odom of the Northern Trust says these scenarios can be avoided if individuals and families use the diagnosis of cancer as an urgent catalyst to plan ahead and follow a few basic ground rules. Odom, who has been counseling families about end-of-life planning for more than 30 years, says the process can only begin when the individual faces the inevitability of mortality and its consequences for property and personal relationships.

“Although estate planning involves a transfer of assets after death, financial wealth is constantly transferred during our lives. Recognizing that everyone has established patterns of wealth transfer during life can take some of the anxiety out of estate planning,” he says. “One key to effective estate planning is to project forward based on the past priorities of your life without getting stuck on the feelings related to the finality and certainty of death.”

Many financial planners believe that the most basic estate planning step for individuals to take is to simply put their end-of-life wishes in writing. More importantly – discuss those wishes with your loved ones during informal family gatherings and at meetings specifically called for this purpose. By taking these vital steps, you can clearly communicate what you want, and your written estate plan will be bolstered by your prior verbal communication. This helps minimize the chance of misinterpretation later.

“The best estate plans have no surprises,” Odom says. “After you die, members of your family often quote your gift intentions based on their memories, memories that are colored by their individual interests. So the best approach is to discuss your wealth transfer intentions clearly, consistently, repeatedly and in writing.”

When should these conversations begin? Start planning as soon as you have a positive net worth and a desire to benefit individuals and/or charities with some portion of that net worth, says Odom. A recently diagnosed kidney cancer patient certainly must begin an estate-planning process, if he or she hasn’t already. Even if the prognosis is good, the diagnosis can often serve as a practical reminder of one’s mortality – and the need for all of us to get our affairs in order.

A well-written will (and/or trust) created by an attorney is the core tool of estate planning, according to Odom. If a person dies without a will, their assets will be disposed of according to state laws, a process that may cause delays and unnecessary financial costs. Additionally, without a written estate-planning document the individual has no direct control over who receives his or her assets.

“You should meet with an attorney who focuses on estate planning, so that she or he can prepare a plan that expresses your intentions,” Odom advises. “Do-it-yourself legal forms may appear inexpensive but the preparation of a binding legal document that effectively reflects your personal wishes is challenging even for a qualified attorney.”

Among the other fundamentals of good estate planning, according to Odom, is determining exactly what you own and who your property and assets should ultimately benefit (i.e., the beneficiaries). Who are the beneficiaries of your estate, and why did you choose them? For many, the answer will be simple – all assets will be left to a single person (such as a spouse) or split evenly among children. But according to Odom, many individuals may wish to benefit extended family members or important friends and acquaintances after death.

To determine your beneficiaries, think of who is important in your life, and how you want to benefit them after you are gone. What do you own that might have a unique relevance to someone you want to influence? Visualize how your assets might be used by that person, and discuss your plan with them while you are of sound mind.

For the purposes of estate planning, your assets fall into three categories: real property, tangible personal property and intangible personal property. Real property includes land and improvements on land (such as a house), along with oil, gas, and minerals that are accessible from the land. “Tangible personal property includes all of your physical personal belongings that often have high sentimental value, including things like cars, furniture and recreational items,” Odom explains. “Intangible personal property includes everything else that can be owned by an individual, including financial instruments, stocks, bonds, checking accounts, cash and even unpaid compensation.”

Some forms of intangible personal property are controlled by contractual arrangements rather than by the individual’s will. These “non-probate assets”, such as life insurance and IRAs, go to the beneficiaries named in the contract.

According to Odom, tangible personal property such as jewelry, art and antiques can cause conflict that is dramatically disproportionate to its dollar value. These specific items of personal property should be discussed with the individual beneficiaries and the family to avoid misunderstandings.

Some types of intangible personal property can also become a source of conflict, according to Odom. A prime example, he says, are insurance policies and other non-probate assets with beneficiaries that were designated long ago and then forgotten.

“As an example, some people sign group insurance policies in the workplace when they are young and single, and designate ‘mom and dad’ as the beneficiaries,” he says. “Years later, they are married, have kids, are still working for the same company and don’t realize that their spouse and children will not get any of the insurance proceeds because the policy is payable to the parents.”

Estate planners say it is a good idea to be extremely diligent in identifying every contractual agreement that might eventually pay out money to a beneficiary – from IRAs to clauses in contracts for time-share property. Be comprehensive; keep these policies and documents accessible and review them periodically.

A second common problem for families dealing with estate plans, according to Odom, is joint accounts. Typically, an older parent will set up a joint bank account with an adult child, for example, so the child can help manage the parent’s day-to-day finances. But upon death, complications may ensue – ranging from ownership issues with other children who were not included on the account to various taxes that the account may be subject to. Rather than joint accounts, Odom recommends that families establish a Durable Power of Attorney with a designated child as agent. This authorizes the child to make withdrawals or deposits to the individual’s bank account without the need for joint ownership. Some joint accounts may make sense, he says, but as a part of a comprehensive approach to estate planning, they should be carefully reviewed – and closed if necessary.

A third problem to be aware of, say estate planners, is the handling of what Odom calls “digital property” – that is, passwords and other information about an individual’s online activities, ranging from online brokerage and banking sites to social media, such as Facebook.

All of your key online password information should be kept secure but available, and as a part of your estate planning you should ensure the passwords are accessible by someone with legal access to the account upon your death – the executor of your will, for example. Lack of access to digital information can create significant hurdles for families trying to close out the legal and financial affairs of a deceased loved one. Odom advises his clients to consider some of the new services that are now becoming available, which organize and store such online data in a secure environment.

A related step is ensuring that your family has a well-defined process to access other vital information – from accountant’s records to legal or medical information. This step may be as simple as introducing your family to your attorney and CPA, but may require filling out proper statutory forms to allow access to all your medical records.

Also of importance in your estate-planning conversations is reviewing the enforceability of all life insurance policies. Be sure to read the fine print and understand exactly what your policies cover. Moreover, Odom suggests, review payment history with the insurer to verify that all premiums have been paid and will continue to be paid on time. “Families sometimes find out the hard way that insurers will use recent non-payment of premiums for longstanding policies as grounds to avoid payment,” he says.

How do individuals successfully plan their estates?

In his more than three decades as an estate planner, Odom says several characteristics come up over and over in families in which an ill individual – such as a kidney cancer patient – has begun the process of getting his or her affairs in order:

The individual begins the process early, while he or she is clearly competent and has not been cognitively impacted by treatments or disease progression.
The individual considers estate planning as an opportunity to help others and advance the goals and purposes of his or her life, thereby turning a potentially negative experience into one that has positive meaning.
The individual speaks openly and candidly about family topics that may be sensitive and may have been avoided for years. “The approach of death is a time to forgive and heal family wounds,” Odom says, “and taking these relational steps helps the administrative process of settling an estate work much smoother for everyone involved.” When there is family conflict over allocations of property or money, the root cause can sometimes be an underlying emotional disconnection.
The beneficiaries and heirs in a well-planned wealth transfer don’t have a sense of entitlement, but what Odom calls a “sense of endearment.” They set personal expectations aside and work together to bring joy and honor to the memory of the deceased loved one.

Proper estate planning should be a part of every adult’s life, but it is of particular importance for newly diagnosed kidney cancer patients. It can actually help ensure positive end-of-life outcomes on many levels. Most importantly, at a time of unprecedented sadness and confusion, successful estate planning can provide the peace of mind that you have put your financial affairs in order.

Raymond C. Odom CFP ®is Senior Vice President and Director of Wealth Transfer Services at The Northern Trust Company in Chicago, Illinois.

09/24/2013

Evolution of Care in Advanced Kidney Cancer

Fri, 20 Sep 2013 14:56:28 GMT

With seven targeted therapies approved for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), researchers and drug developers are now focusing on understanding the best way to sequence these therapies...

09/20/2013

Taller People Are More Prone to Cancer

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:13:46 GMT

The research published indicated a relationship between height and an increased risk of cancer, a troublesome link, considering that the average height in the United States is 5′ 10″.

09/19/2013

Revisiting the orthopaedic management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Mon, 16 Sep 2013 14:22:37 GMT

The rationale for a more aggressive approach

09/16/2013

Survey: Do You Favor Implementation of the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 15:16:15 GMT

As the October 1st implementation approaches, public support for the Affordable Care Act has dropped below 40% in some surveys. Please take our poll, so that we know what families dealing with kidney cancer think about it.

09/13/2013

Affordable Care Act Implementation

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 17:06:44 GMT

View more details on Brookings.edu

09/13/2013

Sbangle Jewelry Announces Orange Campaign for Kidney Cancer Association

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 18:23:55 GMT

Sbangle is proud to announce its Orange Campaign for Kidney Cancer Association whereby 20% of all sales of Orange & Diamond Ribbon, Slim, and Napkin Rings will go to Kidney Cancer Association to help them continue to raise awareness of and funds for the prevention, early detection, and cure of kidney cancer.

The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is a "charitable organization made up of patients, family members, physicians, researchers, and other health professionals globally. It is the world’s first international charity dedicated specifically to the eradication of death and suffering from renal cancers. The Kidney Cancer Association is a member of the International Federation of Kidney Foundations and is accredited by the Health on the Net Foundation, Independent Charities of America, and is rated a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator.”* Like Kidney Cancer Association on Facebook, follow them on Twitter @KidneyCancer, and visit the Kidney Cancer Association website to learn more about their global impact.

09/13/2013

Second-line pazopanib effective in advanced RCC

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 16:40:25 GMT

Pazopanib demonstrated activity as a second-line treatment in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma who underwent first-line single-agent treatment with sunitinib or bevacizumab, according to results of a phase 2 trial.

09/12/2013

KCA VP for Public Affairs in Russia for Kidney Cancer Meeting

Wed, 11 Sep 2013 21:47:36 GMT

6th Annual Russian Seminar of Kidney Cancer Patients and Survivors - St. Petersburg, Russia (at @HolidayInn) http://t.co/UiVY15QoED
— Carrie Konosky (@CarrieKonosky) September 11, 2013

09/11/2013

Fri, 06 Sep 2013 17:03:48 GMT

Immunohistochemistry for PAX8 and GATA3 are sensitive markers for renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma, respectively.

09/06/2013

Kidney Cancer Association Earns Coveted 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

Fri, 06 Sep 2013 17:05:30 GMT

Organization is Ranked in Top 3% of US Charities for Six Consecutive Years

09/06/2013

Denise Update: Kidney Cancer Association Earns 4-Stars

Fri, 06 Sep 2013 17:18:00 GMT

Kidney Cancer Association Earns Coveted 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator http://t.co/eCtkbdaL1N
— Denise Update (@DeniseReport) September 5, 2013

Celebrity Denise Richards is a director of the Kidney Cancer Association and is helping the charity to raise funds and awareness

09/06/2013

Registration Continues for International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Wed, 04 Sep 2013 15:26:31 GMT

Hollywood celebrity Denise Richards who is originally from the Chicago area, is a member of KCA's governing board. Her mother died from kidney cancer in 2007, and Denise is helping the charity to raise funds and awareness. KCA's board meets over the symposium weekend, and Richards has been invited to attend both meetings.

09/04/2013

Registration Open for International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Mon, 02 Sep 2013 14:43:26 GMT

Sponsored by the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) in cooperation with the Society for Immunotherapy in Cancer (SITC), this annual meeting brings together key individuals and representatives from leading laboratories and centers working with renal cell carcinoma.

09/02/2013

Onyx deal expected to give Amgen a big boost

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:50:31 GMT

Investors reacted favorably on Monday to Amgen Inc's $10.4 billion purchase of Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc, which gives the world's largest biotech company full rights to a blood cancer drug with multibillion-dollar sales potential.

08/30/2013

ARGOS THERAPEUTICS SECURES $42.5M IN SERIES E FINANCING

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:52:25 GMT

The company, which intends to use the funds for its Phase 3 clinical study of AGS-003, also plans to have data from its Phase 2b study of AGS-004 for the treatment of HIV in the first half of 2014.

08/30/2013

Time to RCC recurrence prognostic threshold challenged

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 14:37:58 GMT

A large study confirms the prognostic value of time to recurrence after surgery for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and also suggests the need to reduce the threshold for early recurrence.

08/29/2013

Final Regulations Issued For ACA's Individual Mandate -- Seven Things You Need To Know

Wed, 28 Aug 2013 13:32:19 GMT

Tuesday’s entry in the Federal Register, spanning 75 pages, contains all of the fine print related to the individual mandate: who it applies to, who is exempted, and what kinds of insurance satisfy the government’s rules.

08/28/2013

New Cooling Technique For Robotic Surgery Performed On Difficult Kidney Stone

Wed, 28 Aug 2013 13:53:43 GMT

A first-ever technique using ice slush and minimally invasive robotic surgery to remove a particularly large type of kidney stone has been reported by urologists at Henry Ford Hospital.

08/28/2013

Bamboozled by Obamacare?

Tue, 27 Aug 2013 20:15:57 GMT

Avoid being fined by the Internal Revenue Service for failing to obtain coverage by using the helpful guide prepared by our friends at NORD. State-by-state information will help you to navigate a complex system. Please note that many states have elected not to form insurance exchanges and implementation in those states is the responsibility of the federal government. Click the image to get started.

08/27/2013

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma: How to make the best sequencing decision after withdrawal for intolerance to a tyrosine kinase inhibitor - Abstract

Sat, 24 Aug 2013 13:52:17 GMT

With seven agents approved for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) within the past few years, there has undoubtedly been progress in treating this disease.

08/24/2013

Patients and providers fear Obamacare cuts will hamper cancer treatment

Fri, 23 Aug 2013 15:32:33 GMT

“It’s going to be harder and harder and harder, particularly for (treatment centers) in rural and small communities, to stay afloat and continue to provide service for the patients when we continue to make cuts..."

08/23/2013

Papillary Kidney Cancer

Wed, 21 Aug 2013 16:03:42 GMT

Her story will inspire you.

08/21/2013

Boy with kidney cancer seeks help

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 13:06:07 GMT

Doctors say a person suffering from urinary tract infection, resulting from kidney cancer can be easily treated and cured if the condition is diagnosed early.

08/19/2013

Tea Party raises money for cancer awareness

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 13:07:47 GMT

When 3-year-old Anjali died of Neuroblastoma in May 2010, Roberts wanted to find a way for her to live forever.

08/19/2013

8-year-old talks about beating cancer

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 13:09:11 GMT

After years of battling kidney cancer, Theoryn in December was given the all-clear.

08/19/2013

FDA's Rejection Of Aveo's Tivozanib Defies Logic

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 15:25:37 GMT

We have previously published two articles about Aveo Pharmaceuticals (AVEO) and its kidney cancer drug Tivozanib.

08/15/2013

Scientists unravel cancers linked to herbal remedies

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 15:26:45 GMT

A team of scientists from the National Cancer Centre Singapore, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore, and Taiwan's Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, LinKou, have made a breakthrough in understanding the cancer-promoting action of Aristolochic Acid...

08/15/2013

Obamacare Provision Means Higher Costs for Consumers

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 15:52:10 GMT

Watch the VIDEO here

08/15/2013

Obamacare is Jacking Up the Cost of Cancer Treatments

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 19:14:35 GMT

Obamacare is about to make cancer treatment more costly and of poorer quality.

08/15/2013

Will Affordable Care Act Make Cancer Care Unaffordable?

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 19:19:00 GMT

08/15/2013

Autism has 'eerie' connection to cancer gene

Tue, 13 Aug 2013 13:59:27 GMT

Autism also occurs in about half of kids with a genetic disorder known as tuberous sclerosis, which boosts brain and kidney cancer risk.

08/13/2013

Hundreds play softball to honor teen who died of cancer

Mon, 12 Aug 2013 21:23:16 GMT

Now in it's fourth year, the 'Play4Tay Softball Tournament' is bittersweet for Taylor Filorimo's parents.

08/12/2013

GiveForward Announces Strategic Partnership with the Kidney Cancer Association

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 14:30:57 GMT

Like-minded Organizations Partner in Patient-focused Alliance to Help Raise Money for Medical Bills

08/09/2013

Chris Battle, Former Hill and Administration Staffer, Dies at 45

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 14:45:37 GMT

Chris Battle, a former Capitol Hill and administration aide who went on to a career in the private sector, died Thursday morning at age 45.

08/09/2013

Another kind of ‘second opinion’

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 15:39:41 GMT

For Immediate Release

Contact Information: Dina Mattes, Independent Forensics, Lombard, IL 60148

PH: 708-234-1200 X 1207 EMAIL: dina@ifi-test.com

Another kind of ‘second opinion’ for newly diagnosed cancer patient.

There is no underestimating the shock of receiving a life-changing diagnosis: obtaining a second opinion is always recommended. What might also be recommended is to confirm that the slide/sample is really from the patient; really another type of ‘second opinion’.

As a forensic DNA testing laboratory (a real-world version of the television CSI just not as good looking), we are used to seeing quite a variety of samples – different types, different sources and different reasons for DNA testing. Recently we have been asked to use DNA-based identity testing in order to verify that a pathology sample, used in a diagnosis of cancer, was really from the patient. This testing does not address the diagnosis, only a second opinion from a pathologist can do that, but it does tell the patient (and the physician), that the tissue sample/biopsy really belongs to that patient.

Laboratory errors are an unfortunate fact of life: to err is human and there are several good studies that have measured the types and number of errors in pathology laboratories. The results are a little scary: up to 1% (one in a hundred) of pathology samples can have a mis-identification error (there are actually two kinds of identification errors). This may not be the easiest conversation to have with your oncologist, but they will certainly be aware of this issue. Happily, there is a good solution to the problem of sample mis-identification.

Using DNA analysis, just like forensics or paternity testing, a modern DNA lab can compare the DNA profiles of the pathology sample with the patient’s own profile. If they match then that is the correct sample –if they don’t then someone has to find the correct biopsy. This kind of verification is reasonably priced (in the $250 range), might be covered by insurance and is fast (results in 2-3 days at the most). Given the possibility of a life-changing diagnosis, sample verification may be something that you might consider looking into. Newly diagnosed cancer patients have enough on their plate – they can at least be sure that it is their sample that was examined.

For those who want to delve into this subject in more detail, the following references are a place to start.

References:

1) Rate of occult specimen provenance complications in routine clinical practice. Pfeifer, J. D. and Jingxia, L. (2013) American Journal of Clinical Pathology 139, 93-100.

2) The Changing Spectrum of DNA-Based Specimen Provenance Testing in Surgical Pathology. Pfeifer, J.D. et al., (2011) Am J Clin Pathol 135(1):132-138.

3) Mislabeling of cases, specimens, blocks, and slides: a College of American pathologists Study of 136 institutions. Nakhleh, R.E. et al., (2011) Arch Pathol Lab Med. 135(8): 969-74.

4) Specimen Labeling Errors in Surgical Pathology. An 18-Month Experience. Layfield, L.J. et al., (2010) Am J Clin Pathol 134(3): 466-470.

5) Tissue Floaters and Contaminants in the Histology Laboratory. Platt, E. et al., (2009) Arch Pathol Lab Med 133: 973-978.

6) Contamination of Histology Biopsy Specimen - a potential source of error for surgeons: a case report. Burke, N. G. et al., (2009) Cases Journal 2:7619.

7) Identifying Cross Contaminants and Specimen Mix-ups in Surgical Pathology. Hunt, J.L. (2008) Adv Anat Pathol. 15(4):211-217.

8) Identification of Biological Samples in a Case of Contamination of a Cytological Slide Preparation. Junge, A., et al., (2008) Journal of Forensic Science 53(3):739-741.

9) Diagnosis of Ectopic Tissue Versus Contamination by Genetic Fingerprinting in a Routine Surgical Pathology Specimen. Venditti, M., et al., (2007) Human Pathology 38(2):378-382.

10) Patient Identification Error Among Prostate Needle Core Biopsy Specimens—Are We Ready for a DNA Time-Out? Suba, E.J. et al., (2007) The Journal of Urology 178(4 Pt 1): 1245-1248.

11) Forensic DNA Typing: Biology, Technology, and Genetics of STR Markers. Butler, J.M. (2005) Elsevier Academic Press.

12) Development of a decision-analytic model for the application of STR-based provenance testing of transrectal prostate biopsy specimens. Pfeifer, J . D. et al., (2012) Value Health. 2012;15:860-867.

###

08/09/2013

Eating raw garlic slashes cancer risk

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 17:23:29 GMT

A clove of garlic a day might keep the vampires away, but the vegetable may have other protective properties as well.

08/09/2013

Long Beach renames part of street 'Larry Elovich Way'

Sun, 04 Aug 2013 15:16:20 GMT

Larry Elovich, former longtime president of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, loved the section of New York Avenue that now bears his name.

08/04/2013

immatics to receive support from Pfizer

Sat, 03 Aug 2013 14:55:18 GMT

immatics biotechnologies GmbH, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing advanced therapeutic vaccines that are active against cancer, today announced that Pfizer has agreed to support its pivotal Phase III trial (IMPRINT = IMA901 Multi-Peptide vaccine Randomized INTernational study) with IMA901...

08/03/2013

Abstract Submission Deadline Extended

Fri, 02 Aug 2013 15:16:15 GMT

12th International Kidney Cancer Symposium, Chicago

08/02/2013

Can We Build A Kickstarter For Cancer?

Thu, 01 Aug 2013 15:16:59 GMT

Starting you own band, writing your first novel, or re-publishing your favorite ‘80s tabletop RPG are all cool goals. You can do them all on Kickstarter.

08/01/2013

Wagner: Will SC help turn off the engine of cancer?

Thu, 01 Aug 2013 15:24:51 GMT

New medical therapies are turning off the engine of cancer inside the human body and making progress toward eliminating most cancers over the next few decades.

08/01/2013

Lawsuit Could Effectively Defund ObamaCare

Thu, 01 Aug 2013 15:37:21 GMT

Oklahoma has filed suit against ObamaCare and the federal government.

08/01/2013

Marijuana Use Linked To Early Bladder Cancer

Tue, 30 Jul 2013 16:14:35 GMT

Smoking marijuana appears to be a risk factor for bladder cancer and may even contribute to younger people getting the disease, researchers say.

07/30/2013

Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer Ups Kidney Cancer Risk

Mon, 29 Jul 2013 15:43:27 GMT

The therapy called androgen deprivation therapy aims at reducing the androgen hormones that are known to accelerate prostate cancer.

07/29/2013

Kidney Cancer Association and Lotsa Helping Hands Announce Mobile App

Mon, 29 Jul 2013 15:48:01 GMT

Have you downloaded the new Lotsa Helping Hands Mobile App for the iPhone/iPad?

07/29/2013

Clinical Trial Focuses on Tumor Vaccines for Cancer Treatment

Fri, 26 Jul 2013 16:37:32 GMT

The Phase III clinical trial known as ADAPT, is a randomized, multicenter study that plans to enroll 450 patients overall, under an approved Special Protocol Assessment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Stewart said he hopes to enroll at least 10 patients per year from Wake Forest Baptist.

07/26/2013

Report: 11th Annual Kidney Cancer Lift for Life Set New Record

Fri, 26 Jul 2013 16:40:35 GMT

For the third-straight year, the funds raised at Lift For Life reached record-setting heights.

07/26/2013

Fewer Runners Get Kidney Cancer

Thu, 25 Jul 2013 18:00:41 GMT

76% lower incidence among those running more than 15 miles per week.

07/25/2013

Hypertension in adolescence is not an independent risk factor for renal cancer

Thu, 25 Jul 2013 18:17:25 GMT

Hypertension has been repeatedly linked to renal cell cancer, independent of overweight and anti–hypertensive drug use, but its role remains unclear, especially within the growing group of relatively young–middle aged renal cancer patients.

07/25/2013

New surprising findings on survival outcomes; radical vs. partial nephrectomy

Thu, 25 Jul 2013 18:23:51 GMT

“Our data appears to seriously question the assumption that by saving kidney tissue, we are helping patients avoid future kidney failure..."

07/25/2013

Progressive liver failure induced by everolimus

Thu, 25 Jul 2013 18:27:35 GMT

A 58-year-old man was diagnosed as a hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier approximately 30 years ago...

07/25/2013

Mirati Therapeutics: Revamped And Ready To Go With A Targeted Oncology Pipeline

Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:46:33 GMT

Mirati Therapeutics (MRTX), based in San Diego, CA is an early stage, oncology-focused company engaged in the development and commercialization of targeted therapies for patients with solid tumors...

07/24/2013

Save The Charitable Income Tax Deduction!

Wed, 24 Jul 2013 16:40:19 GMT

Eliminating the charitable deduction would undermine significantly the ability of charitable organizations to do good work.

07/24/2013

Calcified, minimally Fat-contained angiomyolipoma clinically indistinguishable from a renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 23 Jul 2013 17:33:54 GMT

Angiomyolipomas are benign tumors of the kidney.

07/23/2013

Support The Drug Supply Chain Security Act

Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:47:24 GMT

Ensure an efficient and cost-effective national system rather than the current "patchwork quilt" of various state-by-state requirements.

07/21/2013

Pfizer Backs Out Of Bidding For Cancer Drug Maker Onyx As Shares Soar Amid Sale Process

Sat, 20 Jul 2013 15:22:29 GMT

Pfizer opted out of bidding for Onyx this week, placing Amgen in the lead to buy the cancer-drug maker.

07/20/2013

Robotic ultrasound developed to screen for kidney cancers

Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:39:30 GMT

Medical technologists have carried out a study that demonstrates the benefits that robotic ultrasound techniques can offer in the treatment of kidney cancers.

07/17/2013

Past colon cancer tied to future cancer risks

Tue, 16 Jul 2013 15:10:14 GMT

People who have had colon cancer are 15 percent more likely to be diagnosed with another cancer than those with no history of the disease, a new study suggests.

07/16/2013

Just Released: "Transitional Cell Carcinoma"

Tue, 16 Jul 2013 15:20:26 GMT

Global Markets Direct's, 'Transitional Cell Carcinoma (Urothelial Cell Carcinoma) - Pipeline Review, H1 2013', provides an overview of the indication's therapeutic pipeline.

07/16/2013

Kidney Cancer Association Partners with Lotsa Helping Hands

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 17:50:37 GMT

New website supports caregivers.

07/15/2013

PSU 2013 Lift For Life Raises $133,000

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 18:07:13 GMT

The 11th Annual Penn State Uplifting Athletes "Lift For Life" was a tremendous success on Friday, raising the 2013 total to a record total in excess of $130,000 to benefit the Kidney Cancer Association.

07/15/2013

Penn State center hopes to give lift to the Nittany Lions' offensive line

Sat, 13 Jul 2013 15:20:07 GMT

Senior Ty Howle has shaggy brown hair and an easy-going personality that allows him to quickly transition between subjects like football -- he likely will be Penn State's starting center this fall -- and everything else.

07/13/2013

Highlights from the 5th BHD and Second HLRCC symposium

Sat, 13 Jul 2013 15:24:51 GMT

Two weeks ago, more than 100 researchers, clinicians and patients attended the Fifth BHD and Second HLRCC Symposium in Paris, France. The conference was held over two days in the beautiful École du Louvre, which was founded in 1882 to study the collections belonging to the adjacent Musée du Louvre art gallery.

07/13/2013

Renal Cells Express Different Forms of Vimentin

Sat, 13 Jul 2013 15:27:43 GMT

Osmotic stress has been shown to regulate cytoskeletal protein expression.

07/13/2013

SEC begins inquiry into Aveo

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 16:31:43 GMT

In a regulatory filing, Aveo said it “intends to fully cooperate with the SEC regarding this non-public, fact-finding inquiry.”

07/12/2013

EMA Lifts Conditional Status For GSK's Votrient® (Pazopanib) And Grants Full Approval

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 16:33:17 GMT

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has agreed to remove the conditional status of the marketing authorisation for Votrient (pazopanib)...

07/12/2013

Robotic Ultrasound Gives Surgeon More Direct Control in Mapping and Removing Kidney Cancers

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 16:35:16 GMT

The use of ultrasound to identify tumors during kidney cancer surgery is gaining acceptance and a research team at Henry Ford Hospital has successfully taken it a step further by showing an added benefit when the procedure is done robotically.

07/12/2013

VIDEO: Lift for Life Preview

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 16:40:42 GMT

07/12/2013

Celldex Therapeutics Announces Issuance of Seminal Patent for CD27 Agonists

Thu, 11 Jul 2013 15:09:32 GMT

Patent Provides Broad-Based Intellectual Property Platform for CDX-1127.

07/11/2013

Robotic ultrasound to identify tumors during kidney cancer surgery gains acceptance among surgeons

Thu, 11 Jul 2013 15:11:08 GMT

While the use of ultrasound to identify tumors during kidney cancer surgery is gaining acceptance, a research team at Henry Ford Hospital has successfully taken it a step further by showing an added benefit when the procedure is done robotically.

07/11/2013

Obamacare Will Bring Drug Industry $35 Billion In Profits

Sun, 07 Jul 2013 13:59:32 GMT

...the U.S. pharmaceutical industry’s market value will mushroom by 33 percent to $476 billion...

07/07/2013

Penn State Football: The Line on Shrive is Uplifting

Sat, 06 Jul 2013 15:11:09 GMT

Shrive isn’t letting his fellow players off easy. In the first decade of Lift For Life, the Penn State football team has raised more than $700,000. Shrive has set his sights on hitting the event’s $1 million mark this year. “Even if we don’t hit $300,000,” says Shrive, “it’s great incentive to raise a lot of money for a great cause.”

07/06/2013

Molecular cytogenetic analysis for TFE3 rearrangement in Xp11.2 renal cell carcinoma

Sat, 06 Jul 2013 15:14:36 GMT

...validation and clinical experience with 75 cases.

07/06/2013

Cost of Health Insurance: Poll Results

Thu, 04 Jul 2013 19:33:50 GMT

Discuss your family's health insurance costs with our Facebook 68,000 fans now!

07/05/2013

Kidney problems rise as temperatures soar

Thu, 04 Jul 2013 14:55:54 GMT

Hot weather is directly linked to kidney problems - especially painful kidney stones.

07/04/2013

Best of AUA 2013: Kidney Cancer

Tue, 02 Jul 2013 13:40:46 GMT

In patients with kidney tumors, the total number of specific chromosomal aberrations detected using interface FISH technology, as well as tumor grade and tumor size, were independent predictors of metastatic disease and overall survival...

07/02/2013

Take The Kidney Cancer Fitness Challenge!

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:37:51 GMT

KCA Fitness Challenge

Did you know that exercise can play a key role in your recovery from cancer? Here's a fun way to improve your fitness, overall health, and your emotional response to cancer. Join the KCA Summer Fitness Challenge and stay active, while raising funds for the world's oldest, largest, and most trusted kidney cancer charity, the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA). You don't have to travel, join a group, or commit to a specific exercise program--just get off the sofa!

Commit to an ongoing program of healthy physical activity this month and confirm your participation by texting KCA to 80100 to donate $10. Can't donate from your phone? No problem, you may donate online or mail a small contribution to any of the postal addresses listed on this web page.

Mon, 24 Jun 2013 14:26:27 GMT

Investigators in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network have uncovered a connection between how tumor cells use energy from metabolic processes and the aggressiveness of the most common form of kidney cancer...

06/24/2013

Poll: Will the Affordable Care Act help or hurt people living with kidney cancer?

Sat, 22 Jun 2013 21:33:05 GMT

06/22/2013

Kaiser Poll: Unfavorable Views of ACA (Obamacare) Outnumber Favorable

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 18:29:51 GMT

06/20/2013

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:34:34 GMT

Albany, N.Y., May 30, 2013 - On Thursday June 20th there will be a fundraiser for 30 year old Albany resident Meagan Blackmore, who is battling Stage 4 renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). This huge event is being hosted by the Megstrong organization, Meagan’s army of supporters. The event will take place at the 99 restaurant at 1470 Western Avenue in Guilderland, from 5:00-11:00 PM. There will be a silent auction, raffle, DJ, trivia, drink specials and more. Guest servers and bartenders will be donating all of their tips to Megstrong, and the restaurant will be donating 15% of dining room sales to support this cause. Donations are tax deductible and will go directly to support Meagan’s medical and living expenses.

There will be several large prizes available including a brand new Fender Stratocaster guitar, a drum head signed by all the members of the band Dream Theater, a Boston package including Red Sox tickets and a dinner cruise, signed CDs and DVDs from ZZ Top, Alanis Morissette, the B-52’s, Garbage, and Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, and concert tickets to New Kids On The Block, Big Time Rush, and Lil Wayne. Other prizes include original artwork, dinner packages, gift baskets and gift cards to numerous local businesses.

Meagan is a SUNY Albany graduate, and has proudly called Albany home for over 12 years. She was very recently diagnosed with stage 4 renal cell carcinoma, which was presented with almost no symptoms and surfaced as the result of a routine doctor visit. She will be starting treatment soon and she needs our support.

Meagan Blackmore is an inspiration to everyone who knows her, and her support system has joined together to show her just how loved she is. The Megstrong army is enlisting recruits to join in the fight for our loved one and more Megstrong soldiers from our community are needed. She loves and supports the Capital District and now it is time for the Capital District to love and support her.

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:55:47 GMT

Argos Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of fully personalized immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases using its Arcelis(TM) technology platform, today announced it has expanded its ADAPT Phase 3 clinical study for AGS-003 to additional top cancer centers in the United States, Canada and will soon be expanding into Europe and Israel.

06/11/2013

Bionomics Completes Enrolment for BNC105 Phase II Renal Cancer Trial

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:02:00 GMT

06/11/2013

Advancing Critical Pathways Forward in the Treatment of Colorectal and Kidney Cancer

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:59:01 GMT

The Angiogenesis Foundation will release two new white papers, in conjunction with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, which address the needs, challenges, and proposed solutions to improve outcomes in two of the top ten most common cancers in the United States: metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC), also known as kidney cancer.

06/10/2013

Common solvent linked to cancer risk

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 14:01:47 GMT

Scandinavian workers exposed to a common industrial cleaning fluid showed higher risk for developing cancers of the liver, kidneys and cervix in a large new study.

06/08/2013

Nivolumab Tested For Safety In Kidney Cancer

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:56:07 GMT

06/06/2013

Aveo to slash 62 percent jobs

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:31:08 GMT

Focus on colon, breast cancer drug

06/05/2013

Immunotherapy: New Weapon Against Cancer

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:32:59 GMT

"Everything has shrunk," said the 62-year-old contractor from Wolcott, Connecticut, who still goes for treatment every two weeks and has regular scans to keep tabs on his progress. "Some of the tumors you can't even see."

06/05/2013

Kidney Cancer News for June, 2013

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:50:42 GMT

Kidney Cancer News, June 2013 from KCA VIDEOS on Vimeo.

Cholesterol drugs might increase kidney cancer survival

06/04/2013

VIDEO: Learn how we fund cutting-edge research

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 17:56:42 GMT

Learn more: www.KCAGrants.com

06/01/2013

2013 ASCO Annual Meeting: Abstracts Related to RCC

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 18:12:41 GMT

A pre-filtered list of abstracts related to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) from the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, held this week in Chicago.

06/01/2013

Kidney Cancer CONNECT Patient Registry

Wed, 29 May 2013 15:09:26 GMT

We have launched a patient registry for kidney cancer. Registries are important for a number of reasons, including:

· They help promote improved diagnosis and medical care among families and healthcare providers, and to reach families who are not connected to specialty care providers

· They help researchers characterize and understand the global patient community; gain access to data for pre-clinical and clinical research; and link families with research opportunities

· They help pharmaceutical companies connect with researchers and patients to conduct pre-clinical and clinical trials

· They help empower patients and families through valuable knowledge, direct rapid contact, and identification of important concerns

· They help patients and their families find answers to common questions about kidney cancer; learn about genetics, inheritance, and genetic testing; and explore up-to-date information about medical research and clinical trials

Joining the Kidney Cancer CONNECT registry means your medical information – de-identified, so it doesn’t contain your name, date of birth, or other identifying data – can be added to information from other kidney cancer patients. You retain ownership of your data, and you decide whether to opt in – or opt out – of the registry. You also can be informed of research opportunities that can help advance understanding of kidney cancer and its management.

The Kidney Cancer Association is able to operate this registry thanks to the professionals at PatientCrossroads, the leading manager of patient registries worldwide. We are very excited about this opportunity, and we hope you will consider joining the Kidney Cancer CONNECT registry. Knowledge is power, and the more that we all know about kidney cancer the more powerful the results can be. Join at www.BigRegistry.org.

05/29/2013

Lpath begins phase IIa single-arm trial of anti-cancer drug, ASONEP

Tue, 28 May 2013 15:29:24 GMT

ASONEP is a humanized antibody that binds to and neutralizes sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). S1P is a bioactive lipid that has been validated as a drug target in multiple sclerosis and that has been shown to contribute to progression of several cancer types.

05/28/2013

Kidney Cancer Association Open-Access Patient Registry Goes Live

Sat, 25 May 2013 15:36:36 GMT

Founding Registry Partner organizations, representing nearly 70 diseases, have already beta tested and provided input on the CONNECT registry and have expressed their strong support for the freely available patient registry program. Visit: www.BigRegistry.org to the visit the new website and to enroll.

05/25/2013

VIDEO: Managing Side Effects from Kidney Cancer Targeted Therapies

Sat, 25 May 2013 15:39:37 GMT

Members of our Nurse Advisory Board discuss targeted therapies and management of side effects.

05/25/2013

Presentations from Eighth European International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Sat, 25 May 2013 20:23:30 GMT

05/25/2013

Immunotherapy Brightens BMS Future

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:45:58 GMT

Bristol-Myers Squibb could be a big winner with a portfolio of cancer treatments under development that use a patient's own immune system to attack the disease, according to a Citi, which raised its rating on the drugmaker.

05/23/2013

AVEO and Astellas to Present Tivozanib Clinical Data

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:36:52 GMT

AVEO Oncology and Astellas Pharma Inc. announced that additional data from the Phase 3 TIVO-1 trial (TIvozanib Versus sOrafenib in 1st line advanced RCC) of investigational agent tivozanib in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) will be presented at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) taking place in Chicago.

05/22/2013

Efficacy of temsirolimus in metastatic chromophobe renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:11:15 GMT

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a histopathologically and molecularly heterogeneous disease with the chromophobe subtype (chRCC) accounting for approximately 5% of all cases.

05/22/2013

Many Affected by Kidney Cancer Are Not Informed about Kidney-Sparing Surgery Option

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:20:35 GMT

Surgery is the most common form of treatment for kidney tumors and often the only treatment necessary to achieve a cure.

05/22/2013

TRACON Pharmaceuticals Announces TRC105 Clinical Trials, Abstract Presentations at 2013 ASCO Annual Meeting

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:52:11 GMT

TRACON Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company that develops targeted therapies for oncology and ophthalmology, today announced multiple clinical investigations for TRC105 and the presentation of two abstracts at the 49th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), held May 31 to June 4 in Chicago.

05/21/2013

Johnson & Johnson's Short-Term Pipeline

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:55:09 GMT

What remains in the pipeline of the eighth largest pharmaceuticals company after the recent approval of its last jackpot?

05/21/2013

Todd M. Garber Announces Investigation of AVEO Pharmaceuticals

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:58:00 GMT

Specifically, the investigation concerns whether the Company misrepresented or failed to disclose that: (1) the FDA had recommended that the Company conduct an additional Phase III trial due to adverse trends in the Company's first Phase III trial; (2) there was a 25% higher rate of death associated with tivozanib therapy compared to the control drug, sorafenib; and (3) almost 90% of patients studied in the single Phase III trial were enrolled from sites in Central and Eastern Europe with inconsistent treatment patterns from those in the United States.

05/21/2013

Promising data for cancer vaccine INTUVAX in the treatment of kidney cancer

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:59:53 GMT

Immunicum AB (publ) presents a status update with promising data from an ongoing clinical phase I/II-study of the cancer vaccine INTUVAX™ in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Two patients with poor prognosis have thus far shown an average survival of about 11 months, which can be compared to the expected median survival of 5 months.

05/21/2013

2013 ASCO Abstracts Specific to Renal Cancers

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:01:54 GMT

Search results on ASCO.org relating to abstracts presented at the 2013 Annual Meeting that are specific to kidney cancer.

05/16/2013

Jennerex Announces Science Translational Medicine Publication

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:04:06 GMT

Jennerex Biotherapeutics, Inc., a private, clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of best-in-class targeted oncolytic immunotherapies for solid tumors, today announced the publication of data demonstrating the ability of its lead product-candidate, Pexa-Vec (JX-594, pexastimogene devacirepvec) to induce functional anti-cancer immunity, both in patients with diverse solid tumor types and in animal models.

05/16/2013

Drug combo marks new advance in immunotherapy

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:05:59 GMT

Bristol released preliminary data from the early-stage trial on Wednesday, with more detailed results expected to highlight the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting in Chicago that starts at the end of the month.

05/16/2013

Roche immunotherapy shows response over range of cancers

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:07:24 GMT

An experimental Roche Holding AG drug that helps the immune system attack tumors was well tolerated and demonstrated an impressive effect against a variety of cancers, according to preliminary trial results released on Wednesday.

05/16/2013

Progression-Free Survival Data for Investigational Afatinib and Nintedanib

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:09:03 GMT

Nintedanib is being evaluated in various solid tumors – including advanced NSCLC, ovarian cancer, liver cancer (hepatic cell carcinoma), kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) and colorectal cancer.

05/16/2013

Bristol-Myers Squibb Advances Leadership Position in Immuno-Oncology

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:11:20 GMT

Development program for nivolumab now includes seven potentially registrational trials in non-small-cell lung cancer, advanced melanoma and renal cell carcinoma.

05/16/2013

Bayer to Present New Data Across Oncology Portfolio at ASCO 2013

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:13:29 GMT

Bayer HealthCare announced today that new data on the oncology portfolio, including Nexavar® (sorafenib) tablets, Stivarga® (regorafenib) tablets and the recently U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved product Xofigo® (radium Ra 223 dichloride) injection will be presented at the 49th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), May 31 – June 4, in Chicago, IL (USA). These data showcase Bayer's commitment to developing treatments for difficult-to-treat cancers.

05/16/2013

Eat garlic and onions every day for optimum heart health, immunity, cancer prevention

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:15:07 GMT

Garlic and onions, two of the most popular flavoring accompaniments in American cooking today, not only serve a culinary purpose to make foods taste more flavorful. These two popular parts of the American diet actually contain a plethora of health benefits within.

05/16/2013

Yourwellness Magazine Follows Up Statins and Kidney Cancer Study

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:18:06 GMT

A new study, presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association in San Diego, has found that statins may be able to fight kidney cancer.

05/16/2013

Join Facebook's Largest Open Group Dedicated to Helping Families Dealing With Kidney Cancer

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:43:59 GMT

The Kidney Cancer Friends Facebook Group is a forum for open discussion of kidney cancer (subject to whatever limitations Facebook chooses to impose).

05/16/2013

NCI Video Series: Understanding Your Cancer Prognosis

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:12:01 GMT

Try the Renal Cell Outcome Calculator

05/16/2013

Star Career Academy Students Support Classmate With Long Island Kidney Walk Sponsorship

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:30:20 GMT

Star Career Academy students from the school's Long Island campus, will honor classmate Megan Reister, who had a failed kidney transplant at the age of 15 and family members who have survived kidney cancer...

05/14/2013

Next-gen cancer immunotherapies will step into the spotlight at ASCO

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:42:35 GMT

Now in 6 late-stage studies, the treatment (BMS-936558 acquired in the Medarex buyout) spurred tumor shrinkage in three of 5 cancer groups studied, including 18% of 72 lung cancer patients, close to a third of 98 melanoma patients and 27% of 33 patients with kidney cancer.

05/14/2013

Amgen, Zhejiang Beta Pharma Form Joint Venture

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:45:29 GMT

"This joint venture brings us one step closer to providing Chinese patients with Amgen's medicines and supports our strategy of expanding in key, fast-growing markets," said Anthony Hooper, executive vice president at Amgen.

05/14/2013

Sneak Peek: Look What's Coming!

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:16:44 GMT

Here's a sneak peek at something new we're launching later this month. It's a collaboration that will enable patients to help transform medicine in ways that could help researchers to speed new treatments from the bench to the bedside. Stay tuned!

05/14/2013

Jennerex Granted FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Pexa-Vec in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:19:21 GMT

Jennerex, Biotherapeutics, Inc., a private, clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of best-in-class targeted oncolytic immunotherapies for solid tumors, today announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted orphan drug designation for Pexa-Vec (JX-594, pexastimogene devacirepvec) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, commonly referred to as liver cancer).

05/09/2013

Rosetta Genomics microRNA-based Diagnostic Assays

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:59:49 GMT

Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, today announces that the Company's miRview® suite of oncology diagnostic assays will be highlighted in an "Industry Expert Theater Presentation" at the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) 2013 Annual Meeting taking place from May 31-June 4 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.

05/08/2013

Cholesterol Drugs Might Boost Kidney Cancer Survival

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:01:05 GMT

Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs that are taken by millions of Americans might also improve survival from a type of kidney cancer called renal cell carcinoma, a new study suggests.

05/08/2013

Robot-assisted kidney cancer surgery offers many benefits, but at a cost

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:03:18 GMT

Robot-assisted surgery to remove kidney cancers has seen a rapid increase in use, and has both replaced and proven safer than laparoscopic procedures for the same purpose, according to a study by the Vattikuti Urology Institute at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

05/08/2013

Nutrition News: Bring on the fiber

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:04:35 GMT

Eating plenty of fiber and fiber-rich foods may reduce the risk of kidney cancer among those at a healthy weight, suggests a large new study of almost half a million people. The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

05/08/2013

AUA 2013: Urologist Shortage Projected in US

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:09:29 GMT

The number of urologists in the United States peaked in 2008 at 9852, and is now declining with serious consequences, especially in rural areas, said Raj Pruthi, MD, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “We think this is a real problem.”

05/08/2013

Kidney Cancer's Biggest Current and Upcoming Players

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:41:36 GMT

My focus in this 12-week series is to bring to light both the need for continued research in these fields, as well as highlight ways you can profit from the biggest current and upcoming players in each area.

05/07/2013

Researchers at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Describe Findings in Pre-Trial Research

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:44:30 GMT

Herein, we report the development and validation of a tumorgraft model of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its application to the evaluation of an experimental drug.

05/07/2013

Disease-Specific Survival in De Novo Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Cytokine and Targeted Therapy Era

Sun, 05 May 2013 14:04:35 GMT

Recent phase III studies of targeted agents for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have generated median survival estimates that far exceed those observed during the cytokine era. However, substantial population-based data does not exist to confirm this trend. We sought to determine whether survival has improved for patients with mRCC diagnosed in the era of targeted therapies, as compared to the era of immunotherapy.

05/05/2013

FDA panel votes against Aveo's kidney cancer drug

Fri, 03 May 2013 09:14:59 GMT

In a 13-1 vote on Thursday, the panel said Aveo had not shown that the drug's benefits outweighed its risks in a well-controlled study, and said a second trial would be needed before the drug, tivozanib, should be approved.

05/03/2013

Proprietary Microarray for Kidney Cancer

Fri, 03 May 2013 09:18:27 GMT

UroGenRA™-Kidney was designed and developed at Cancer Genetics to assist in the diagnosis and treatment selection of kidney cancer.

05/03/2013

Center of Excellence for HIFU Surgical Ablation Technology

Fri, 03 May 2013 09:20:59 GMT

SonaCare Medical, a global leader in minimally invasive HIFU technologies, announced today that it has partnered with University College London (UCL) to create a HIFU Center of Excellence.

05/03/2013

Protein Expression of ZEB2 in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 03 May 2013 09:27:10 GMT

ZEB2 has been reportedly shown to mediate the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and disease aggressiveness in human tumors. However, the expression status of ZEB2 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and ZEB2’s clinicopathologic/prognostic significance are poorly understood.

05/03/2013

Mayo Clinic Finds Experimental Drug Inhibits Growth in All Stages of Common Kidney Cancer

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:03:17 GMT

Researchers at Mayo Clinic’s campus in Florida have discovered a protein that is overly active in every human sample of kidney cancer they examined.

05/01/2013

FDA staff question whether Aveo drug needs new trial

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:07:00 GMT

They asked the panel to consider whether a new trial was needed to better assess risk versus benefit, given that other treatments are available.

05/01/2013

VIDEO: Clinical Trials Meeting Streams LIVE from Hungary

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:54:47 GMT

Clinical trials meeting streams live May 2, 2013.

05/01/2013

Eighth European International Kidney Cancer Symposium LIVE from Budapest

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:02:12 GMT

Live from Budapest from KCA VIDEOS on Vimeo.

05/01/2013

Kidney Cancer Association Announces Schonfeld Research Award Recipient

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:32:40 GMT

This year’s grant recipient of the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) Eugene P. Schonfeld Research Award is Dr. Eliezer Van Allen, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, whose project is titled “Dissecting clinical resistance to PI3K inhibitors in PIK3CA or PTEN-mutant cancers.”

04/29/2013

Prolonged exposure to tyrosine kinase inhibitors or early use of everolimus in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: are the two options alike?

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:55:31 GMT

We retrospectively analyzed metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients treated with 3 targeted agents. Patients started the sequence with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), sunitinib or sorafenib, and were divided into 2 groups based on the order in which they received the other reciprocal TKI and everolimus (EVE): TKI-TKI-EVE group (nÂ =Â 19) and TKI-EVE-TKI group (nÂ =Â 14).

04/26/2013

What's PatientSmart.org?

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:54:08 GMT

Are you PatientSmart? Get in on the ground floor of something that has the potential to fundamentally transform medicine. Best of all, it's FREE! www.PatientSmart.org(SM).

04/26/2013

Quickly Approaching Biopharma Catalyst Events

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:47:06 GMT

Today, I list 4 biopharmas I feel offer strong upside potential in the short and medium term. With these catalysts quickly approaching, we can expect some nice shorter-term appreciation under normal market conditions. I feel the 4 stocks I list here are also strong speculation investments.

04/25/2013

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma agent nearly doubles survival

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:51:05 GMT

Results with personalized immunotherapy support phase III study, authors say...

04/25/2013

Veteran's Service Office issues alert for Marines

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:53:34 GMT

Anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987 and have any of these conditions should contact the VA Hospital or the Wilson County Veteran's Service Office at 615-444-2460.

04/25/2013

Small renal masses: A positive surgical margin does not affect survival

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:47:18 GMT

The incidence and consequences of positive surgical margins after partial nephrectomy are important issues in the management of localized renal cell carcinoma. A recent population-based study demonstrates a slightly higher rate of positive margins...

04/24/2013

8 Ways to Volunteer to Help America's Largest Volunteer Health Care Work Force

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:39:37 GMT

As we officially commemorate National Volunteer Week, I am giving a shout out to those 65 million family caregivers nationwide -- most of them caring for someone over age 50 -- who essentially have volunteered to care for a loved one who is sick, getting older, or has a disorder or disability. Caregivers are an invaluable volunteer army drafted into service to help loved ones remain at home rather than in facilities and institutions.

04/23/2013

Tivozanib's Safety Will Lead The Way Towards Approva

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:41:16 GMT

Aveo Pharmaceuticals' (AVEO) big day is getting closer - on May 2nd, the FDA's Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) is scheduled to review the company's lead drug candidate tivozanib for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

04/23/2013

Renal Cell Tumors More Likely To Metastasize Better Identified By Chemical Shift MRI

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:44:38 GMT

Adding "chemical shift" techniques to MRI can help differentiate clear cell renal cell carcinoma from other types of renal cell cancer, a new study shows. That differentiation can help physicians better determine treatment for these patients.

04/23/2013

Treatment of metastatic RCC: What can we offer?

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:46:06 GMT

In the newly diagnosed patient, a multimodal approach optimizes survival and quality of life.

04/23/2013

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON NRLC'S OPPOSITION TO DRUG PRICE CONTROLS

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:49:01 GMT

Drug price controls have a devastating effect on the development of new life saving drugs.

04/23/2013

Dr. David Samadi Blogs Weekly on Talking About Men’s Health

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:51:17 GMT

Dr. Samadi is a board-certified urologist and an oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of urologic diseases, prostate cancer, kidney cancer...

04/23/2013

Chemical Shift MRI Helps Differentiate Renal Cell Tumors More Likely To Metastasize

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:20:50 GMT

Adding “chemical shift” techniques to MRI can help differentiate clear cell renal cell carcinoma from other types of renal cell cancer, a new study shows. That differentiation can help physicians better determine treatment for these patients.

04/20/2013

National Minority Health Month Is A Call To Action

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:22:25 GMT

That's the "dry" statement. The impact statement is that-unfortunately-for many in this country, this is more than a phrase. It's a reality that their health and their health care are in crisis. And the sooner more of us understand this, the sooner we can make a genuine effort to implement effective strategies that will address the sad state of affairs many people find themselves in when it comes to their health, and preventing and appropriately treating their diseases.

04/20/2013

U.K. likely to pay for Avastin despite another NICE rejection

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:24:59 GMT

Cancer drug most prescribed under separate government cancer fund.

04/20/2013

Anti-CD70 Immunocytokines for Exploitation of Interferon-γ-Induced RIP1-Dependent Necrosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:47:17 GMT

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an incurable disease in clear need of new therapeutic interventions. In early-phase clinical trials, the cytokine IFN-γ showed promise as a biotherapeutic for advanced RCC...

04/19/2013

Why We Expect The FDA To Approve Aveo's Tivozanib

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:20:31 GMT

A panel of cancer experts will discuss the efficacy and safety of Tivozanib and then vote for or against approval. In most cases, the FDA follows the recommendation of the ODAC panel.

04/17/2013

Scientists ID new kidney cancer subtypes, clearing way for personalized treatment

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:21:35 GMT

Researchers with UCLA's Institute of Urologic Oncology and department of urology have classified kidney cancer into several unique subtypes, a breakthrough that will help physicians tailor treatment to individual kidney cancer patients, moving cancer care one step closer to personalized medicine.

04/17/2013

LIVE Video: Boston Marathon Aftermath

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:00:47 GMT

Link to live video feed from Boston

04/16/2013

Highlights from 2013 AACR Annual Meeting

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:22:29 GMT

Click any topic to learn more about the AACR 2013 Annual Meeting:

	Genitourinary and Ovarian Cancer Models	Biomarkers 1: Genitourinary Cancers
	Search the 2013 Annual Meeting

You do not need to rely upon the opinion of third-parties to determine what research is important to you. AACR has made it easy for anyone to search the proceedings of the 2013 Annual Meeting. Simply click "Search the 2013 Annual Meeting" to begin. We have provided two additional links only to offer you a preview of the method of presentation.

04/15/2013

Study Illuminates Biology Behind Promising Therapy for Graft-versus-host Disease

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:33:42 GMT

In a study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the researchers detail how low doses of the drug interleukin-2 (IL-2) can alleviate chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a debilitating condition that often occurs in patients who have received a stem cell transplant. In patients with chronic GVHD, donor immune cells launch an attack on healthy tissue. IL-2 is so versatile at restoring immune system balance, the researchers found, that it may eventually become a primary treatment for chronic GVHD and may even hold promise for treating autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which result from a misguided immune system attack on otherwise healthy organs and tissues.

04/15/2013

Kidney grown in lab successfully transplanted

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:45:13 GMT

Functioning kidney built from newborn rat cells is a major step towards personalised transplant organs for people.

04/15/2013

Videos From National Patient Meeting

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:51:48 GMT

The Kidney Cancer Association's National Patient & Survivor Conference was webcast live from M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas, on Saturday, April 6, 2013. Archived video of the event is presented here in two parts.

Morning case presentations and questions

Afternoon case presentations and questions

This information may be freely shared, including embedding on other websites. However, we request that it be used only in its complete, unedited, form (as presented here).

04/13/2013

ACOR website in transition?

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:52:09 GMT

The nonprofit Association of Cancer Online Resources (www.acor.org) disease related email lists are apparently being abandoned in favor of a new for-profit business model that may sell data collected from patient subscribers to the pharmaceutical industry and others. An apparent successor company’s website is located at www.smartpatients.org.

According to an email distributed early today by ACOR email list mangers, the new enterprise, “Smart Patients is a for-profit company so we can invest what’s needed to create a world-class system for patients that will be sustainable in the long term. The business model is transparent: Occasionally we run surveys or projects you can choose to take part in or not; and also we summarize useful, anonymous information that entities like biotech and pharma companies can use to better understand patients and accelerate drug development.”

We attempted to post an inquiry to one of the ACOR email lists to learn about the new firm's patient privacy policy, if any, because this was not disclosed on the home page of the Smart Patients website at the time of our visit today. We were unable to reach the ACOR website because it appears to have been offline at the time we attempted to reach it. It is not known if previously collected patient information stored in ACOR’s archives will also be sold to corporate interests.

The email sent to ACOR members adds that the Smart Patients website membership is limited to “invitation-only” and admonishes users, “…best not to discuss it elsewhere just yet.”

According to non-profit watchdog GuideStar.org, ACOR’s tax-exempt nonprofit status was revoked by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for its failure to file tax returns, as required by law, for three consecutive years or more.

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 12:06:07 GMT

The study found that partial and complete kidney removal (total nephrectomy) and energy-based techniques to destroy tumors are all on the rise. Surprisingly, the patients most in need of kidney-sparing surgery are still more likely to undergo total nephrectomy.

04/06/2013

AACR Annual Meeting

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 23:40:28 GMT

The Kidney Cancer Association's table top display is located at booth #342 in the Convention Center, Washington, D.C.

04/06/2013

Join the Rally for Medical Research

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 23:51:21 GMT

More than 18,000 cancer researchers and patient adovcates are in Washington, D.C. this week for the 2013 AACR Annual Meeting. Join your friends from the kidney cancer association at the Rally for Medical Research on Monday, April 8, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The Kidney Cancer Association's videos from the M. D. Anderson Patient and Survivor Conference are now online.

04/06/2013

Cerulean Pharma to Present Data on CRLX101's HIF-1a Inhibition at AACR

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:22:52 GMT

Dr. Stephen Keefe to present clinical data demonstrating CRLX101's combinability with Avastin® to treat renal cell carcinoma.

04/05/2013

The 10 worst toxins hidden in vitamins, supplements and health foods

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:48:28 GMT

(NaturalNews) I'm absolutely shocked at how many people don't investigate what's really in the products they swallow. When something is sold as an herb, vitamin, superfood or supplement, they think it's automatically safe. And while the natural products industry has a truly remarkable safety record -- especially in contrast to the massive number of deaths caused by pharmaceuticals -- it still suffers from a lot of hidden toxins that are routinely used throughout the industry.

04/03/2013

Rosetta Genomics Announces Poster Presentations at AACR Annual Meeting 2013

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:25:10 GMT

Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, announces that two posters related to the Company's microRNA-based diagnostic assays will be featured at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2013, to be held April 6-10 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

04/03/2013

Potential biofluid markers and treatment targets for renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:26:19 GMT

In this Review, Wettersten and Weiss discuss novel urinary and blood biomarkers and therapeutic targets for renal cell carcinoma, with the hope that dissemination of this information might lead to clinical utilization.

04/03/2013

Cancer diagnosis inspires actress to create fundraising event for Rouge Valley

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:29:17 GMT

One in three Canadian families will be touched by cancer one way or another. Allen-Rowe’s mother died of cervical cancer, and her husband has had kidney cancer.

04/03/2013

Learn About The Judy Nicholson Foundation

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:15:15 GMT

The Judy Nicholson Foundation is a charitable foundation established January 2009 after the wife of its founder, Judy Nicholson, passed away after a battle with RCC. The Foundation seeks to raise funds in partnership with researchers at the Mayo Clinic Florida in Jacksonville in an effort to find a method for early detection of kidney cancer and improved treatment. We also seek to increase awareness of this devastating disease through events and promotions and through a strong support group in the Jacksonville area. The Judy Nicholson Foundation is a 501(c)3 charity, has no paid employees and 95% of donations are applied to research grants.

04/03/2013

New Market Study Published: Renal Cell Carcinoma - Pipeline Review

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:40:08 GMT

Global Markets Direct's, 'Renal Cell Carcinoma - Pipeline Review, H1 2013', provides an overview of the indication's therapeutic pipeline.

04/01/2013

Survivor Spotlight: Karen Carlier

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:45:29 GMT

Everyone goes through a time of panic and fear. Get past that and be optimistic!

04/01/2013

Official Proclamation: Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:26:29 GMT

Click to download the PDF

03/31/2013

March 2013 Kidney Cancer Association Newsletter

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 16:48:03 GMT

Save the date for our biggest survivor-patient meeting of the year! Join us on Saturday, April 4 for the 2013 Kidney Cancer Association Patient and Survivor Conference in Houston, TX.

03/31/2013

Wear Orange for Kidney Cancer Awareness in March

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:31:28 GMT

Get your FREE kidney cancer awareness gear here!

03/30/2013

Vasohibin-1 is a new predictor of disease-free survival

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:20:35 GMT

Vasohibin-1 (VASH1) is an endothelium-produced angiogenesis inhibitor. Renal cell carcinoma is highly vascularised, but the significance of endogenous VASH1 in renal cell carcinoma has not been defined.

03/30/2013

Is this what's in store for kidney cancer patients under Obamacare?

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:48:10 GMT

Once again, NICE regulators toss kidney cancer sufferers into medicine's "dust bin."

03/29/2013

Cancer Drug Kills Every Kind of Tumor: Study

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:58:37 GMT

Stanford University scientists have discovered a single drug that has killed or shrunk every kind of cancer tumor it has been used against — a new anti-cancer weapon that some have described as a kind of medical Holy Grail.

03/29/2013

Pfizer gets new rebuff from UK cost body for cancer drug

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:17:46 GMT

Pfizer suffered a second rejection in two days from Britain's health cost watchdog NICE as its new kidney cancer drug Inlyta was turned down for use on the state health service.

03/28/2013

Genetically engineered mouse models for functional studies of SKP1-CUL1-F-box-protein (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligases

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:19:35 GMT

Cul-7 forms a complex with the adaptor protein SKP1, RBX1, and the receptor protein FBXW8 to constitute an active CRL-7 (Figure 2F), whereas very little is known about other components that may bind to Cul-9/Parc to form an active CRL-916. Cul-7−/− mice die immediately after birth due to respiratory distress.

03/28/2013

In Pretreated Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma, Thought Leaders' Opinions and Clinical Data Indicate that Tivopath Has Efficacy and Tolerability

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:51:27 GMT

The report also finds that surveyed oncologists and managed care organization (MCO) pharmacy directors indicate that improved overall survival and progression-free survival are the greatest unmet needs in pretreated advanced renal cell carcinoma. Interviewed thought leaders are optimistic that Bristol-Myers Squibb's nivolumab has the potential to improve overall survival and at least in part address this unmet need.

03/27/2013

Muscat court verdict in expired confectionery case likely on April 3

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:30:24 GMT

On Saturday, the court heard testimony from Health Ministry nutritionist Fathiah Bint Abdullah Al Rashdi who said that the inspected samples contained harmful fungi that could cause liver and kidney cancer, according to a report in Arabic daily Al Watan today (Sunday).

03/25/2013

Join Patients Foundation for Participatory Medicine

Illinois Residents: Your Help is Needed

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:03:54 GMT

Legislation has been introduced in Springfield that would help open the door to a new generation of medicines that could help treat kidney cancer and other chronic, debilitating diseases.

03/18/2013

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:08:25 GMT

Pikul’s husband, Frank, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2010. Since that time, he participated in a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, underwent surgery and treatment, and is now doing well. The experience prompted Erin to create the Renal Race as a way to support the research and advocacy of the Kidney Cancer Association.

03/15/2013

March 14, 2013 Worldwide Web Chat

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 01:04:22 GMT

For background information on the stories in this video, find complete details in this newsletter. Want to receive the latest news about kidney cancer research? Click the "Subscribe" link at the bottom of the newsletter.

Join the day-long live web chat on Facebook, March 14, 2013, by clicking here!

03/14/2013

Kidney Cancer News: March 2013

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:03:51 GMT

03/14/2013

Flagler Free Clinic staying put, extending hours

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:11:22 GMT

The Flagler Free Clinic will stay put for now, though negotiations for a new business arrangement have been under way since the death of co-founder Dr. John Canakaris.

03/14/2013

Penn State Uplifting Athletes Lift For Life set for July 12

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:15:27 GMT

The 11th annual Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes Lift For Life is set for July 12, with proceeds again benefiting the Kidney Cancer Association.

03/14/2013

Not All e-Patients Are Treated Equally: The Patient Empowerment Myth

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:18:25 GMT

I'm grateful for the opportunity to speak with groups that are interested in proactively addressing issues related to the enrollment of people of color in clinical trials.

03/14/2013

Interactive Map of Kidney Cancer Survivors

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:31:21 GMT

Put your family on this interactive map of North America kidney cancer survivors. Meet patients and caregivers in the largest global forum of its kind!

03/14/2013

Kidneys Are The Hardest Workers In Your Body

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:40:48 GMT

The symptoms of a kidney disease are initially so vague, many have no idea they suffer from it until it has reached a very serious stage. Are you one of them? Take a look at this infographic and ask yourself some serious questions!

03/13/2013

Date set for Penn State football team's annual Lift for Life event

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:42:49 GMT

The Penn State football team will continue their fundraising efforts with Uplifting Athletes when the Nittany Lions hit the field July 12 for the 11th annual Lift for Life event.

03/13/2013

Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist Joins Panel to Discuss Rising Cost of Cancer Care

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:13:02 GMT

The NCCN 18th Annual Conference: Advancing the Standard of Cancer Care(TM) will take place on March 13-17, 2013 at The Westin Diplomat in Hollywood, Florida. This year's conference features two roundtable discussions; new NCCN Guidelines(R) for Survivorship will be presented.

03/12/2013

Trio of Biomarkers May Help Identify Kidney Cancer in Early Stages

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:15:54 GMT

A new immunoassay that tests for the presence of three biomarkers appears to be a valid screening method for the early detection of malignant kidney cancer...

03/12/2013

Georgetown Study Finds Greater Survival And Cost Savings When Only The Tumor Is Removed

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:17:07 GMT

For patients with kidney tumors, a new study shows the health and economic advantages to removing just the tumor as opposed to the entire kidney.

03/12/2013

New kidney blood pressure clues

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:22:28 GMT

Scientists have discovered a “cure for killer blood pressure”, the Daily Express claimed today. In its dramatic front-page story, the newspaper reported that a breakthrough which identified the cause of high blood pressure “could save millions of lives every year”.

03/11/2013

Phase I clinical trial of human vascular endothelial growth factor

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 15:14:57 GMT

Phase I clinical trial of human vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 peptide vaccines for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

03/09/2013

TIR-199: Potential New Heavy Weapon Against Kidney Cancer

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 15:17:05 GMT

Researchers in California may have taken a big step in the fight to end renal cancer.

03/09/2013

Clinical Trials About "Oxford Biomedica TroVax trialled cancer centre"

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:25:31 GMT

We list hundreds of Clinical Trials about "Oxford Biomedica TroVax trialled cancer centre" on BioPortfolio. We draw our references from global clinical trials data listed on ClinicalTrials.gov and refresh our database daily.

03/08/2013

Heart risk from child cancers

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:35:47 GMT

The risk of heart problems is more than five times greater in survivors of childhood cancer according to The Daily Telegraph. The newspaper said new research found that the risk was still high 30 years after they had beaten their cancer.

03/08/2013

Proteomic analysis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:37:31 GMT

Proteomic analysis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma : identification of differentially expressed protein by 2-D DIG...

03/08/2013

Alterations of the serum peptidome in renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:38:59 GMT

Alterations of the serum peptidome in renal cell carcinoma discriminating benign and malignant kidney tumors...

03/08/2013

Treatment Update: Kidney Cancer

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:41:05 GMT

Researchers have made exciting steps forward in the number of treatment options for advanced kidney cancer.

03/08/2013

Sunitinib Does Not Accelerate Tumor Growth in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 22:08:16 GMT

Preclinical studies have suggested that sunitinib accelerates metastases in animals, ascribing this to inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor or the tumor’s adaptation.

03/07/2013

Lpath Signs Collaboration and License Agreement With Provista Diagnostics to Develop Cancer Diagnostics

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 22:25:20 GMT

The company is developing three drug candidates: iSONEP™ is being studied in a Phase 2 trial in wet AMD patients; ASONEP™ is being studied in a Phase 2 trial in renal cell carcinoma patients; and Lpathomab is a preclinical drug candidate that holds promise in pain, neurotrauma, and other diseases.

03/07/2013

Panel to Review AVEO/ALPMY's Drug

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 22:27:10 GMT

AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AVEO) and Astellas Pharma, Inc. (ALPMY) recently announced that the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) will review tivozanib on May 2, 2013.

03/07/2013

Join us for a World Kidney Day Celebration!

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 22:57:21 GMT

Join us on March 14th for a day-long, worldwide, Facebook live web chat!

03/07/2013

Concomitant oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors and bisphosphonates in advanced renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:45:14 GMT

The presence of bone metastases in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is associated with poorer outcome as compared with patients without bone involvement.

03/05/2013

Argos Therapeutics Validates Durability of AGS-003 Induced Immune Response

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:46:42 GMT

Argos Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of fully personalized immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases using its Arcelis(TM) technology platform, today announced it has validated the durability of the immune response for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients treated with AGS-003.

03/05/2013

Novartis CEO: We need to re-think the blockbuster

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:48:13 GMT

Big Pharma companies have hit a wall chasing billion-dollar drugs. Novartis CEO Joseph Jimenez outlines a new paradigm for blockbuster medications.

03/05/2013

India Appeals Body Rejects Bayer's Nexavar Plea

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:49:41 GMT

India's patent appeals body Monday rejected Bayer AG's (BAYRY, BAYN.XE) plea to stop a local company from manufacturing and selling a generic version of its cancer drug Nexavar, a ruling that has wider implications for multinational drug makers operating in the South Asian nation.

03/05/2013

Kidney Disease Caused By High-Fat Diets Tackled By Grape Seed And Skin Extract

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:21:59 GMT

Read the full article here: Grape Seed and Skin Extract

03/05/2013

Fully funded DPhil (PhD) studentships are available from the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:45:12 GMT

The studentship benefits include a bursary of £18,000 pa, University & College fees (home/EU rate only) and the opportunity to work in a cutting edge research environment.

03/04/2013

Bill O'Brien and members of Penn State's senior class to join elite company at the Maxwell Football Club National Awards Gala

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:53:07 GMT

Penn State's Eric Shrive will be recognized for his work off the field where he was selected with the 2013 Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Award. Shrive has raised nearly $70,000 for kidney cancer patients and research. The event will be streamed live on ESPN3.com.

03/01/2013

Bill O'Brien and members of Penn State's senior class to join elite company at the Maxwell Football Club National Awards Gala

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 18:15:17 GMT

On Friday, O'Brien and members of the Nittany Lions' senior class will be in Atlantic City to take part in the Maxwell Football Club National Awards Gala at the Harrah's Atlantic City Resort.

03/01/2013

Which States Have Opted Out of Obamacare Medicaid Expansion

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 23:05:31 GMT

Via: The Advisory Board Company

02/28/2013

AVEO and Astellas Announce FDA Advisory Committee To Review Tivozanib

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:31:41 GMT

ODAC reviews and evaluates data concerning the safety and effectiveness of marketed and investigational human drug products for use in the treatment of cancer, and makes recommendations to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. According to the timelines established by the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), the review of the NDA is expected to be complete by July 28, 2013.

02/28/2013

Chocolate: Good For You

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:34:01 GMT

Reduces dementia -Lowers kidney cancer risk -Reduces sun damage to skin -Reduces persistent coughs...

02/28/2013

New Test Spots Kidney Cancer Early

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:39:39 GMT

02/28/2013

Celldex Therapeutics: Breakthrough Drugs At A Bargain Price

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:47:00 GMT

Celldex Therapeutics (CLDX), even after the recent run up in share price, presents one of the few values left in an overbought market. With around 80 million shares outstanding, the present market cap of near $700 million is a bargain that will not last much longer as the rest of Wall Street finally catches on.

02/27/2013

Learn About HealthIt.gov

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:00:20 GMT

Health information technology (health IT) makes it possible for health care providers to better manage patient care through secure use and sharing of health information. Health IT includes the use of electronic health records (EHRs) instead of paper medical records to maintain people's health information.

02/27/2013

Pharma Pipeline Transparency Makes It Hard To Hide Negative Clinical Trials

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:16:58 GMT

Over the last decade, pharmaceutical companies began to become very transparent about their R&D productivity by periodically publishing the contents of their R&D pipelines on the company websites.

02/26/2013

Dropout from treatment, lack of nutrition lower cure rate of paediatric cancer

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:11:31 GMT

As opposed to an 80 per cent cure rate for paediatric cancer in western countries, the five-year survival rate is only around 60 per cent in Puducherry, according to data available with the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in-hospital registry.

02/25/2013

‘Survivor Spotlight’ features stories of hope

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 13:26:05 GMT

Cancer touches everyone - whether it be through a family member or friend, or if you suffer from the disease yourself. Chances are good that everyone knows at least one person with cancer. Since the disease is so far-reaching, sharing positive stories of the triumphs and courage of those fighting the disease became crucial.

02/24/2013

Activist Ignites A Movement For Patients Through Art And Story

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 14:02:45 GMT

The conference is far from typical. There’s no foundation underwriting it, no public relations firm managing it, and no hotel ballroom. Instead there is a scholarship system, donated food, and an educational center that still features the old-time river town set that once welcomed casino-goers.

02/23/2013

IBN Creates Unlimited Source of Human Kidney Cells

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:41:49 GMT

Researchers at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) have successfully generated human kidney cells from human embryonic stem cells in vitro.

02/22/2013

Gene mutation findings classify renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:03:24 GMT

Researchers have identified mutation-defined subtypes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) that have distinct clinical outcomes.

02/21/2013

New Compound Holds High Promise in Battling Kidney Cancer

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:13:56 GMT

Chemists at the University of California, Riverside have developed a compound that holds much promise in the laboratory in fighting renal (kidney) cancer.

02/21/2013

Does Timing of Cytoreductive Nephrectomy Impact Patient Survival With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma?

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:26:14 GMT

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients who underwent primary cytoreductive nephrectomy (CRN), followed by adjuvant sunitinib therapy, vs those who underwent primary sunitinib therapy before planned CRN.

02/19/2013

High Death Risk Tied to mTOR Drugs in Cancer

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:44:18 GMT

Fatal adverse events occurred more than twice as often in cancer patients treated with mTOR inhibitors compared with control therapies, a review of multiple clinical trials showed.

02/18/2013

PSU’s THON Raises $12.3 Million, Shattering Record

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:48:01 GMT

02/18/2013

The National Minority Quality Forum announced today a collaboration between its National Health Index (NHI) and Microsoft Corporation to launch the National Clinical Trial Network (NCTN) designed to a

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 21:39:25 GMT

The National Minority Quality Forum announced today a collaboration between its National Health Index (NHI) and Microsoft Corporation to launch the National Clinical Trial Network (NCTN) designed to address important challenges in clinical trials—accelerating recruitment and diversity. The relationship allows NCTN to deliver a platform that provides a comprehensive database of clinical trial options to providers.

02/16/2013

Kidney Cancer Association Collaborates With Conquer Cancer Foundation

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:25:18 GMT

KCA Partners with CCF from KCA VIDEOS on Vimeo.

Read the full article

02/15/2013

Bilateral renal cell carcinoma in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:02:07 GMT

The association of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease with renal cell carcinoma is infrequent. A case of bilateral renal cell carcinoma in conjunction with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is presented. The discussion emphasizes pertinent diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.

02/14/2013

Highlights from the Genitourinary Cancers Symposium

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:57:51 GMT

Listen to the podcast

02/14/2013

ASCO GU Symposium Daily News Expert Editorial

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 21:36:35 GMT

Genitourinary Cancers Symposium Daily News Expert Editorial by Mark J. Ratain, MD (see page 20).

02/14/2013

Study questions kidney cancer treatment in elderly

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:42:13 GMT

In a stunning example of when treatment might be worse than the disease, a large review of Medicare records finds that older people with small kidney tumors were much less likely to die over the next five years if doctors monitored them instead of operating right away.

02/13/2013

'Crossover' Ate My Kidney Cancer Drug Survival Benefit

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:56:13 GMT

Final overall survival results from the phase III study of Aveo Pharmaceuticals' (AVEO_) kidney cancer drug tivozanib were released Tuesday night, and as expected, tivozanib-treated patients were at a greater risk of death than those treated with Onyx Pharmaceuticals' (ONXX_) Nexavar.

02/13/2013

World Kidney Day Live Web Chat

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 23:18:07 GMT

Join us March 14 for a day-long live web chat with our members in 102 nations. Celebrate World Kidney Day with your friends from the Kidney Cancer Association.

02/11/2013

Kidney Cancer Association Patient and Survivor Conference to be Held in North Carolina

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 20:22:08 GMT

The University of North Carolina will be hosting its first conference for kidney cancer patients and their families on Saturday, February 23, 2013

02/10/2013

Cancer Drug Doesn't Speed Up Tumor Growth, Researchers Say

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:05:55 GMT

The anticancer drug Sutent (sunitinib) does not cause tumors to grow faster after treatment ends, according to a new study.

02/08/2013

Phase I Clinical Trial and Extension Study with ALN-VSP

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:21:23 GMT

A patient with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) treated at 1.0 mg/kg remained on study with stable disease (SD) for 18 months, and two patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated at 1.0 mg/kg remained on study with SD for approximately 8-12 months.

02/07/2013

CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT IN CANCER COOPERATIVE TRIALS GROUPS

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 18:10:52 GMT

Consumers working with the Cancer Cooperative Trials Groups (CCTGs), and consumers more broadly, now have access to a suite of learning and support initiatives to enhance knowledge and skills in partnering with researchers to conduct quality patient-centred clinical trial research.

02/06/2013

Acceleron Initiates Phase 2 Study of Dalantercept (ACE-041) to Treat Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 18:12:19 GMT

Acceleron Pharma, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing protein therapeutics for cancer and orphan diseases, announced the initiation of a phase 2 study of dalantercept, a novel angiogenesis inhibitor that targets the activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) pathway.

02/06/2013

Activity of single-agent bevacizumab in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:26:43 GMT

The activity of systemic agents after progression when using vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibition (TKI) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is poorly characterized.

02/05/2013

Identification of CDCP1 as a hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) target gene that is associated with survival

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:31:25 GMT

CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1) is a transmembrane protein that is highly expressed in stem cells and frequently overexpressed and tyrosine-phosphorylated in cancer. CDCP1 promotes cancer cell metastasis...

02/05/2013

13-year-old tuberous sclerosis patient with renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:33:25 GMT

We report a 13-year-old white girl with epilepsy and hypopigmented skin lesions...

02/05/2013

Cancer's caregiver crisis of control

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:57:12 GMT

Life experience doesn't prepare you for cancer caregiving.

02/05/2013

23andMe: Innovation in Metastatic Cancer Researc

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:27:34 GMT

Genetics can sometimes explain why some people respond well to a drug whereas others may experience serious side effects. The InVite Study is a collaborative effort between 23andMe and Genentech to learn more about how genes influence response to bevacizumab (also known as Avastin®) in the treatment of locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, recurrent glioblastoma, or metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

02/05/2013

Today is World Cancer Day!

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:00:19 GMT

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. In 2008, it was the cause of 7.6 million deaths globally, and it is estimated that a third of those deaths could have been avoidable with greater prevention, early detection and existing treatments.

02/04/2013

Shrive Named 2013 Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Award winner.

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:49:32 GMT

Congratulations Eric Shrive.

The Penn State redshirt junior offensive lineman is the 2013 Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Award winner.

Shrive was one of seven finalists this year and becomes the fifth recipient of the award.

“It’s with great pride that we celebrate Eric Shrive as our 2013 Rare Disease Champion. This is the first year in the award's history that we’ve honored an active member of an Uplifting Athletes chapter as our winner,” Uplifting Athletes Executive Director Scott Shirley said. “However, Eric’s impact on the rare disease community exceeds that of any of his peers in the last 10 years. He is a true leader and an inspiration to us all.

“I would also like to recognize the other six finalists and their accomplishments. Each of their stories was an inspiration for us to build on. Congratulations.”

Voting for the 2013 Rare Disease Champion was conducted online and was a 100 percent public vote to decide the winner.

Oklahoma’s Austin Woods, USC’s Frankie Telfort, Florida’s Neiron Ball, Fordham’s Andrew Milmore, Humboldt State’s Dillon Reagan and Chris Ferguson of the Naval Academy were the other six finalists.

Shrive, a 6-6, 305-pound lineman from West Scranton, Pennsylvania, has raised nearly $70,000 for Uplifting Athletes the last four years through Penn State’s Lift for Life. Those dollars directly benefit kidney cancer research – the chosen rare disease of Penn State’s chapter.

Plus it helps shed a brighter light on the bigger picture of the fight against rare diseases nationwide.

Shrive, who was recently elected as the president of the Penn State chapter after two years as its vice president, is the top student-athlete fundraiser in Uplifting Athletes’ history.

Shrive will officially receive his trophy at the Maxwell Football Club National Awards Gala on March 1 in Atlantic City. His presentation will be broadcast on ESPN3 as part of the Maxwell Club program.

And one day later, Shrive will be honored again at the Uplifting Athletes Gridiron Gala in Harrisburg inside Strawberry Square. For more information on attending or sponsoring the Gridiron Gala on March 2, check our web site at http://www.upliftingathletes.org/gridirongala.

02/01/2013

David's Clinical Trial Experience

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:03:55 GMT

David participated in a Phase 2 clinical study that evaluated a personalized cancer immunotherapy in combination with a standard targeted drug therapy, sunitinib.

For more information about immunotherapy, clinical trials or standard treatments for advanced kidney cancer, please contact the Kidney Cancer Association at 1-800-850-9132 or visit www.kidneycancer.org

Disclaimer:
The statements made in this video are those of the patient and physician, based on their own experiences with an investigational immunotherapy during a clinical study. Please note, the results described in this video testimonial may not be the same for everyone participating in clinical trials.

02/01/2013

NCI Ends Brash Foray Into the News Business

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 21:54:13 GMT

DURHAM, N.C. – January 15, 2012 – Argos Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of fully personalized immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases using its Arcelis™ technology platform, announced that the first patients have been enrolled in the ADAPT Phase 3 clinical study for AGS-003, its most advanced product candidate. AGS-003 is an investigational, fully personalized, dendritic-cell based immunotherapy. The ADAPT study is designed to examine the potential for AGS-003 plus standard targeted drug therapy to extend overall survival versus standard therapy alone in newly diagnosed patients with unfavorable risk metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

The ADAPT study is a randomized, multicenter, open-label clinical trial expected to enroll 450 patients in approximately 120 sites, mostly in North America, under an approved Special Protocol Assessment by the Food and Drug Administration. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, safety, overall response and immune response. By the end of first quarter 2013, the company expects to have nearly 70 active sites, primarily in the U.S., while the remaining North American and global sites are expected to be activated by summer of 2013.

Robert Figlin, MD, FACP, primary investigator for the ADAPT study and director of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Cedars-Sinai, said, “The commencement of the ADAPT study is a very exciting milestone for the kidney cancer community, which already has great enthusiasm for the evolving field of immunotherapy. With this Phase 3 trial, we are setting out to prove the merits of a unique dendritic-cell based personalized immunotherapy and its ability to re-educate the immune system to recognize and kill cancer. One important aspect is the fact that we are adding AGS-003 to what is already considered the backbone of today’s best available care, in an attempt to improve treatment outcomes for patients with an aggressive form of the disease.”

In a previous Phase 2 study, treatment with AGS-003 plus sunitinib was associated with encouraging median and long-term survival with no added toxicity in newly diagnosed, unfavorable risk mRCC patients. Compared to historical results with sunitinib alone, the combination was associated with median overall survival nearly double that expected in unfavorable risk mRCC patients.[1]^,[2] More than 50 percent of patients in the Phase 2 study survived longer than 30 months, which is nearly four times the expected long-term survival rate for sunitinib in similar risk patients.[3] Furthermore, results demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between the number of anti-tumor, memory T-cells induced and overall survival, directly supporting the intended AGS-003 mechanism of action.[4] Updated Phase 2 survival and immunologic data will be presented during the 2013 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.

Jeff Abbey, Chief Executive Officer of Argos Therapeutics, said, “The initiation of enrollment in the Phase 3 ADAPT study is a major milestone in the clinical development of AGS-003, our first Arcelis technology product candidate. We intend to prove that our fully personalized approach to immunotherapy, uniquely designed to target the entire disease-antigen repertoire, can overcome immunosuppression and extend overall survival for those suffering with metastatic RCC. We are fortunate to be working with many of the country’s top cancer centers and to have widespread support from national advocacy organizations such as the Kidney Cancer Association and the Society of Urologic Oncology Clinical Trials Consortium.”

To create AGS-003, ribonucleic acid (RNA) is isolated from a small tumor sample obtained from standard tumor removal surgery (nephrectomy), and the patient’s dendritic cells are taken during a single leukapheresis procedure. The tumor RNA is used to “program” the dendritic cells with the entire disease-antigen repertoire to trigger an immune response against the patient’s specific cancer. These antigen-loaded dendritic cells are formulated into a ready-to-use, intradermal injection.

To be considered for the ADAPT study patients must be 18 or older, newly diagnosed with clear cell mRCC and identified at diagnosis as unfavorable risk with 1-4 baseline risk factors, based on the recently validated Heng risk factor model.¹Patients must be candidates for standard tumor removal surgery and treatment with standard targeted drug therapy, starting with sunitinib.

Patients participating in the ADAPT study randomized to the combination arm will receive one standard 6-week cycle of sunitinib prior to treatment initiation with AGS-003. The study aims to deliver at least eight doses of AGS-003 over the initial 12 months, in combination with standard targeted therapy, followed by booster doses every three months for those continuing to benefit after the first year of treatment. All AGS-003 therapy for the trial will be manufactured at a single facility in North America.

For more information about AGS-003 and the ADAPT study, visit www.ADAPTkidneycancer.com, or follow us on Twitter @ADAPTkdnycancer.

About the Arcelis™ Technology Platform

Arcelis is a fully personalized, active immunotherapy technology that captures all antigens, including mutated and variant antigens that are specific to each patient’s disease. It has been shown to overcome immunosuppression by producing a durable memory T-cell response without adjuvants that are associated with toxicity. The technology can be leveraged to manufacture personalized therapies for any cancer or infectious disease.

The Arcelis process integrates readily into many current treatment paradigms, using only a small tumor or blood sample and the patient’s own dendritic cells, which are derived and optimized following a single leukapheresis procedure. The proprietary process uses RNA isolated from the patient sample to program the dendritic cells to target the entire disease-antigen repertoire. The activated, antigen-loaded dendritic cells are then formulated into the patient’s plasma and administered as an intradermal injection to produce the desired patient-specific immune response.

Arcelis technology also overcomes many of the manufacturing and commercialization challenges that have impeded other personalized cancer immunotherapies. Automated processes allow a single facility to serve all of North America and can be used to treat any cancer or infectious disease with the same manufacturing process and equipment.

About Argos Therapeutics

Argos Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of fully personalized immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases using its Arcelis™ technology platform. Argos´ most advanced product candidate AGS-003 has initiated a Phase 3 study for the treatment of mRCC, and the Company plans to have data from its Phase 2b study of AGS-004 for the treatment of HIV in the second half of 2013. Argos also recently completed a successful Phase 1a study of AGS-009 in patients with lupus. For more information about Argos Therapeutics, visit www.argostherapeutics.com.

Source: Argos Therapeutics

*Autologous Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy (AGS-003) Plus Standard Treatment of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Contact:

The Ruth Group

Kimberly Muscara (media)

kmuscara@theruthgroup.com

(646) 536-7011

Nicole Greenbaum (investors)

ngreenbaum@theruthgroup.com

(646) 536-7009

Argos Therapeutics

Jeff Abbey (partners)

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:22:16 GMT

India is taking another swipe at Big Pharma.

01/14/2013

Reports from University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Add New Data to Research in Cytokines

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 05:08:23 GMT

Investigators publish new report on Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins. According to news reporting originating from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by NewsRx correspondents, research stated, "Cancer is the leading cause of death in the United States in those dying under the age of 85.

01/13/2013

Acrylamide correlated with a 60% higher rate of kidney cancer

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 05:15:02 GMT

Iincreased intake of Acrylamide (formed when potatoes are baked or fried) is correlated with a 60% higher rate of kidney cancer #SaveAPotato
— NabilAlmessabi (@Nabil_Almessabi) January 12, 2013

Acrylamide in Food and Cancer Risk

01/13/2013

Kidney Cancer Association Invests More Than $1-Million In Research Program Activities

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 17:44:25 GMT

Los Angeles -- Dec 29, 2012 -- The world’s largest charity dedicated exclusively to the eradication of death and suffering from renal cancers, the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA), announces the availability of funds for research projects.

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 03:23:57 GMT

Some evidence suggests that ABO blood type may be a risk factor for cancer incidence and prognosis.

01/08/2013

A Japanese Team's Remarkable Discovery

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 20:48:26 GMT

01/07/2013

Online Fundraising for Medical Expenses

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 22:48:42 GMT

A great way to raise money to cover the cost of medical expenses is to start an online fundraiser. It has been shown that family and friends are very generous when comes to helping a loved one manage these unfortunate costs.

We've partnered with fundraising website Go Get Funding to make it easy for you to create a personal fundraising page.

Simply visit the website and click the 'Launch Your Fundraiser' button. Remember to select 'Kidney Cancer Association' from the category drop-down when creating your page. You'll then be shown in our category where you can see and learn from related campaigns.

Once you've created your fundraiser, share it with your closest friends and family by email. Starting your fundraiser off with large donations prompts others to follow suit.

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 03:15:01 GMT

ShoeDazzle is pleased to announce its second annual partnership with actress and mother Denise Richards as part of its “Celebrity Shoe Design Program for Charity.” This year, Richards had someone special in mind to involve in the project as a shoe designer, Taylor “Tay” Filorimo.

“Tay,” as her friends and family called her, was just 13 years old when she was diagnosed with a rare form of Type 2 Kidney Cancer. Despite her best efforts to fight the disease, she sadly passed in September. Filorimo became the youngest-known person in the world to fight this type of kidney cancer, the same strain Richards’s mother succumbed to in 2007.

While Richards designed her own shoe, “Denise,” she helped Filorimo with her creation, “Tay.” 100% of the profits from the sale of both shoes will benefit the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) and become available for purchase exclusively on ShoeDazzle.com, starting December 17th.

“Denise” is a light pink open-toe, strappy platform heel with crystal embellishments. “Tay” is a taupe closed-toe pump with crystal embellishments, a hidden platform, and a special interior color, “Pray 4 Tay” green, a color Filorimo created. Both styles have the words "Live 4 Tay" stamped inside to commemorate Filorimo.

“I am honored to have had the chance to work so closely with Tay on this project for ShoeDazzle,” says Richards. “Tay was so excited to design a shoe and I am heartbroken she will not get to see the finished product. I am so thankful to ShoeDazzle for giving both of us the opportunity to raise money and awareness for the Kidney Cancer Association for the second year in a row.”

ShoeDazzle has previously partnered with the following celebrities for its “Celebrity Shoe Design Program for Charity:” LaLa Anthony, Carmen Electra, Perez Hilton, Carson Kressley, NeNe Leakes, Jenny McCarthy, singer Mel B and actresses Kristen Bell, Kristin Cavallari, Kristin Chenoweth, Jennie Garth and Vanessa Lachey. ShoeDazzle launched its first cause-marketing campaign in fall 2009.

About ShoeDazzle®

ShoeDazzle is the original and leading destination for personal styling online, treating women to their personalized showroom and offering them on trend monthly recommendations by celebrity stylists based on their fashion profile, building an intimate, personalized experience through creative innovation and social engagement. Clients enjoy access to shoes, handbags, and jewelry —all at irresistible prices as low as $29.95 each.

ShoeDazzle has been making women look and feel beautiful since 2009. The company was founded by Kim Kardashian (who serves as Chief Fashion Stylist), as well as Brian Lee, Robert Shapiro and MJ Eng. The company boasts award-winning client services, over 2 million Facebook fans and more than 13 million clients.

12/31/2012

Kidney Cancer Association Partners with Lotsa Helping Hands to Support Caregivers

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:07:48 GMT

A new service to help families and friends provide help to people living with cancer.

12/31/2012

Will the Affordable Care Act Hurt Retirees?

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:48:59 GMT

The 3.8 percent surtax on investment income, meant to help pay for healthcare, goes into effect in 2013. It is the first surtax to be applied to capital gains and dividend income, which may have a strong negative impact on retirees living on fixed incomes.

12/29/2012

A Man of Many Battles: Genitourinary Expert Spurs Advances Amid Challenges

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 18:49:33 GMT

Nicholas Vogelzang, a founder of the Kidney Cancer Association, knows what it’s like to start over.

12/27/2012

International Kidney Cancer Congress Clinical Trials App

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 21:12:18 GMT

The International Kidney Cancer Congress, a group dedicated to promoting the value of clinical trials, has released a new app for the iPhone and iPad that permits the user to browse clinical trials. Also featured are expert videos and stories of hope and inspiration from kidney cancer survivors.

12/24/2012

12/18/2012

Hollywood's Denise Richards Raises Funds and Awareness

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 03:16:20 GMT

12/17/2012

Sclerotic osseous metastases from renal cell carcinoma

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 19:00:15 GMT

This case series describes and illustrates three cases of sclerotic osseous metastases from untreated renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

12/16/2012

FREE Kidney Cancer Booklets

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 22:01:36 GMT

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:21:47 GMT

When people rally to help someone in their family or Community, Lotsa Helping Hands makes it easy for each person to know what to do and when. Learn more by reading about ourfeatures, member roles, and tips for getting the most out of your Lotsa Community.

Ready to get started? Creating a Lotsa Community is quick and easy.

12/13/2012

Transitional Cell Cancer: A Cancer of the Urinary System

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:48:04 GMT

Transitional cell cancer is a cancer occurring in the urinary system, i.e., the kidneys, urinary bladder and accessory organs of the urinary system and occurs in the inner tissue lining of these hollow organs.

12/13/2012

News from HealthIT.gov

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:46:48 GMT

12/11/2012

Save A Life: Donate Your Old Car

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:46:05 GMT

Click here to learn about donating your old vehicle through the Kidney Cancer Association's vehicle donation program.

12/10/2012

Hemispherx's Ampligen For The Treatment Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Regulatory Conundrum

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 15:22:29 GMT

Rintatolimod was first synthesized in the 1970s and has been proposed as a treatment for illnesses such as CFS, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and cancers, including renal cell cancer...

12/10/2012

ASCO/ASTRO/SUO GU 2013 Scientific Program Preview

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:28:44 GMT

Meeting agenda and related materials, including abstract previews

12/10/2012

Government forces elderly man with kidney cancer to pay for treatment

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:20:14 GMT

Will this happen to patients living with kidney cancer under ObamaCare? Roy Dashwood, 81, who has advanced kidney cancer, will have to pay for all his treatments, test and travel, out of pocket, if he takes a new drug recommended by his oncologist.

12/08/2012

House May Succeed in Repeal of Affordable Care Act

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:45:45 GMT

Will "ObamaCare" result in a poorer standard of care for those dealing with renal cancers? Some observers believe the US House of Representatives could still prevail in gutting or repealing ACA, due to massive cost overruns that might result in the unseating of Senate Democrats. "Obamacare" remains overwhelmingly unpopular with the public, including with many of those who voted for the president.

12/07/2012

U.S. Patent Issuance Covering HSP90 Inhibitor Debio 0932

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:36:19 GMT

Curis, Inc. (CRIS), a drug development company seeking to develop next generation targeted small molecule drug candidates for cancer treatment, today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent covering a genus of compounds that includes Debio 0932, an orally-administered Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitor, which is being developed by Curis' licensee Debiopharm.

12/07/2012

Six-year-old Ontario boy wins battle with cancer, has trophy to prove it

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:49:51 GMT

Ottawa's Funhaven Family Fun Centre threw a party for 6-year-old Isaac Ciarlo and more than 100 of his family and friends to celebrate the end of the young boy's cancer treatments.

12/07/2012

NICE gives 'thumbs down' to new kidney cancer drug

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:55:36 GMT

NICE, the healthcare guidance body, has issued draft guidance not recommending axitinib (Inlyta, Pfizer) for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer. When IPAB convenes under ObamaCare, patients in the US should beware that their drug access may be severely limited, as is now the case in the UK.

12/07/2012

Researchers identify proteins that indicate which kidney tumors are most likely to spread

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:55:11 GMT

Discovery will help physicians recognize which tumors are going to behave more aggressively

12/06/2012

Renal cancers in fast-track Social Security program

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:56:57 GMT

The Social Security Administration is expanding its Compassionate Allowances program, which is designed to provide decisions on disability claims within several days...

12/06/2012

The impact of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on the multimodality treatment of brain metastases from renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:10:31 GMT

Eighty-one patients with 216 BMs were identified. Thirty-seven patients had BM at diagnosis and the remaining 44 were found to have BM at a later point. Forty-one patients never received a TKI and the remaining 40 received TKIs.

12/05/2012

Let’s Make the Fight Against Kidney Cancer Personal

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:06:41 GMT

AGS-003 is a new type of personalized immunotherapy that is being evaluated in a phase 3 clinical study called ADAPT for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer.

12/05/2012

Do you or a loved one have kidney cancer that has spread beyond the kidney?

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:06:07 GMT

Learn how a study using an investigational drug (BNC105P) can be a treatment option for you.

12/05/2012

UK: More flexible drugs system needed

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:00:34 GMT

MSPs are facing calls to bring in a more flexible system for introducing drugs amid concerns that doctors are too conservative when making prescriptions.

12/04/2012

We're baking you a very special cookie!

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:46:31 GMT

12/04/2012

What is the role of nutrition in kidney cancer?

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 22:41:50 GMT

12/03/2012

Sequential therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 23:07:46 GMT

Few types of cancer have had their treatment evolve as rapidly as metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

12/03/2012

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 18:07:44 GMT

Targeted therapy has become both the centerpiece of the current era in cancer therapeutics and the foundation of the field's hope for future progress. Although the initial successes of targeted therapies occurred in hematologic malignancies, recent years have seen a string of promising results in a number of solid tumors.

11/18/2012

SCIENTIFIC PEER REVIEW OF CANCER RESEARCH APPLICATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 23:25:36 GMT

For Release November 17, 2012 :

Cancer advocate Sarah Wise Miller, a member of the Kidney Cancer Association’s governing board, recently participated in the evaluation of research applications submitted to the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) sponsored by the Department of Defense. Ms. Wise was nominated for participation in the program by the Association. As a consumer reviewer, she was a full voting member, along with prominent scientists, at meetings to help determine how the $12.8 million appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12) will be spent on future cancer research. Topic areas of research applications for the program this year included blood, colorectal, kidney, genetic, and pancreatic cancers, pediatric brain tumors, and mesothelioma.

Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of patients, family members, and persons at risk for cancer when they prepare comments on the impact of the research on issues such as disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Commenting on serving as a consumer reviewer, Ms. Wise said that the experience was valuable and exceeded her expectations.

Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together since 2009 in this unique partnership to evaluate the scientific merit of cancer research applications focused on the specifically designated cancers with relevance to military service members and their families and the American public. Colonel Jeffrey C. Leggit, M.D., Director of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, expressed his appreciation for the perspectives of the consumer advocates in the scientific review sessions. "The Consumer Reviewers on each panel are instrumental in helping the scientists understand the patient's perspective and provide valuable insight into the potential impact of the proposed project. They bring with them a sense of urgency and remind all of the human element involved in medical research."

The mission of the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program is to foster the next generation of cancer research by providing new investigators opportunities to excel in groundbreaking cutting-edge research for the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer.

More information about the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program is available at the Website: http://cdmrp.army.mil.

Sarah Wise Miller

Media Contact:

We assessed temporal shifts in the frequency of risk factors for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma in a multicenter, international data set.

11/09/2012

immatics' Renal Cancer Vaccine IMA901 Completes Phase 3 Patient Recruitment and is Granted US Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 19:18:31 GMT

immatics' Renal Cancer Vaccine IMA901 Completes Phase 3 Patient Recruitment and is Granted US Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA (via PR Newswire)

TUEBINGEN, Germany, November 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- immatics biotechnologies GmbH, a biopharmaceutical company developing rationally designed therapeutic vaccines that are active against cancer, announced today that it has completed patient recruitment into the pivotal phase 3 trial evaluating its…

11/09/2012

Locally Recurrent Renal Cancer: Surgical Interventions and Prognosis in a Challenging Clinical Setting

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 19:20:49 GMT

Local tumor recurrence (LR) in renal cancer poses challenges to surgical and medical oncologists alike. In a historic context, LR in the resection bed or adjacent tissues after a prior radical nephrectomy (RN) was a rare event.

11/09/2012

Kidney Cancer Association Works with Conquer Cancer Foundation to Stimulate Breakthrough Research

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 17:26:48 GMT

For any nonprofit cancer organization, a key challenge is how to balance the enormous task of supporting cancer patients with the latest information about current treatments while helping to advance the search for new breakthroughs in therapeutic options.

10/31/2012

Discouraging Research: A Potential Unintended Major Consequence of Nationalized Healthcare

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 01:21:17 GMT

Discouraging Research: A Potential Unintended Major Consequence of Nationalized Healthcare

By Katherine S. Phillion

Healthcare costs are increasing and the price of healthcare is causing an ever more serious problem (for people who do not have insurance to access basic healthcare and companies providing a health benefit to their employees) making healthcare systems that offer “free care” seem attractive. Let us not forget that this problem exists in part because of research to date that has yielded choices.

Read Katherine's report (PDF)

10/31/2012

A New Way To Connect Families Dealing With Kidney Cancer

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:59:18 GMT

Join now!

10/31/2012

Lpath to Begin Trading on NASDAQ Capital Market

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 22:01:49 GMT

Lpath, Inc. (OTCQB: LPTND), the industry leader in bioactive lipid-targeted therapeutics, has received confirmation that its application to list the company's common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market has been approved by the NASDAQ Stock Market, a unit of the NASDAQ OMX Group.

10/29/2012

Combination of Temsirolimus and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in renal carcinoma and endothelial cell lines

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:24:21 GMT

Multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (such as Sunitinib and Sorafenib) and mTOR inhibitors (such as Temsirolimus) are effective in treating metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC), by acting on different pathways in both tumour and endothelial cells. A study of their combined effect could be of major interest.

10/28/2012

Germline SDHB Mutations and Familial Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:08:31 GMT

These findings 1) demonstrate that patients with suspected inherited RCC should be examined for germline SDHB mutations, 2) suggest that all identified SDHB mutation carriers should be offered surveillance for RCC, and 3) provide a further link between familial RCC and activation of hypoxic-gene response pathways.

10/25/2012

Give Kids the World kicks off $100M campaign with new guest villas

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:13:13 GMT

"Princess Alyssa," as she's known by staff and volunteers, first visited the resort when she was 3 years old and had been diagnosed with kidney cancer. After her visit, doctors found that the cancer was in remission.

10/25/2012

Promising New Cancer Treatments

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:37:34 GMT

Exelixis has completed the rolling submission of its New Drug Application (NDA) for cabozantinib...

10/25/2012

Get on the map at Kidney Cancer Connect

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:21:29 GMT

“Get on the map!” Bill Bro, CEO of Chicago-based Kidney Cancer Association (KCA), encourages families that are dealing with kidney cancer to join the charity’s newest social network, KidneyCancer.ME.

10/23/2012

Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome Induced by Pazopanib

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:25:08 GMT

The reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome is a clinical/radiological syndrome characterized by headache, seizures, impaired vision, acute hypertension, and typical magnetic resonance imaging findings. There are several reports in the literature that depict its occurrence in cancer patients.

10/23/2012

Myths and Facts About Kidney Cancer

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:26:38 GMT

Are the following statements myths or facts about kidney cancer?

10/23/2012

Cancer risk increase linked with opioid use

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:28:16 GMT

The study is the first to provide evidence of an association between blood-borne virus infection and cancer risk in people with opioid dependency, finding an increased risk for 11 cancers. Six cancers, including prostate and breast cancer, showed a reduced risk.

10/23/2012

FoxOs Enforce a Progression Checkpoint to Constrain mTORC1-Activated Renal Tumorigenesis

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:20:11 GMT

mTORC1 is a validated therapeutic target for renal cell carcinoma (RCC)

10/22/2012

Get on the map!

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:51:33 GMT

Join KidneyCancer.ME to meet other families near you that are dealing with renal cancers. Sign up with Facebook. Once you're a part of the newest virtual community for those whose lives have been touched by kidney cancer (including Wilms tumor that affects children), you'll be able to see yourself and others on a map. Then, you may connect with others in your neighborhood or across the nation that are dealing with renal cancers. In the Forum section you can initiate topical discussions on any aspect of kidney cancer that interests you. Get on the map today at www.KidneyCancer.Me.

10/22/2012

An overview of renal cell cancer: Pathology and genetics

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 12:55:21 GMT

Renal cell carcinoma is a group of malignancies arising from the epithelium of the renal tubules.

10/20/2012

Ipsen to initiate a proof-of-concept study with tasquinimod in additional cancer indications

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:23:07 GMT

Tasquinimodâs unique mode of action is highly relevant to target multiple malignant diseases beyond prostate cancer.

10/19/2012

Abbott Tumbles 4.7% On Halted Drug Trial

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:26:24 GMT

According to a regulatory filing, clinical trials for the experimental kidney cancer treatment have been halted due to an excess death rate among the drugâs users, sending Abbottâs share price falling 4.7% to $65.78.

10/19/2012

Progress in Targeted and Immunotherapies

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:44:53 GMT

A key theme at this yearâs American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting was the use of a treatment rationale based on driver mutations and immunotherapy approaches that have potential in multiple tumor types.

10/19/2012

Pfizer kidney cancer drug fails as initial treatment

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:52:58 GMT

Pfizer Inc said its kidney cancer drug did not meet the main goal of showing a statistically significant improvement in survival in a late-stage trial without the cancer getting worse.

10/18/2012

Active surveillance provides a viable alternative to surgery for small kidney masses

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:55:51 GMT

Active surveillance of small kidney masses is a safe and effective alternative to immediate surgery, with similar overall and cancer specific survival rates, according to a study published in the November issue of the urology journal BJUI.

10/18/2012

Advances in advanced renal cell carcinoma from ESMO

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:22:30 GMT

Professor Tim Eisen from Addenbrooke's Oncology Centre, Cambridge, talks to ecancer TV with Dr Bernard Escudier from Institut Gustave Roussy, France, Dr Thomas Powles from St Bartholomew Hospital, London, and Dr Thomas Hutson from Baylor Sammons Cancer Center, USA. The experts outline results from the major studies reporting at ESMO 2012 in mRCC.

10/18/2012

WILEX AG announces results of Phase III ARISER study with RENCAREXÂ® in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:19:50 GMT

Trial did not meet its primary endpoint of median disease-free survival (DFS)

10/17/2012

Expanding Waistlines May Contribute To Cancer Growth

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:24:00 GMT

The authors believe they have discovered why obese cancer patients usually have poorer prognoses compared to slim people.

10/17/2012

Feasibility of differential diagnosis of kidney tumors by comparative genomic hybridization of fine needle aspiration biopsies

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:25:24 GMT

The association of a genetic analysis that could improve the diagnostic accuracy of renal cell tumors in biopsy samples would allow better-informed therapeutic decisions.

10/17/2012

Researchers Receive Grants from NCCN Oncology Research Program

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:46:12 GMT

The NCCN Oncology Research Program (ORP) announces funding of five new investigator-initiated studies of tivozanib as a result of funding through the AVEO/Astellas collaboration.

10/16/2012

Using cancer to fight cancer

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:49:38 GMT

A new therapeutic vaccine 15 years in the making could make cancer kill itself.

10/16/2012

Argos Therapeutics Identifies Immune Response Marker Connected to Prolonged Overall Survival in mRCC Patients Treated With AGS-003

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:18:41 GMT

Updated Immune Analysis From Phase 2 Clinical Trial Presented at 2012 Markers in Cancer Meeting

10/15/2012

Abuja steps up war against tobacco smoking in public

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:21:08 GMT

The administration said this at a Stakeholders Forum on the ban of smoking tobacco in public places, organized by the Social Development Secretariat of the FCT as part of strategy to consolidate and strengthen the campaign against cigarette smoking in public place in the Territory

10/15/2012

Number of cancer-related deaths going down

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:25:40 GMT

There has recently been published a report in the journal, "Cancer," that shows death rates for Americans dying from malignancies continue to trend downward.

10/15/2012

Using cancer to fight cancer: The new vaccine

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 12:49:01 GMT

Dr. David Avigan, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, says "The goal of the vaccine is to see whether one can really re-educate our immune system to see cancer cells as foreign."

10/13/2012

Immune Response Marker Connected to Prolonged Overall Survival

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:56:46 GMT

Data presented at the Markers in Cancer Meeting, October 11, Hollywood, Fla., demonstrates that a specific tumor-reactive cytotoxic T cell (CTL) subset (CD28+/CCR7+/CD45RA- phenotype) displaying a broad Markers of Immune Function (MIFs) profile correlates with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients treated with AGS-003.

10/12/2012

Kidney Cancer Sucks Spin-A-Thon

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:41:32 GMT

Teams of 3 to 5 riders are suggested, but individual riders are welcome. The registration fee for teams riding the full ten hours is a $250 donation to the Kidney Cancer Association. Individual rider registration is $25 per hour. All participants will receive âKidney Cancer Sucksâ orange T-shirts.

10/12/2012

Who is the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Counterfeit Cancer Drug Scare?

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:29:36 GMT

Seventy-six doctors in twenty-two states were contacted by the FDA because they may have purchased counterfeit Avastin from a "little-known drug wholesaler, Montana Healthcare Solutions," reported the Wall Street Journal.

10/12/2012

Kidney Cancer Research Announced

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 01:15:23 GMT

Read about Argos Therapeutics Inc.'s ADAPT study and immunotherapy development, presented at our annual symposium in Chicago.

10/12/2012

The Kidney Walk Recycle for Life

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 19:28:59 GMT

Another way to support kidney cancer research is by making a donation at http://kidneycancer.org.

10/11/2012

Nodal involvement at nephrectomy is associated with worse survival

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:09:46 GMT

To examine cancer-specific mortality in patients with nodal metastases relative to patients without nodal involvement at nephrectomy for non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma in a population-based cohort.

10/10/2012

Hope for kidney cancer patients

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:49:36 GMT

Any queries regarding Karen O'Sullivan's breakthrough drug for people living with kidney cancer should contact the Austin Hospital on: 03 9496 5000

10/10/2012

What's Lift for Life?

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:26:44 GMT

10/09/2012

New Treatment Options for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 22:25:08 GMT

The results from three phase III trials shed new light on treatment options for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. The studies were presented at the ESMO 2012 Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology in Vienna.

10/08/2012

Eating Veggies May Slash Kidney Cancer Risk By 32%

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 22:29:00 GMT

10/08/2012

AVEO seeks FDA approval for kidney cancer drug

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 18:27:09 GMT

The Cambridge company and Japanese drug developer Astellas Pharma Inc. today announced that AVEO has submitted a new drug application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seeking approval for tivozanib.

10/06/2012

Pfizerâs patent on cancer drug revoked

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 11:07:49 GMT

In yet another blow to Big Pharma, the Delhi Patent Office has revoked a patent granted in 2007 to US drugmaker Pfizer for sunitinib (brand name Sutent), a drug used to treat a type of kidney cancer, which had global sales of $1.19 billion in 2011.

10/06/2012

GREENS SLASH CANCER RISK

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 11:09:20 GMT

A study highlights the link between poor diet and the killer disease and confirms that certain vegetables have the power to heal the bodyâs cells.

10/06/2012

Renal Cell Carcinoma Phase III Data

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:26:42 GMT

New trial results on pazopanib and temsirolimus have important implications for patients.

10/04/2012

Stress, depression may affect cancer survival

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:29:59 GMT

Several recent studies underscore how critically important it is for those fighting illness to learn how to combat stress.

10/04/2012

Hope for kidney cancer patients

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:46:35 GMT

German scientists test a new vaccine.

10/03/2012

Pazopanib Passes Kidney Cancer Test

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:47:27 GMT

After independent data review, patients on pazopanib achieved a median progression-free survival of 8.4 months compared with 9.5 months for patients on sunitinib â a nonsignificant difference that fell within the prespecified statistical bounds for achieving non-inferiority, according to Robert Motzer, MD, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

10/03/2012

When the NHS refused life-saving drugs to countless cancer patients, there was one woman who wouldn't take no for an answer

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:49:02 GMT

When youâre told âYou have cancerâ, it can seem the most shattering news you could possibly receive. But many patients are then told something infinitely worse: âThere is a treatment â but we canât afford to give it to you.

10/03/2012

Vaccine for Kidney Cancer Shows Activity

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:32:07 GMT

The first renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients have been treated with an RCC-specific therapeutic vaccine in early-stage clinical trials.

10/02/2012

Phase III Data in Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma Reported

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:34:50 GMT

New results released at the ESMO 2012 Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology in Vienna may have important implications for patients.

10/02/2012

Research for Investigational Compound Lenvatinib Resented at ESMO

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:04:52 GMT

Results from a Phase I/II trial of the investigational compound lenvatinib (E7080), a multi-targeted, kinase inhibitor, in people with advanced hepatocellular cancer have been presented at the ESMO 2012 Congress (European Society for Medical Oncology) taking place on Friday 28 September - Tuesday 2 October.[1] Two other studies were presented, reporting the results of lenvatinib in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (the most common type of brain cancer which is almost universally fatal) and lenvatinib in combination with everolimus in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

10/01/2012

Tasquinimod Biomarker Phase II data presented at ESMO

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:06:43 GMT

The purpose of this analysis from the phase II trial was to investigate the effects of tasquinimod on selected biomarkers to confirm preclinical findings on the mechanism of action.

10/01/2012

Renal cell carcinoma containing abundant non-calcified fat

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:08:06 GMT

Rarely, renal cell carcinomas may also contain evidence of macroscopic fat.

10/01/2012

X Factor star Matt Cardle reveals how he beat kidney cancer

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 22:00:19 GMT

Matt Cardle on why he fights for thousands of children struck by a rare and deadly disease

09/30/2012

Single-Site Laparoscopic Surgery Reduces Pain of Tumor Remova

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 17:27:54 GMT

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have found that recovery from an emerging, minimally invasive surgical technique called Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Surgery (LESS) was less painful for kidney cancer patients than traditional laparoscopic surgery.

09/28/2012

Bayer, Onyx Cancer Drug Wins FDA Approval Ahead of Schedule

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 17:30:11 GMT

The FDA said today it has approved regorafenib (Stivarga) as a new treatment in the U.S. for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread after treatment with prior therapies.

09/28/2012

Kidney Cancer Association Invites Doctors to Have Drinks with Dinosaur

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 12:47:38 GMT

This annual meeting attracts an audience of hundreds of medical practitioners and scientists from the US, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

09/27/2012

Oncological and functional outcomes after radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 12:50:21 GMT

A comprehensive analysis of prognostic factors.

09/27/2012

Young Investigator Research Grant Opportunities

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:43:07 GMT

Last year, the Kidney Cancer Association allocated more than $650,000.00 to research related activities--more than any global charity of its size. By working collaboratively with ASCO's Conquer Cancer Foundation and with the AUA Foundation, we are able to attract a significant number of applications from brilliant young investigators. We believe this to be a wise investment in future kidney cancer discoveries. After all, it's today's young minds who will likely contribute significantly to unlocking kidney cancer's secrets.

If you are a a patient, survivor, or family member, consider making a contribution in any amount to support this vital work. Even a dollar or two helps!

If you are a young investigator, click here to apply now. The deadline for submissions for 2012 is September 27.

09/26/2012

Bristol-Myers Squibb And The Promise Of Cancer Immunotherapy

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:03:03 GMT

The majority of the responses seen with BMS-936558 lasted longer than one year. In addition, these anti-PD-1 antibodies managed to shrink away large metastatic tumors like lung and kidney, which are typically pretty resistant to therapy.

09/26/2012

POC Clinical Program of a New Anti-Tumor Drug Candidate MBC-11 Targeting Metastatic Bone Disease Read more: Maxwell Biotech Venture Fund Invests in POC Clinical Program of a New Anti-Tumor Drug Candi

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:12:08 GMT

In early September the investment committee of Maxwell Biotech Venture Fund (âMBVFâ), founded with the participation of the Russian Governmentâs RVC, approved the binding terms and the amount of an investment in a newly established private Russian biotech company, Osteros Biomedica, Ltd, formed for the development and commercialization of drugs for the treatment of cancer-induced bone disease.

09/26/2012

KCA Participates in World Summit on Innovation

Inconsistent epidemiological findings, debate over interpretation, and extrapolation of findings from animal studies to humans have produced uncertainty surrounding the carcinogenicity of trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure in occupational settings.

09/22/2012

1st World Top Communications of the Year in Genito-Urinary Oncology

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 17:32:09 GMT

Download program (PDF)

To be held in Arezzo, Italy, on October 18-19, 2012.

09/20/2012

Personalized Healthcare Choice Vs. Government Mandated Obamacare

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 01:43:09 GMT

Read Part 1 of this op-ed at Forbes online

09/19/2012

Kidney Cancer News: September, 2012

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 21:33:04 GMT

The September, 2012, edition of our monthly video magazine includes a story about how depression affects cancer survival, along with a presentation by Stéphane Oudard, MD, PhD, "Vaccines in the Era of TKI: Much Ado About Nothing?"

09/19/2012

Calcium pills may pose heart risk

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:37 GMT

People who take calcium supplements could be increasing their risk of having a heart attack, according to researchers in Germany.

09/17/2012

Pfizer Is Headed Higher On Impressive Pipeline

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:40:12 GMT

Pfizer (PFE) is at a transformational point in its history. The company, which is the largest drug manufacturer in the world, is now splitting up and downsizing.

09/13/2012

e-Therapeutics Starts Second Phase I Cancer Trial of ETS2101

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 20:30:02 GMT

e-Therapeutics plc (AIM: ETX) announces that it has started a second phase I clinical trial of its anti-cancer drug ETS2101. This trial will enrol up to 45 patients with a variety of solid tumours...

09/13/2012

New Cancer Drugs Are Showing Great Promise

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:47:06 GMT

Nichols's battle is part of a revolution in cancer treatment that has swept the field in the past two years.

09/12/2012

What Is The Rationale For The Pricing Of New Drugs?

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:05:03 GMT

âWould longer drug patents really lead to lower drug prices?â

09/11/2012

Getting a second opinion could save a life

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:06:43 GMT

My mother's recent diagnosis of kidney cancer was quickly followed by a recommendation to surgically remove the 7 centimeter tumor that is located on her right (and only) kidney.

09/11/2012

Why do people die young in Glasgow?

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:09:09 GMT

People in Glasgow, Scotland die younger than people everywhere else in Britain and we donât know why.

09/11/2012

Doctor warns of kidney cancer signs

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:10:26 GMT

Between 20 percent and 30 percent of patients are not aware that they have cancer until the cancer cells have migrated, Hsieh said.

09/11/2012

SFJ Pharma, Pfizer collaborate for dacomitinib trial

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:12:02 GMT

SFJ previously entered into an agreement with Pfizer to conduct a phase III trial in Asia of Pfizer's Inlyta (axitinib) for the adjuvant treatment of patients at high risk of recurrent renal cell carcinoma following nephrectomy.

09/11/2012

New Carcinomas Data Have Been Reported by Researchers at General Hospital

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:13:12 GMT

According to the news editors, the researchers concluded: "Metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the pancreas is a rare neoplasm accounting for 0.25-3% of all pancreatic tumors."

09/11/2012

SFJ Pharma to co-develop dacomitinib with Pfizer

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 15:54:04 GMT

SFJ Pharmaceuticals Group recently announced that it has entered into a collaborative development agreement with Pfizer Inc. to conduct a Phase III clinical trial of Pfizer's investigational pan-HER (pan-human epidermal growth factor receptor) inhibitor, dacomitinib (PF-00299804).

09/10/2012

Why I Could Not Have Done It Alone

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 12:45:50 GMT

I've learned a lot from all my siblings. My brother Karl taught me about how to face adversity. He had kidney cancer, and I was so impressed by the way he handled it, and he's still running his commercial cleaning business.

09/06/2012

Regorafenib for patients with previously untreated metastatic or unresectable renal-cell carcinoma

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 12:47:44 GMT

A single-group phase 2 trial

09/06/2012

Pfizer kidney cancer drug gets EU approval

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 18:36:18 GMT

Pfizer Inc said its oral drug Inlyta received European approval as a second-line treatment for kidney cancer patients who do not respond to an initial chemotherapy.

09/05/2012

KCA Allocates $660,000 to Research Activities

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 19:56:39 GMT

Worldâs largest charity dedicated exclusively to renal malignancies releases the final report of a research project conducted by Thai H. Ho, M.D. Learn how to apply for YIA grants.

08/31/2012

Kidney Cancer News For August 2012

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 17:24:30 GMT

Carrie Konosky, VP for Public Affairs, anchors this month's edition of Kidney Cancer News

08/31/2012

Bayer seeks further approval in U.S. for cancer drug

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:39:24 GMT

Bayer in June said trials showed the drug prolonged the lives of patients with the aggressive type of cancer without their tumours worsening.

08/31/2012

Cancer Gene Family Member Functions Key to Cell Adhesion and Migration

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:40:55 GMT

The WTX gene is mutated in approximately 30 percent of Wilms tumors, a pediatric kidney cancer.

08/31/2012

Folic acid may help prevent kidney cancer

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:53:13 GMT

In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandated fortification of foods with folic acid in response to earlier studies that showed that prenatal consumption of folic acid reduces neural tube defects in babies.

08/31/2012

CME: Renal Cell Carcinoma Update

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:40:21 GMT

In the webcast series, Renal Cell Carcinoma, expert faculty will provide evidence-based recommendations that synthesize current advances and data into clinical practices that improve the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and overall care of this patient population.

08/30/2012

11th International Kidney Cancer Association Symposium Set for October

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:36:42 GMT

A meeting agenda, including the complete list of distinguished faculty for the symposium is available online. A special discount of $100 is available to those who register online by August 31, 2012.

08/30/2012

Drug prices to sky-rocket

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:13:25 GMT

Public health and patientsâ groups around the world have been protesting against free trade agreements that the United States and European Union are negotiating with developing countries, because of their effects on raising the prices of medicines including for life-threatening diseases.

08/28/2012

IL-2: bimodal role explaining longstanding random induction of complete clinical responses

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:27:26 GMT

The literature was reviewed for the actions and clinical effects of IL2 on subsets of T cells. The influence of IL2 on clinical efficacy was also sought.

08/28/2012

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography after RFA

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:05:39 GMT

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) with Sonovue in the evaluation of therapeutic response to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

08/26/2012

Novel Cancer Marker

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 14:34:44 GMT

Biosceptre's technology is based on the discovery of what potentially could be the world's first truly universal cancer marker/target â a non-functional cellular receptor (nf-P2X7) that is found on cancer cells but is never present on healthy cells.

08/25/2012

Phase Ib Trial of SGN-75

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 14:45:34 GMT

Seattle Genetics, Inc. (SGEN) today announced the initiation of a phase Ib clinical trial evaluating SGN-75 in combination with everolimus (AfinitorÂ®) for patients with advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

08/25/2012

Cancer drug helps patient despite faltering in trials

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 14:54:34 GMT

A cancer drug that isn't passing muster in clinical trials may still be the answer for some patients, a new study says.

08/25/2012

Carbonic anhydrase 9 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 15:06:35 GMT

A marker for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment

08/25/2012

Join us for Stand Up to Cancer September 7th

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 17:13:10 GMT

08/25/2012

How Do Oncologists Sort Through All the New Anticancer Drugs?

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:09:31 GMT

The decades of research into the various molecular mechanistic pathways that cause the constellation of diseases known as âcancerâ have produced literally hundreds of new, exciting experimental medicines.

08/23/2012

Child Cancer Patients at Greater Risk of Diabetes, Study Shows

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:11:31 GMT

Children with kidney cancer were most at risk of developing diabetes, with 14.7 percent of those treated with radiation diagnosed with the condition by age 45, the study found.

08/23/2012

Supreme Court to Hear Novartis âPatents Versus Patientsâ Case

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:11:25 GMT

Novartis, the Swiss pharmaceutical company, will appear before the Indian Supreme Court Wednesday to appeal against a patent rejection for a popular cancer drug. A decision in favor of the company could have a devastating impact on cheap supplies of many kinds of generic drugs for poor patients.

08/22/2012

All Baby Boomers Should Get Tested for Hepatitis C

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:28:12 GMT

New Move Could Identify More Than 800,000 People With Hepatitis C

08/17/2012

Repurposing drugs

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:07:13 GMT

Computers may give new life to old medicines

08/17/2012

Pfizer Eyes Kevetrin?

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 15:12:54 GMT

Cellceutix Corp announced that it has entered into an agreement with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, on a research project with Kevetrin.

08/14/2012

Blood Test Could Guide Treatment for Kidney Cancer

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 15:14:40 GMT

Intrigued by those results, the Duke researchers used data from the trial to determine whether a high LDH level was more than just a prognostic tool in advanced kidney cancer, and could perhaps also predict the effectiveness of an mTOR inhibitor.

08/14/2012

Grapefruit juice can give cancer drugs dramatic boost

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:34:12 GMT

Researchers from the University of Chicago Medicine said the combination could help patients avoid side effects associated with high doses of the drug and reduce the cost of the medication.

08/12/2012

A case-control study of occupation and kidney cancer risk

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:43:50 GMT

The role of occupation in the etiology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is unclear. Here, we investigated associations between employment in specific occupations and industries and RCC, and its most common histologic subtype, clear cell RCC (ccRCC).

08/12/2012

Kidney Cancer Patients Live Longer With New Vaccine

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 05:17:11 GMT

Read the full press release

08/11/2012

Kidney-sparing Surgery Improves Survival in Study

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 15:51:48 GMT

Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that patients with early stage kidney cancer lived longer when only part of their kidney was removed,

08/11/2012

Mixed Results for Avastin Cancer Combos

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 15:53:25 GMT

Pfizer of New York City released disappointing results of a trial in advanced renal cell carcinoma

08/11/2012

Sunitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients with brain mets

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 15:54:50 GMT

In patients with brain metastases from RCC, the safety profile of sunitinib was comparable to that in the general metastatic RCC population.

08/11/2012

Killing cancer: stories from the cutting edge of science

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:55:29 GMT

Tumour-treating electrical fields, a Victorian gout remedy, and an anti-cancer 'virusâ. Meet the scientists tackling our most feared disease in some truly innovative ways

08/10/2012

Which antioxidants raise the risk of cancer?

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:58:18 GMT

The Consumer Reports magazine issue of September 2012 notes on page 22 that "far from reducing cancer risk, as a lot of people believe, high doses of some antioxidant supplements may actually increase it, evidence suggests."

08/10/2012

High Dose Intermittent Sorafenib Shows Improved Efficacy

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:09:47 GMT

In an effort to increase efficacy, we studied the effects of increased sorafenib dose and intermittent scheduling in a murine RCC xenograft model.

08/10/2012

Impact of hyponatremia on survival of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with molecular targeted therapy

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:43:04 GMT

Hyponatremia is reported to be associated with poor survival in localized renal cell carcinoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with immunotherapy.

08/07/2012

Increase in Cholesterol Predicts Survival Advantage in Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated with Temsirolimus

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:45:05 GMT

Temsirolimus is an effective treatment for renal cell carcinoma. It is associated with increases in serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose. We investigated whether changes of these biomarkers could predict its efficacy.

08/07/2012

Difficulty in predicting survival in metastatic renal cancer

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 17:00:37 GMT

However, survival is now roughly double what was seen before targeted therapy.

08/07/2012

Histone deacetylases in kidney development

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:54:52 GMT

Recent studies using a variety of pharmacological inhibitors and genetic models of HDACs have revealed a central role of HDACs in control of kidney development.

08/06/2012

Identifying patients most likely to benefit from initial nephrectomy

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:24:43 GMT

C-reactive protein (CRP) is considered a useful serum marker for patients with RCC. However, its clinical utility in advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma (AM-RCC), particularly in deciding whether to perform nephrectomy at the onset, is not well studied.

08/03/2012

Third-line sunitinib following sequential use of cytokine therapy

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:26:44 GMT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of sunitinib as third-line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

08/03/2012

Hypoxia-Induced Alternative Splicing in Endothelial Cells

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:29:47 GMT

Adaptation to low oxygen by changing gene expression is vitally important for cell survival and tissue development. The sprouting of new blood vessels, initiated from endothelial cells, restores the oxygen supply of ischemic tissues.

08/03/2012

Depression Could Shorten Cancer Survival

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 14:51:02 GMT

The link may be attributed to abnormal stress hormone regulation and inflammatory gene expression, researchers from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reported in the Aug. 1 edition of PLoS ONE.

08/02/2012

Registry compiles cancer data

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 16:18:22 GMT

Every cancer patient who is diagnosed at CAMC or receives treatment at its hospitals is entered into a computer database.

08/01/2012

Doctors Striving to Limit Radiation Doses

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 16:19:26 GMT

Isabel Doran is only 4 years old, but she's already had about 15 CT scans â and every one comes with a dose of radiation.

08/01/2012

Kidney Cancer Association in Top 5% of Charities

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 17:41:03 GMT

Kidney Cancer Association recently earned a 4-star charity rating for the fifth consecutive year from Charity Navigator, the nation's largest charity evaluator. This distinction is achieved by less than five percent of the charities evaluated.

Kidney Cancer Association's mission is the elimination of death and suffering from renal cancers. This mission and work has been recognized by Charity Navigator as being executed in a fiscally exceptional manner, outperforming most other charities in America.

Kidney Cancer Association reports that for every dollar raised more than 88% is spent on direct program expenses. Kidney Cancer Association consistently achieves its organizational mission and responsibility to families affected by renal cancers, as well as its responsibility to donors, supporters and volunteers.

"Kidney Cancer Association is pleased to receive another 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Our continued success proves our efficiency and leadership among nonprofit organizations," says Bill Bro, president and CEO of Kidney Cancer Association, and a 22 year survivor of the disease. "We always aim to be fiscally responsible as we focus on increasing the capacity of our programs to assist people who are living with kidney cancer, while we continue to promote research aimed at curing renal cancers. The 4-star rating is an indication to the public that a donation to Kidney Cancer Association represents a sound investment."

07/31/2012

July Kidney Cancer Association Newsletter

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 01:29:01 GMT

Check out Gorjana and Griffin's custom necklace -- 50% of proceeds go to KCA!

07/31/2012

Link between Kidney Removal and Erectile Dysfunction

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 15:08:15 GMT

esearchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have identified a link between patients who undergo total nephrectomy - complete kidney removal - and erectile dysfunction.

07/31/2012

CD133 predicts death in renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 15:19:11 GMT

To evaluate the prognostic impact of the histological expression of CD133 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

07/31/2012

Detection of renin in chromophobe renal cell carcinomas

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 15:20:48 GMT

To evaluate frequency of renin detection in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, and if this expression was associated to systemic high blood pressure.

07/31/2012

IMA901 Cancer Vaccine

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:04:24 GMT

Paper highlights clinical and immunological activity of IMA901 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC)

07/30/2012

ABO blood group and risk of renal cell cancer

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 19:52:33 GMT

The genetic determinants of sporadic renal cell cancer (RCC) are largely unknown. Previous studies have suggested associations between ABO blood group and risk of various cancers.

07/28/2012

Fibronectin 1 mRNA expression correlates with advanced disease in renal cance

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:35:09 GMT

Fibronectin 1 (FN1) is a glycoprotein involved in cellular adhesion and migration processes. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of FN1 in development of renal cell cancer and to determine a prognostic relevance for optimal clinical management.

07/27/2012

Larger Kidneys Increase RCC Death Risk

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:40:56 GMT

Among patients with early stage (pT1) renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a larger kidney size is associated with an increased the risk of dying from the malignancy, new data show.

07/27/2012

Life Beyond Cancer Webinar Series

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:46:16 GMT

The diagnosis of cancer impacts every aspect of an individualâs life and comprises an array of physical and psychosocial distress. Join us as Michele OâBrien discusses the âSeasons of Survivorshipâ - defining survivorship, how it changes through the journey and how you can advocate for yourself or a loved one in the healthcare world.

07/26/2012

Cancer after kidney transplantation in the United States

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 16:10:04 GMT

Previous reports of cancer after kidney transplantation have been limited by small numbers of patients in single-center studies and incomplete ascertainment of cases in large registries.

07/26/2012

WILEX AG reports on Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee meeting

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 16:13:25 GMT

U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) discussed the question: Would an imaging test provide useful clinical information if it identified only clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) within the kidney of patients with an indeterminate renal mass?

07/26/2012

Rosetta Genomics and Precision Therapeutics Enter into Co-Marketing Agreement

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:17:47 GMT

Leading Genomic Testing Sales Force Expands Market Reach and Access; Precision Therapeutics to Begin Marketing miRviewÂ® mets(2) in August

07/25/2012

Health Equity, Health Disparities: What's the Story?

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:20:02 GMT

These days we hear a lot about health disparities, cancer disparities, health equity, etc. What is this all about? And why do these terms seem to be more discussed now

07/25/2012

Unexpected outcome after sclerotherapy of simple renal cyst

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:21:40 GMT

Simple renal cysts usually have benign clinical features. We report a rare case of papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) associated with a large recurrent simple cyst following sclerotherapy.

07/25/2012

EU regulation is hampering my cancer research

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 16:23:09 GMT

The 2004 EU Clinical Trials Directive is discouraging new trials from taking place and thus harming patients. Will the USA, under the ACA, head in the same direction?

07/23/2012

Positivity at Penn State; One Oregon family's story

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 16:21:08 GMT

At a time when Penn State University is taking a beating in the media and in the public eye, it's easy to forget how much good is being done at the university. This story is about the special connection that a family from Happy Valley Oregon has with the PSU football players in Happy Valley Pennsylvania (State college, PA), but not for reasons you would think.

07/22/2012

Moderate Alcohol Consumption Lowers Kidney Cancer Risk?

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 17:47:40 GMT

The findings suggest similar effects among men and women, and for all types of alcohol beverages.

07/20/2012

New Cancer Drug in Preclinical Development

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 16:16:47 GMT

... NCE001, from its proprietary methylphenidate derivatives family of compounds, to preclinical development for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, renal cell carcinoma...

07/19/2012

Penn Lift for Life Fundraiser Breaks Records

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 19:50:21 GMT

Football team raises more than $110,000 for Kidney Cancer Association

07/17/2012

Be Specific With Your Doctor and Nurse

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 15:59:06 GMT

07/14/2012

Cancer Research Institute Scientists Receive Prestigious Grants

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:31:42 GMT

The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute's (ACRI) work in the improvement of kidney cancer treatment and in the better understanding of cancer cell functions has been given a boost thanks to two prestigious grants recently obtained.

07/13/2012

Studies Clash on Cardiac Effects of TKIs in Kidney Cancer

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:17:37 GMT

Conflicting studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology suggest that â for now at least â itâs a toss-up.

07/12/2012

Weed Drug Kills Tumor Cells In Mice

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:14:51 GMT

Scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, working with Danish researchers, have developed a novel anticancer drug designed to travel â undetected by normal cells â through the bloodstream until activated by specific cancer proteins.

07/11/2012

Biomarkers predict benefit of targeted therapy

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:21:01 GMT

You read about first at KidneyCancer.org: In metastatic renal-cell cancer, the level of cytokines and angiogenic factors (CAF) identify those patients with an aggressive disease course who derive the greatest benefit from treatment with the molecular-targeted therapy pazopanib, a retrospective analysis of clinical trials shows.

07/11/2012

Genetic attack on cancer shows promise

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 17:51:48 GMT

Genetics researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, one of the worldâs leading centers for work on the human genome, were devastated. Dr. Lukas Wartman, a young, talented and beloved colleague, had the very cancer he had devoted his career to studying.

07/09/2012

Denise Richards' Good Deeds

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 23:29:15 GMT

video platform video management video solutions video player

Hollywood's Denise Richards talks about her mom's death from kidney cancer, her family's love of animals, and life's lessons.

07/09/2012

Free-standing bioartificial kidney

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:56:34 GMT

The bioartificial kidney will give ESRD patients new hope beyond the short-term solution of renal dialysis...

07/06/2012

Can drug combo revolutionize cancer therapy?

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:55:42 GMT

A human clinical trial under way at UPMC's Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside will help determine whether a combination of approved drugs based on a new theory of cancer can "revolutionize cancer therapy."

07/05/2012

What is Turner Syndrome?

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:32:23 GMT

Turner Syndrome is the #1 chromosomal abnormalities in females, and only 1% survive birth.

07/05/2012

Tivozanib versus sorafenib

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:21:46 GMT

Tivozanib versus sorafenib as initial targeted therapy for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma: Results from a phase III randomized, open-label, multicenter trial.

07/05/2012

First Patient Dosed in Phase 1b/2a Study of CRLX101 in Combination with Avastin in Renal Cancer

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:39:46 GMT

Having completed enrollment of a 150-patient randomized Phase 2 study in advanced non-small cell lung cancer, Cerulean is beginning to capitalize on the breadth of the CRLX101 opportunity by expanding its development into additional tumor types with several studies conducted by leading investigators.

07/05/2012

What is Seattle Care Alliance?

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:06:50 GMT

Our goal, every day, is to turn cancer patients into cancer survivors.

06/30/2012

FDA grants priority review to Bayer's regorafenib

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:19:56 GMT

Bayer, the inventor of Aspirin which also makes plastics and pesticides, is also testing regorafenib against a number of tumor types including kidney cancer.

06/30/2012

Denise Richards Meets With Cancer Survivors

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:57:39 GMT

Hollywood star puts spotlight on Kidney Cancer Association. Denise Richards, who starred as Dr. Christmas Jones in the James Bond classic, The World is Not Enough, recently hosted a group of kidney cancer survivors and family members at a private luncheon in Hollywood.

06/29/2012

Kidney Cancer Association's Survivors Project

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:53:00 GMT

People are living longer with kidney cancer than ever before.

06/27/2012

Cost of Medicines to Fall for Thousands of Australians

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:05:14 GMT

Around 45,000 people will benefit from new, cheaper medicines following the Governmentâs approval of eleven new medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

06/26/2012

Why Biomarker Discovery Is Hard

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:07:28 GMT

What scientists have characterized as the deluge of information that has emerged from genome-scale studies has forced parallel development of new analytical frameworks and tools.

06/26/2012

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:34:27 GMT

The following manuscript will endeavor to provide an overview of this uncommon entity including pathology, epidemiology, genetics, clinical aspects, and current and future treatment options.

06/26/2012

Calgary-area cancer ride conquers personal mountains

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 14:07:05 GMT

It wasnât the greatest weekend to bike more than 200 kilometers, but it was nowhere near the worst thing theyâve been through.

06/25/2012

What Motivates Researcher to Make Breakthrough Discoveries?

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 16:27:42 GMT

âItâs been very rewarding,â said Dr. Bin Tean Teh, the lead researcher in the study. âWhen somebody close to you has (the cancer), obviously the impact is greater. It makes it more personal, more passionate.â

06/23/2012

2013: BIO Comes to Chicago

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 02:12:14 GMT

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn extends an invitation to all in the industry to join him and the Illinois biotech community in Chicago as they host for the 2013 BIO International Convention in April 2013.

06/21/2012

VIDEO: News from BIO

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:28:52 GMT

Jeremy Abbate, Director, Global Media Solutions with Scientific American brought together a world-class panel talking about the global community of research and development efforts between the commercial sector, academia and governments. With medicines increasing in costs moving manufacturing tackling government regulations becomes a concern, just as having globally trained scientists work together can help make inroads in biotech.

06/20/2012

Kidney Cancer Association Newsletter

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:45:17 GMT

News and views from the Kidney Cancer Association. The June-July, 2012, edition of our newsletter features information about a new book written by a kidney cancer survivor for patients newly diagnosed with the disease, along with news about how you can help Team KCA in the Chicago Women's Half Marathon this weekend.

06/20/2012

Cancer Clinical Trials: A Commonsense Guide

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:52:48 GMT

Book Review

Topics covered include:

What is cancer and how is it treated
Does a clinical trial have a place in my care plan
How can I choose a clinical trial that is right for me?
What new cancer treatments are available based on the latest research?

Authors Tomasz M. Beer, M.D., and Larry W. Axmaker, Ed.D., have written an excellent guide to cancer clinical trials. Kidney Cancer Association Chief Executive Officer, Bill Bro, praised the book, saying, "This is one of the best books I've read that demystifies the complex world of cancer clinical trials. The is the one book that any patient contemplating entry into a clinical trial should read. It clearly demonstrates the value of clinical research, without overwhelming the reader who is already dealing with difficult medical issues."

Cancer Clinical Trials: A Commonsense Guide to Experimental Cancer Therapies and Clinical Trials is available from Amazon.com in both paperback and Kindle editions.

06/19/2012

Ex-Aetna chief criticizes insurance mandate

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 21:49:59 GMT

In an opinion article published in The Wall Street Journal entitled "Why I No Longer Support the Health Insurance Mandate," Aetna's former chairman and chief executive officer, Ron Williams, said he now believes "the legislation raises serious constitutional concerns."

06/18/2012

18 million cancer survivors expected in U.S. by 2022

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:52:26 GMT

The number of cancer survivors living in the U.S. is expected to surge by one-third come 2022, with about 18 million people expected to survive the disease.

06/15/2012

Quirky Fruit Fly Gene Could Point Way to New Cancer Drugs

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:53:38 GMT

Loyola researchers are taking advantage of a quirk in the evolution of fruit fly genes to help develop new weapons against cancer.

06/15/2012

Hundred Hole Hike at Flossmoor Country Club

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:58:08 GMT

Aschacher will play for the Kidney Cancer Association in honor of his late uncle, Dr. Paul Aschacher, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in January after he found blood in his urine.

06/15/2012

MET Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:04:40 GMT

In experimental cancer models, increased signaling through the MET pathway results in acquisition or reinforcement of all elements of the malignant phenotype.

06/15/2012

Wilms tumor can be cured if detected early enough

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 18:01:19 GMT

As many as eight out of 10 children are cured when diagnosis is made early enough.

06/14/2012

Yellow Bananas Help Prevent Kidney Cancer

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:15:36 GMT

Yellow bananas are good fruits that are important for our health but most importantly a life saver since they prevent different diseases like cancer of the Kidney.

06/14/2012

Growth pattern RCC in patients with delayed surgical intervention.

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 13:39:59 GMT

Few studies have evaluated the growth pattern of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in patients with delayed treatment. This report investigated the growth rate and stage progression of incidentally discovered RCC following a long period of active surveillance.

06/13/2012

Gemcitabine Plus Cisplatin in Treating Patients With Metastatic Kidney Cancer

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 13:41:36 GMT

This phase II trial is studying how well gemcitabine and cisplatin work in treating patients with metastatic kidney cancer.

06/13/2012

Freezing fat helps woman avoid more surgery

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 13:43:21 GMT

A physician attaches an instrument that resembles a large document clamp to areas of fat that refuse to disappear even with increased exercise and healthful nutrition.

06/13/2012

Welcome to X Ray Technician

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 15:03:26 GMT

Radiography is a specialized field that combines science with human interaction. If youâre interested in earning a degree in radiography, this research project has the tools to get you started on this rewarding career path. Perhaps you have concerns about the job requirements, dangers, and rewards.

06/12/2012

Hypothyroidism correlates with a better prognosis

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:37:16 GMT

The development of hypothyroidism during treatment might be useful as a predictor of PFS for mRCC patients undergoing treatment with targeted agents.

06/10/2012

VIDEO: Seventh European International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:48:10 GMT

Playlist of presentations given in Vienna at the European International Kidney Cancer Symposium, featuring world renown experts.

06/09/2012

Denise Richards meets kidney cancer survivors

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:13:18 GMT

Taking to her Twitter.com page, Richards writes, ""Having lunch... with 2 families (of) kidney cancer survivors. So grateful Kidney Cancer Association put this together for us. My mom passed away four years ago from it... it's really hard." [more]

06/09/2012

Can Childhood Neglect Raise The Risk of Cancer?

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:01:12 GMT

âSome examples of other immunogenic tumors include ovarian cancer, head and neck cancers, melanoma, some lymphomas and tumors induced by cancer viruses, and renal cell tumors."

06/08/2012

Helping the immune system eliminate cancer

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:02:32 GMT

Now Portland cancer researchers may have found a way to make IL-2 work more consistently, possibly enough to provide disease-free years to many more patients.

06/08/2012

Innovative Fluorescence Imaging Helps Surgeons Remove Just The Tumor

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:07:03 GMT

A surgical technology called Firefly is shedding new light on kidney cancers and helping doctors at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital...

06/08/2012

RCC: A Changing Paradigm With a Need for Consensus

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:29:44 GMT

Kidney cancer remains important and functions as a model tumour type in oncology. Consequently, better understanding of the mechanisms of renal cancer development, utilisation of alternative therapies, and new development of effective targeted therapies make kidney cancer a hot topic for consultation.

06/07/2012

The Epidemiology of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:30:48 GMT

Large collaborative studies with uniform data collection seem to be necessary to elucidate a complete list of established risk factors of RCC.

06/07/2012

Basic Research in Kidney Cancer

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:31:39 GMT

To discuss advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of renal cancer, targeted therapies, renal cancer and immunity, and genetic factors and renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

06/07/2012

Current Pathology Keys of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:32:56 GMT

The conclusions reached by the ICUD-EAU 2010 International Consultation on Kidney Cancer emphasise the appropriate pathologic diagnosis of RCC in adults as a tool to approach patients prognosis and modulate current therapy. Further emphasis should be placed on defining risk groups of RCC and diagnostic features of unusual tumours such as familial RCC, translocation RCC, and tubular mucinous and spindle cell carcinoma.

06/07/2012

Prognostic Factors and Predictive Models in RCC

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:33:56 GMT

The natural history of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is highly unpredictable. Small renal masses may be accompanied by metastatic disease. Conversely, patients with locally advanced disease may enjoy long-term disease-free survival.

06/07/2012

Treatment of Localised Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:34:44 GMT

The increasing incidence of localised renal cell carcinoma (RCC) over the last 3 decades and controversy over mortality rates have prompted reassessment of current treatment.

06/07/2012

Outcomes Following Surgical Management of Localised Renal Cancer

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:36:12 GMT

Systematically review relevant literature comparing oncological outcomes of surgical management of localised RCC (T12N0M0).

06/07/2012

Treatment of Metastatic Disease

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:38:34 GMT

This review discusses current targeted therapies for mRCC and provides consensus statements regarding treatment algorithms.

06/07/2012

Cancer Therapeutics Under Development To Watch

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 13:57:01 GMT

I was able to look at the following very interesting therapeutics which are novel treatments that primarily target tumor escape pathways.

06/06/2012

Oncolytic virotherapy for renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:06:47 GMT

Despite the development of novel targeted therapies, metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) remains an incurable disease. The known responsiveness of mRCC to immunotherapy and the molecular aberrations characteristic of this disease make it an attractive malignancy for treatment with oncolytic viruses (OVs), as these agents are capable of usurping common oncogenic signaling pathways and generating anti-tumor immune responses.

06/06/2012

Potential kidney cancer cure

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:09:13 GMT

Researchers have discovered a new and exciting cancer treatment that uses the bodys own immune system to help fight the disease.

06/06/2012

ASCO 2012 Abstracts Specific to Kidney Cancer

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:33:31 GMT

A list of abstracts from the 2012 ASCO meeting that mention kidney cancer. Do your own research. Become an empowered patient.

06/04/2012

Bayer says new drug shows promise

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:26:12 GMT

Bayer is testing regorafenib against a number of tumor types including kidney cancer.

06/04/2012

2012 Young Investigator Award Announced

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 13:32:57 GMT

06/03/2012

BMS-936558 Showed Clinical Activity in Kidney Cancer

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:01:44 GMT

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY) today announced interim results from the expanded Phase 1 dose-ranging study 003 (n=296) of its investigational anti-PD-1 immunotherapy (BMS-936558), which showed clinical activity in patients with previously-treated non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

06/02/2012

Kidney Cancer Association Necklace

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:07:09 GMT

The gorjana Kidney Cancer Association Necklace has been designed especially for The Kidney Cancer Association. 50% of proceeds are donated to The Kidney Cancer Association to help individuals affected by kidney cancer.

06/02/2012

Kidney Cancer Patients Report Better Quality of Life With Drug

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:52:21 GMT

While we expected patients would prefer one drug over the other, due to the known side effects, we didnt expect this great a preference, said the studys lead author, Bernard J. Escudier, M.D.

06/02/2012

VIDEO: National Patient-Survivor Meeting

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:55:41 GMT

Recorded live at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, these videos feature world-renown experts in the treatment of renal cancers.

06/02/2012

Kidney Cancer Survivors Book Debuts At ASCO

Thu, 31 May 2012 14:45:30 GMT

The world's largest kidney cancer charity, Chicago-based Kidney Cancer Association (KCA), will distribute its newest publication for patients and their families, June 2, 2012, at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. 'We Have Kidney Cancer: Survivors Stories ,' offers hope and inspiration to those newly-diagnosed with renal cancers, through a series of interviews with people who have lived for many years with the disease.

05/31/2012

Study Links Sleep Apnea and Cancer

Thu, 31 May 2012 15:53:12 GMT

Researchers in Wisconsin say sleep-disordered breathing - commonly known as sleep apnea - can increase a patient's risks of dying from cancer. According to researchers in St. Louis, folic acid may reduce some childhood cancers, especially kidney cancer and brain tumors.

05/31/2012

Bristol-Myers pushes blockbuster cancer drug

Thu, 31 May 2012 15:54:51 GMT

Initial data indicates that the antibody shrunk tumors in a significant minority of melanoma patients, as well as groups of lung and kidney cancer victims.

05/31/2012

Protein can help the fight against cancer

Thu, 31 May 2012 15:56:34 GMT

Although the research is still in its trial stage, researchers have found that lactoferrin is effective against some forms of lung and kidney cancer.

05/31/2012

Drugmakers Vowed To Campaign For ObamaCare

Thu, 31 May 2012 22:50:56 GMT

The Obama administration had previously denied the existence of a deal involving political support.

05/31/2012

AVEO and Astellas Announce Positive Findings from TIVO-1 Study

Wed, 30 May 2012 17:45:17 GMT

Tivozanib is the First Agent to Demonstrate Greater than One Year PFS in Patients without Prior Systemic Treatment

05/30/2012

2012 ASCO Kidney Cancer Abstracts

Wed, 30 May 2012 17:54:53 GMT

Why rely on the possibly unreliable interpretation of this important information by laymen when you can review the complete list of abstracts from the world's largest oncology meeting yourself? Become an empowered patient. Do your own research to develop an informed opinion.

05/30/2012

'We Have Kidney Cancer' Turkish Edition

Wed, 30 May 2012 20:26:28 GMT

Bizde Böbrek Kanseri var. Hastalar ve aileleri için pratik bir rehber.

05/30/2012

Women fare better after kidney cancer surgery

Sat, 26 May 2012 20:32:37 GMT

Despite faring better, women need more blood than men.

05/26/2012

Study Validating miRview mets2 Published in The Oncologist

Sat, 26 May 2012 20:34:11 GMT

Demonstrates Ability to Accurately Identify Tumor Tissue Origin in Patients With Cancer of Unknown and Uncertain Primary

05/26/2012

Folic Acid May Reduce Pediatric Kidney And Brain Tumors

Sat, 26 May 2012 20:35:40 GMT

A new study in the current issue of Pediatrics reveals that folic acid fortification of foods could potentially reduce the number of incidences of Wilm's tumor, the most common type of kidney cancer.

05/26/2012

Pfizer's Axitinib Gets Positive Opinion From CHMP

Sat, 26 May 2012 20:37:22 GMT

Pfizer, Inc. (PFE) said the Committee for Human Medicinal Products, or CHMP, of the European Medicines Agency has adopted a positive opinion regarding the marketing authorization of axitinib in the European Union for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

05/26/2012

Denise Richards Meets Kidney Cancer Survivors

Fri, 25 May 2012 20:06:10 GMT

"Spent the afternoon with two families dealing with kidney cancer. I lost my mom to this disease.. my dad & I were moved by their journey."

05/25/2012

Novel Anti-VEGF Drug Effective in Kidney Cancer

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:55:48 GMT

An investigational drug targeting all three forms of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor was more effective against advanced renal cell carcinoma than a current standard agent, researchers found.

05/24/2012

Biomarker neutralizes effect of bevacizumab

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:57:47 GMT

If this marker would be clinically validated, the marker could be used to distinguish patients that would benefit from the drug from those that would not, and spare them a futile therapy with possible side effects.

05/24/2012

Renal Cancer Therapeutics: Now What?

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:00:09 GMT

As is typical in any field of scientific endeavor in which major advances have occurred, more questions are raised than answered. It is therefore somewhat ironic that the availability of these therapies has led to a marked curtailment in renal cancer trial enrollment.

05/24/2012

How A Drug-Lead Compound Kills Cancer Cells

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:02:24 GMT

A team of scientists from the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Department of Biological Sciences and Mechanobiology Institute have discovered how a drug-lead compound - a compound that is undergoing preclinical trials as a potential drug - can deprive cancer cells of energy and stop them from growing into a tumor.

05/24/2012

'Lunch With Denise' Contest Winners

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 21:11:40 GMT

Denise Richards (front left) Tracy and Blake Gray, Jim and Corey Niebes, Carrie Konosky, and Irv Richards (back right), Denise's father. Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) contest winners traveled to Hollywood for a special luncheon yesterday with celebrity Denise Richards,whose mom died from kidney cancer in 2007. Denise helps the KCA to raise funds and awareness of kidney cancer.

05/24/2012

Snoring increase cancer risk

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:41:38 GMT

Being a heavy snorer can increase one's risk of cancer five-fold, according to research.

05/22/2012

Survey or Scam? We Can Help.

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:05:56 GMT

Let our experts help to determine whether that survey soliciting patients is legitimate and conducted in accordance with the highest ethical standards. Watch this short video. Don't get caught in a scam. We can help. If you are solicited, please email kidney.cancer@hotmail.com. We'll contact the survey's sponsors and invite them to submit for voluntary review by the Kidney Cancer Association's board of medical experts.

05/20/2012

Sweet strands of love for cancer patient

Sun, 20 May 2012 13:26:23 GMT

Most of the time, it wasnt the pain from her chemotherapy treatments that prompted the 11-year-old kidney cancer patients requests it was embarrassment caused by her ill-fitting wig.

05/20/2012

Treatment trends, vaccine research, prognosis data

Sun, 20 May 2012 13:28:15 GMT

Mount Sinai researchers found that 20 percent of 773,233 patients with Stage IV cancer from the National Cancer Database from 2000-2008 did not receive any anticancer treatment.

05/20/2012

Tips to prevent Wilms Tumor

Sat, 19 May 2012 19:02:29 GMT

Most cases of Wilms tumour develop in healthy children with no known risk factor and only 10% of cases occur in children with known congenital syndromes...

05/19/2012

Eisai Oncology to Present New Research

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:10:51 GMT

Treatment of Refractory Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) with Lenvatinib (E7080) and Everolimus

05/18/2012

Tasquinimod Phase II Overall Survival Data

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:12:55 GMT

Projects in or entering pivotal phase are laquinimod, an orally administered small molecule with unique immunomodulatory properties for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, tasquinimod for prostate cancer as well as ANYARA for use in cancer targeted therapy, primarily of renal cell cancer.

05/18/2012

The Favored Treatment For Kidney Cancer

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:15:00 GMT

The findings will be presented at the American Urological Association's Annual Meeting, May 19 to 23, in Atlanta.

05/18/2012

Gender Comparison In Kidney Cancer Surgery

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:16:16 GMT

Henry Ford Hospital researchers who documented these gender differences can't say why they exist.

05/18/2012

Treatment trends, vaccine research, prognosis data

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:18:05 GMT

Mount Sinai School of Medicine researchers will present several landmark studies...

05/18/2012

Dover-Sherborn PMC Kids Ride honors Bob Freeman

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:20:06 GMT

Bob never got to ride in the PMC. Shortly after registering, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer and was too sick to ride that summer.

05/18/2012

Safety and efficacy of MET inhibitor tivantinib

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:22:54 GMT

ASCO abstract number: 4545

05/18/2012

Important progress for people with advanced cancers

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:26:15 GMT

"We have made significant progress for people with advanced cancers in the past year," said Hal Barron M.D.

05/18/2012

Drugs Show Strong Responses in Critical Cancers

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:28:32 GMT

Bristol-Myers Squibb's (BMS, US) anti-PD-1 candidate BMS-9936558 is showing promise in several cancers, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

05/18/2012

What lies ahead: Kaylee's battle with cancer

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:30:15 GMT

An area child battling cancer has more to smile about as she completes her latest course of treatment.

05/18/2012

Rosetta Genomics Launches miRview Kidney

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:58:08 GMT

Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostic tests, today announced the commercial launch of miRview® kidney, the Company's advanced microRNA assay that uses microRNA expression to classify the four most common kidney tumors: Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), Papillary RCC, Chromophobe RCC and Oncocytoma. miRview® kidney will be marketed in the U.S. by Rosetta Genomics' oncology sales team beginning this month.

05/16/2012

Kidney Cancer Linked to Gum Disease

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:01:11 GMT

There is a strong link between periodontal disease and kidney cancer, a recent research report in the prestigious journal, Lancet Oncology, confirmed that gum disease increases the risk of kidney cancer by around 50%.

05/16/2012

Women Cope Better Than Men After Kidney Surgery

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:03:27 GMT

The results of the new study, based on population samples from throughout the U.S., will be presented this week at the American Urological Associations Annual Meeting in Atlanta.

05/16/2012

Safer kidney cancer surgery under-used

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:04:45 GMT

An increasingly common and safer type of surgery for kidney cancer is not as likely to be used for older, sicker and poorer patients who are uninsured or rely on Medicare or Medicaid for their health care, according to a new study by researchers at Henry Ford Hospital.

05/16/2012

Pfizer To Present New Data In Advanced Kidney Cancer

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:46:22 GMT

Data from Kidney Cancer Portfolio Further Demonstrate Efficacy and Safety Across Multiple Lines of Therapy.

05/15/2012

Thyroid abnormalities induced by sunitinib treatment in Japanese

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:48:17 GMT

Sunitinib is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is effective for advanced renal cell carcinoma. However, sunitinib often causes hypothyroidism. In this study, we report eight cases with thyroid dysfunction that occurred during sunitinib treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma.

05/15/2012

Cancer survival 'still varies greatly'

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:50:40 GMT

Survival rates have risen dramatically for many types of cancer but have hardly improved for others, BBC News reported.

05/15/2012

Pharmaceutical Patient Support Program

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:32:18 GMT

Speak to one of the Oncology Certified Nurses available through SUTENT In Touch. Call 1-877-5-SUTENT (1-877-578-8368). Nurses are available to talk from 9:30 am to 7 pm ET, Monday through Friday.

05/12/2012

Antineoplaston Therapy in Treating Patients With Stage IV Kidney Cancer

Sat, 12 May 2012 14:30:26 GMT

Antineoplastons are naturally-occurring substances that may also be made in the laboratory. Antineoplastons may inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

05/12/2012

Probable link between packaging coating and cancer, say scientists

Sat, 12 May 2012 14:35:52 GMT

A chemical used to make oil and grease-repellent coatings for food packaging by DuPont has a probable link to kidney and testicular cancer, according to an independent science panel.

05/12/2012

Galena Biopharma Announces Expansion of Scientific Advisory Board

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:52:58 GMT

Galena Biopharma (Nasdaq:GALE - News), a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative, targeted oncology treatments addressing major unmet medical needs to advance cancer care, today announced the appointment of Robert Figlin, M.D., F.A.C.P. to the Company's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). [Ed. note: Dr. Figlin is an adviser to the Kidney Cancer Association]

05/11/2012

WSJ: ObamaCare's Killer Device Tax

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:56:50 GMT

This tax is especially pernicious because it is assessed on sales, not profits. To put this in perspective, imagine that you've manufactured medical devices and had sales of $1 million, after all your costs and expenseseverything from materials and labor to research and developmentyour profit was $100,000. The excise tax would be $23,000, wiping out almost 25% of your profits.

05/11/2012

What is CureHunter.com?

Fri, 11 May 2012 21:14:00 GMT

CureHunter Patient-Physician Summary Reports collect in one document all the medications ever reported in the US National Library of Medicine1949 to the presentto be effective against your target disease. Analytic charts allow you and your physicians to see at a glance the treatment optionsincluding new, promising, off-label and experimental.

05/11/2012

More Canadians beating cancer

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:12:03 GMT

The statistics do show an increase in rare cancers liver, thyroid and kidney, but that doesnt mean more people are dying from these cancers, said Luba Slatskova, a researcher with the society.

05/10/2012

Study In Patients With Kidney Cancer Treated With Sutent

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:13:53 GMT

Objective of this study is to increase knowledge about safety, tolerability, quality of life and efficacy under conditions of routine use of sunitinib.

05/10/2012

Incidence projections for selected cancers

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:15:19 GMT

For males,there are a number of cancer sites which have an age-standardised incidence rate that is projected to increase at a rate of 1% or more per year.

05/10/2012

FREE Book: 'We Have Kidney Cancer'

Wed, 09 May 2012 21:38:36 GMT

A Beautifully illustrated paperback with more than 100 pages of information that could help to save your life or the life of someone you love. 2010 and 2011 editions are available free of charge. See our website for updates. Also available for the Kindle on www.Amazon.com.

05/09/2012

Sorafenib: A tale of moves and counter-moves

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:43:31 GMT

Three drug companies and three prices on their respective versions of Sorafenib, a medicine used to treat advanced kidney cancer.

05/08/2012

Perifosine for Patients With Carcinoma of the Kidney

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:44:47 GMT

This is a Phase II study. Patients with kidney carcinoma will be considered in two groups.

05/08/2012

Training immune system to fight cancer comes of age

Mon, 07 May 2012 21:26:37 GMT

Researchers had previously believed that only melanoma and kidney cancer had the right properties to respond to immune system therapy...

05/07/2012

Bayer Issues A Challenge To Nexavar Generic License Order

Mon, 07 May 2012 21:37:21 GMT

Drug manufacturer Bayer stated on May 05 that it had challenged an Indian patents office order that permitted domestic contender Natco Pharma to market a low-priced generic edition of the German company's liver and kidney cancer medication Nexavar in the Indian market.

05/07/2012

Tumor-targeting human L19-IL2 immunocytokine

Mon, 07 May 2012 21:39:39 GMT

Five cohorts of patients with progressive solid tumours (n=21) received an intravenous infusion of L19-IL2 (from 5 to 30 Mio IU IL2 equivalent dose) on days 1, 3 and 5 every 3weeks. #ikcc #kidneycancer

05/07/2012

Patients 'having to jump through hoops' to get drugs

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:26:57 GMT

Kate Spall, who runs the Pamela Northcott Fund named after her mother who got a kidney cancer drug too late to benefit, and has acted as advocate for scores of cancer patients, said: The bureaucracy has added to the stress and worry for patients made to jump through hoops at the worst possible time.

05/02/2012

Green tea fights kidney cancer?

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:30:40 GMT

The study found that combining quercetin with fresh brewed catechins from green tea increased the cellular adsorption of EGCG four times in lung cancer cells and two times in kidney cancer cells,

05/02/2012

Advancements in Oncology

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:05:47 GMT

Click below to read the PDF online.

05/01/2012

VIDEO: live feed from MD Anderson Cancer Center

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:35:11 GMT

This is raw video of the live webcast from M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, recorded 14 April 2012, in Houston Texas, at the Kidney Cancer Association's National Patient-Survivor Conference. More than 1,000 people attended or watched this meeting. Viewers will need to use the timeline slider to move through the various breaks that occur throughout this more than eight-hour-long presentation that was streamed live, as part of a YouTube beta test. Several weeks from now, individual videos of the presentations made by kidney cancer experts will be also be available online (once final edits are completed).

05/01/2012

KCA: Founded by patients, committed to excellence

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:59:12 GMT

Well-run kidney cancer charity complies with Honcode and earns Charity Navigator coveted 4-Stars

05/01/2012

Any Cure for Kidney Cancer?

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:00:51 GMT

Visit the Any Cure for Kidney Cancer (ACKC.ME) Facebook page to find information about treatments for advanced kidney cancer.

04/30/2012

'I've had to kiss a lot of frogs to find my prince!'

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:46:07 GMT

Yet within a fortnight, her father Marty died following a short battle with kidney cancer.

04/30/2012

Why singer and actress Olivia Newton-John is hopelessly devoted to a healthy diet

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:47:52 GMT

Her daughters best friend died when she was just five years old of a kidney cancer that is believed to be caused by environmental factors, and Newton-John has been organic ever since.

04/30/2012

+ News Categories + Corporate Categories Erlotinib in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Papillary Renal Cell Cancer

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:49:19 GMT

Erlotinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking the enzymes necessary for tumor cell growth.

04/30/2012

Scientists find DNA variants linked with childhood kidney cancer

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:51:11 GMT

A study published in Nature Genetics today, and funded by the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK, reports on the first scan of common variants in the genomes of Wilms tumour patients.

04/30/2012

Kidney Cancer Congress Builds Global Awareness

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:05:28 GMT

International Kidney Cancer Congress invites collaboration with patients and organizations. Twitter: @IKCCongress

04/28/2012

CDMRP programs help ensure funding for medical research

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:05:11 GMT

The medical research programs within the CDMRP directly impact the health and lives of the U.S. military, their families and the public. Call your Congressman to urge support today!

04/28/2012

US Cancer Care Costs Higher Than Europe, But Survival Longer

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:04:48 GMT

The United States spends more on health care than any other country, but those high costs may be paying off in cancer survival, a new report suggests.

04/28/2012

Herbal Remedies Linked to Kidney Failure and Cancer

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:04:30 GMT

Aristolochic acid is recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a powerful nephrotoxin and human carcinogen associated with chronic kidney disease and UUC.

04/28/2012

NIH Research Funding Faces An Unprecedented Threat

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:04:06 GMT

Here's why your support of the American Kidney Cancer Alliance (AKCA.US) is more important than ever before: we must join together to help better explain and illustrate the value of cancer research and biomedical science to the economic health and well-being of the nation (as AACR asserts).

04/28/2012

Systemic Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Advancing Paradigms

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:03:27 GMT

This article will review the recent advances that form the current framework of therapy for RCC, as well as summarize key areas of progress and innovation in the evolving treatment paradigms for this disease.

04/28/2012

'Firefly' allows partial kidney removal

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:02:34 GMT

The Firefly works by identifying clear margins of kidney tumors and more accurately identifying critical vessels and tissue during surgery.

04/28/2012

Cabozantinib to be Featured in Nine Presentations at ASCO

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:03:50 GMT

"The nine data presentations at this year's ASCO Annual Meeting are indicative of the growing depth and breadth of cabozantinib's global clinical development program..."

04/28/2012

AVEO set to move from start-up to producer

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:01:54 GMT

A decade after AVEO Pharmaceuticals was founded...

04/28/2012

Renal cell carcinoma metastasis to the ciliary body responds to proton beam radiotherapy

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:03:03 GMT

We report an unexpected presentation of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the ciliary body and an interesting response to proton beam radiotherapy.

04/28/2012

Kidney Cancer Patients Fare Better With Tumor Removal Only

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:01:36 GMT

Kidney cancer patients who have only the tumor removed, not the entire kidney, have higher survival rates, a new study finds.

04/28/2012

Role of immunohistochemistry in diagnosing renal neoplasms

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:02:18 GMT

With the refinement of molecular and histologic classifications of renal neoplasms and the availability of more-effective molecular targeted therapy for specific renal neoplasms, immunohistochemical techniques will play an increasingly important role in the diagnosis of renal neoplasm. During the past few decades, many markers have been evaluated for their role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment for renal neoplasms. The number of useful markers in our routine practice continues to increase.

04/28/2012

The Doctor Will See You-If You're Quick

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:00:33 GMT

70 percent of doctors reported that since they began practicing medicine, the bond with their patients has eroded.

04/28/2012

Systemic Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Advancing Paradigms

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:01:15 GMT

04/28/2012

Tampa woman fights kidney cancer with a strong spirit

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:00:11 GMT

Linda Simpson is taking one day at a time after being diagnosed with kidney cancer back in May of 2009. Scheduled for a routine colonoscopy, doctors were alarmed by her enlarged abdomen, ordered tests and a tumor was picked up.

04/28/2012

Afinitor® approved by FDA as first medication to treat patients with non-cancerous kidney tumors associated with TSC

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:28:45 GMT

"Renal angiomyolipomas are one of the greatest causes of morbidity and mortality in adult TSC patients and can be one of the most challenging aspects of the disease to treat."

04/27/2012

Rare Wilms' Tumor Case Surfaces in Macomb County

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:21:56 GMT

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:02:40 GMT

For the first time, the Kidney Cancer Association - M. D. Anderson National Patient & Survivor Meeting will be streamed live on YouTube.

Saturday, April 14, 2012
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CDT

For details of this meeting, please click here. This event will be streamed live on YouTube as a beta test. It may also be accessed from the home page at KidneyCancer.org.

04/11/2012

PRS-110 c-Met Antagonist Anticalin

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:31:18 GMT

Pieris AG announced today the presentation of a range of in vitro and in vivo preclinical data for the company's proprietary c-Met antagonist program, PRS-110, at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, further establishing the compound as a differentiated next generation therapeutic protein.

04/05/2012

Why rapamycin causes diabetic-like symptoms in patients

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:38:52 GMT

Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered why diabetic-like symptoms develop in some patients given rapamycin, an immune-suppressant drug that also has shown anti-cancer activity and may even slow ageing.

04/05/2012

Tyrosine kinase expression profile in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:41:47 GMT

To profile different tyrosine kinase (TK) expression patterns in clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC).

04/05/2012

Immune-Based Drug Combo Might Extend Cancer Survival

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:32:24 GMT

Cancer patients who receive a combination of low-dose interleukin-2 and retinoic acid after conventional therapy seem to live longer than those who don't get the combination.

04/03/2012

AACR: Scientist < - > Survivor Poster Session

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:08:51 GMT

As part of its annual meeting, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) sponsors a program that brings together cancer advocates, including survivors) with medical profressionals working in cancer research. In this video, cancer advocate Maria Teresa Fahy, who lost her father to kidney cancer last year, talks about her poster that was presented during a poster session dedicated to the participants in the Scientst < - > Survivor program.

04/03/2012

AACR Annual Meeting 2012: Accelerating Science

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 02:31:33 GMT

The Kidney Cancer Association is an exhibitor at the AACR Annual Meeting

04/02/2012

DNA Sequencing Lays Foundation for Personalized Cancer Treatment

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:03:42 GMT

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are using powerful DNA sequencing technology not only to identify mutations at the root of a patient's tumor -- considered key to personalizing cancer treatment -- but to map the genetic evolution of disease and monitor response to treatment.

04/02/2012

WilmsKids.com Offers Hope For Wilms Tumor Children

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:07:32 GMT

We are building the world's largest community for families dealing with a child's encounter with Wilms tumor, a pediatric form of kidney cancer. All are welcome to join! This effort is supported by members of the International Kidney Cancer Congress (#IKCC on Twitter).

03/31/2012

One Drug to Shrink All Tumors?

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:14:19 GMT

The treatment, an antibody that blocks a "do not eat" signal normally displayed on tumor cells, coaxes the immune system to destroy the cancer cells.

03/30/2012

Kidney cancer cases at record high

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:05:45 GMT

In 1975, 2,953 people were diagnosed with kidney cancer in Britain. Latest figures show there were 9,042 cases in 2009, up from 8,848 in 2008.

03/30/2012

Kidney cancer subtype study finds low recurrence and cancer death rates

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:07:12 GMT

Patients with papillary renal cell carcinoma, the second most common kidney cancer subtype, face a low risk of tumour recurrence and cancer-related death after surgery. Those are the key findings of a multi-centre study of nearly 600 patients published in the April issue of the urology journal BJUI.

03/30/2012

Cancer research targets a key cell protein

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:15:52 GMT

The Stanford team examined cancer cells removed from patients with a variety of types of solid tumors. They found that CD47 studded the membranes of almost all of the cancer cells in their sample, suggesting that it is a molecule common to all cancers.

03/28/2012

AACR Annual Meeting: Various Abstracts

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:49:54 GMT

Opinion: These pre-clinical findings could provide the thesis for a potential positive outcome in the current Phase 1 study "A Phase I Study of Ridaforolimus and Vorinostat in Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)...

03/28/2012

Kidney Cancer Association App for 3rd Gen iPad

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:50:55 GMT

Users of smartphone technology get access to the most current information about renal cancers.

03/28/2012

Native nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma in transplant recipients

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:58:03 GMT

Dialysis patients and transplant recipients, especially those with acquired cystic kidney disease, are at increased risk for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We report our experience in 15 posttransplant patients who underwent nephrectomy for renal masses.

03/28/2012

Targeted therapies for non-clear renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:59:02 GMT

The treatment of advanced and metastatic kidney cancer has been revolutionized by the development of targeted systemic therapies. Despite the growing number of available agents approved for use against clear cell renal cell carcinoma, patients with non-clear histologies, constituting approximately 1 in 4 cases of kidney cancer, have not received the same attention.

03/28/2012

UGA Researchers Kill Neck and Head Cancer Cells

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:56:22 GMT

Read the complete article here.

03/28/2012

Heart-damaging side effects of cancer drugs under-reported

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:17:55 GMT

The under-reporting of the possible side effects of heart damage from cancer drugs puts patients at an increased risk for heart failure, according to two researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

03/27/2012

Immunomedics to Report Progress With Novel DNL Agents

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:19:40 GMT

Three of the 6 presentations will be on novel multivalent/multifunctional fusion proteins created by the Company's patented Dock-and-Lock (DNL) conjugation technology. They include bispecific hexavalent antibodies, as well as toxin or cytokine conjugates of antibodies, that bind to receptors found on many human solid tumors.

03/27/2012

New surgical technique provides kinder cut for kidney patient

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:21:21 GMT

That's instead of three incisions for a typical laparoscopic nephrectomy -- one incision for each of two surgical tools that are inserted into the body and one more for a camera to see with.

03/27/2012

Daily aspirin protects against deadly cancer

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:10:46 GMT

Specifically, colon cancer patients had a 74 percent lower risk of having their cancer spread to other organs if they took aspirin daily. Aspirin also was tied to a 46 percent lower risk for colon, lung and prostate cancers and an 18 percent lower risk for bladder and kidney cancer.

03/25/2012

If Supreme Court kills individual health mandate, then what?

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:23:27 GMT

Experts don't agree on how badly the law would be hobbled without the mandate to buy insurance. Some economists have estimated that the number of people getting insurance would be reduced by fewer than 8 million people. That's because the law allows people to ignore the mandate if they pay a penalty just $95 in the first year or don't earn enough to pay for insurance. Other economists have predicted that without the mandate, as many as 24 million people will go without coverage two-thirds of the number the law aimed to help cover.

03/24/2012

FREE "Kidney Cancer Survivor's Life Raft" Packet

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:12:13 GMT

Our staff carefully assembles a packet containing a variety of publications that are intended to help patients and their families to cope with cancer. No two packets are exactly alike, and each contains a copy of the 2010 or 2011 edition of "We Have Kidney Cancer," plus magazines, newsletters, brochures, and/or other items that may be important to families that are dealing with a loved one's cancer.

03/24/2012

Accuracy of multi-detector computed tomography

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:01:37 GMT

To assess the accuracy of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in preoperative staging of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to detect the possible risk factors for mis-staging. In addition, the impact of radiological mis-staging on surgical decision and operative procedures was evaluated.

03/23/2012

Effect of Fenoldopam in Solitary Partial Nephrectomy Surgery

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:03:48 GMT

The investigators want to specifically identify if the use of fenoldopam lessens the injury to the kidney with this surgery.

03/23/2012

RUNX3 Mediates Suppression of Tumor Growth

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:05:44 GMT

Here we presented that the expression of RUNX3 was significantly decreased in 75 cases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) tissues (p<0.05).

03/23/2012

Company hopes to save lives with early detection

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:08:45 GMT

We have a test for people with breast and kidney cancer that will help to choose the ideal therapy through biomarkers in blood.

03/23/2012

Genomic Health Announces Three Oncotype Studies

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:07:08 GMT

Genomic Health has a robust pipeline focused on developing tests to optimise the treatment of prostate and renal cell cancers, as well as additional treatment decisions in breast and colon cancers.

03/22/2012

Shipper of fake Avastin: "I have nothing to hide"

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:09:34 GMT

Haughton said he didn't know the drugs were counterfeit, and relies on government regulators to insure his products are safe.

03/22/2012

p53 in melanoma and renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:15:07 GMT

The collaborative studies are completely independent from the planned clinical trials for Kevetrin that will be conducted at these cancer centers and sponsored by Cellceutix.

03/20/2012

Scan for sinus surgery leads to kidney cancer diagnosis

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:18:27 GMT

March is Kidney Cancer Awareness month and Smith said he hopes that by sharing his story others will learn more about the disease.

03/20/2012

Researchers boost potency and reduce side effects of IL-2

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:41:25 GMT

Stanford University School of Medicine scientist has generated a mutant version of the protein whose modified shape renders it substantially more potent than the natural protein while reducing its toxicity.

03/20/2012

IAPO: How to measure patient-centred healthcare?

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:07:12 GMT

Media Alert

For immediate release

IAPO to highlight how to measure patient-centred healthcare at 5^th Global Patients Congress

London, United Kingdom, 12 March 2012 – The International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO) will launch its Patient-Centred Healthcare Indicators Review at its 5^th Global Patients Congress in London, UK on 17-19 March 2012.

The Congress is the only patient-led global, cross disease event that brings together the most important voices in healthcare, those of the patients, with other healthcare stakeholders on an equal footing. This will be a unique opportunity for patient advocates and a wide range of healthcare stakeholders working across diseases and across borders, to come together and participate in an exciting agenda. The Congress will help foster global networks, develop practical skills, and enable engagement and understanding of key policy issues affecting patients in the international arena.

The Congress is supported by the World Health Organization, the World Health Professions Alliance, the International Hospital Federation and National Voices in the UK.

The theme of the Congress, Achieving Patient-Centred Healthcare: Indicators of Progress and Success, is timely. Patient-centred healthcare and patient engagement are no longer ‘nice-to-have’ ideas but truly at the core of healthcare mandates, programmes and initiatives. But the realisation of patient-centred healthcare in daily practice is still some distance away.

There remains a lack of clarity about what it is to be patient-centred, how to measure it and track progress towards it. Patients and patients’ organizations have an important role to play, in partnership with other committed stakeholders, to assess progress made in achieving patient-centred healthcare and to define what indicators we need to measure to assess the implementation and impact of patient-centred healthcare. The Congress programme will revisit the values at the core of a patient-centred approach and examine these from the patients’ perspective how those values should be realised in practice and measured to ensure that all healthcare providers deliver patient-centred healthcare.

For more information about speakers, who will attend, the Congress programme and the impact of the event, please read the Congress Media Fact Sheet. If you would like to attend the Congress as a member of the press, please contact Rebecca Buckley (rebecca@patientsorganizations.org).

View the Media Alert online

For further information, please contact:

Rebecca Buckley, Projects Officer, IAPO

T: +44 20 7721 7508; Email: rebecca@patientsorganizations.org

Website: www.patientsorganizations.org / www.globalpatientscongress.org

03/19/2012

Common medicines may cut kidney cancer drug potency

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:22:18 GMT

The Medco drug interaction study looked at pharmacy claims of about 11,600 patients who had been prescribed any of nine oral drugs known as kinase inhibitors, used to treat a variety of cancers. They include Gleevec and Tasigna from Novartis; Pfizer Inc's Sutent; Nexavar from Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc and Bayer AG; Tarceva, sold by Roche Holding and Japan's Astellas Pharma Inc; Sprycel from Bristol-Myers Squibb Co; and GlaxoSmithKline Plc's Tykerb.

03/19/2012

PSU "Lift For Life" Date Set

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:39:23 GMT

Founded by Penn State football teammates, the Penn State Chapter of Uplifting Athletes has raised more than $600,000 for the Kidney Cancer Association since 2003.

03/18/2012

UNC kidney cancer researchers land $843,000

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:35:53 GMT

Kidney cancer research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is getting a funding boost from SAIC-Frederick with the goal of developing new treatments for renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer in adults.

03/17/2012

Military, heal thyself--health programs still a challenge

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:33:31 GMT

Rapid growth problems face the $53 billion Defense Health Program, which covers 9.7 million active and retired service members, their families, and eligible surviving family members of deceased active and retired service personnel.

03/16/2012

You're Invited: Join Kidney Cancer's New Global Congress!

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:19:55 GMT

Welcome to KidneyCancerCongress.org, where we are building the world's largest coalition of kidney cancer advocates. We are already collaborating with people in Russia, Poland, France, Italy, Singapore, United States, United Kingdom, and many other countries. Anyone with an interest in eradicating death and suffering from renal cancers is welcome to join.

03/15/2012

Congressional oversight over the 340B program

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:17:06 GMT

A March 8, 2012 National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) letter applauds Congressional efforts to better understand how the 340B program operates as it relates to the risk of improper purchases or diversion of 340B drugs, to facilitate Congressional oversight over the 340B program, and to ensure the 340B program is operating within the parameters of the law.

03/15/2012

Increasing reactive oxygen species as a therapeutic approach to treat hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:28:49 GMT

Hereditary leiomyomatosis renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC)-associated renal tumors are aggressive and tend to metastasize early. There are currently no effective forms of therapy for patients with advanced HLRCC-associated kidney cancer.

03/15/2012

Phase I/II study of adoptive transfer of T cells in combination with zoledronic acid

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:14:23 GMT

Human VÎ³2Â VÎ´2-bearing T cells have recently received much attention in cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we conducted a phase I/II clinical trial of the adoptive transfer of Î³Î´ T cells to patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

03/15/2012

Metabolism, Excretion, and Pharmacokinetics of Oral Brivanib in Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:31:23 GMT

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics, mass balance, metabolism, routes and extent of elimination, and safety of a single oral dose of [(14)C]-labeled brivanib alaninate and the safety and tolerability of brivanib after multiple doses in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors.

03/15/2012

Systemic IL-12 Administration Alters Hepatic Dendritic Cell Stimulation Capabilities

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:34:11 GMT

The liver is an immunologically unique organ containing tolerogenic dendritic cells (DC) that maintain an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Although systemic IL-12 administration can improve responses to tumors, the effects of IL-12-based treatments on DC, in particular hepatic DC, remain incompletely understood.

03/15/2012

India uses arm-twist rule for cancer drug

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:33:33 GMT

New Delhi, March 12: India has for the first time exercised its legal right to arm-twist pharmaceutical companies to make available expensive, patented medicines at a lower cost, allowing the generic manufacture of a cancer drug owned by a foreign company.

03/14/2012

Kidney Cancer Association requests call to Congress

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:35:52 GMT

We've made it easy for people to join this effort using a simple online tool, says KCA Chief Executive, Bill Bro, a 22-year kidney cancer survivor.

03/14/2012

Outcome predictors of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for RCC

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:34:52 GMT

To evaluate the role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the management of brain metastases from renal cell carcinoma.

03/14/2012

Tumor Disappearance Following Radiation

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:08:42 GMT

The phenomenon reported by the researchers, known as the abscopal effect, occurs when localized radiation therapy delivered to a single tumor in a patient with advanced disease results in tumor disappearance outside of the irradiated area. Though the abscopal effect is extremely rare, it has been described in several cancers including melanoma, lymphoma, and kidney cancer.

03/13/2012

Three 'targeted' cancer drugs raise fatal side effect risk

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:09:33 GMT

Treatment with three relatively new "targeted" cancer drugs has been linked to a slightly elevated chance of fatal side effects.

03/10/2012

Is Cancer Outwitting Personalized Medicine?

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:10:52 GMT

Discovery of many genetic mutations within one cell may dash hopes for targeted treatments.

03/08/2012

Cancer vaccine IMA901/IMA910

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:50:45 GMT

Therapeutic vaccines may prove both effective and directed as cancer treatments. One such product, being developed by Immatics Biotechnologies, is based on a selection of naturally presented tumour-associated peptides. Two versions are currently in the clinic IMA901 for renal cell carcinoma...

03/07/2012

Novel Therapies for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:04:43 GMT

With six agents approved for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) within the past 5 years, there has undoubtedly been progress in treating this disease. However, the goal of cure remains elusive, and the agents nearest approval (i.e., axitinib and tivozanib) abide by the same paradigm as existing drugs (i.e., inhibition of VEGF or mTOR signaling).

03/07/2012

Simple Enucleation Versus Radical Nephrectomy

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:12:41 GMT

The aim of the present study is to compare the oncologic outcomes after TE and RN in pT1 RCCs.

03/06/2012

PAX-2 Is a Helpful Marker

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:15:36 GMT

To evaluate the role of PAX-2, a renal tubular cell transcription factor, in the diagnosis of metastatic RCC.

03/06/2012

Pharmacological Inhibition of Cyclin Dependent Kinases Causes p53 Dependent Apoptosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:17:10 GMT

We evaluated the effect of roscovitine (Sigma-AldrichÂ®), a pharmacological inhibitor of cyclin dependent kinase, on renal cell carcinoma cell lines in vitro.

03/06/2012

The Efficacy of the Novel Dual PI3-Kinase/mTOR Inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 Compared with Rapamycin in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:18:39 GMT

Inhibitors of TORC1 have been shown to be active in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

03/06/2012

March is Global Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 17:11:55 GMT

Of course, Bro says, with growth comes the risk of opportunism. KCA is working hard to assure that patients are served by organizations that subscribe to the highest ethical standards. Weve started a new web page where the public can report suspicious behavior.

03/04/2012

Single-cell sequencing leads to a new era of cancer research

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 19:24:20 GMT

Researchers applied their new single-cell sequencing (SCS) method to identify the genetic characteristics of clear cell renal cell carcinoma...

03/04/2012

Mechanicsburg Lift for Life to be held Saturday, March 3

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:29:41 GMT

Lift for Life is the signature event of Uplifting Athletes, a nonprofit organization created by Penn State Football student-athletes. Their mission is to align college football with rare diseases and recognize them as a national priority. Mechanicsburg Senior High School students have joined the effort of the Penn State chapter to raise money and promote awareness for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney cancer. This rare disease has directly affected several staff members at Mechanicsburg Area Senior High in recent years. Don Shirley, the inspiration behind the Lift for Life initiative, lost his decade long battle with kidney cancer on October 17, 2005. He was 55 years old. His death has strengthened our resolve to continue his work. Compared to more recognized diseases, there is very limited funding for kidney cancer. All proceeds raised by the Lift for Life event benefit the Kidney Cancer Association. Since 2003, over $400,000 has been raised for this cause, and as a result, a number of new breakthroughs have been developed in the fight against this deadly disease.

03/03/2012

Long-term safety of sorafenib

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:48:22 GMT

A retrospective subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sorafenib in patients in TARGET who received treatment for >1year.

03/01/2012

Thyroid dysfunction in patients with advanced RCC

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:50:13 GMT

Several studies have reported the substantial prevalence of sunitinib-induced thyroid dysfunction.

03/01/2012

Dekkers: Pharma not appreciated by society

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:54:52 GMT

Marijn Dekkers, chief executive at Bayer, has expressed his concerns about the pricing squeeze being put on innovative pharmaceutical groups whose efforts, he feels, are massively under-appreciated by society as a whole.

03/01/2012

Support Defense Dept. Cancer Research

Despite economic malaise and a crush of negative publicity about their university during the past four months, Penn State students raised a record $10.69 million to support families of children with cancer.

02/20/2012

'Lunch With Denise' Contest Winners

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:56:05 GMT

There was a four-way tie for First Place in our "Win A Lunch Date With Denise Richards Contest." Each of these winners and a guest will have an opportunity to meet Denise Richards, star of Spike TV's hit series, "Blue Mountain State." Denise lost her mom to kidney cancer in 2007. Now, she helps the Kidney Cancer Association to raise funds and awareness. Second and Third Place winners will receive iPod Shuffles or USB VOIP telephones.

First Place:

Tracy Gray

Taylor Filorimo

Corey Niebes

Jessica Zublin

Additional Prizes:

Kathleen Lehnert (iPod)

Travis Grenier (iPod)

Juliet Ibrahim (iPod)

Frank Pikul (VOIP phone)

Leigh O'Donoghue (VOIP phone)

Carrie Elk (iPod)

Joe Boyle (VOIP phone)

Heather Fadden (VOIP phone)

Judy Tanzosh (iPod)

We reserve the right to substitute prizes. In the event any First Place winner is not available on the date and time selected by Denise Richards, a modest cash award will be made, instead.

02/19/2012

Questions? Call the Kidney Cancer 'Hotline'

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:49:01 GMT

Our telephone information service (Nurse Hotline) may be accessed directly by calling +1 503 215 7921. The nurses can answer most questions about the treatment of kidney cancer, including the management of side effects from therapies for advanced disease. They can also provide referrals to expert physicians in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, and Europe.

Lyn Glenn, MN, FNP, AOCN
Manager/Nurse Practitioner

Roxanne Payne, FNP, AOCN
Nurse Coordinator

Sarah Linehan, RN, OCN

Brendan Curti, MD
Medical Director, Biotherapy Program and Genitourinary Research Program

Providence Cancer Center
Biotherapy Program
4805 N.E. Glisan
Portland, OR 97213

02/18/2012

NCCN Collaborates with AVEO and Astellas

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:27:40 GMT

NCCN recently received a research grant from AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Astellas Pharma Inc. to evaluate the role of tivozanib in the treatment of solid tumors.

02/17/2012

Denise Richards: "We Never Gave Up..."

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:23:00 GMT

Denise Richards: "I was recently given the opportunity to discuss an issue that's very near to my heart with "Living with Cancer" magazine. In the cover story, I share my personal experience with my mother's battle with kidney cancer. I hope you take a look and pass it along—the first part of prevention is awareness."

Now, you can help Denise to create greater awareness of kidney cancer and the need for funding to support research aimed at eliminating death and suffereing from this disease. Upload a photo or a video that demonstrates your commitment to this cause. We'll fly the winner to Hollywood for a lunch date with Denise Richards. Click the orange PROMO tab on this page for details on entering the contest.

02/16/2012

Lynch syndrome raises kidney cancer risk

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:48:32 GMT

Researchers also found those with Lynch syndrome faced a moderately increased risk of developing breast and pancreatic cancers. The finding could lead to earlier detection of a wide range of cancers in sufferers.

02/16/2012

A case with 18 years follow-up

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:07:36 GMT

A 53-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a non-metastatic 4Â cm renal mass in the right kidney. The patient rejected treatment, but consented to follow-up observation of her condition. The patient underwent a series of computed tomography scans to monitor the progression of the disease.

02/15/2012

Patient engagement and oncology care

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:12:12 GMT

Studies have shown that patients who are engaged in their care report a better quality of life and are more involved in treatment decisions with their health care team.

02/15/2012

Entinostat enhances activity of cancer immunotherapies

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:17:43 GMT

"The results demonstrate a novel immunomodulatory effect of entinostat and provide a rationale for the clinical testing of entinostat to enhance cancer immunotherapy," said Roberto Pili, MD, professor of oncology, chief, genitourinary section and co-leader, genitourinary program, department of medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

02/13/2012

Drinking Tea May Interfere With Sutent

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:30:27 GMT

This study was performed to investigate whether epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major constituent of green tea, interacted with sunitinib.

02/12/2012

Response to Sorafenib in a Patient with Metastatic Xp11 Translocation Renal Cell Carcinoma

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:34:48 GMT

We report an 18-year-old male patient with metastatic Xp11 translocation RCC who was responsive to sorafenib treatment.

02/12/2012

Mild CKD Ups Risks of Renal, Urothelial Cancers

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:07:59 GMT

Chronic kidney disease, even on the milder end of the spectrum, is an independent risk factor for urinary cancers and may therefore be useful for targeting screening, the results of a large observational study suggest.

02/11/2012

Kidney Cancer News

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:24:24 GMT

The February 2012 edition, anchored by Carrie Konosky, focuses on the many valuable contributions of kidney cancer researchers over the past two decades, as reflected in a keynote address to peers by W. Marston Linehan, MD.

Bill Bro highlights FDA approval of a new drug to treat a certain type of kidney cancer and brings to light a controversial survey that suggests doctors aren't always forthright in dealing with patients.

02/10/2012

Physicians Not Always Honest

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:26:36 GMT

Doctors report that theyre not always completely honest with patients, especially when it comes to disclosing a medical mistake, or discussing a difficult prognosis, according to a new survey.

02/09/2012

For physicians: VEGF tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment risks

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:22:50 GMT

A recent study led by scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found an slightly increased risk of fatal side effects in certain patients treated with VEGF-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Dr. Toni Choueiri, who led the study, explains what physicians need to know about their patients' medical histories, and how they can help educate patients about the benefits and potential risks of these therapies.

02/08/2012

What is Palliative Care?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:30:18 GMT

Dr. Robert Miller discusses the goals of palliative care and how it helps improve patients’ quality of life

02/08/2012

Argos Therapeutics Announces New Data

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:43:52 GMT

"We observed encouraging clinical and immunologic responses which correlated with prolonged survival," said Robert Figlin M.D., director of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute and presenter of the new findings.

02/07/2012

New Social Media for RCC Survivors

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:25:06 GMT

Help researchers and meet others who are dealing with renal cancers in a multimedia, feature-rich, environment. Login with Facebook or your email and meet survivors and their families. Better than Facebook, because your participation will help those who want to cure kidney cancer.

02/07/2012

Live Kidney Cancer Chat on Tuesdays

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:10:03 GMT

Join us for a live Facebook chat every Tuesday at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Central. The Kidney Cancer Association has more than 45,000 friends on Facebook and anyone interested in the eradication of death and suffering from this disease is welcome to join.

02/07/2012

Exelixis' Cabozantinib Shows Encouraging Activity

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:33:37 GMT

14.7 months median progression free survival; 28% confirmed partial response rate & 72% disease control rate at week 16.

02/06/2012

Navigating Treatment Decisions

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:54:52 GMT

By David Quinn, PhD, MBBS, FRACP

The last decade has seen remarkable advances in the options available for treating metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). New drugs have been developed that can starve tumor cells and cause extensive tumor shrinkage. At the same time, immunotherapy offers the possibility of durable cures for some patients.

RCC begins with a single tumor originating in the kidney. But some tumor cells may spread, or metastasize, thus allowing new tumors to grow in other parts of the body. While some tumors can be removed by surgery, metastatic RCC often requires the use of systemic treatments, which are drugs that circulate throughout the body.

The increased range of treatment choices has been very beneficial to the RCC community. But as a patient with metastatic disease, you may feel overwhelmed by the many treatment options.

My aim is for this article is to describe the available systemic therapies and to help you understand the potential risks and benefits of each option. Patients can use this brief guide to talk with their doctor about available treatments and play an active part in selecting the most appropriate treatment for their situation.

What treatments are available for me?

Most patients have a type of RCC called “clear cell” RCC. This article focuses on treatment for clear cell disease, but some of these treatments are also appropriate for patients with non-clear cell disease.

Some patients may have only a single metastatic tumor that can be removed by surgery. But most patients with metastatic disease have tumors in many parts of the body. In order to treat all of these tumors, patients are given systemic therapies, which are drugs that travel through the bloodstream and can directly reach cells throughout the body.

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that gives a boost to the immune system. The goal of immunotherapy is to help the patient’s immune system attack the cancer cells. Immunotherapy treatments have been available for decades and have generated renewed interest for treating metastatic RCC patients. Two types of immunotherapy may be used for treating patients with metastatic RCC: interleukin-2 (IL-2), which is given intravenously, and interferon (IFN), which is injected under the skin.¹

Several systemic therapies available for RCC patients are called “anti-angiogenic” drugs. During angiogenesis, tumors create blood vessels inside the tumor. These blood vessels supply nutrients and help the tumor to grow. Anti-angiogenic drugs can help to reduce the growth of tumor blood vessels, which in turn can make the tumor stop growing or shrink. Anti-angiogenic drugs that are used for treating RCC include sunitinib, pazopanib, sorafenib, and axitinib.¹ All of these drugs come in a tablet or pill form and are taken by mouth.

Bevacizumab is another type of anti-angiogenic drug that is appropriate for some metastatic RCC patients. Patients who are treated with bevacizumab are treated with IFN at the same time.¹ Bevacizumab is given intravenously.

Temsirolimus and everolimus are two drugs that attack a specific molecule that helps cancer cells to grow and proliferate. Temsirolimus is administered intravenously and everolimus is a tablet.

How to choose the best first-line therapy

The first treatment that you receive for your metastatic RCC is called “first-line” or “front-line” therapy.

When thinking about which treatment is best for you, it is helpful to keep the following questions in mind:

How is the treatment delivered?
How long does the treatment last?
What are the chances of achieving a cure?
What are the possible side effects?

These questions will help you discuss your treatment options with your doctor to help determine which treatment makes the most sense for you.

IL-2 immunotherapy

For an appropriate candidate, one first-line option may be Interleukin-2, also known as IL-2. IL-2 is the only systemic treatment that has been proven to cure metastatic RCC in some patients. For example, in phase II clinical trials, 7% of the patients experienced a complete response, meaning that there was no evidence of their RCC disease after they received IL-2 treatment.² For some of these patients, the response lasted a long time, with a median response duration of over 80 months.

Patients who do not experience a complete cure may have a partial response to IL-2 treatment. In the studies mentioned above, 8% of the patients experienced a partial response. Again, the response tended to last a long time, with a median response duration of 20 months.

Because IL-2 must be given in a high dose, some patients may experience side effects that could be severe or life-threatening. However, most of these side effects can be managed with the right treatment. Therefore, it is extremely important that IL-2 is administered at a recognized high dose IL-2 treatment center, by a team of experienced oncology experts who know how to manage a patient’s side effects during and immediately after treatment.

IL-2 treatment occurs in a hospital setting. The therapy involves 5 days of treatment, 9 days of rest, and then another 5 days of treatment. In contrast, the treatments described below are ongoing.

Oral anti-angiogenic drugs

Sunitinib, sorafenib, and pazopanib are other first-line treatment options. These therapies may prevent existing tumors from growing and may cause tumor shrinkage in some patients.^3-5 This effect can help to reduce the pain or other symptoms caused by the tumor. In a phase II clinical trial of sorafenib as first-line treatment in patients with metastatic RCC, the patients who received sorafenib reported fewer symptoms, higher quality of life, and better treatment satisfaction in comparison to the patients who received treatment with IFN in the same trial.³

Side effects from the oral anti-angiogenic drugs vary. Some common side effects seen with these drugs include diarrhea, hypertension, and fatigue. These side effects are usually mild and the more severe side effects can be managed in most patients.

These drugs are a good treatment options for many patients with metastatic RCC, including patients for whom IL-2 treatment is not an option.

Bevacizumab plus IFN

In patients with metastatic RCC, treatment with bevacizumab and IFN has been shown to increase the time of progression-free survival (PFS) in comparison to treatment with IFN alone.⁶ PFS is the time a patient is alive and the disease is not getting worse—in other words, tumors are not growing larger and may actually be shrinking. Fatigue and physical weakness were the most common severe side effects for patients receiving either treatment, and the side effects were mild for most patients. Like the oral anti-angiogenic drugs, bevacizumab plus IFN has not been shown to induce long-term cures in patients with metastatic RCC and is a good option for patients who are not candidates for IL-2 treatment.

Temsirolimus

Temsirolimus was evaluated in a phase III clinical trial of patients with metastatic RCC and a poor prognosis. In this trial, temsirolimus improved median overall survival compared to treatment with IFN.⁷ Median overall survival was 10.9 months for patients who received temsirolimus and was 7.3 months for patients who received IFN. In other words, the patients who received temsirolimus tended to live longer than those who received IFN.

The most common side effects in patients who received temsirolimus were physical weakness, rash and anemia. Serious side effects were less common in patients who received temsirolimus compared to those who received IFN, and most side effects were manageable.

Temsirolimus is a reasonable first-line treatment option for patients with factors that suggest a poor prognosis, such as anemia and other factors that can be determined by your doctor.

Other treatment options

Some patients may wish to consider enrolling in a clinical trial that is testing treatments for patients with metastatic RCC. Ask your doctor about clinical trials that may be appropriate for you. Each clinical trial is designed with a specific focus, and your doctor can help you find out if a clinical trial is appropriate for your situation.

Patients may also choose supportive care, which can include surgery, radiation therapy, systemic drugs, or a combination of these. The goal of supportive care is to relieve the symptoms, such as pain, associated with metastatic disease.

Second-line treatment

Often, when first-line treatment stops working, a different drug or treatment strategy can still attack the cancer cells.

There is strong evidence that, for patients who received first-line immunotherapy such as IL-2, sorafenib or axitinib can be an effective second-line agent.^8,9

There is also strong evidence that, for patients who received first-line sunitinib or sorafenib, everolimus can be an effective second-line treatment.⁹

If your first-line treatment was temsirolimus, your second-line treatment would likely be an oral anti-angiogenic drug. However, it is not clear how effective these oral anti-angiogenic drugs are as second-line therapy.¹

Treatment options on the horizon

Ongoing clinical trials are investigating the drugs described above as first- and second-line therapies, as well as testing new agents. Dovitinib and tivozanib are two new oral anti-angiogenic drugs being tested in clinical trials of patients with metastatic RCC. In a randomized phase III registration trial, first-line tivozanib yielded a superior PFS compared to sorafenib in patients with advanced RCC.¹⁰ FDA approval of tivozanib is being sought in 2012. Other experimental therapies under investigation include vaccine therapy, which attempts to induce an immune reaction against the patient’s own cancer cells, and a new immunotherapy called anti-PD-1. These treatments may become available after clinical trials have been completed.

Summary

Treatment options for patients with metastatic RCC have expanded dramatically during the last decade. And as a patient with metastatic RCC, you deserve to get the best treatment available. By discussing the various treatment options with your doctor, you will be able to take part in choosing the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

REFERENCES

1. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines). Kidney Cancer. Version 1.2012. 2011.

2. Fisher RI, Rosenberg SA, Fyfe G. Long-term survival update for high-dose recombinant interleukin-2 in patients with renal cell carcinoma. Cancer J Sci Am. 2000;6 Suppl 1:S55-57.

3. Escudier B, Szczylik C, Hutson TE, et al. Randomized phase II trial of first-line treatment with sorafenib versus interferon Alfa-2a in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27:1280-1289.

4. Sternberg CN, Davis ID, Mardiak J, et al. Pazopanib in locally advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma: results of a randomized phase III trial. J Clin Oncol. 2010;28:1061-1068.

5. Motzer RJ, Hutson TE, Tomczak P, et al. Sunitinib versus interferon alfa in metastatic renal-cell carcinoma. N Engl J Med. 2007;356:115-124.

6. Escudier B, Pluzanska A, Koralewski P, et al. Bevacizumab plus interferon alfa-2a for treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a randomised, double-blind phase III trial. Lancet. 2007;370:2103-2111.

7. Hudes G, Carducci M, Tomczak P, et al. Temsirolimus, interferon alfa, or both for advanced renal-cell carcinoma. N Engl J Med. 2007;356:2271-2281.

8. Rini BI, Escudier B, Tomczak P, et al. Comparative effectiveness of axitinib versus sorafenib in advanced renal cell carcinoma (AXIS): a randomised phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2011;378:1931-1939.

9. Motzer RJ, Escudier B, Oudard S, et al. Efficacy of everolimus in advanced renal cell carcinoma: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase III trial. Lancet. 2008;372:449-456.

10. AVEO and Astellas announce tivozanib successfully demonstrated progression-free survival superiority over sorafenib in patients with advanced renal cell cancer in phase 3 TIVO-1 trial. AVEO Pharmaceuticals web site, 2012. (Accessed January 16, 2012, at http://aveopharma.com/product_candidates/tivozanib_av-951/.)

02/06/2012

ASCO 2012 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium Abstracts

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:12:10 GMT

Searchable list of abstracts submitted for the 2012 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, held this week in San Francisco.

02/04/2012

Friday Report from GU ASCO; Biomarkers

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:45:01 GMT

Ulka Vaishampayan, MD writes: Biomarkers represent the future of renal cancer therapeutics. With six new targeted-therapy agents receiving U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals, and many more maturing toward becoming established therapies, optimization of these treatments has become a dire need of the moment. Current prognostic information is predominantly reliant on patient and tumor characteristics and is derived from basic clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.

02/04/2012

The Empowered Patient

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:49:12 GMT

Members of the Kidney Cancer Association are attending the 2012 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco this week. Our Medical & Scientific Steering Committee meets here and we convened the first meeting of our new Neoadjuvant Group. We are currently studying the formation of a Kidney Cancer Association Clinical Trials Consortium that may address specific unmet needs in research.

We encourage patients and their family members to invest the time necessary to evaluate information from this imporant Symposium that is freely available online from ASCO. If you have specific questions, we'll gladly refer these queries to medical experts. Generally speaking, it may not be wise for patients to rely on the judgment of those who lack a medical background when interpreting information from this meeting.

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:23:53 GMT

01/31/2012

Conquer Cancer Foundation Recognizes Oncology Fellows

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:05:34 GMT

The Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) announced today the 20 bright oncology trainees who will be recognized with Merit Awards at the 2012 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium taking place February 2-4, 2012, in San Francisco.

01/31/2012

Podcast: Genitourinary Cancers Symposium Highlights

Win A Lunch Date With Denise Richards

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:42:22 GMT

Want to go on a date with Denise Richards and help cancer all at the same time? Heres your chance.

01/26/2012

Tumor Cells Capable of Preventing Cancer Spread Finds Study

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:15:38 GMT

According to a new study a set of less-explored cells in the tumor microenvironment may probably serve as essential gatekeepers against cancer progression and metastasis.

01/24/2012

Major Annoucement on Kidney Cancer Vaccine

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:27:31 GMT

Roswell Park Launches Landmark Immunotherapy Vaccine Trial [Read More]

The ability to stretch out the attack for a long-term, durable response suggests that the vaccine may be effective in preventing disease recurrence. The new NY-ESO-1 dendritic cell vaccine is expected to show great promise in patients with bladder, brain, breast, esophageal, gastrointestinal, hepatocellular, kidney, lung, melanoma, ovarian, prostate, sarcoma and uterine tumors.

01/24/2012

VIDEO: Kidney Cancer News

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:39:14 GMT

We begin the year with a presentation titled Novel RCC Mutations, by Astrid van der Veldt, M.D., recorded at the 10th International Kidney Cancer Symposium, held in October, 2011, in Chicago. Then, Jessica Zublin explains what it's like to be young adult diagnosed with kidney cancer, and why it is very important for patients be highly proactive in their interactions with medical professionals.

01/21/2012

Ensuring the Security of Electronic Health Records

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:14:49 GMT

Visit Ethics101.org to learn why we're concerned about security of patient data and offshore charity coalitions. The Kidney Cancer Association endorses the Health IT Pledge.

HealthIT.gov - Putting the I in Health IT healthit.gov via @addthis
— Kidney Cancer (@KidneyCancer) January 24, 2012

01/13/2012

FREE: Subscribe to Cancer News Daily

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:48:05 GMT

01/12/2012

ShoeDazzle.com donates to Kidney Cancer Association

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:54:40 GMT

In addition to donating 100% of the profits from the shoe to KCA first time customers can also donate an additional $5 via ShoeDazzle using the code DENISE...

01/11/2012

Phase 1 Clinical Trial of VEGF-C Antibody VGX-100

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:18:28 GMT

The Phase 1 study will examine the safety and tolerability of escalating doses of VGX-100 in patients with advanced solid tumours who have no other standard treatment options...

01/09/2012

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:05:39 GMT

Denise Richards ShoeDazzle Celebrity Designer from KCA VIDEOS on Vimeo.

Denise Richards: Fashion has always been a passion of mine and I especially love shoes. What woman doesnt love a feminine, yet sexy pump in her collection?! Teaming up with ShoeDazzle to help a charity I admire and a cause that is particularly dear to me because of my mother, provided an amazing opportunity to combine my passions. I decided to name the shoe after my baby Eloise because she has been such a blessing in my life.

01/01/2012

Help Researchers and Earn $50.00

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:50:54 GMT

Researchers in the Department of Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University, in a study paid for by AVEO Pharmaceuticals, are seeking individuals to participate in an online study of treatment side effects. Participants must be at least 18 years old and have previously been diagnosed with kidney cancer. Study participants do not need to be currently receiving treatment. Participants will receive a $50.00 gift card for participating in the study. More information about the study and links to enroll can be found here.

Which of these three criteria do you meet?

If you are currently receiving at least one of the following drugs: pazopanib (Votrient), sorafenib (Nexavar), sunitinib (Sutent), bevacizumab (Avastin), everolimus (Afinitor), temsirolimus (Torisel), tivozanib, or axitinib, please click or copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://www.assessmentcenter.net/ac1/Assessments/ValidationStudy1

If you are currently receiving treatment for kidney cancer, but you are not receiving any of the drugs listed in option a, please copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://www.assessmentcenter.net/ac1/Assessments/ValidationStudy2

If you are not receiving treatment for kidney cancer at this time, please click or copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://www.assessmentcenter.net/ac1/Assessments/ValidationStudy3

12/31/2011

RICHARDS DESIGNS SHOES FOR KCA

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:29:31 GMT

Actress DENISE RICHARDS has become the latest star to turn shoe designer - she's helping create a pair of pumps to raise money for kidney cancer research, awareness, and education, through the Kidney Cancer Association, an international charity that reaches patients and their families in more than 100 countries.

12/30/2011

Promising new kidney cancer drug targets identified

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:31:41 GMT

Scientists have laid the foundation of completely understanding the intricacies of distinct kidney cancer subtypes, which could lead to better treatments for the disease.

12/30/2011

Barbequed Meat May Be Linked To Kidney Cancer

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:19:36 GMT

It was found that eating the most red meat was linked with papillary cancers, but not clear-cell kidney cancers.

12/29/2011

Bodyweight and risk of kidney cancer

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:28:29 GMT

The study notes that the list of cancers considered as being related to bodyweight in this study is conservative, so the actual number of cancers due to this factor may be higher.

12/26/2011

Book: Teenage girl dealing with her father's kidney cancer

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:39:09 GMT

The book won the 2010 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, which included getting published by Viking Books and a hefty advance. The book was released this summer.

12/26/2011

Targeted drug side effects add to cancer costs

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:46:52 GMT

Painful rashes and other skin-related side effects of newer targeted cancer drugs may jack up treatment costs, suggests a new study.

12/22/2011

New Infrared Robotic Procedure Gives Hope to Kidney Cancer Patients

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:55:31 GMT

For most patients with kidney tumors, the protocol was, remove the whole kidney.

12/22/2011

An Introduction to Cancer. Net

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:10:20 GMT

12/21/2011

Brian Rini MD recognized for kidney cancer research

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:38:51 GMT

Dr. Rini is a member of the Kidney Cancer Association's Medical & Scientific Steering Committee

12/20/2011

Wishing You A Healthy & Happy New Year

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:48:53 GMT

12/17/2011

Summary: International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:51:59 GMT

IKCS Summary

Roxanne Payne, FNP, AOCNP

Watch videos of this symposium

Management of Small Renal Masses:

Clinical Epidemiology of the Small Renal Mass: Contemporary Trends and Implications for Patients—Dr. David C. Miller

The following case study was utilized to frame this discussion:

A patient with a 4 cm mass without evidence of metastasis and with no other symptoms presents for treatment options. The audience vote was for partial nephrectomy.

A small renal mass is defined as:

A contrast enhancing mass (CT Scan) approximately 4 cm or less
50-60% of all renal tumors are defined as SRM’s
Approximately 80% are malignant.

The incidence of RCC has risen in the past 2 decades with the median age at diagnosis 60-65 years. Of note, the incidence of younger age at diagnosis may be increasing, a change in the past few years. Most patients present with localized tumors (about 60%). Also noted, mortality for patients with localized tumors may be increasing.

Hypertension and diabetes are the top comorbid conditions associated with kidney cancer (SEER data).

The discussion of epidemiology was centered on determining ways of decreasing morbidity and mortality in patients with SRMs.

Several options are now available to patients including:

Nephron sparing excision (partial nephrectomy)
Nephron-sparing thermal ablation (Cryoablation/radiofrequency ablation)
Minimally-invasive surgery (laparoscopy, robotics, percutaneous)
Active surveillance

Of available options open radical nephrectomy is curative in most cases, widely available, safe and cost-effective. Now focus on preservation of non-malignant kidney tissue if possible and therefore an increase in the use of partial nephrectomy. More recent surgical advance such as laparoscopic technique reduce incision-related pain and morbidity, shorter hospital stays and an easier more rapid convalescence in the post operative period. Tan and colleagues in a population level comparison of the effectiveness of laparoscopic vs. open nephrectomy, found having a laparoscopic procedure reduced the likelihood of intensive care admission and resulted in a decreased length of stay, although re-admission rates were similar (published in Cancer 2011). Although the patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures were less likely to require ICU level care, they also had higher rates of in hospital mortality (more likely to die acutely after surgery). This is thought possibly to be due to challenges in recognizing or treating post operative complications, potentially related to experience level of the surgeon or hospital with the procedure.

Final questions from this presentation section:

Is an uncomplicated radical nephrectomy better than a partial nephrectomy with significant post operative complication?
Is there a survival advantage with partial nephrectomy vs. radical nephrectomy?

Renal Mass Ablation

Dr. Thomas Atwell

Partial or radical nephrectomy remains the standard of care for renal masses. For patients with significant co morbidities consideration is given to ablation—either cryo or radiofrequency ablation. This may be due to the patient’s other comorbid conditions or patient preference.

Indications for ablation:

Size is a relative consideration. Initially, smaller tumors were treated with these techniques.

Location: for tumors close to the ureter, the use of stent, irrigation allows for better identification of the ureter. Also consider proximity to the bowel and adrenals (requires BP monitoring and possibly alpha blockade).

Radiofrequency Ablation:

Strengths:

Easy to use
Fast (8-10 minutes)
Safe

Weaknesses:

Not for larger tumors
Thermal sink effects
Inability to monitor

Clinical Outcomes:

Control rates are approximately 90-97%.
Smaller tumors can be successfully controlled.
<3cm – 39 months of follow up
>3 cm 60% success
Central tumors are harder to treat—peripheral tumors have a higher chance of successful ablation.

Complications (~5%):

Nerve injury (usually resolves in about 6 months)
Bleeding (rare—1%)
Ureteral stricture (1-2%)
Abscess
Urinoma
Pneumothorax
Bowel injury

Cryoablation

Strengths:

Effective for large tumors, centrally located masses
Durable: approximately 88%-98%
Cryoablation of large central tumors >92% local control compared with 60-81% with RFA

Weaknesses

Bleeding
Cumbersome to use

Complications ~6%

Bleeding (3%): size and number of probes, central tumors increase risk.
Hematuria occurs in 2-3%
Pulmonary embolus (1%)
Nerve injury (1%)
Other medical event (1%)
Infection/abscess
Seeding
Bowel injury
Pneumothorax

Expanding horizon: there may be cryo-immunologic response: cell disruption/death as a result of cryo, potentially provides a unique tumor/antigen environment. Additionally, now defining long-term efficacy, consideration of ablation of “benign” tumors. Other technologies: microwave, LITT, FUS, IRE.

Active Surveillance of the Incidental SRM

Dr. Robert Uzzo

A case study was utilized as a framework for this discussion: a 65 year old man with a 1 cm renal mass (first noted 3 years prior). The medical history is significant for hypertension, coronary artery disease and MI, also moderate COPD. Labs are significant for creatinine 1.5 mg/dl.

As in many cases, we do not know the length of time it has been present, how fast it has grown, histology or grade or its biologic potential.

What we can predict about SRMs:

Pathology: 70-75% malignant tumor
15-20% it is a high grade tumor based on nephrometry
Cure rate: 97-99% at 12 years based on preoperative data
Life expectancy:
- 10-12 years based on NCCN senior oncology tool
- 20% alive at 10 years
Competing risks: 6 times more likely to die from causes other than RCC in 5 years.

Pathology of localized SRMs is predominantly low risk (not always).

Most metastatic tumors started out as a larger renal mass. We may be able to predict whether the cancer will be aggressive. Utilizing nomograms, www.cancernomograms.com, it may be possible to make a case for active surveillance versus surgery. This takes into account the patient’s age, gender, history of smoking, and size of the mass. Points are assigned and totaled to give a probability of aggressiveness.

It is also known that the pathology of localized SRM’s are predominantly “low risk”, although not always. Size has been shown to predict histology and grade: in an analysis of 18,818 cases (SEER analysis) for tumors <4cm 86% were low grade (N=7729), and 14% high grade (N=1250).

Imaging shows growth rates of localized SRM are slow. In an analysis of 880 patients, the median growth rate in cm/year was 0.08-0.58 cm. The overall mean follow up was 34 months. 35% of the lesions had net zero growth on imaging: none progressed. In the same study, primary tumor size and progression to metastatic RCC was also analyzed.

Decisions regarding active treatment versus surveillance are quite subjective. It was proposed the following, along with operative risks, should be calculated:

Performance status
Co-morbidity index
Competing risks of death
Complications
eGFR and risk of chronic kidney disease
complexity of partial nephrectomy
- nephrometry score

In a small subset of patients (n=18) the median time to progression was 40 months. In another subset of 151 patients, the median tumor size at intervention was 2.3 cm with a mean linear growth rate of 0.44 cm/yr. The minimum delay was 12 months. None progressed to metastatic disease. Of the entire 880 only 3 developed metastatic RCC within 3 years of active surveillance.

In a study by Haramis, et al, 44 patients with 51 tumors underwent active surveillance. The median age was 72 (55-92), 73% CCI >2 (Charlson comorbidity index). Median follow up was 77 months (60-137) with median growth rate 0.15 cm/year. 4.5% required delayed intervention. There were NO metastases or cancer related deaths.

Overall a strong case was made for active surveillance utilizing tools available to predict which patients would be most appropriate.

Nephron Sparing Surgery aka Partial Nephrectomy

Paul Russo, MD

Over the past 20+ years there have been many advances in imaging, increasing numbers of tests ordered for nonspecific abdominal or musculoskeletal complaints or during unrelated cancer care and surgical oncology began to change approach to organ and limb preservation. We have now moved to an era of elective partial nephrectomy (PN) from essential PN.

Essential PN: reserved for patients who had a tumor in a solitary kidney, bilateral renal tumors or had renal insufficiency.
Elective PN is increasingly done in patients with renal tumor and normal contra lateral kidney.
Extended PN: for a case in which tumor is not controlled with other measures such as ablation.

Fundamental supporting PN: about 20% of resected renal masses are benign and 25% have limited metastatic potential. 54% are conventional clear cell (account for 90% of metastasis). It is also noted up to 25% of patients have preexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD). PN preserves renal function and prevents or delays the development of CKD and other morbidity and mortality such as from cardiovascular disease.

Complications of PN: occurs in up to 9% of patients—more commonly in those with solitary kidneys and longer operating time. Complications reported in 2 studies included urinary fistula in 4.4% (52\1118), 69% of which resolved without any additional intervention. AV fistula occurred in 15/1461(1.02%). Of these 14 were treated successfully with angioembolization and 1 required emergency nephrectomy.

Dr. Russo reports that PN is attempted in all patients with <7cm tumors. Safety is of greater importance than technique (laparoscopic versus open). GFR testing in all patients recommended.

Ischemia Time

R. Houston Thompson, MD

Several published reports were reviewed on ischemia times (cold and warm) during nephron sparing surgery/partial nephrectomy. One in particular was reviewed extensively and was recently published in the Journal of Urology Feb. 2011: Comparison of Cold and Warm Ischemia During Partial Nephrectomy in 660 Solitary Kidneys Reveals Predominant Role of Non-modifiable Factors in Determining Ultimate Renal Function (Lane, B. R., Russo, P., Uzzo, R.G., Hernandez, A.V., Boorjian, S.A., Thompson, R.H., et al)

All patients had a solitary kidney. Those with warm or cold ischemia were nearly evenly distributed.
Age, tumor size, preoperative GFR and percent kidney preserved predicted GFR.

Conclusions:

Ideal ischemia time is 20-25 minutes or less improves short and long term renal function. >25 minutes carried 5 year risk of new onset stage 4 CKD
No differences on GFR for cold vs. warm ischemia times
Preoperative GFR and the percent of kidney preserved was a better predictor of post op GFR.
No ischemia preserves renal function better than warm.
Longer cold ischemia times were equivalent to shorter warm ischemia times.
Quality and quantity of the remaining kidney is associated with ultimate renal function.

Robotics in RCC Surgery

Gennady Bratslavsky, MD

The opening question for this presentation was: is there a future for robotic PN?

At Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) 2007 meeting there were no abstracts presented on robotic PN.
In 2009 there were 9 from 6 different institutions.
Now a search in pubmed will yield a more than two hundred abstracts

The use of robotics in RCC includes management of SRM, T1b disease, high nephrometry score management, management of multifocal and recurrent RCC as well as in locally advanced RCC.

In a comparison of treatment versus cost active surveillance carries a risk of progression, anxiety on behalf of the patient and frequent imaging to monitor status. Ablation procedures are carried out with less pain and scarring, less anxiety and functional loss, but imaging interpretation can be difficult and patients may progress despite treatment. Open or lap radical nephrectomy is complicated by pain, scar and functional renal loss as well as an increase in mortality. Open/lap/robotic partial nephrectomy results in less functional loss, but possibly an INCREASE in mortality.

A guideline for management of clinical stage 1 RCC:

Benefits of da Vinci nephrectomy and PN:

Less pain
Less blood loss and fewer transfusions
Less risk of infection
Less scarring
Shorter hospital stay and recovery time
Increased potential to preserve the kidney
Better clinical outcomes in many cases.

Data analysis of > 100 procedures using robotic partial nephrectomy versus laparoscopic PN for RCC reveals robotic PN had significantly shorter ischemic times and a shorter hospitalization.

Robotic surgery is likely equivalent to open or laparoscopic nephrectomy. Grade 3 and 4 complications occur in up to 23% of patients. Conversion to open partial nephrectomy occurs frequently. Renal function is well preserved. Additional uses of robotics in RCC include patients with solitary kidney (just a couple of reports), locally advanced disease; larger tumors—consideration if need RPLND.

A couple of points from the conclusion

Active surveillance: There is not enough data in young patients or in patients with a life expectancy >20 years to recommend active it in those populations.

How often to biopsy: gives greater understanding of tumor biology. Can consider results in conjunction with other co-morbidities as well as the functional vs. cancer risk.

Molecular Insights in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Prognostic factors for mRCC: Clinical and Molecular Features

Daniel Heng, MD, MPH, FRCPC

Molecular challenges include defining molecular biomarkers/outcomes.

Prognostic factors include:

Patient factors: performance status, symptoms

Tumor burden:
Prior nephrectomy
Sites of metastasis
Bone mets
Elevated LDH
Anemia
Calcium
Sodium

Proinflammatory Markers

IL6
ESR
Neutrophilia
Thrombocytosis
C reactive protein

Treatment related factors:

Prior therapy
Prior radiotherapy
Disease-free interval
Diagnosis to treatment interval

MSKCC criteria is the most widely used to predict survival in kidney cancer. This uses performance status (Karnofsky), time from diagnosis to treatment (<12 months), elevated LDH, anemia and elevated calcium levels are along with other variables. There are favorable, intermediate and poor risk categories. No or zero factors = favorable risk, one or 2 factors= intermediate and more than 2 = poor risk.

In the era of immunotherapy and targeted therapies additional criteria were developed: IKCWG prognostic criteria for survival—9 variables are analyzed and patients can be classified into 3 groups including favorable, intermediate and poor prognosis.

Evidence of selected molecular biomarkers (VHL alterations, HIF-1α, VEGF-A, etc) in RCC was reviewed. There is much conflicting evidence regarding the role of these as prognostic factors or as predictors of response in targeted therapies, or the role is yet to be defined. All require external validation.

Prognosis on the genetic level:

The AXIS study was reviewed. Treatment refractory mRCC patients were randomized to receive either axitinib or sorafenib. Genotyping analysis showed a potential association between VEGF-A SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and progression free survival. This appeared to be driven more by axitinib than sorafenib. There were low patient numbers with SNP analysis available, but this is an area of great interest warranting further study. In pazopanib studies none of the SNPs were associated with overall survival in patients who did not receive pazopanib. Limitation: There were small sample sizes.

Overall SNPs need external validation and larger patient numbers. Current studies predominantly include Caucasian population—protocols need to include patients of other races for stratification. Eventual goal would be to use as predictive markers in drug selection or to prognosticate overall survival.

Predictive Markers:

Hypertension after the 1^st cycle of sunitinib is associated with better overall response rate, PFS and overall survival—this is helpful once treatment is initiated, but does not help guide choice of therapy.

Clear Cell RCC: Update on TCGA

W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD

Dr. Rathmell updated TCGA progress for clear cell RCC (ccRCC). There has been accrual of >900 samples. Accrual is now closed. 327 included in data freeze. There are 4 sub analyses: 211 core samples (RNAseq, CNV, Seq, methylation), 81 extended data sets, 20 w/ history prior treatment to be analyzed separately and 15 with potential histological classification error.

Platforms for integrated analysis include:

Gene expression: RNA seq
RNA splicing
microRNA
copy number analysis
SNP analysis
Whole exome sequencing (whole genome on 20 selected tumors
DNA methylation
proteomic s

190 key genes. Most with mutation of VHL

Copy number variation: frequent loss of chromosome 3, amplification chromosome 5.

Conclusions

VHL/PBRM1 mutations confirmed
3^rd subtype identified and under review but appears to be mis-classified tumors. Shows value of molecular methods rather than new mechanistic insights.
Integration with survival outcome—suggests molecular detailing can be prognostic
Full integrative analysis in process
Preliminary data can be found at http://tcga-data.nci.hih.gov/tcga/

FoxO Transcription Factors in mTORC1- Activated Renal Tumorigenesis: Implications for the RCC Treatment

Boyi Gan, MD Anderson Cancer Center

FoxO Family Transcription Factors: mammals possess FoxO1, FoxO3, FoxO4 and FoxO6.
- FoxO1/3/4 are regulated by PI3K – AKT signaling.
  - Inhibits cell survival and proliferation. Promotes apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in mammalian cell culture systems, putative tumor suppressor role.
  - In mouse models somatic deletion of TSC1 leads to the development of polycystic kidney and renal tumor.
  - Dual inactivation of FoxO and TSC1 dramatically drives renal tumor progression.
  - FoxOs are extinguished in the majority of human renal tumor samples.
  - Broad somatic deletion of all 3 FoxOs was shown to engender a cancer-prone condition dominated by hemangiomas and lymphomas.
Myc signaling is the key downstream effector of FoxOs in the regulation of renal tumorigenesis.
A combination therapy to target both mTOR and FoxO is suggested in human RCC.
mTORC1: hyperactivation is observed in the majority of human RCCs. mTORC1 inhibitors showed clinical benefit in RCC clinical trials.
FoxOs serve as a critical checkpoint to constrain mTIORC1-mediated renal tumorigenesis and novel tumor suppressors in renal cancer.

Novel RCC Mutations

Astrid van der Veldt, MD

Sunitinib was approved in 2006 for treatment of advanced RCC and is the most widely prescribed drug. About 35% of patients do not benefit from sunitinib. Pretreatment markers to identify mRCC patients who would have a favorable outcome to sunitinib would be of great value. SNPs may be useful for personalized treatment planning in mRCC patients.

Dr. Van der Veldt presented the research conducted on sunitinib. The objectives were to identify genetic polymorphisms that are associated with prolonged PFS and/or OS in mRCC patients treated with sunitinib, sunitinib-induced toxicities and sunitinib-induced hypertension.

Patients treated with sunitinib were recruited from 6 Dutch medical centers. 136 sunitinib treated mRCC patients with clear cell histology were included in the efficacy analysis; 219 sunitinib treated patients w/ various malignancies were included in toxicity analysis; 291 sunitinib treated patients w/ various malignancies were in hypertension analysis. Germline DNA was isolated from blood samples. 37 polymorphism im 15 candidate genes were analyzed. PFS and OS were determined for efficacy analysis. Toxicities were graded w/ CTCAE v. 3.0.

Favorable genetic profile was associated with improved outcome in multivariate analysis: carriers of this profile had at least

An A-allele in CYP3A5
A missing CAT copy in the NR1l3haplotype
A TCG copy in the ABCB1 haplotype

Carriers vs. non-carriers (n=95)

Median PFS 13.1 vs. 7.5 months (p=0.001)
Median OS 19.9 vs. 12.3 months (p=0.009)

Pharmacokinetic but not pharmacodynamic polymorphism are independent predictive factors for PFS in sunitinib treatment mRCC patients.

Polymorphisms in genes encoding for metabolizing enzymes, efflux transporters and drug targets are associate with sunitinib related toxicities.

Genetic polymorphisms in VEGF-A and NOS3 independently predict sever hypertension in sunitinib treated patients.

Clinical Applications of Genomic Classification of Renal Cell Carcinoma: Selection of Front-line Therapy

Brian I. Rini, MD

Clinical application:

DNA: VHL gene status, PBRM1 mutations, SNPs in relation to outcome and toxicity w/ VEGF-targeted therapy
RNA: gene expression associated with recurrence after nephrectomy for localized RCC.
- In initial stages of prognostic and predictive discovery. Clinical relevance and predictive potential need further investigation.

Response and VHL status: there is VHL inactivation in the vast majority of clear cell RCC, perhaps not as useful as a discrimination tool for considering therapy.

PBRM1: 40% clear cell have the mutation—this is a recent discovery and the clinical relevance is to be determined.

In pazopanib trials IL-8 gene stands out as a potential marker. SNPs IL8, FGFR2, VEGFR3, VEGFA, and NR1l2 were associated with overall survival in pazopanib-treated RCC patients.

Pooled data is needed to advance our understanding (this effort is underway)

Our understanding of genetic mutations continues to evolve.

Role of Surgery in Treatment Naïve Metastatic RCC (mRCC)

Cytoreductive Nephrectomy is Best Initial Treatment, Gerald Mickisch, MD

Several trials were reviewed. The CARMENA trial was a phase III study in which 576 patients with CC mRCC are to be randomized to nephrectomy + sunitinib or sunitinib alone. The primary endpoint is overall survival. EORTC-GU study SURTIME looks at TKI before or after nephrectomy. Anticipate enrolling 440 patients. OS is the primary endpoint. So far few patients are enrolled in either trial.

Surgical therapy in RCC: either curative, for non-metastatic RCC or as part of the overall treatment plan for those with metastasis at the time of diagnosis. In non-metastatic disease surgery is the most effective treatment. Radical surgery does not protect one from metastasis. Surgical intervention in metastatic RCC improves PFS and OS but is not curative. It does prolong the lifespan and palliate symptoms.

Risks of targeted agents in the presurgical setting: tumor progression on medication—may lead to more complex surgery or overall deterioration of the patient’s condition. Rapid tumor shrinkage may lead to extensive fibrosis in the retroperitoneum. Possible increased risk of bleeding/thrombocytopenia. Wound healing may also be impaired.

Argument for nephrectomy: treatment or prevention of tumor related complications, removal of potential source of metastasis, spontaneous regression of mets, reduction of tumor burden/efficacy of systemic therapy, quality of life, improvement in OS,

At this time tumor/nephrectomy followed by systemic therapy is the standard of care for CC mRCC and good PS. Final message: Initial cytoreductive nephrectomy is here to stay.

Systemic Therapy is the Best Initial Treatment

Eric Jonasch, MD

The current standard of care for those with mRCC is cytoreductive nephrectomy. Despite this standard most patients still die of their disease. So the question posed is why do we have this standard and is it applicable given the recent advances in the treatment of mRCC?

Nephrectomy followed by immunotherapy improves OS in SELECT patients. Systemic therapy prior to nephrectomy can be viewed as a litmus test. If no response to therapy then nephrectomy would not be offered. Research has demonstrated the benefit of targeted agents exists without a nephrectomy so patients would not lose the benefit of therapy. We can potentially shrink the primary tumor with current agents—newer agents potentially better. Dr. Jonasch argues that presurgical therapy is the best overall choice in 2011 in the context of a robust research environment.

Dr. Jonasch provided a review of some of the research—nephrectomy followed by interferon alpha improved survival but the benefit decreased for patients in poor risk groups. In a study that included 50 patients with mRCC who had resectable primary tumors, patients received bevacizumab for 8 weeks or bevacizumab and erlotinib for 8 weeks. If they had responsive or stable disease or progressive disease with good PS then surgery was done (new treatment was offered for progressing disease, same treatment continued if stable or responsive disease. In cases of progressive disease and decline in performance status, patients were offered new treatment or best supportive care. 6 patients did not receive nephrectomy due to progressive disease/worsening performance status. It is unlikely the patients in this group would have benefitted from upfront nephrectomy.

Other agents, including sunitinib, sorafenib and temsirolimus have shown benefit without cytoreductive nephrectomy. Primary tumor shrinkage is also noted with these agents. Newer agents under investigation (axitinib, tivozanib) will likely be even better, but the necessary research needs to be carried out so the agents most likely to downstage tumors can be used.

Presurgical therapy is relatively safe—effects on wound healing (delay) are associated with bevacizumab and sunitinib. No significant toxicity has been seen with sorafenib. There are important trials in development:

EORTC: 458 patients will be randomized to immediate surgery followed with sunitnib therapy (4 weeks on/2 off) or sunitinib, then surgery followed by another course of sunitinib. Enrollment will occur over 36 months. The final analysis will be performed after observation of 380 progressions or deaths with a minimum 1/5 year follow up for all patients.

In conclusion, nephrectomy followed by immunotherapy improves overall survival in select patients, but nephrectomy benefits only select patients—therefore systemic therapy could serve as a litmus test. The benefit of targeted agents exists without nephrectomy, and the primary tumor can be reduced with targeted agents. In good risk patients with large or unresectable tumor pretreatment may enable patients to be considered resectable or decrease surgical morbidity. For poor risk patients, pretreatment is a litmus test to see if status improves, then additional options can be considered.

Conclusion

Dr. Christopher Wood, moderator of session

2 sentinel questions for integration of surgery and systemic therapy in mRCC:

Is there still a role for nephrectomy in the setting of targeted therapy?
If there is a role for nephrectomy, what is the best timing?

In expanded access trial of mRCC patients with or without prior nephrectomy: patients with prior nephrectomy had better progression free survival (12 months vs. 6.5 mos) and improved overall survival (19 months vs. 11.1 mos.).

Upfront cytoreductive nephrectomy in properly selected patients remains standard of care. Presurgical therapy may allow for better patient selection for surgery (initial investigations suggest it is safe).

Management of Side Effects in Patients with Advanced RCC

Nursing Issues in Toxicity Management

Laura Wood, RN, MSN, OCN

Nursing management of patients with mRCC include potential drug interactions, contrast-induced CKD and nutritional support. Patient education includes potential drug interactions. These include cytochrome p450, p-glycoprotein (PGP) and UDP glucuronosyltransferase (UGT). There are inducers, inhibitors and substrates.

Resources for researching potential drug interactions were reviewed and include Lexicomp, Up to Date, Drugs.com, and others. Medication diaries are available from some sites for patients to use to list medications and note side effects.

Expression of membrane targets on nephrons were reviewed, as were stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Assessment of CKD includes serum creatinine. It should be noted, this is slow to rise following renal injury. Estimated GFR is the most accurate assessment: it is recommended by the National Kidney Foundation to screen for and to stage CKD.

Among the many priorities for patient management is the preservation of renal function. Hypertension contributes to the progression of CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The National Kidney Foundation recommends maintaining BP <130/80. This requires the management of hypertension that is preexisting and/or treatment induced. Also recommended is dietary sodium restriction to <2 grams per day. Education surrounding self care is very important.

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a rare disorder that primarily affects the skin causing hardened skin, flexion contractures and limited range of motion. This condition should be kept in mind for patients who are undergoing serial imaging. In 2006 the FDA advised the use of gadolinium contrast agents only in cases where diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast enhanced MRI.

Contrast-induced nephropathy: serum creatinine begins to rise within 1^st 24 hours, peaks at 3-7 days. It returns to baseline within 1-2 weeks. Patients at risk include those with preexisting renal insufficiency, dehydration, hypertension, diabetes mellitus with renal insufficiency, concurrent use of nephrotoxic drugs, age >70, cardiovascular disease and large contrast volumes.

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation recommends the following renal prophylaxis: patients with eGFR <45 with risk factors for CKD: maximize oral fluids (64 oz daily), 1 liter NS IV over 1 hour pre-CT (unless heart problems) and low osmolar non-ionic contrast agent.

Additionally, N-acetylcyteine may be given twice daily the day before and day of procedure. Metformin (Glucophage) is held the day of and 48 hours after imaging.

GI toxicity occurs with therapy and can compound renal dysfunction. It includes diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, mucositis, taste changes and anorexia. Management strategies include dietary intervention—encourage use of supplements such as Ensure, Benecal, etc. Loperamide (Imodium) is used for management of diarrhea. If ineffective other agents such as diphenoxylate and atropine (Lomotil) or tincture of opium may be used. Probiotics, pancreatic enzyme therapy may help. Electrolyte support may be needed, also oral repletion with pedialyte.

Cardiotoxicity of Treatment of Metastatic RCC

Dr. Jean-Bernard Durand

Cardiovascular disease is the number 2 killer in cancer survivors. There are many definitions of cancer survivor—for a cardiologist the definition of survivor beings at the time of diagnosis.

There have been 14 FDA approved targeted therapies. TKI’s have been used for <10 years. In more than 90 TKI studies registered with FDA in cancer clinical trials, >50% have pathways that are shared in cardiac signaling. Dr. Durand reviewed the classification of heart failure, noting the elevation of risk for those treated with cardiotoxic therapy and management guidelines. The definition of hypertension varies. JNC 7 BP Classification was reviewed. Cardiovascular mortality risk DOUBLES with each 20/10 mmHg increase in BP. The impact of high normal BP (130/80-90): increased incidence of cardiac event or disease.

Rotational forces that take place in the cardiac cycle were reviewed. In cardiac imaging, strain or speckle tracking precedes decrease in ejection fraction and may be a useful biomarker.

Drug induced cardiotoxicity of target cancer therapies for RCC were reviewed. Sorafenib, sunitinib, and bevacizumab action occurs on PDGF. Hypertension and CHF occur in a significant percentage of patients. Sunitinib’s target is VEGF and PDGF with 50% of patients developing hypertension and 3-21% CHF. Bevacizumab target is also on VEGF and PDGF with hypertension 34% and CHF 2-14%. Pazopanib has similar rate of hypertension at 47%. Hypertension appears to respond to ACE Inhibitors or beta blockers regardless of type of targeted agent.

A study by Rini and colleagues was discussed—Hypertension is a Biomarker of Efficacy in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Sunitinib. A higher number of patients achieved an objective response, with better PFS and OS if they had SBP>140 mmHg. Similar findings were noted for maximum Diastolic BP >90.

In a meta-analysis of phase II and III trials of sunitinib nearly 7000 patients evaluated had grade 3 cardiotoxicity. The overall incidence of high grade CHF in sunitinib treated patients was 4.1% with relative risk 3.30 vs 1.81 in patients treated with sunitinib vs. placebo.

VEGF hypertension management key points: small reductions in BP may result in large risk reductions for cardiovascular events. This means decreased incidence of stroke, myocardial infarction and heart failure. It is recommended patients at risk for heart failure are treated aggressively prior to starting TKI therapy. Treating hypertension doesn’t appear to reduce efficacy of cancer therapy.

Dermatologic Adverse Events

Mario E. Lacouture

Globally there are 209,000 RCC cases. Prior to therapy 45 % have skin findings—range includes tinea pedis/onychomycosis, xerosis, pruritus, and pyoderma. Some therapies are also associated with muscositis, erythema, impaired wound healing and alopecia. Patients experience not only psychosocial impact, but financial burden and may need dose reduction for symptom management.

Side effects related to TKI therapy:

Hand-foot skin reaction—acutely occurs within 45 days in >90% of patients. Involves painful, hemorrhagic bulla and tends to be localized to areas of friction / pressure. Late presentation is defined as occurring after 45 days. Involves hyperkeratosis, tender lesions that follow blisters. Also occurs in areas of friction or pressure.

Management of skin toxicity (hand/foot skin reaction) includes:

Topical: urea 40%, salicylic acid 6%. These are keratolytic, softens hyperkeratosis resulting in decreased epidermal thickness and proliferation.
Corticosteroids (high potency): inhibits inflammation, decreases keratinocyte proliferation.

Treatment depends on grade of toxicity:

Grade 1 (minimal skin changes, no pain): use topical urea 40$ OR salicylic acid 6% twice daily.
Grade 2 (changes including peeling, blisters, edema or hyperkeratosis with pain, limiting some adl): topical steroid and oral analgesic.
Grade 3 (ulcerations, or skin changes with pain interfering with function. May include severe skin changes—peeling, blisters, bleeding): topical steroid, oral analgesia.

There is some evidence that changes in skin microvascular density associated with hypertension may predict clinical outcome.

Skin toxicity also occurs with mTOR inhibitors: as much as 27 % of patients, 1% grade 3 for everolimus. For temsirolimus rash occurs 45.8%, 3.3% grade 3. Onset is usually within 4 weeks for 85% of patients. Includes itching, erythematous maculopapules. It is grade 1 or 2 in 85%. Histology shows nonspecific inflammation. Treatment consists of oral and topical steroids. mTOR inhibitors also cause oral stomatitis/mucositis in up to 55% of patients.

Some signs and symptoms of a severe reaction include type 1 reaction (hypersensitivity) in which multi-organ systems are involved, possibly anaphylaxis. Also seen: Stevens Johnson Syndrome, TENS, DRESS (drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms). It was cautioned that these are patients that should not be re-challenged.

The conclusions: there is room for further study of dermatologic care in relation to RCC therapy. Early/proactive approaches are advised, and it will be important to characterize derm conditions particularly for adjuvant setting, dose escalation/combination studies and with longer survival, emphasis on quality of life.

Side Effects as Biomarkers of Response

Ulka Vaishampayan, MD

MSKCC prognostic factors / survival were reviewed. Patients with 0-2 risk factors fared better than those with 3, 4 or 5. Heng prognostic criteria also reviewed. Again, those in the favorable category had longer overall survival compared with those in intermediate or poor risk groups. However, none of the pathologic biomarkers are validated for use in clinical practice: histopathology, CA IX, PTEN, VEGF, EMT, SNPs associated with VEGF inhibitors, HIF-1.

Common side effects of VEGF inhibitors include hypertension, GI, Thyroid dysfunction and skin toxicity. Side effects of mTOR inhibitors include hyperglycemia, mucositis, increased lipid profile and pneumonitis.

Axitinib used for patients with different solid tumors including RCC had a higher likelihood of response and longer PFS with diastolic BP >90 (Rini 2008). Patients with thyroid function abnormalities also had a higher chance of benefit with axitinib (also seen with sunitinib). Every 10 mm increase in DBP increased the chance of response. Pharmacokinetic studies indicate this response is independent of drug levels achieved. This requires validation in larger trials. One of the questions is should we escalate doses to achieve increase in DBP and will that change response? Randomized trials would be required. There is an ongoing axitinib trial looking at this question.

Other research of possible biomarkers was reviewed. This included neutropenia and thrombocytopenia during treatment as a biomarker of sunitinib efficacy in mRCC patients. OS survival was improved with grade 2 or higher neutropenia. This, along with thrombocytopenia could be considered biomarkers predictive of sunitinib efficacy in patients with mRCC, but requires additional investigation. The results do provide further validation for the use of baseline levels of neutrophils, platelets and hemoglobin as prognostic factors and the change as predictive markers for survival in patients with mRCC treated with sunitinib.

Conclusions:

Side effects as biomarkers would be a good way to optimize targeted therapy due to ease of use, clinical methods of assessment. Would also help define refractory population early to consider other therapies. Side effect assessment is generally noninvasive and low cost. Warrants future investigation in large randomized trials such as those ongoing: AXIS and COMPARZ.

Summary Discussion

Janice P Dutcher, MD

Management of side effects in RCC treatment.

Chronic renal insufficiency is likely an underappreciated complication of RCC and should be anticipated. This includes a proactive approach with consideration given to multiple comorbidties. EGFR should be monitored, hypertension controlled. Care must be taken with imaging contrast.

For dermatologic side effects proactive management may help extend anti-tumor therapy. Understanding the mechanism may aid in management.

Cardiac toxicities include hypertension, decreased ejection fraction, compounded in those with pre-existing cardiac disease. Questions include reversibility when therapy is discontinued and can proactive management extend anti-tumor therapy.

Outcome: there are models for clinical predictors of survival—MSKCC, CCF, Heng, KCA Consortium. Moving forward it will be important to further define molecular pathways for clear cell and non clear cell histology. Could impact treatment decisions.

12/15/2011

Bristol scientists find way to stop cancers growing

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:51:40 GMT

The research work started in kidney cancer and patients at Southmead Hospital who agreed for tissues removed during surgery to be used in the research project.

12/14/2011

Optimizing Treatment for Bone Metastases

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:53:28 GMT

The survey was administered electronically by Qualtrics survey software between December 15, 2010 and March 31, 2011. Patient progression reveals decisions in treatment throughout patient stages.

12/14/2011

10th International Conference of the Asian Clinical Oncology Society

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:25:05 GMT

Greetings from Seoul, Korea!

It is our great honor to invite you to the 10^th International Conference of the Asian Clinical Oncology Society which will be held from June 13th to 15th, 2012 in Seoul, Korea.

Under the theme of “Work together to Make a Difference for Cancer Therapy in Asia”, we strongly believe that it will provide participants with an outstanding opportunity to meet colleagues from around the world and exchange knowledge for the advancement of cancer care.

The conference will also no doubt leave participants with many unforgettable memories of Korea’s unique and beautiful culture and surroundings.

Dr. Waun Ki Hong (MD. Anderson Cancer Center, USA), a world authority in multidisciplinary translational research, clinical research using bio-markers and cancer prevention research, Prof. Masaki Kitajima (International University of Health and Welfare, Japan), a pioneer in the development of new technologies in gastric cancer surgery, and Dr. Raju Kucherlapati (Harvard University, USA), a leading researcher in the cancer genomics field, will deliver plenary lectures at the ACOS2012. 80 additional scientific sessions and 17 satellite symposia will also be included to provide you with a diverse and substantial scientific program.

We are pleased to announce that online registration for the ACOS2012 will be available from October 1^st, 2011. For more details, please visit our official website at www.acos2012.org and the 2nd Announcement at http://www.acos2012.org/images/main/2nd_announcement.pdf.

We hope you will have meaningful time at the ACOS2012 and look forward to meeting you in Seoul, Korea.

Title	*10^th International Conference of the Asian Clinical Oncology Society*
Host	Korean Cancer Association
Period	June 13^th(Wed)~15^th(Fri), 2012
Venue	COEX Convention Center, Seoul, Korea (www.coex.co.kr)

Important dates
Online Registration Open	01-Oct-2011
Early Bird Registration Deadline	31-Mar-2012
Online Submission of Abstract Open	01-Oct-2011
Abstract Submission Deadline	15-Feb-2012
Notification of Abstract Acceptance	31-Mar-2012

(Paula Bowen is a former Board Chair of the Kidney Cancer Association. Bill Bro is the association’s Chief Executive Officer.)

12/12/2011

RCC Drug Market Will Experience Robust Growth

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:55:06 GMT

Decision Resources, one of the worlds leading research and advisory firms for pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, finds that the renal cell carcinoma drug market will experience robust 3.7 percent annual growth from 2010 to 2020 in the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Japan.

12/09/2011

Kidney Cancer Consortium

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:56:51 GMT

The Kidney Cancer Association is working with a group of researchers from some of the major US cancer centers to explore possible formation of a kidney cancer research consortium. A key objective is to explore research that may lead to novel approaches to the treatment of advanced kidney cancer. If you, your friends, family members, or others with an interest in the eradication of death and suffering from renal cancers would like to help fund this exploratory work, please consider making a contribution by clicking here. Simply indicate "Kidney Cancer Consortium" in the Comments box on the donation form. Please feel free to circulate the URL for this page to others, too.

12/08/2011

New Data Confirms Novartis Drug Afinitor® Significantly Extends Time Without Tumor Growth

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:46:59 GMT

Afinitor is also used in the treatment of advanced kidney cancer

12/08/2011

Chronic headache as first symptom of RCC

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:21:52 GMT

Unanimous Support for Pfizer's Inlyta

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:37:31 GMT

Pfizer Inc won unanimous expert backing for its Inlyta experimental drug for patients with advanced kidney cancer.

12/07/2011

Advances in Cancer Research

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:47:22 GMT

ASCO: Advances in Clinical Cancer Research Podcast

Dr. Vogelzang is a founding member and director of the Kidney Cancer Association.

12/07/2011

FDA Panel to Consider New Kidney Cancer Drug

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:41:26 GMT

A Business Week Article gives the appearance that FDA might not like this drug, but is it effectiveness or cost that is driving this? FDA recently pulled its approval for Avastin in breast cancer, a drug also used to treat advanced kidney cancer. Some critics thought the cost of the therapy was really at issue.

12/05/2011

Generation of anti-tumour immune response using dendritic cells

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 16:12:35 GMT

This fusion protein was capable of inducing DC maturation and interleukin (IL)-12 production in DCs. Interaction of DCs pulsed with CA9-AbOmpA fusion proteins with naive T cells stimulated secretion of IL-2, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in T cells.

12/04/2011

What's it like to be a young adult with kidney cancer?

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 18:25:40 GMT

Jessica on Facebook®

12/02/2011

Kidney Cancer News for December 2011

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 04:11:30 GMT

12/02/2011

Common Household Product Ingredient Linked to Cancer

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:40:10 GMT

Kidney Cancer Journal Vol. 9 No. 3

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:32:34 GMT

12/01/2011

A Phase I Study of Dasatinib in Combination With Bevacizumab

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:58:58 GMT

This is a dose-escalation study of dasatinib and bevacizumab (Group 1) followed by a randomized study (Group 2). The dose-escalation phase of the study has been completed. Group 2 is now enrolling.

12/01/2011

Patient-friendly summaries: 10th International Symposium

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:59:59 GMT

10^th International Kidney Cancer Symposium
Chicago, October 14-15, 2011

Reporting by Joyce Wilcox Graff, Director of Wellness, VHL Family Alliance

Foreword:

As ever, the Kidney Cancer Symposium is stimulating and educational.

While we are always impatient with the speed of progress, it is amazing how far we have come in a short time. Progress is astounding. Ten years ago the standard of care was open radical nephrectomy. Five years ago we were moving toward partial nephrectomy but still had only IL-2. Today we have kinder, gentler surgical approaches and a growing selection of new drugs, though we are still learning how to apply them most beneficially. Imagine what the next five years will bring!

People with early stage tumors are recovering from treatment and living full lives. People with later-stage tumors have a much more difficult course of treatment and a much less certain future. One major component of lessening the suffering and death from kidney cancer is learning how to find kidney cancer at earlier stages. Still today most kidney cancer tumors are found after they become symptomatic and metastatic, though there is a rising number of “incidental findings” of earlier stage tumors. This is certainly fortuitous, but it would be even better if there were biomarkers to identify the presence of cancer and the need for follow-up screening during a routine doctor’s visit.

I appreciate the opportunity to hear this rich series of talks, and to report on the proceedings for the patients who were not able to attend. I will convey here my impression of the key points of the sessions I am reporting. Others will cover the remaining sessions.

Videos of the full talks are available on the KCA website.

The agenda and slides from many presentations are available at: http://kca.omnibooksonline.com/chicago2011

Read Joyce's full report (PDF).

[More summaries here]

11/29/2011

Cancer-Fighting Cells Get Boost From Viagra

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:27:53 GMT

Viagra may provide more than a wake-up to a man's sex life it may help the body's immune system fight cancer, a new study involving mice suggests.

11/29/2011

IDMC Recommends Analysis of RENCAREX Trial

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:01:50 GMT

Over the last year the recurrence rate has further declined leading the advisers to conclude that the trial has matured such that the final analysis can be conducted now instead of after 512 events as originally planned.

11/22/2011

New! Kidney Cancer Drug Info Sheets

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:41:58 GMT

The following Drug Information Sheets (PDFs) will help you to learn more about these, including common side effects that users may experience.

11/20/2011

Cancer Research UK launches nine high-tech gene projects

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 18:24:22 GMT

The Genomics Initiative will use the latest high-tech gene sequencing machines to address specific research questions that until now were impossible to answer.

11/19/2011

Connecticut Medicaid Recipients Need Your Help

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:44:44 GMT

...during its November meeting. CT Medicaids P&T decision requiring doctors to go through a prior authorization process for some agents, but not others, creates a two tiered system that is not grounded in the evidence that oncologists utilize to make their treatment decisions.

11/19/2011

Molecules Capture Rare Tumor Cells In Blood

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:53:14 GMT

The removal of rare tumor cells circulating in the blood might be possible with the use of biomolecules bound to dendrimers...

11/18/2011

FDA Revokes Avastin Approval

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:13:35 GMT

Medicare says it will continue to cover Avastin for breast cancer treatment, even if the FDA withdraws it for such use.

11/18/2011

FDA Considers New Treatment for Advanced RCC

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:25:16 GMT

...the committee will discuss new drug application (NDA) 202324, with the proposed trade name INLYTA (axitinib) tablets, application submitted by Pfizer Inc. The proposed indication (use) for this product is for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC, kidney cancer).

11/16/2011

Louisiana Medicaid Changes Signal Trouble for Cancer Patients

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 18:28:48 GMT

Delivery of acceptable cancer care has always required access to all appropriate therapies, as one drug in a class may not be effective in a specific patient while another may be. A cancer patient may be treated with all drugs in a particular class over the long course of his or her treatment.

11/12/2011

VIDEO: Cryoablation & Radiofrequency Ablation Surgery

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:57:23 GMT

Videos of ablative kidney surgical techniques

11/12/2011

Penn State students play to support KCA

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:28:44 GMT

Kids paid 20 dollars a team to play, and all proceeds went to benefit kidney cancer through the football team's charity.

11/11/2011

Sunshine helps reduce kidney cancer risk

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:27:26 GMT

Those men who were exposed to sunlight as a result of their occupation were between 24 and 38 percent less likely to get kidney cancer.

11/11/2011

VIDEO: Managing Cancer Fatigue

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:50:56 GMT

Managing Cancer Fatigue Syndrome, a YouTube video from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

11/11/2011

New kidney blood pressure clues

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:46:26 GMT

Scientists have discovered a cure for killer blood pressure, the Daily Express claimed today.

11/07/2011

Easy to Explain Shortages of Prescription Drugs

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:58:08 GMT

Drug suppliers are dropping out or shifting production to more expensive drugs.

11/07/2011

Kidney Cancer Survivor Swims Mississippi Bound & Shackled

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:23:11 GMT

VHL survivor Jay Platt, 45, will swim the Mississppi River while bound and shackled later this month

Read the article in The Valdosta Daily Times

11/07/2011

More Targeted Treatments Key to Progress in War on Cancer

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:00:49 GMT

More targeted treatments and streamlining clinical trials are among the keys to speeding the pace of progress in finding more effective cancer treatments, a new report says.

11/04/2011

Comparative effectiveness of axitinib versus sorafenib

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:32:59 GMT

Axitinib is a treatment option for second-line therapy of advanced renal cell carcinoma.

11/04/2011

Cancer risk doubles after organ transplant

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:23:58 GMT

Organ transplant recipients in the United States double their risk of developing cancer compared to the general population. And that risk is elevated for 32 different types of cancer, according to new research.

11/03/2011

Lawmakers should keep funding for Medicare Part B

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 02:06:03 GMT

These patients are fighting for their lives. And their fight may get harder.

11/01/2011

Summaries: International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:56:16 GMT

Progressive Disease After Front-Line VEGF Therapy

(Dr. Samad Sadeghi, Dr. Martin Gore, Dr. Jorge Garcia, Dr. Robert Figlin)

Dr. Sadeghi presented a case describing a patient who had achieved a partial response after 10 cycles of Sunitinib but developed progressive metastatic disease a few years later. This set the stage for a discussion about current therapies; mTOR inhibitors and VEGF inhibitors.
Dr. Gore presented information about mTOR inhibitors.
- Sequencing – VEGF targeted drug followed by an mTOR inhibitor then VEGF targeted drug
- There are data that show activity with VEGF targeted therapy followed by mTOR inhibition
- Second line VEGF versus mTOR showed no significant differences
- There are multiple on-going studies comparing VEGF/mTOR sequencing
- There are currently no randomized clinical trials comparing VEGF inhibition to mTOR inhibition
- Dr. Gore recommends alternating therapies before disease progression
Dr. Garcia presented information about VEGF targeted therapy
- There are no durable and/or complete responses with VEGF inhibitors
- There is no single pathway for disease growth and resistance
- Existing data suggest that both mTOR and VEGF inhibitors are active agents after initial VEGF failure; failure of prior agent does not mean that you cannot be rechallenged with the same agent again
- Axitinib showed better response rates compared to Sorafenib
- Defining resistance disease is challenging but work is in progress; need to define the biology of resistance and how patients fail primary therapy
- Intolerance does not mean resistant disease
- Most patients will see all active/available agents during the course of their disease

Molecular Biology and Pathology

(Dr. Miguel Rivera)

Wilms Tumors are the most common among children. Of all pediatric renal tumors, 85% are Wilms.
Males and females are affected at the same rate

Surgery for Pediatric Renal Tumors

(Dr. Peter Ehrlich)

Wilms tumors are the most common among children
Spread of Wilms tumors
- Metastatic sites
  - Lung (80%), Liver (15%), Other (5%)
- Extension
  - Renal Vein, Inferior Vena Cava, Atrium (10%)
- Tumors in both kidneys occurs in 10% of patients
Imaging to determine extent of disease
- CT
  - Chest CT will pick up 25% more lesions than conventional chest X-ray
  - MRI may also be beneficial
  - Doppler ultrasound is useful in assessing tumor thrombus in the blood vessels
Staging
- Stage 1: Tumor is limited to the kidney and is completely resected
- Stage 2: Tumor extends beyond the kidney and is completely resected
- Stage 3: There is residual tumor following surgery that is confined to the abdomen
- Stage 4: Disease has spread to other areas of the body (lung, liver, bones, etc.)
- Stage 5: There is tumor present in both kidneys at the time of diagnosis
Vascular extension: Using chemotherapy before surgery my help by decreasing tumor size but frequency of complications is similar to patients who did not receive pre-operative chemo
Surgery alone may be adequate treatment for very low risk infants; children younger than 24 months with small (< 550 g) Wilms tumors with favorable histology
Failure to biopsy lymph nodes may lead to increase in disease recurrence
Tumor spill at the time of surgery significantly increases the risk of local relapse
Biopsy of the tumor is only warranted when the tumor is deemed non-resectable
Unresectable Criteria:
- Too big (but how big is too big)
- Extension of tumor thrombus above the level of the hepatic veins
- If removing the tumor requires removal of other organs (spleen, pancreas, colon)
- Pulmonary compromise due to wide-spread lung metastasis
Surgery considerations:
- Partial nephrectomy can be considered for patients with bilateral Wilms tumors or unilateral patients with high risk
- Laparoscopic nephrectomy
  - Procedure must be done correctly
  - The kidney cannot be minced and brought out in a bag
  - Consider chemotherapy before surgery for large tumors

Current Systemic Therapy for Pediatric Kidney Tumors

(Dr. Jeffrey Dome)

Disease control vs. toxicity
- Toxicities include:
  - Cardiotoxicity – Increased risk of congestive heart failure at 20 years
  - Possibility of a second malignancy increases at 15 years after Wilms diagnosis
  - Hepatotoxicity – Veno-Occlusive Disease is seen, currently, in about 3% of patients with current treatments
  - Pregnancy/Fertility – Risk of infertility with whole abdomen radiation and risk of congenital abnormalities with flank radiation
Small Stage I Wilms Tumor
- From 1995-2002, the National Wilms Tumor Study Group (now part of the Children’s Oncology Group) Trial looked at surgery-only in patients who were less than 24 months old with Stage 1, favorable histology Wilms tumor where the tumor weighed less than 1.2 pounds. The study was closed and patients were treated with Vincristine and Actinomycin D. Long term follow up revealed a five-year Event Free Survival/Overall Survival of 84%/98% for the patients who were treated with surgery alone. For the patients who had chemotherapy, the Event Free Survival/Overall Survival rates were 97%/99%. Gene mutation significantly affects relapse rate.
Favorable Histology Wilms Tumor with LOH (Loss of Heterozygosity)
- Loss of heterozygosity is a genetic mutation that may delete or change tumor suppressor genes. Genetic testing has allowed treatments to be tailored to the specific situation of the patient potentially affecting survival. However, loss of heterozygosity is associated with worse outcomes.
Stage IV Wilms Tumor
- Patients in this group who had a complete response to therapy within 70 days had better 5-year Event Free Survival and Overall Survival compared to the group that didn’t have a complete response in the first 70 days. The National Wilms Tumor Study Group (NWTSG) now recommends the following for Stage 4 patients with disease spread to the lungs:
  - Treatment with Actinomycin D, Vincristine, and Doxorubicin
  - Radiation treatment to the lung(s)
- The European group recommends the following for these patients:
  - Treatment with Actinomycin D, Vincristine, and Doxorubicin
  - Radiation treatment to the lung(s) only if chemotherapy did not produce a complete response
- 5-year recurrence free survival is improved with both the 3-drug chemotherapy treatment and lung radiation and the 3-drug regimen showed better response than the 2-drug treatment of Actinomycin D + Vincristine.
Anaplastic Wilms Tumor
- 4-year Recurrence Free Survival goes down as Stage increases
- Survival is also affected by chemotherapy regimen
RCC in pediatrics
- 6% of tumors in children and adolescents, clear cell uncommon, translocation 50%
- Better survival with lymph node involvement
  - 72% RCC with lymph node involvement had a durable survival
  - 14/15 with translocation RCC and lymph node involvement had a durable survival
  - There is an ongoing study for pediatric RCC

Radiation Therapy

(Dr. John Kalapurakal)

Guiding Principles of Cancer Therapy
- Good quality survival
- Risk-based treatment approach
  - Low-risk tumors
    - Minimize therapy, maintain high cure rates, minimize toxicity
  - High-risk tumors
    - Intensify therapy, increase cure rates, balance with “acceptable” toxicity
- Limit radiation doses to critical structures
Radiation Therapy doses are based on patient age
From the National Wilms Tumor Study-1 (NWTS-1)
- Post-operative radiation therapy not necessary for children under 2 years old however, abdominal recurrence rates were higher with radiation therapy in older children
- Recurrence free survival was better with radiation and chemotherapy together than for either alone
From the NWTS-2
- Age did not influence outcome as was seen in the previous study
- Duration of chemotherapy (6 vs. 15 months) did not influence survival
From NWTS-3
- Children with stage 2 Favorable Histology tumors do not need radiation or Adriamycin in addition to Vincristine + Actinomycin D.
- Children with stage 3 Favorable Histology tumors 10 Gy of radiation + Adriamycin, Vincristine, and Actinomycin D had similar survival to those who had 20 Gy of radiation
- Radiation and Adriamycin were eliminated in 60% of children
- Flank radiation doses were decreased from 40 Gy to 10 Gy
Newer radiation therapy techniques, such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) have decreased the risk of stray radiation to adjacent organs
Timing of radiation therapy
- Favorable Histology cases should start radiation, preferably, by day 9 but not later than day 14
- Unfavorable Histology cases should start radiation no later than day 9
In patients who had tumor spillage at the time of surgery, recurrence is more commonly seen in the flank area
Whole Lung Irradiation (WLI)
- Event-free and overall survival is better in patients with WLI compared to no WLI
Late toxicities from radiation therapy
- Musculoskeletal
- Abdominal organs and vasculature
- Pelvic organs (ovaries, uterus)
- Second malignancies
- Heart
- Liver
- Kidney
- Brain
- Thyroid
- Breast

Long Term Follow-up and Outcome

(Dr. Daniel Green)

Causes of mortality of Wilms tumor survivors
- The National Wilms Tumor Study Group has compiled data from all five of the studies done for Wilms Tumor patients from 1969-2002 (9240 patients) and has investigated outcomes.
  - 782 patients died before 5 years from diagnosis related to either the original cancer or another cancer that arose. 91 patients died after 5 years from diagnosis related to the original cancer or another cancer that arose.
  - 11 patients died before 5 years from diagnosis related to heart or lung problems or kidney failure. 30 patients died after 5 years from diagnosis related to heart or lung problems or kidney failure.
  - 7 patients died before 5 years from diagnosis related to external causes. 16 patients died after 5 years from diagnosis related to external causes.
- Five-year survivors of Wilms tumor are 4.9 times more likely to die and 4.7 times more likely to have grades 3 or 4 chronic health condition than their same sex siblings.
- Survivors of Wilms tumor have increased risks for hypertension and congestive heart failure.
- The risk of end-stage renal disease is increased in Wilms tumor survivors with specific syndromes and those with bilateral Wilms tumor.
Chronic medical conditions related to Wilms tumor treatment
- Subsequent malignant neoplasms
- Congestive heart failure
  - 4.4% at 25 years
  - Females affected more than males
- End-stage renal disease
  - Chronic dialysis
  - Renal transplant
- Pregnancy outcome
  - Hypertension complicating pregnancy and malposition of the fetus were more frequent among irradiated women and was related to radiation dose
  - Early threatened labor
  - Radiation may affect birth weight
  - The offspring of irradiated female survivors of Wilms tumor have an increased risk of premature birth
Health status and health care practices of survivors of Wilms tumor
- Wilms Tumor survivors were more likely to have a general medical exam within the last two years and were more likely to have ever had a mammogram than their siblings.
- Other health practices, such as a clinical breast exam or PAP smear were not statistically significantly different from their siblings. Female survivors at increased risk for breast cancer do not undergo mammography more frequently than female siblings.

Initial Evaluation

(Dr. Andrew Wagner)

The diagnosis of renal cell cancer is usually made as an incidental finding when patients are having a scan or x-ray done for some other condition. However, some patients do present with symptoms that may include blood in the urine, pain, or a palpable mass; there may be other noticeable effects on the body as a result of the cancer spreading to other areas. After a diagnosis of kidney cancer is made, a staging evaluation is mandatory to see the extent of the cancer. This will usually include a battery of lab tests along with x-rays, CT scans and/or MRI’s. In very specific cases, a biopsy may be done of the kidney or a metastatic site. Once staging is complete, a thorough discussion should take place with your doctor regarding the plans for surgery and possibly other treatments.
The purpose of the initial evaluation is:
- Evaluate patient for signs and symptoms of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
  - > 50% are an incidental finding and most of these are low stage
  - <50% present with signs & symptoms of RCC and most of these are at an advanced stage
  - The patient history is looking for:
    - Blood in the urine
    - Abdominal or flank pain
    - Scrotal swelling
    - Weight loss
    - Night sweats, fever, or malaise
    - New back or bone pain
    - Mental status changes
    - Persistent cough
  - Social risk factors include:
    - History of smoking (increases risk and accounts for 10-30% of RCC)
    - Obesity (increases risk and accounts for 30-40% of RCC)
    - High blood pressure
    - Long term dialysis
  - Suspected risk factors include:
    - Low physical activity
    - Alcohol consumption (however, there is a 28% reduction with one drink per day)
    - Occupational exposures such as Trichloroethylene
    - Pregnancy – there is a 40-90% increase in women who have had children compared the those who have never been pregnant
  - Family history
    - Most cases of RCC are sporadic (97%)
    - Familial causes: Von Hippel-Lindau, Hereditary Papillary RCC, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome
    - There is a 2X higher risk if there is a first degree relative
  - If the physical exam reveals an abdominal mass, varicocele, lower extremity edema, or enlarged lymph nodes, this is usually an indicator of advanced disease
- Stage primary tumor
  - Stage 1 = tumor less than or equal to 7 centimeters
  - Stage 2 = tumor greater than 7 centimeters and contained in the kidney
  - Stage 3 = tumor spread into Gerota’s fascia or tumor thrombus into the inferior vena cava
  - Stage 4 = tumor spread to lymph nodes or other organs
  - Abdominal CT or MRI is used to evaluate tumor location and spread, if any
  - Chest X-Ray is usually sufficient (Chest CT if advanced disease or abnormal X-Ray)
  - Other studies are ordered as deemed appropriate
- Evaluate for metastasis
  - Kidney metastatic sites:
    - Lung (69%)
    - Liver (34%)
    - Bone (43%)
    - Lymph nodes (22%)
    - Adrenal (19%)
    - Brain (7%)
    - Other (<1%)
- Surgical planning to evaluate the feasibility of:
  - Cytoreductive surgery
  - Nephron-sparing surgery
- Role of biopsy
  - Consider when it may impact disease management

Imaging

(Dr. Ivan Pedrosa)

New Imaging Strategies
- There are multiple new imaging techniques including ultrasound, CT, PET, and MRI scans that are providing better images allowing for differentiation of tumor types.
  - Contrast enhanced Ultrasound helps with tumor type differentiation
  - CT Dual energy source used to create a virtual non-contrast view
  - Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Imaging (CT or MRI)
  - MRI
    - Arterial spin labeling MRI (done without contrast)
    - Diffusion Weighted MRI
  - PET
Correlation Between Imaging and Pathology
Correlation with Clinical Outcomes

Neoadjuvant (pre-surgical) Therapy

(Dr. Cristina Suarez Rodriguez, Dr. Christopher Wood, Dr. Arie Belldegrun)

Dr. Rodriguez presented a case for discussion of whether or not pre-surgical chemotherapy was appropriate
- May be appropriate in select patients to down-stage tumor.
- (How do you decide which patients are appropriate or good candidates for neoadjuvant treatment?)

Dr. Christopher Wood presented a PRO stance on the use of neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced RCC. Even though neoadjuvant treatment has been used successfully in other cancers, there is no data at this time that proves that it is useful in down-staging tumors or in preventing disease recurrence in the future. There are data to suggest that it is safe to use from a surgical standpoint. Currently there are several ongoing or recently completed clinical trials looking into the effectiveness of targeted therapies in the adjuvant setting but the results of these studies is still years away. New treatments on the horizon may hold more promise. The concept of neoadjuvant therapy is one that deserves further investigation in the form of well-designed clinical trials. There is some evidence that points to the use of neoadjuvant treatment as a prognostic indicator. Patients who progress while on targeted therapy will probably not do well regardless of surgery. However, patients who have a significant response (>10%) in their primary tumor are more likely to have an improved outcome. Bottom line: neoadjuvant therapy has been proven to be safe but it has not been very successful at shrinking tumors before surgery…this is not the standard of care.
Dr. Ari Belldegrun presented the CON stance on the use of neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced RCC. There may be a small group of patients that would be appropriate candidates for neoadjuvant treatment; high risk patients with localized disease or unresectable patients that may become resectable after neoadjuvant therapy. Depending on treatment regimen, toxicities may be significant. Tumor reduction is not clinically significant. Response to treatment did not alter the surgical approach. There is no appreciable pathological difference between patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy versus those who were not treated. There is no evidence of improved survival at this time with neoadjuvant treatment. Neoadjuvant treatment should only be done in the context of a clinical trial.
Dr. Steven Campbell summarized the PRO/CON discussion of neoadjuvant therapy. He indicated that 40-70% of patients will have a 10-20% response with neoadjuvant treatment. Ongoing clinical trials are looking into neoadjuvant treatment to determine the utility, or lack thereof, of this treatment option.

Lymph Node Dissection

(Dr Simon Kim, Dr. Michael Blute, Dr. Scott Eggener, Dr. Swanson)

Dr. Kim presented two cases to stimulate the discussion of whether or not removing lymph nodes during nephrectomy was appropriate.

Dr. Blute-PRO

Role of Lymph Node Dissection in RCC
- There are data supporting that the removal of lymph nodes may improve survival in patients with RCC with metastatic disease in the lymph nodes.
- A review of over 1600 cases of radical nephrectomy for non-metastatic RCC revealed certain features that were predictive of lymph node involvement:
  - Nuclear Grade 3 or 4
  - Sarcomatoid component
  - Tumor > 10 cm
  - Stage pT3 or pT4
  - Tumor necrosis
    - If 0-1 features are present, 0.6% node positive
    - If ≥ 2 features are present, 10% node positive
    - If all 5 features are present, 53% node positive
- Recommendations for Lymph Node Dissection
  - If there is a low risk primary tumor, there is no benefit
  - High risk primary tumor with enlarged lymph nodes, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection should be done
  - High risk primary tumor, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection should be done
  - Nephrectomy to reduce tumor burden, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection should be done
  - Isolated retroperitoneal recurrence or development of a new tumor, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection should be done
- Conclusion: there is no increased risk of doing the lymph node dissection early on.

Dr. Eggener-CON

Basics
- Lymph node dissections rarely done, even for large tumors, because there is no proven therapeutic or staging benefit for low risk patients. A Mayo study revealed no data showing therapeutic benefit in high risk patients. For clinically node negative high risk patients, there is staging value but no proven therapeutic benefit.
- Rate of positive nodes is associated with stage and grade; the higher the stage and grade, the more likely there will be positive nodes. A tumor > 10 cm with sarcomatoid features and tumor necrosis is also associated with positive nodes.
- Looking at several studies, the percentage of patients that were found to have positive nodes at the time of surgery was relatively small in all but one study. The 5-year cancer specific survival for these patients was very consistent at 35-39%.
- According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for kidney cancer, “Regional lymph node dissection is optional but is recommended for patients with adenopathy on preoperative imaging or palpable/visible adenopathy at time of surgery.”
Conclusions:
- Lymph node dissection for patients with clinical node negative T1-T2 disease is proven not to be necessary
- Lymph node dissection for patients with clinical node negative T3-T4 disease is reasonable but of unproven therapeutic benefit
- Lymph node dissection for patients with clinical node positive non-metastatic disease is reasonable but of unproven therapeutic benefit

Dr. Swanson-Summary

Metastatic disease in the lymph nodes without metastatic disease elsewhere is rare.
If doing a lymph node dissection, taking more nodes increases the rate of finding at least one node positive
For clinically positive nodes, an extended lymph node dissection may improve benefit

Prognosis, Risk Stratification, and Surveillance

(Dr. Vincenzo Ficarra)

Prognostic factors in localized RCC
- Clinical (Laboratory)
  - Age
  - Gender
  - Performance Status: worse performance status correlates to poorer survival
  - Symptoms present at diagnosis: patients with local and/or systemic symptoms at presentation have poorer survival
  - Clinical tumor size
  - Clinical stage (cTNM)
- Pathologic
  - Tumor size and extension (TNM)
  - Histologic subtype: Papillary and chromophobe subtypes have better survival than clear cell
  - Fuhrman grading: as Fuhrman grade increases, survivability decreases (papillary and chromophobe types use a different grading system)
  - Necrosis: survival is better with a non-necrotic tumor
  - Sarcomatoid features: Sarcomatoid features correlate to poorer survivability
  - Microvascular invasion
- SSGN
  - Stage
  - Size
  - Grade
  - Necrosis
- The use of prognostic integrated systems based on traditional clinical and /or pathological parameters improve prognostic accuracy and help guide surveillance and/or treatment after nephrectomy
- Currently, there is no general consensus on follow up, however the National Comprehensive Cancer Network has surveillance guidelines

11/01/2011

Kidney Cancer News: Focus on Clinical Trials

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:10:54 GMT

This month, Kidney Cancer News focuses on the importance of clinical trials and Dr. Ronald Bukowski, a world-renown kidney cancer researcher and chairman of the Kidney Cancer Association, explains why this could be a wise choice for you.

There's also news of a widely-used painkiller that a new study says could increase your risk of getting kidney cancer by 33 percent.

10/26/2011

85% say doctors should not be paid to do this

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:48:04 GMT

The results are in and more than 85% of you do not believe that doctors should be paid to recruit you for surveys:

Here's what we originally asked you in mid-September:

We are asking the patients and families we serve for some important feedback on a compensation issue. Is it okay with you if your doctor is paid to recruit patients to participate in a survey?

The Kidney Cancer Association occasionally assists in the recruitment of patient families who may participate in various surveys, sometimes aimed at learning more about the treatment of kidney cancer and how the disease affects quality of life. In some instances, patients or their family members may receive modest financial compensation for their participation.

However, it has come to our attention that your doctor may be paid by survey sponsors for recruiting you to participate in a survey. We aren’t addressing here whether or not this practice is ethical or whether or not it should be legal. Rather, we are keenly interested in getting your opinion on this subject. It will better inform the Kidney Cancer Association in advocating for policies and practices that you believe will be most beneficial to those affected by renal cancer.

What do you think? Should your doctor to be paid to recruit you to participate in surveys?

10/25/2011

Linehan Honored for Dedication to Research

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:54:53 GMT

Press Release

10/24/2011

Motzer Receives Schonfeld Award

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:00:30 GMT

Press Release

10/24/2011

Opinion: A Better Route to Health Care Reform in the USA

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:48:40 GMT

The following was written prior to enactment of PPACA by the United States Congress. Whether or not the present healthcare law (sometimes referred to as ObamaCare) is fully implemented will be decided by the United States Supreme Court, as many states have filed challenges to the Act. The opinion expressed is that of the writer and not the Association.

Current Plans being proposed still give too much control of healthcare to the Insurers and are therefore not competitive enough. The Government is on the path to insolvency on Medicare, and therefore has a huge credibility gap when it offers to solve the problem with a government insurance plan. The following addresses both issues.

National Health Insurance Plan Proposal

There can be a uniquely American Health Care plan that will combine the innovative engine of competition with the moral requirement of universal coverage.

It will be an example of “Capitalism with a Heart”. In addition, it will bring money into Medicare now, helping to stave off the impending crisis there. Lastly, it will lower current health care premiums making them much more affordable.

In addition to lowering premiums for the average person and family, it will do away with black – listing for preexisting conditions. Insurers will still have a major role; but they will now be truly competitive and not the de facto monopoly they currently are. It will even make Medical Savings accounts a viable option, which they currently are not. This will play well on the “Right Side” of the aisle.

It will eliminate the need for a separate health system for the poor and, over time, will allow the Medicare age to be raised for healthy septua/octo – genarians. Aside from the immediate large current infusion of cash into Medicare, over time, by being able to affordably raise the Medicare age, it can lead to long term stability of that important program.

The Plan

If in a calendar year a person has in excess of $100,000 in medical expense they are transferred over to Medicare, regardless of age.

The remainder of the citizenry is able to choose from a competitive insurance market, which is essentially selling $100,000 “Term” health insurance policies.

The Cost – Tax and Premium Expense

A Medicare tax would be applied that would be at about 60 per cent of the average health insurance cost in this country, broken down by age. Example, currently for a family of four at age 50 the Premium would be approximately $13,000 a year. Instead of paying this, they would pay $7800 into Medicare. This would go directly into the Medicare pool creating a huge influx of money well in advance of actual paying out. For their private insurance, the cost would be in the $1000 to 3000 range based on the deductible. Total cost of policy would go from approximately $13,000 to $8800 – 10,800.

The Effect on Private Insurance

No preexisting condition restriction. Their maximum exposure is such that Insurance Companies can afford to do this without restrictions.

The Insurers can offer a competitive product mix from “Dollar One” coverage to a $10,000 deductible. This will lead to real competition on price with resultant affordability. The customers would have true choice, unlike the current situation where any prior claim or just getting older greatly favors the Insurance Company.

Medical Savings accounts will work in this environment, with self - insurance being an option for some citizens.

Company self insurance would be a viable option again.

These much less expensive insurance options could be purchased by the state for their Medicaid patients and end this expensive, poorly functioning, duplicative system.

Private insurers will have a role and many of jobs in the Insurance Sector would remain which would be a positive for the economy. It is important for them to be part of the solution as in this system, they will provide the competitive fuel to make healthcare better.

The effect on Medicare

The age of Medicare could be immediately raised to 66 or even 67, which will further increase its solvency. Over time, the system would be offering affordable private health insurance for patients into their 80’s and there would be no need to enter Medicare until the health costs justify it; or the actuarial data is such that there is an age that could be generally agreed upon. The current age of 65 is because these patients become uninsurable, not due to their usual costs, but due to the possibility of extraordinary cost.

Medicare, over time, with the gradual roll back of the Medicare starting age, saves Billions of dollars on relatively small expense items such as routine office visits, emergency room visits, hip fractures, lab tests, mammograms, vaccinations, colonoscope’s, routine urinary infections, gastroenteritis, upper respiratory infections that it currently pays for in otherwise health elderly patients. Medicare will also get a large cash infusion up front, which will help with current solvency issues.

For those who feel that they are being cheated as they had already paid into Medicare, vouchers could be provided to pay for the private insurance. Medicare would still be way ahead. In addition, with the shared sacrifice environment we all face now, many would be willing to do their share as long as private insurance is affordable and they have the means.

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:47:01 GMT

CancerNomograms.com is a project of Fox Chase Cancer Center which seeks to be the preeminent source of implementations of the most current and cutting-edge predictive nomograms and other patient health and evaluative models available for a multitude of disease sites.

10/17/2011

Podcast: 10th International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:11:25 GMT

Learn more about Dr. Motzer and Dr. Linehan


Lake Michigan and lock seen from E. Wacker Drive	Chicago River and sailboats seen from E. Wacker Drive

10/15/2011

Ghanaian Actress Starts Kidney Cancer Charity

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:30:51 GMT

10/12/2011

Blue Shield of California won't cover Avastin

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:00:15 GMT

With 3.2 million members, Blue Shield appears to be the largest health insurer so far to stop covering Avastin...

10/10/2011

FDA Grants Fast Track Designation to Wilex AG's Rencarex

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:00:34 GMT

RENCAREX® has been granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of its investigational compound RENCAREX® which is currently undergoing the pivotal Phase III trial ARISER for the adjuvant treatment of patients with non-metastatic clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) at high risk of relapse after surgery.

10/06/2011

VIDEO: Interviews with Team KCA Marathon Runners

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:03:25 GMT

Team KCA is running to support the Kidney Cancer Association in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Sunday, October 9, 2011. In this short video you'll meet several members of our team and learn why they're running in this event. Some have never participated before in a marathon.

Visit our Chicago Marathon Facebook® Fan Page

10/03/2011

The Human Kidney in 3D

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:47:35 GMT

The kidneys are important organs with many functions in the body, including producing hormones, absorbing minerals, and filtering blood and urine. While they are important and kidney failure can be fatal, a human only needs one to survive.

09/30/2011

Could High Blood Pressure Raise Your Cancer Risk?

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:08:33 GMT

...a new study suggests it could also increase your risk of having or dying from cancer.

09/29/2011

CBS: Are we winning the war on cancer?

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:50:54 GMT

More...

09/21/2011

NCCN: best management for any cancer patient is in a clinical trial

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:24:36 GMT

NCCN Categories of Evidence and Consensus

09/19/2011

Interview: Cancer Survivor, Author & Actress, Sandy Johnson

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 21:54:24 GMT

09/16/2011

Nonprofits Fight Proposal to Curb Charity Tax Breaks

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:14:10 GMT

Nonprofits are gearing up to fight President Obamas plan to pay for his jobs bill in part by limiting charitable deductions.

09/15/2011

Kidney Cancer News for September

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:44:44 GMT

09/14/2011

Free online classes for medical professionals

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:25:34 GMT

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09/13/2011

Painkillers linked to kidney cancer risk

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:31:17 GMT

Estimates From a Kidney Cancer Risk Calculator

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:09:25 GMT

Online risk calculators offer different levels of precision in their risk estimates. People interpret numbers in varying ways depending on how they are presented, and we do not know how the number of decimal places displayed might influence perceptions of risk estimates.

09/08/2011

Alcohol intake and risk of renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:01:20 GMT

Both the fixed and randomeffects models were used to obtain the summary risk estimates associated with the highest versus the lowest consumption categories depending on the heterogeneity of effects among studies.

09/07/2011

Volunteer Spotlight: Uplifiting Athletes

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:25:17 GMT

My older brother started the charity toward the end of our dads life. Our dad was diagnosed with kidney cancer in the 1990s, and it returned in the early 2000s. Scott has been so heavily involved its truly his calling in life. Ive always been on the periphery. You cant be close to someone who is doing something incredible and not get involved or help out in some way."

09/02/2011

Pfizer's Xalkori and Abbott test show promise

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:29:38 GMT

Also in the late-stage pipeline are renal cell carcinoma drug axitinib and tofacitinib, for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders.

08/31/2011

Kidney cancer discovery could expand treatment options

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:19:52 GMT

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute study uncovers role of gene in renal cancers that dont respond to current therapies but could be helped by existing FDA-approved drug

08/29/2011

Kidney Cancer Journal

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:55:21 GMT

08/29/2011

What are the important questions in treating kidney cancer?

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:08:56 GMT

08/25/2011

VIDEO: Kidney Cancer News for August

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:28:01 GMT

Dr. Walter Stadler talks about a clinical trial that is in danger of being discontinued, due to a lack of participation. This month's video also features a spirited pro/con debate from the European International Kidney Cancer Symposium. Watch the video to learn what the controversy is about.

08/25/2011

Blocking cancer cell's energy generator could lead to new targeted treatments

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:43:07 GMT

Cancer Research UK scientists have found that blocking the pathway used by some kidney cancer cells to generate energy can kill the cancer cells, sparing the healthy ones.

08/20/2011

Canadian ban on the importation of some of drugs

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:53:53 GMT

A Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH plant that has caused shortages in drug supplies will exit the pharmaceutical contract-manufacturing business as it faces a Canadian ban on the importation of some of its drugs.

08/20/2011

Kidney Sparing Surgery Prevents Osteoporosis Later

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:35:54 GMT

Research carried out by scientists at the San Diego School of Medicine emphasizes the importance of kidney-sparing surgery to reduce the risk of later-life osteoporosis.

08/19/2011

Kicking RCC in the GLUT

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:39:47 GMT

A Stanford team has identified a compound that blocked growth of renal cell carcinomas in mice by inhibiting a metabolic pathway unique to the tumors.

08/19/2011

Soothing Melodies for Cancer Patients

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:37:21 GMT

Listening to music may reduce anxiety and pain in cancer patients, new research suggests.

08/18/2011

Blocking Cancer Cells Energy Generator

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:49:38 GMT

Cancer Research UK scientists have found that blocking the pathway used by some kidney cancer cells to generate energy can kill the cancer cells, sparing the healthy ones.

08/18/2011

Two Metabolon Studies Provide Insight into Kidney Cancer

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:08:37 GMT

Urine Metabolomic Analysis Identifies Potential Biomarkers and Pathogenic Pathways in Kidney Cancer, used metabolomics techniques to identify metabolites in the urine of patients with kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma, RCC) that appear at different levels compared with patients without kidney cancer.

08/12/2011

A Prospective Analysis of Prolonged Sitting Time and Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:12:07 GMT

Accumulating evidence suggests an etiologic role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) for physical activity.

08/12/2011

Smoking Could Raise Odds for Advanced Kidney Cancer

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:16:38 GMT

Smoking increases the chances of developing advanced kidney cancer, the most deadly form of the disease, warn researchers from Duke University Medical Center.

08/12/2011

Prognostic Model for Survival in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:55:25 GMT

Purpose:To develop a single validated model for survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) using a comprehensive international database.

08/11/2011

Researchers find way to starve cancer cells

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:37:19 GMT

The discovery, which was described in a paper published Wednesday, was studied in a common type of kidney cancer cell, but it could apply to tumors in other parts of the body as well.

08/09/2011

Kiwi scientists at forefront of cancer fight

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 06:15:56 GMT

A team around Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre (ACSRC) associate professor Michael Hay including researchers at the Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiversity and Stanford has designed a compound known as STF-31 that starves certain cancer cells of glucose, depriving them of energy.

08/04/2011

Outcome Predictors of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:26:23 GMT

Although whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) has been a standard palliative management for brain metastases from renal cell carcinoma, its benefit has been elusive because of radiobiological resistance.

08/02/2011

Dangers of Government Healthcare: Mother-of-three dies after waiting months for X-ray

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:37:12 GMT

A mother-of three who repeatedly visited her GP suffering from breathlessness over seven months was finally sent for an X-ray... which revealed a tumour the size of a football in her chest.

08/02/2011

Study: Importance of Updating Family Cancer History

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 22:43:18 GMT

When was the last time you updated your family cancer history at the doctors office? If its been more than 5 or 10 years, you may want to inform your doctor of any changes.

08/02/2011

Complete response to sunitinib in a patient with relapsed irresectable renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:40:18 GMT

The authors report a case with a complete pathologyproven remission after sunitinib treatment of a relapsed irresectable clear cell renal carcinoma.

07/29/2011

WSJ: Why Medicare Patients See the Doctor Too Much

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:32:46 GMT

Relying on unelected bureaucrats, such as ObamaCare's Independent Payment Advisory Board, to ratchet down Medicare price controls won't control overutilization.

07/11/2011

Lift for Life tops $90,000 in donations

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:03:20 GMT

For the second year in a row, the Penn State football team surpassed $90,000 in donations through the Lift for Life fundraiser for the Kidney Cancer Association, totaling $94,410.09 as of Saturday morning's figures.

07/10/2011

How safe are "generic" biologic medicines?

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:06:01 GMT

Biologics are next-generation prescription drugs to treat cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and other debilitating diseases. In November 2010, the Food and Drug Administration began consultation with patient groups, physicians and industry on how to approve the first "generic" versions of these drugs, known as follow-on biologics or biosimilars. As the FDA moves forward in implementing this pathway, the Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines will work to ensure patient safety remains in the foreground.

07/08/2011

WHEN IT COMES TO FIGHTING CANCER, ONE SIZE DOESNT FIT ALL

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:31:35 GMT

Download this article as a PDF

WHEN IT COMES TO FIGHTING CANCER, ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL
Why disease-specific organizations are vital to research, patient support and advocacy

One of the most significant results of the online revolution of the last two decades has been the creation of information communities, organized around highly specialized topics.

The monolithic, top down, one-size-fits-all mentality that characterized organizational structures and information exchange in the mid-20th century is gone.

We’re more focused and more targeted today -- connected with people who share our interests, our passions, our problems, and our concerns in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago. Rather than living in one vast community, we live in countless information “neighborhoods” that are more suitable to our needs than the old way of organizing.

These communities of like-minded individuals bring many advantages – and nowhere are they more evident than in health care, where groups united by the common goal of eradicating specific diseases are much more empowered than ever before.

Just look at what disease-specific groups – such as the Kidney Cancer Association -- can do.

•Most obviously: They are focused like laser light on a single and very specific goal, which raises the chance of success.

•They coalesce the power of knowledge and create synergy because they bring together people whose experiences are very specific and very similar – whether they are health providers and researchers or patients, families and caregivers.

•They serve as a critical connecting hub – putting patients in touch with a well-organized network of experts in clinical care.

•They are often smaller in organizational size and thus can move faster and interact more intimately with their members.

•They ensure that support for specific – and often less-visible – health conditions don’t get “lost in the shuffle” of research and advocacy causes.

•They are more likely to attract industry support for research and other funding needs because their goals can often be better aligned with specific industry products/services and activities.

•They create specialized and constantly updated knowledge repositories for both patients and health providers.

In light of these facts, we are troubled by the recent trend among some generalized health care groups to “take on” the specific goals and objectives of more targeted groups as a part of their ongoing operations.

We’ve seen it in other disease-specific communities, and recently we’ve noted it close to home – in the form of chronic kidney-disease charities that are beginning to include renal cell cancer (RCC) within their scope of activities.

Such trends have the potential to dilute the effectiveness of disease-specific groups like the Kidney Cancer Association, which have made enormous progress in recent years in serving the unique needs of both patients and health providers in well-defined niches.

Can a large organization focused on chronic kidney disease really serve kidney cancer patients better? We don’t think so, and if you ask kidney cancer patients, we believe you’ll hear the same answer – emphatically stated.

Just think about it: According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million people in the United States have chronic kidney disease, compared with just 100,000 to 200,000 kidney cancer survivors.

We believe it is obvious that a kidney cancer mission, subsumed by an organization like the National Kidney Foundation, would leave the nation’s kidney cancer survivors underserved – overwhelmed by a sea of competing priorities.

A movement from a kidney-cancer-specific organization to a kidney-disease generalist organization is like looking through a telescope from the wrong end – it’s the opposite of the concept of “focus.”

Everything becomes diluted in this scenario: The advocacy agenda becomes less targeted, the educational materials more generalized, and the patient support less specialized and personalized.

Oncologists and surgeons who specialize in kidney cancer would have little reason for participating with a larger, generalized organization that does not cater to their needs specifically, and thus the unique patient/physician network created by the Kidney Cancer Association would crumble.

Why are generalist organizations like the National Kidney Foundation moving in this direction – which is, in essence, a step backward in time? Among other things, they are competing for limited charitable dollars to fund their activities.

But that’s not going to help kidney cancer patients. Quite the opposite.

We’ve seen what can happen to consumers in the private sector when larger organizations swallow up producers of targeted or niche products and services. The result isn’t always in the best interests of individuals who have specific needs.

And we don’t see any indication that a similar trend in the not-for-profit world will have any different result.

Just a decade ago, as the Internet began to accelerate in reach and impact, a few visionary experts predicted the kind of choice-rich society we would live in as a result: A place where people find tightly focused, targeted communities of support perfectly suited for their unique needs.

It’s remarkable how accurate those predictions were, and today patients are benefiting more than ever as a result.

The Kidney Cancer Association, which serves a very small slice of the overall kidney disease population, is just one example of this new environment of choice.

In the last ten years we have grown to become the nation’s prime source of connection, information, and support for kidney cancer patients and their families – not by being generalists, but by focusing day and night on just one thing: kidney cancer.

That doesn’t mean that we do everything on our own: Our success has largely been driven by partnerships with a wide range of other institutions – from the M .D. Anderson Cancer Center and The Cancer Genome Atlas to Cleveland Clinic, the Kidney Cancer SPORE program and Livestrong (Lance Armstrong Foundation).

Collaborative efforts with large organizations can benefit patients – but they are most likely to succeed when they are sharply targeted and well defined.

In 2011, it’s all about focus. The Internet genie is out of the bottle, and it has brought us a new, better way of organizing ourselves against cancer.

Let’s embrace this new world – rather than trying to go backward in time.

The patients we serve will thank us for it.

William P. Bro, CEO
Kidney Cancer Association, Evanston, IL

Sanjiv S. Agarwala, MD
St. Luke's Cancer Center, Bethlehem, PA

Robert J. Amato, DO
Herman Memorial Hospital, Houston, TX

J. Kyle Anderson, MD
University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN

Michael B. Atkins, MD
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA

Arie Belldegrun, MD, FACS
University of California, Los Angeles, CA

Paula E. Bowen
Retired College Administrator
Brooklyn, NY

Ronald M. Bukowski, MD
Bukowski Consulting, LLC
Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH

Steven C. Campbell, MD
Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland, OH

Toni K. Choueiri, MD
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA

Geoffrey J. Clark, PhD
James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Louisville, KY

Maria F. Czyzyk-Krzeska, MD, PhD
Genome Research Institute, Cincinnati, OH

Richard R. Drake, PhD
Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA

Beverly Drucker, MD, PhD
Oncology & Hematology Associates, Greenwich, CT

Janice P. Dutcher, MD
St-Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY

Timothy Eisen, MD
University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England

Paul Elson, PhD
Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH

Bernard J. Escudier, MD
Institut Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif, France

Robert A. Figlin, MD
Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

James H. Finke, PhD
Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH

Robert C. Flanigan, MD
Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL

Daniel J. George, MD
Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC

Martin Gore, Ph.D.
Royal Marsden Hospital, London, England

Thomas Hutson, DO, PharmD
Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Eric Jonasch, MD
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Matthew Kaag, MD
Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA

Fairooz Kabbinavar, MD
University of California, Los Angeles, CA

G. Varuni Kondagunta, MD
Crystal Run Healthcare, Middletown, NY, NY

Judith Manola, MS
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA

Kim A. Margolin, MD
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA

David F. McDermott, MD
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA

David M. Nanus, MD
New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell, New York, NY

Sylvie Negrier, MD
Centre Leon Berard, Lyon Cedex, France

Leslie Oleksowicz, MD
University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH

Thomas Olencki, DO
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Michael A. Palese, MD
The Mount Sinai Medical Center New York, NY

Alexander S. Parker, Ph.D.
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL

Eric D. Perakslis, PhD
Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research, Raritan, NJ

Andrea I. Loaiza Perez, PhD
University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Roberto Pili, MD
Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY

Brian Rini, MD
Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH

Wolfram Samlowski, MD
Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Las Vegas

Ihor S. Sawczuk, MD
Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ

Cezary Sczylick, MD
Military Institute of Health, Warsaw, Poland

Jeffrey Sosman, MD
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN

Walter M. Stadler, MD
University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Cora Sternberg, MD, FACP
San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy

David A. Swanson, MD
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:21:16 GMT

An unusual and closely watched hearing on the fate of Avastin as a treatment for advanced breast cancer got off to an emotional start on Tuesday, with federal advisors listening to testimony from patients, doctors, and advocacy groups.

06/29/2011

How I Survived Stage IV Kidney Cancer

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:59:43 GMT

I made this video with my dad, Robert Gallner (call him Bob), who is a survivor of Stage IV Renal Cell Carcinoma.

06/27/2011

Wisconsin Fundraiser to benefit U of W Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:04:58 GMT

06/27/2011

Navigating the Social Media Landscape

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 15:48:56 GMT

06/26/2011

Dr. Oz: Internet Pharmacies, Fake Drugs and the Debate Over Imported Medicine

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 20:32:19 GMT

What you should know about the public health threat posed by phony online pharmacies...

06/24/2011

Final results of a prospective phase II trial

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:00:06 GMT

We enrolled 45 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at a progressive disease between March 2003 and April 2008 to assess the impact of an anti-inflammatory treatment regime in combination with metronomic low-dose chemotherapy. 42% of the patients had been systemically pre-treated.

06/24/2011

Seattle Genetics' Paradigm In Waiting

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:03:40 GMT

SGN-75, undergoing a phase I trial for metastatic renal cell carcinoma...

06/24/2011

Pivotal Phase III Trial With IMA901

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:57:54 GMT

igoommatics biotechnologies GmbH, a biopharmaceutical company developing advanced therapeutic vaccines that are active against cancer, announced today that the first patients have been vaccinated in the IMPRINT study, a pivotal Phase III trial with IMA901, the company's lead cancer vaccine for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

06/24/2011

Is your family at greater risk for kidney cancer?

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 18:51:31 GMT

Reliable data on familial risks are important for clinical counseling and cancer genetics.

06/19/2011

The Economist: The costly war on cancer

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 18:23:44 GMT

New cancer drugs are technically impressive. But must they cost so much?

06/19/2011

ASCO Annual Meeting: Kidney Cancer Abstracts

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 18:49:43 GMT

Information about renal cell carcinoma may be found in these abstracts that were presented recently at the world's largest oncology meeting, held in Chicago. The Kidney Cancer Association sponsored the presentation of this information.

06/19/2011

DF/HCC Kidney Cancer Program

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:58:40 GMT

You may also register by phone at (617) 632-9270

06/16/2011

New Cancer Drugs Reach Patients Sooner In The United States Than In Europe

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:27:09 GMT

We conducted a direct drug-to-drug comparison of the two regulatory agencies approvals of new oncology drugs.

06/16/2011

Spring 2011: Kidney Cancer Journal

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:07:59 GMT

Click to read this publication online

06/16/2011

First Patients are Vaccinated in IMPRINT Phase III Trial

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:59:18 GMT

tthe first patients have been vaccinated in the IMPRINT study, a pivotal Phase III trial with IMA901, the company's lead cancer vaccine for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

06/15/2011

Diabetes, Diabetes Drugs, and Cancer Risk

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:47:24 GMT

As early as 1932, physicians noticed an apparent association between type 2 diabetes and increased cancer risk. In recent years, the epidemiological evidence of such an association has mounted steadilyespecially with the emergence of large databases, which have allowed us to document the link.

06/10/2011

A Phase I Study of Intravenous Recombinant Human IL-15 (rhIL-15) in Adults With Metastatic Melanoma and Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:08:17 GMT

Renal cell cancer patients must either have refused treatment with, have been unable to tolerate, or have experienced progressive disease after treatment with sorafenib or sunitinib and temsirolimus...

06/09/2011

WSJ: No, You Can't Keep Your Health Insurance

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:09:20 GMT

A new study by McKinsey suggests that as many as 78 million Americans could lose employer health coverage.

06/08/2011

Kidney Cancer Responds Well To A Developing Immunotherapy That Uses Specialized Antibodies

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:09:17 GMT

Researchers are halting kidney cancer with a novel form of radioimmunotherapy that zeroes in on antigens associated with renal cell carcinoma.

06/08/2011

IMA901 in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients With Measurable Disease

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:13:35 GMT

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the cancer vaccine IMA901 and GM-CSF as adjuvant in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma.

06/08/2011

Investigational targeted therapy extends RCC progression-free survival

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:24:49 GMT

"These data, from the first head-to-head phase III study comparing active targeted therapies in advanced RCC, are important for clinicians as they help us advance our understanding of this tumor, where there are limited proven options for previously treated patients," said principal investigator Brian I. Rini, M.D.

06/08/2011

SGN-75 Clinical Data at ASCO Annual Meeting

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:10:24 GMT

Among 25 RCC patients treated at escalating doses of SGN-75, two patients achieved a partial response, eight patients had stable disease...

06/07/2011

RCC Drugs Market to Reach $3.03 Billion by 2017

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:13:45 GMT

Though just five to six drugs are presently approved, there are many others in the pipeline, including targeted therapies that are expected to make kidney cancer market an active ground for competition in the future.

06/07/2011

Cancer-Seeking 'Smart Bombs' Target Kidney Cancer Cells

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:16:46 GMT

Researchers are halting kidney cancer with a novel form of radioimmunotherapy that zeroes in on antigens associated with renal cell carcinoma.

06/07/2011

Argos AGS-003, sunitinib Phase 2 combination study on RCC presented at ASCO

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:20:14 GMT

Argos Therapeutics today announced that new data from its Phase 2 combination study of its Arcelis immunotherapy for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), AGS-003, in combination with sunitinib showed improvement over expectations for sunitinib alone in progression-free survival (PFS) in newly diagnosed metastatic RCC patients with unfavorable prognosis.

06/07/2011

Armstrong Scandal Could Cost Livestrong $10-Million

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:19:08 GMT

Chronicle of Philanthropy: Livestrong could face a $5-million to $10-million loss in donations as investigators probe doping allegations against its founder, seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Bloomberg writes.

06/07/2011

VIDEO: Highlights from ASCO Annual Meeting

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:30:06 GMT

06/06/2011

Axitinib versus sorafenib as second-line therapy

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:42:40 GMT

Axitinib versus sorafenib as second-line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC): Results of phase III AXIS trial.

06/06/2011

Personalized Therapy Improves Response Rate, Survival in Phase I Study

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 17:45:20 GMT

Therapy directed at a particular molecular aberration in a patient's tumor resulted in higher response rates and extended time to treatment failure compared with standard of care in a phase I trial.

06/05/2011

ASCO: Current Status of Biomarkers for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 17:54:18 GMT

Despite the proliferation of biomarkers for many aspects of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), none have been approved for routine clinical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This has provided an opportunity for the exploration of a wide variety of biomarkers in RCC.

06/05/2011

Specifically Matching Targeted Therapy to Patients' Tumors Shows Benefit, Even in Early Studies

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 14:11:26 GMT

Richard L. Schilsky, MD, Past ASCO President, Professor of Medicine and Chief, Section of Hematology-Oncology, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, and Deputy Director, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Chicago.

Red Yeast Rice, Agent Orange, and Kidney Cancer

Mon, 16 May 2011 12:18:25 GMT

News about possible risks from a popular dietary supplement from Lance Armstrong Foundation's website and a report from the American Urological Association Annual Meeting, in Washington, D.C.

05/16/2011

Optimizing Treatment of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 17 May 2011 00:38:26 GMT

05/16/2011

Agent Orange Linked to Kidney Cancer

Sun, 15 May 2011 20:44:52 GMT

The findings were presented Saturday during a special news conference at the American Urological Association (AUA) annual meeting in Washington, D.C. Research presented at meetings should be viewed as preliminary because it has not been subjected to the peer review that typically accompanies publication in a medical journal.

05/15/2011

New NIH-Lasker Collaboration Boosts Clinical Research

Sat, 14 May 2011 12:32:16 GMT

Dr. Marston Linehan gets animated talking about kidney cancer. You can see his passion for his work in every gesture.

05/14/2011

What can molecular pathology contribute to the management of renal cell carcinoma?

Thu, 12 May 2011 16:20:06 GMT

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is increasing and outcomes remain poor. One-third of patients with localized disease will relapse, and 5-year survival for patients with metastatic disease is less than 10%.

05/12/2011

What is eCancer.TV?

Fri, 06 May 2011 10:01:12 GMT

Bill Bro, CEO, Kidney Cancer Association interviews Linda Cairns, Ph.D. Learn how eCancer.TV benefits patients and medical professionals alike. Recorded at the Sixth International European Kidney Cancer Symposium, Warsaw Poland.

05/06/2011

Who are the top kidney cancer bloggers?

Fri, 06 May 2011 22:13:31 GMT

Global kidney cancer charity sponsors contest to ID the top five bloggers. Finalists, selected in public voting, receive an iPod Shuffle and invitation to blog live from the International Kidney Cancer Symposium.

05/06/2011

Michigan health officials investigate kidney cancer cluster

Thu, 05 May 2011 15:39:03 GMT

A suspected cluster of rare kidney cancers occurring in Marine City, Michigan, are being investigated by Michigan health officials following the diagnosis of a six-month-old girl in March. Over the last four years, five cases have been diagnosed in this town with a population of about 5,000. The rare kidney cancer called Wilms tumor typically strikes 500 Americans annually.

05/05/2011

Researchers Link Hypertension with Improved Survival

Tue, 03 May 2011 13:39:25 GMT

Patients who develop high blood pressure while being treated for advanced kidney cancer with the drug sunitinib respond better to treatment, maintain longer progression-free survival, and survive longer, according to a Cleveland Clinic-led study.

05/03/2011

Interview: Author Claude Huard

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:04:01 GMT

Cancer Straight Ahead

Visit the author's website

04/27/2011

Pharmacyclics initiates Xcytrin clinical trial

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:57:59 GMT

The trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xcytrin used as a single agent in approximately 40 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

04/25/2011

Study: CFL Light Bulbs Cause Cancer

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 21:12:12 GMT

A damning new study conducted by German scientists has found that so-called energy saving light bulbs contain poisonous carcinogens that could cause cancer and should be kept as far away as possible from the human environment, but Americans will be forced to replace their traditional light bulbs with toxic CFLs ahead of a government ban set to take effect at the start of next year.

04/24/2011

Government Denies Kidney Cancer Patients Life-Saving Drug

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 20:57:43 GMT

Everolimus may help to increase survival rates in some cases of kidney cancer drug for the treatment of advanced form of kidney cancer will not be available on the NHS in England and Wales.

04/23/2011

VIDEO: Non-Surgical Treatment of Kidney Cancer

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 21:03:48 GMT

Dr. Kamran Ahmar of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, discusses the use of two methods of dealing with kidney tumors that can be done with tiny probes inserted through the skin guided by imaging to destroy the tumor tissue -- Radio frequency ablation (using heat) and cryosurgery (using freezing).

04/23/2011

VIDEO: Keyhole Surgery for Kidney Cancer

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:58:42 GMT

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy has almost replaced open surgery as the treatment of choice for kidney cancer. http://www.urologycentre.com.sg/kidney_cancer.html

04/20/2011

Regulators must ensure patient safety with biosimilars

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:30:55 GMT

Read this on TheHill.com or listen:

04/15/2011

Bone Mets: Who Are the Long-Term Survivors?

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:55:02 GMT

Renal cell carcinoma is sometimes associated with bone metastasis. Several risk factors have been reported but some are still controversial. Also, the significance of laboratory tests has not been fully examined for such cases.

04/15/2011

WSJ: Winning the Real ObamaCare War

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:13:32 GMT

The GOP fight over the health law's 'slush funds' is a sideshow.

04/15/2011

Supreme Court to Consider Obamacare Case Friday

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:23:45 GMT

If they decide to grant Virginia's petition, it will not be the first time this very exclusive club has produced raised eyebrows and sharp intakes of breath.

04/14/2011

Report: Optimizing Treatment for Kidney Cancer

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:06:28 GMT

This report is part of a series of oncology reports that allow you to see what is actually happening at the patient level for different types of patients presenting with a wide range of issues in advanced stages of cancer.

04/14/2011

Boosting The Immune System To Fight Cancer

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:31:49 GMT

A molecule that lies dormant until it encounters a cancer cell, then suddenly activates and rouses the body's immune system to fight cancer cells directly, marks the latest step in scientists' efforts to tap the body's own resources to fight the disease.

04/14/2011

PSU Dunk Tank Fundraiser to Benefit KCA

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:46:08 GMT

As in previous years, proceeds raised at the dunk tank and canning during Blue-White Weekend will benefit the Kidney Cancer Association.

04/13/2011

Human kidneys created from stem cells

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:59:46 GMT

British scientists have created human kidneys from stem cells in a breakthrough which could result in transplant patients growing their own organs.

04/13/2011

Vaccine for Advanced Kidney Cancer

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 03:48:32 GMT

04/11/2011

Vaccine for metastatic renal cell cancer

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:04:22 GMT

Despite novel targeted agents, prognosis of metastatic renal cell cancer (RCC) remains poor, and experimental therapeutic strategies are warranted

04/10/2011

New way to treat kidney cancer

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:17:58 GMT

This is a medical milestone discovered here in Rochester.

04/10/2011

Allogeneic gene-modified tumor cells (RCC-26/IL-7/CD80) as a vaccine in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer: a clinical phase-I study

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:27:08 GMT

Despite novel targeted agents, prognosis of metastatic renal cell cancer (RCC) remains poor, and experimental therapeutic strategies are warranted.

04/09/2011

Small molecules in solid tumors

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:16:19 GMT

...recent advances in relevant biomarkers to predict efficacy of biologic therapies and elaborates on their relevance in the clinical management of patients with solid tumor malignancies.

04/09/2011

Emory University School of Medicine: Kidney Cancer Research

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:19:15 GMT

New investigation results, 'Expression of C-reactive protein and cyclooxygenase enzyme-2 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma...

04/08/2011

Novel FH mutations in families with hereditary leiomyomatosis

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:23:52 GMT

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) is an autosomal dominant disorder predisposing humans to cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas; in 20% of affected families, type 2 papillary renal cell cancers (PRCCII) also occur with aggressive course and poor prognosis.

04/08/2011

Metastatic chromophobe renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:02:58 GMT

The potential for metastasis makes recognition of CHRCC cells in cytologic preparations important for patient surveillance, management, and treatment.

04/07/2011

AACR: The Search for Novel Therapeutic Targets

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:12:41 GMT

Yusuke Sato of the University of Tokyo presented his work on discovering copy number changes in renal cell carcinoma, with the goal of identifying prognostic parameters for the disease as well as discovering novel molecular targets.

04/07/2011

Cancer drugs help me live longer

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:16:44 GMT

Life-extending drugs granted to a Stanway grandfather with advanced kidney cancer, are to be made available to thousands more patients.

04/07/2011

AACR Podcast: Michael B. Kastan, M.D., Ph.D.

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:02:07 GMT

Interview with Michael B. Kastan, M.D., Ph.D., director, Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Dr. Kastan talks about the roles of the ATM and p53 tumor suppressors in DNA damage responses and in the development of new therapies. As editor-in-chief of AACR's Molecular Cancer Research, he also discusses current research and trends in that field.

04/06/2011

Stand Up To Cancer Awards Next Round of Research Grants

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:50:18 GMT

Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) announced today the second round of awards for its Innovative Research Grants Program (IRG), and named the 13 young scientists that will receive a combined total of $9.74 million over the grants three-year term to conduct high-risk/high-reward translational cancer research.

04/06/2011

AACR Today: Interview with Lynda Chin, M.D.

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:54:02 GMT

Interview with Lynda Chin, M.D., professor of dermatology; scientific director, Belfer Institute for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Dr. Chin talks about the field of cancer genomics, the challenges of translation, and her involvement in the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project.

The Kidney Cancer Association is represented through the participation of its CEO, Bill Bro, on the TCGA's External Steering Committee.

04/04/2011

Update: AACR Scientist - Survivor Program

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 01:14:53 GMT

Mike Lawing: "...the Kidney Cancer Association is making waves in the effort to find a cure for kidney cancer. "

04/04/2011

AACR Launches 'Cancer Discovery'

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 13:59:43 GMT

Cancer Discovery is being touted as a "must-read" for all researchers and clinician-scientists.

04/03/2011

'Paint The Courts Orange' Fundraiser A Huge Success

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 14:35:59 GMT

Assumptions tennis players came up with the idea after tennis coach Sydney Acosta was diagnosed with kidney cancer last summer. He had a portion of his kidney removed and has since recovered. Orange is the color associated with kidney cancer.

04/03/2011

AACR 2011: Interview with John Edward Porter of Research!America

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 02:52:20 GMT

Interview with Fmr. Congressman John Edward Porter, chairman, Research!America and recipient of the 2011 AACR Award for Distinguished Service and Global Impact in Cancer and Biomedical Research Former Congressman Porter discusses his career as congressman, his advocacy on behalf of biomedical research that helped to double the NIH budget in 1995, and the mission and goals of Research!America.

04/03/2011

Rep. McCotter Encourages Kidney Disease Research & Awareness

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 22:00:58 GMT

Press Release

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Thaddeus G. McCotter (MI) and Steve Israel (NY) have introduced H.RES. 166, expressing support for designation of March 2011 as "National Kidney Cancer and Kidney Health Awareness Month."

“Increasing the early detection of kidney disease will improve the treatments and wellness of individuals and families affected by kidney disease,” said Rep. McCotter. "I am honored by my colleague Representative Steve Israel's vital help in this endeavor."

If agreed to by the House, this resolution would salute kidney disease survivors in the United States, honor kidney disease practitioners, recognize organizations for promoting awareness of kidney health screening and treatments, acknowledge the necessity of discovering causes and cures, and urge annual health physicals...

You may thank Rep. McCotter by emailing his office. When you do, please mention the Kidney Cancer Association.

04/01/2011

I*CARE: Interpersonal Communication and Relationship Enhancement

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:09:40 GMT

The Interpersonal Communication and Relationship Enhancement program provides online education designed to improve the communication among cancer patients, their families and their clinical team. I*CARE is a program of the Department of Faculty Development.

03/31/2011

Research Advances Fight Against Kidney Cancer

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:49:10 GMT

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered genetic pathways to starve selectively kidney cancer cells.

03/31/2011

Continued declines in many cancer rates

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:33:53 GMT

Rates of death in the United States from all cancers for men and women continued to decline between 2003 and 2007, the most recent reporting period available, according to the latest Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer. The report also finds that the overall rate of new cancer diagnoses for men and women combined decreased an average of slightly less than 1 percent per year for the same period.

03/31/2011

How to Find the Best Hospital Near You

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:29:38 GMT

For the first time, U.S. News has ranked hospitals in America's 52 largest metropolitan areas.

03/29/2011

Kidney Cancer News for April

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:39:52 GMT

03/29/2011

Submit Abstracts for 10th International Symposium

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:23:14 GMT

Abstracts in Renal Cell Carcinoma and Trials in Progress Abstracts will be accepted for poster display at the 10th International Kidney Cancer Symposium, October 14-15, in Chicago.

03/29/2011

CAM/drug Interactions Put Cancer Patients At Risk

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:38:47 GMT

An increasing number of cancer patients are using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) without their physicians' knowledge, putting them at risk of adverse interactions with conventional medicine, according to a review published today.

03/28/2011

Kidney Cancer Association's New TV Studio

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 21:22:47 GMT

Thanks to the generosity of a kidney cancer survivor, the Kidney Cancer Association now has a fully equipped TV studio. In the months to come, we'll present timely and useful information intended to help patients and their families. Our inagural broadcast was webcast on Livestream.com:

03/28/2011

Partial Kidney Removal is a Better Option

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 21:54:16 GMT

According to a latest study, for patients suffering from kidney cancer, it is always better to get the damaged part of kidney removed rather than getting the entire organ, because in later cases, the patients are then more likely to have renal complications and poorer health after surgical treatment.

03/25/2011

Multislice CT reveals previously unseen mets in RCC

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:10:08 GMT

We present three cases of pancreatic metastases from clear renal carcinoma confirmed with 64-row MSCT and with histological confirmation of primary RCC and related metastases.

03/24/2011

HLA class II genotype can help to predict response to therapy

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:41:55 GMT

A number of new agents have been approved for systemic therapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) recently. Thereby, prognostic factors may aid in predicting the effectiveness of various treatment modalities in individual cases. Aim of this study was to determine the value of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II characteristics in predicting response of mRCC to combined immunochemotherapy (ICT).

03/23/2011

Patent: Talactoferrin to Treat Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:47:44 GMT

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued patent number 7,901,879, entitled, "Lactoferrin in the treatment of malignant neoplasms and other hyperproliferative diseases."

03/23/2011

Bristol-Myers Awaits Approval for Drugs New Attack on Cancers

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:51:32 GMT

The drug would also be the first in a new class of immune- boosting medicines able to treat an array of tumors. Anti-PD-1, shrunk or stabilized tumors in 8 of 16 kidney cancer patients, researchers reported at a medical conference earlier this year.

03/23/2011

Optimizing Treatment of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:01:09 GMT

The outcome of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma has been substantially improved with administration of the currently available molecularly targeted therapies. However, proper selection of therapy and management of toxicities remain challenging. NCCN convened a multidisciplinary task force panel to address the clinical issues associated with these therapies in attempt to help practicing oncologists optimize patient outcomes.

03/21/2011

Kidney Cancer Association Joins Alliance

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 21:19:58 GMT

Many of the therapies used to treat advanced kidney cancer and prevent renal failure are biologic medications. Patient safety is a high priority.

03/20/2011

Kidney Patients Who Have Partial Organ Removal Are Healthier

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:19:33 GMT

Source: ScienceDaily

03/19/2011

What are biosimilars?

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:53:39 GMT

Click here to learn why understanding biosimilars is important to your health.

03/19/2011

Create Awareness of Kidney Cancer -- Win an iPod!

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:31:09 GMT

Help to build awareness of renal cancers, including Wilms Tumor, by uploading a YouTube video that includes our web address, www.KidneyCancer.org. At the end of March, we'll choose two winners of a customized iPod Shuffle.

Note that your video may be uploaded to any website where it may be viewed by the public, without logging in. The title of your video should also include KidneyCancer.org. Email the link to your video to kidney.cancer@hotmail.com and put "Video Contest" in the subject line.

Contest ends March 31, 2022

03/18/2011

Millions Invested To Advance Personalized Treatments

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:40:24 GMT

The PREDICT research consortium will screen the entire gene set in kidney cancer patients to identify which genes regulate cancer cell growth in a low oxygen environment.

03/18/2011

Why would anyone want to harm America's charities?

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:05:42 GMT

Take action now! Click here to write Congress and your local newspaper.

Read the press release about our educational outreach to the US Congress.

03/12/2011

Kidney Cancer Journal: Winter 2010

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:41:15 GMT

Read the latest edition online at kidney-cancer-journal.com

03/12/2011

Cancer News Daily -- FREE to Your Inbox

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:38:45 GMT

Learn how you can receive this FREE daily newspaper about cancer, compiled from Twitter feeds by your friends at the Kidney Cancer Association

Full story in The New York Times

Click to read today's edition of Cancer News Daily

Visit our Facebook Fan Page

03/11/2011

ObamaCare and the Truth About 'Cost Shifting'

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:13:09 GMT

There's simply no evidence to support the claim that the insured bear the costs of caring for the uninsured.

03/11/2011

Faces of Kidney Cancer

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:42:10 GMT

Real people. Real Cancer.

You can help. Click here.

03/11/2011

Food-poisoning germ as a weapon against cancer?

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:41:36 GMT

Scientists think the nasty microbe could be turned to good purpose: to fight cancers.

03/10/2011

WSJ: Medicaid Worse Than No Coverage at All

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:46:48 GMT

Is this what awaits kidney cancer patients under ObamaCare?

03/10/2011

Celebration of Life Educational Cancer Workshops

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 23:05:36 GMT

click here for the program

03/09/2011

WSJ: ObamaCare's March Madness

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:04:07 GMT

After one year as the law of the land, mayhem abounds.

03/07/2011

Tasocitinib: the new drug for healing cancer

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 21:53:41 GMT

Tasocitinib targets a protein called JAK; hence, it is often referred to as a JAK inhibitor.

03/06/2011

Breaking News: Cancer News Daily

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:35:46 GMT

A daily e-newspaper compiled from Twitter feeds by the Kidney Cancer Association

03/05/2011

Not Enough Sun at Work Could Lead to Kidney Cancer

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:41:09 GMT

The National Cancer Institute reports that men whose work environment exposes them to high levels of sunlight have a reduced risk of developing kidney cancer.

03/05/2011

New Robotic Surgery for Kidney Cancer

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 21:34:19 GMT

USC urologists have developed a new method of robotic surgery for kidney cancer, which could help reduce organ damage.

03/05/2011

New York Times: When Optimism Is Unrealistic

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:41:52 GMT

When Optimism Is Unrealistic

By PAULINE W. CHEN, M.D.

Published: March 3, 2011

Excerpt: "As a medical student and later during my residency, I trained for some time in a medical center known for its research and clinical trials. Every week, patients with rare diseases and cancers that had not responded to standard therapy arrived from all over the country, eager to try something new, even if the efficacy of the treatments had not yet been proven."

Read the full article and then let us know whether you agree or disagree.

03/04/2011

ObamaCare Is Already Damaging Health Care

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:52:42 GMT

There is little mystery how the government will exercise its power. Choices will be limited. Pathways to expensive specialist care such as advanced radiology and surgery will decline.

03/04/2011

Mini-Margin Nephron Sparing Surgery

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:44:39 GMT

To explore the safety and efficacy of mini-margin nephron sparing surgery (NSS) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) 4 cm or less.

03/02/2011

A Sneak Peek Inside Cancer.net

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:55:07 GMT

Visit Cancer.net

03/02/2011

The Meaning for Nonprofits of a Federal Government Shutdown

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 19:42:04 GMT

The White House and Congress are going to do all they can to avoid a shutdown of the federal government on March 4, or so we’re told. But it isn’t clear a compromise is imminent. So then, what happens when the government shuts down?

Watch video and read more...

03/01/2011

WSJ: The FDA and Slower Cures

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:46:44 GMT

The bureaucratic assault on cancer treatments.

02/28/2011

Cruisin' for a Cure - Bernard Goff Memorial Car Show

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:55:58 GMT

02/28/2011

Highlights From 2011 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 17:50:40 GMT

An Evidence-based Multidisciplinary Approach

February 17-19, 2011 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida

Links of interest from this meeting for people affected by renal cancers:

2011 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium Program Agenda

General Poster Session D: Renal Cancer

Best of Journals Articles

Expert Editorial: Shifting Sands in the Clinical Management of the T1 Renal Mass

Expert Editorial: The Role of Lymph Node Dissection in the Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma: Using Existing Data to Move Beyond “All or None”

For the most accurate information from this meeting, we encourage readers to use these links to access source material from ASCO. It may be unwise to rely upon the opinion of individuals who lack medical training when considering this information, especially when the original source material is readily available.

Our website is HON Code certified. Beware of websites that claim to present information about about kidney cancer that have not been verified as a legitimate source of medical information. Be sure to discuss treatment options with your doctor.

02/27/2011

KCA Lauded for Unprecedented Commitment to Research

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:30:24 GMT

02/26/2011

Journalists Award Supports Education About Renal Cancer

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 22:45:49 GMT

Raising awareness: Journalists’ Award supports education about renal cancer
Bayer HealthCare and Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) honor outstanding medical reporting / Applications for European "Advances in Renal Cancer" Award can be submitted until March 1, 2011

Leverkusen, February 16, 2011 - According to current estimates of the European Cancer Observatory (ECO), each year more than 71,000 patients are newly-diagnosed with kidney cancer all over Europe.(1) With a mortality rate of over 40 percent, renal cell carcinoma is the most dangerous type of all urological tumors. That is why educating the public about the disease and promoting early detection is of pivotal importance. Especially, since early diagnosis improves the chances of recovery and can help to save the life of patients with renal cancer. The disease is especially insidious, because typical symptoms often appear at a very late stage and the tumor is, in many cases, only discovered by chance.

To support and promote journalistic reporting focusing on renal cell carcinoma and current medical developments, Bayer HealthCare and the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) have announced the European "Advances in Renal Cancer" Journalists’ Award 2011. For the third time, the prize honors publications, in which journalists cover the issue of renal cancer in a critical, but yet objective manner. It is endowed with the sum of Euro 7,500 and awarded to reports which have been published in print media, radio, television, and film.

Journalists may submit their applications by March 1, 2011 directly to the Kidney Cancer Association - Project Office, P.O. Box 90 06 48, 51116 Cologne, Germany. Journalistic work submitted for this year’s award will be taken into account, if it was published between March 1, 2010, and February 28, 2011 in a European country. All entries are evaluated by an expert jury according to journalistic criteria. This year, amongst others, Professor Peter Mulders, Department of Urology, University Medical Center St. Radboud, Nijmegen (Netherlands), Dr. Bernard Escudier, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif (France), and Torsten Hoffmann, Association of German Medical Journalists (VDMJ), Stuttgart (Germany) are going to view and assess the contributions. The statutes and comprehensive background material on renal cancer are available for download online at Bayer HealthCare’s press portal at http://www.press.bayerhealthcare.com.

About Bayer HealthCare
The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subgroup of Bayer AG with annual sales of EUR 15,988 million (2009), is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Medical Care and Pharmaceuticals divisions. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Bayer HealthCare has a global workforce of 53.400 employees and is represented in more than 100 countries. Find more information at http://www.bayerhealthcare.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at http://www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

----------------------
(1) European Cancer Observatory (ECO). Cancer Fact Sheet 2008.

Contact:
Bayer HealthCare AG
Helmut Schäfers, Tel. +49 214 30-58308
E-Mail: mailto:helmut.schaefers@bayer.com

The full story can be found in BayNews.
http://WWW.BayNews.BAYER.DE/BayNews/BayNews.nsf/id/2011-0095-e

02/25/2011

Exophytic Renal Cyst

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 13:41:37 GMT

The features of complex renal cysts vary depending on the type it is, for example, if it is a cyst that has fine walls or those that are coarse and thick, it would mean that it is malignant in nature, thus posing as a risk for developing into kidney cancer.

02/25/2011

Flavonoids: Is the dose the poison?

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 13:51:06 GMT

While science is touting benefits of these super-nutrients, Rosie Schwartz cautions to beware of too much of a good thing.

02/25/2011

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:58:46 GMT

Two op-eds view the role of public unions differently

Nonprofit Quarterly: Jack Norman | Los Angeles Times: Jonah Goldberg

02/23/2011

No Help from Continuous Tx in Metastatic RCC

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 22:08:20 GMT

Outcomes in metastatic renal cell carcinoma did not improve with continuous dosing of sunitinib

02/23/2011

Live Facebook Chat -- Tuesdays at 8 p.m. CST

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:59:57 GMT

8:00 p.m. CST, Tuesdays: Live Facebook® Group Chat

02/22/2011

First Patients Enrolled in Renal TRACE Registry

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:32:23 GMT

Galil Medical's TRACE Renal Registry tracks the use and effectiveness of kidney cryotherapy.

02/22/2011

World Kidney Day Global Web Chat

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:38:19 GMT

For details of the March 10 Global Web Chat, please scroll down

Join members of the Kidney Cancer Association from 102 countries for a day-long global Facebook Group Chat, March 10, 2011. Details on how to join the chat may be found by clicking here.

02/22/2011

Student Run Charity Raises Millions

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:50:33 GMT

More about THON on the Altoona Mirror website

02/21/2011

Eugene P. Schonfeld (Archives)

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:35:41 GMT

Journal of the National Cancer Institute, April '91 (GS-1)

Journal of the National Cancer Institute (GS-2)

Myths and Facts About The Federal Medical Privacy Regulation (GS-3)

Letter to Senator Kennedy: Orphan Drug Act (GS-4)

Sample Letter to FDA Officials on IL-2 (GS-5)

Biotechnology Patent Policy Testimony (GS-6)

2011 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium Merit Award Recipients

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:20:16 GMT

Merit awards include several to investigators looking at different aspects of kidney cancer.

Merit Award Recipients

Read Abstracts

Program Agenda

02/19/2011

February 17th KCA Highlights: ASCO GU

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:19:17 GMT

Daily News, Issue 1: The 2011 Symposium boasts eight General Sessions featuring the latest science and translational research.

Symposium Abstracts

Program Agenda

02/17/2011

ASCO GU: Expert Editorial by Paul Russo, MD, FACS

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 14:24:26 GMT

Shifting Sands in the Clinical Management of the T1 Renal Mass

Read Abstracts

02/17/2011

Interim Report: Digoxin as an inhibitor of Hypoxia-Inducible-Factor-1 (HIF-1) in cancer

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 20:55:45 GMT

Conquer Cancer Foundation, formerly known as The ASCO Cancer Foundation, has recently communicated with our researchers on the progress they have made during the first six months of their grant term. We are excited to share with you the update we received from Dr. Aditya Bardia, 2010 Young Investigator Award recipient, currently at work at John Hopkins University through the generous support of the Kidney Cancer Association.

02/15/2011

Administration's biologics medicines plan could stifle research

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:55:50 GMT

In a statement, branded industry group the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America said both measures would discourage industry investment into research and development and could stifle new medicines.

02/15/2011

Dating when you have an illness such as kidney cancer

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:24:07 GMT

Talks can be difficult, but experts encourage couples to be honest.

02/14/2011

Study: Quality of Life Better With Nephron Sparing Surgery

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:22:42 GMT

02/14/2011

VIDEOS: Diagnosis and Treatment of Kidney Cancer

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:34:52 GMT

A small collection of Internet videos about diagnosing and treating renal cancers.

02/13/2011

VIDEO: Surviving Stage IV Kidney Cancer

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 23:04:44 GMT

Katherine, a mom and 16-year survivor of metastatic renal cancer, talks about her life as a survivor.

02/13/2011

KCA Facebook poll: When will kidney cancer be cured?

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:16:13 GMT

Facebook members may login and vote--see results instantly!

02/11/2011

Can Eating Fish Prevent Kidney Cancer?

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:23:40 GMT

02/11/2011

X-ray device zaps deep cancers in 15 minutes

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:39:09 GMT

Poll: How Safe Are Electronic Health Records?

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:35:59 GMT

Our Facebook poll asks you to give your opinion regarding privacy of electronic health records. Are they safe?

02/10/2011

VIDEO: Kidney Cancer News

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 04:27:12 GMT

Learn about the MDX-1106 clinical trial and proposed funding cuts for NIH/NCI in our daily newscast. Watch it on Facebook® or YouTube® instead.

02/09/2011

Cancer News Daily Published By Kidney Cancer Association

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:24:31 GMT

02/08/2011

Health Law Changes May Harm Patients And Doctors

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:26:14 GMT

Dr. Martha Boone, an Atlanta urologist, explains the consequences of the new health care law. Because of her fears about Obamacare, Boone moved to a less-expensive office so she could avoid dropping Medicare patients or laying off an employee.

02/08/2011

Aveo Pharma gets USAN name for novel, internally discovered anti-HGF/c-MET pathway antibody

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:28:29 GMT

Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the United States Adopted Names (USAN) Council, in consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO) International Nonproprietary Names Expert Committee, has approved the use of the nonproprietary generic name ficlatuzumab (pronounced fye" kla tue' zue mab) for AV-299, a potent, functional anti-HGF/c-MET antibody internally discovered at AVEO.

02/08/2011

Kidney Cancer Survivor: U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 20:45:50 GMT

In comments on this video, Kidney Cancer Association CEO, Bill Bro commends Sen Blunt for helping to bring awareness to renal cancers. Sen. Blunt spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate offering remarks on the occasion of the anniversary of President Ronald Reagan's birth.

Roy D. Blunt (born January 10, 1950) is the junior United States Senator from Missouri. He is a member of the Republican Party. The seat was previously held by Republican Kit Bond who decided to retire.

He served as the U.S. Representative from Missouri's 7th congressional district from 1997 to 2011. The district takes in most of Southwest Missouri, the most conservative part of the state, anchored in the city of Springfield and also includes other cities such as Joplin, Carthage, and Neosho. The district also contains the popular tourist destination of Branson. In January 2011, Blunt was succeeded in the House by Billy Long.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Blunt

02/07/2011

WSJ: An ObamaCare Appeal From the States

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:36:23 GMT

Twenty-one governors representing more than 115 million Americans have written to Kathleen Sebelius asking for more flexibility on health-care reform.

NEW: Kidney Cancer Newsletter Online

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 01:19:53 GMT

The current edition of Kidney Cancer News, the Association's period newsletter, is available online.

02/05/2011

EntreMed's ENMD-2076 Phase 1 Results

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:22:53 GMT

EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq:ENMD - News), today announced the publication of key papers on the clinical and preclinical development of ENMD-2076, an Aurora A/angiogenic kinase inhibitor.

02/05/2011

Update Knowledge of Kidney Cancer

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:51:12 GMT

"To this end, we developed a high-throughput screen to identify small molecules derived from plants, microorganisms, and marine organisms to which CCRCC cells are sensitive. Screening over 8,000 compounds using this approach, we report here the identification of the microbially derived compound carminomycin I (CA) as an effective inhibitor of VHL-defective (VHL(-/-)) CCRCC cell proliferation..."

02/03/2011

How Safe Is Bevacizumab?

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:00:52 GMT

What is undoubtedly clear is that 10 years ago, as we peered into the crystal ball of targeted therapies, enormous toxicities and questionable outcomes were not what we expected.

02/02/2011

AVEO commences enrollment in tivozanib Phase 2 study in renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:03:48 GMT

AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVEO) today announced that it has initiated patient enrollment in a multi-center Phase 2 exploratory biomarker study of tivozanib, its lead product candidate designed to optimally block the VEGF pathway by inhibiting all three VEGF receptors, in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

02/02/2011

Health Reform Law Ruled Unconstitutional

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 01:37:25 GMT

You Can Take Action Now!

We received word that the House-passed health care repeal will be coming to the Senate floor as early as today. Senate Republican leadership staffers have informed us of their plans to attach the House-passed ObamaCare repeal bill (H.R. 2) to the Federal Aviation Authority Authorization (S. 223), which is currently being debated on the Senate floor. Want to weigh on on this issue? Click here to go to our Advocate's Action Page. Just enter your ZIP Code and write an email to your federal elected officials.

"I must reluctantly conclude that Congress exceeded the bounds of its authority in passing the act with the individual mandate," the judge said. Read the judge's ruling here.

02/01/2011

Level of tumor protein indicates chances cancer will spread

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 01:44:36 GMT

Contact:
Robert Bock or Marianne Glass Miller
301-496-5133

Level of tumor protein indicates chances cancer will spread

NIH researchers seek to develop test to guide treatment

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health and the University of Hong Kong have discovered that high levels of a particular protein in cancer cells are a reliable indicator that a cancer will spread.

By measuring the protein’s genetic material in tumors that had been surgically removed from patients, along with measuring the genetic material from surrounding tissue, the researchers could predict at least 90 percent of the time whether a cancer would spread within two years.

The findings raise the long term possibilities of new tests to gauge the likelihood that a cancer will spread and, ultimately, of a treatment that could prevent cancer from spreading.

The protein, known as CPE-delta N, is a form of carboxypeptidase E (CPE). Ordinarily, CPE is involved in processing insulin and other hormones. CPE-delta N, a variant of CPE, was present in high amounts in tumors that had spread and, to a much lesser degree, in surrounding tissues.

Cancer cells can break away from a primary tumor and spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body, where they form new tumors. Metastatic cancer is often fatal, and health care practitioners seek to contain cancer early, before it can metastasize.

"Testing for CPE-delta N, if combined with existing diagnostic methods, offers the possibility of more accurately estimating the chances that a cancer will spread," said Alan E. Guttmacher, M.D., director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which supported the study. "Conceivably, a patient’s CPE-delta N levels could be a key guide in individualizing their cancer care to improve outcome."

The researchers estimated the likelihood of metastasis in tumor samples and tissues from patients with liver cancer (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/liver/) and two rare tumors, pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/pheochromocytoma/). They found that tumor samples from patients whose cancers had later metastasized had elevated levels of CPE-delta N.

Tests indicating high levels of the protein predicted the spread of a cancerous tumor even when conventional staging — diagnostic techniques to gauge the extent and seriousness of a cancer — indicated that spread was unlikely. The finding raises the possibility that testing for CPE-delta N might be used in combination with conventional staging to further refine treatment. For example, if conventional staging indicated that a cancer was unlikely to spread, but a patient's tumor had high CPE-delta N levels, that patient might be referred for more intensive therapies normally reserved for higher stage cancers.

The study's senior authors were Y. Peng Loh of NICHD's Section on Cellular Neurobiology and Ronnie Poon from the University of Hong Kong. Other authors were from the NICHD, University of Hong Kong, the Lawson Health Research Institute in Ontario, Canada; the NIH’s National Cancer Institute (NCI); and the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center at NIH. The research was supported in part by NICHD, NCI, The University of Hong Kong and by the Canadian government.

The findings appear in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

The researchers tested for CPE-delta N indirectly, by measuring levels of a molecule that assists in manufacturing the protein. RNA (ribonucleic acid) works with the information in a gene to make a particular protein — in this case, CPE-delta N.

In an analysis of tissue from 99 patients with liver cancer, the researchers compared the amount of CPE-delta N RNA from the patients’ tumors with the RNA levels in surrounding tissue.

The researchers found that when the level of CPE delta-N RNA in tumors was more than twice that in the surrounding tissue, the cancer was highly likely to return or to metastasize within two years. At or below this threshold level, the cancer was much less likely to recur. Using this threshold measure, the researchers accurately predicted metastasis or recurrence in more than 90 percent of cases. Conversely, their predictions that tumors would not return in the two-year period were accurate 76 percent of the time.

Next, the researchers measured CPE-delta N RNA levels from stored tumor tissue originally removed from 14 patients with pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal glands, and paraganglioma, a rare tumor primarily occurring in the adrenals but sometimes in other parts of the body. Because the adrenal glands are very small, tissue surrounding the tumor was not obtainable, so the researchers measured the amount of CPE-delta N RNA in the tumor tissue only. The number of copies ranged from 150,000 to 15 million per 200 micrograms of tissue. In all of the cases where cancer was found to have recurred or metastasized, CPE-delta N RNA levels were greater than 1 million. The researchers found no metastasis or recurrence in cases in which tumors had less than 250,000 copies. Patients' status was tracked for up to eight years.

In addition, the researchers examined cells from liver, breast, colon, and head and neck, tumors and found that those known to spread most aggressively had the highest levels of CPE-delta N RNA.

The researchers next tested a potential strategy for preventing the spread of cancer by halting the production of CPE-delta N in two different mouse models. The strategy involved treating metastatic tumors with antisense RNA, which binds to RNA, preventing it from making a protein.

In the first experimental model, the researchers transplanted highly metastatic liver cancer cells beneath the skin of mice. Half the transplants were first treated with antisense RNA specific for CPE-delta N, the other half were not. After 30 days, the tumors in the mice not treated with antisense RNA for CPE-delta N were much larger than the treated tumors in the remaining mice. Next, the researchers removed the tumors from the first set of mice and transplanted them into the livers of a second group of mice. After 35 days, only the untreated tumors had spread and formed new tumors.

Dr. Loh explained that the method used in the study might some day be used to treat cancers in human beings. Currently, there are no means to deliver the antisense RNA to tumor cells. A potential approach might involve modifying a virus to carry the antisense RNA into cells.

Similarly, further research might lead to the development of drugs or other measures to block CPE-delta N and so prevent cancer from spreading.

The NICHD sponsors research on development, before and after birth; maternal, child, and family health; reproductive biology and population issues; and medical rehabilitation. For more information, visit the Institute’s Web site at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/.

02/01/2011

Kidney Cancer Charity Launches Facebook Awareness Campaign

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:15:47 GMT

On World Cancer Day, February 4, 2011, members of the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA), the world's largest patient-led kidney cancer organization, invites survivors and their families and friends to join a 24-hour-long live Facebook chat. The web chat, led by kidney cancer survivors, will provide members of the cancer community and their caregivers with an opportunity to discuss surgery, therapeutic options, coping with emotional distress, treatment side effects, and other topics related to living with renal malignancies. [

]

01/31/2011

The KIDNEY CANCER ASSOCIATION Visa® Platinum Rewards Card

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:30:40 GMT

$50 donation by the bank when you first use the card and ongoing contributions.

01/30/2011

CancerNewsDaily.TV: Why Exercise Is Important

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 15:35:31 GMT

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:33:01 GMT

ASPEN, a new investigator-initiated study being led by Duke University, is now enrolling patients with metastatic renal-cell carcinoma with non-clear cell histology. Click here for more information.

Listen to the podcast featuring lead investigator Andrew J. Armstrong, MD ScM, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery at Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, as he describes this trial.

Patients interested should refer to clinicaltrials.gov for the nearest open site.

01/25/2011

Photo, Video, and Essay Contest Winners Announced

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:15:49 GMT

The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is pleased to announce the following winners of its photo, video, and essay contest that concluded in December, 2010. Grand prize winners received a FlipVideo camera and $1,000.00, each. The KCA also made two awards of $1,000.00, each, as consolation prizes. More than 3,000 people visited the contest entry pages and the contest entries were viewed by hundreds of thousands of people on our Facebook® Fan Pages.

Grand Prize Winners:

Michele Melick
Alexandria, Virginia

Brittany Cormier
Conroe, Texas

Carol Willie
Happy Valley, Oregon

Consolation Prize Winners:

Tamar Sharon
Tel Aviv, Israel

Edie Walters
Layfayette, Indiana

The KCA is grateful to Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Onyx Pharmaceuticals, and Bayer Schering Pharma for their financial support of this contest aimed at building greater public awareness of kidney cancer and the need for a cure.

A random sampling of a few of the many photographs submitted by entrants appears below. Look for these and many other entries, including the Grand Prize winners, to be featured on our website throughout 2011. Our thanks to all who participated.

01/24/2011

Health Reform Repeal Vote Is Just First Step

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:02:19 GMT

The new law, which among other things requires every American to enroll in a health insurance program or pay what has been variously called “a fine,” “a penalty” or “a tax,” is wildly unpopular.

01/22/2011

Innovative new treatments boost kidney cancer survival rates

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:24:41 GMT

Katie Charles, THE DAILY CHECKUP

01/21/2011

Deadline for 2010 European Journalists Prize

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:57:29 GMT

Deadline for 2010 European Journalists’ Prize expires soon
Association of German Medical Journalists (VDMJ) and Bayer HealthCare honor superior medical reporting

Leverkusen, January 14, 2011 - Applications for the 2010 European Journalists’ Prize can be submitted until January 31, 2011. Critical, comprehensible and objective articles, podcasts and television reports dealing with healthcare topics have an excellent chance of winning this international award for medical journalism. The award, which is sponsored by Bayer HealthCare AG, Leverkusen/Germany, was established in 2002 and is endowed with EUR 7,500.

Journalists may submit their applications by January 31, 2011 directly to the Association of German Medical Journalists (Verband Deutscher Medizinjournalisten, VDMJ), Chemnitzer Str. 21, D-70597 Stuttgart. The announcement of the European Journalists’ Prize can be found on http://www.journalistenvereinigung.de or http://www.viva.vita.bayerhealthcare.com

About Bayer HealthCare
The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subgroup of Bayer AG with annual sales of EUR 15,988 million (2009), is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Medical Care and Pharmaceuticals divisions. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Bayer HealthCare has a global workforce of 53.400 employees and is represented in more than 100 countries. Find more information at http://www.bayerhealthcare.com.

About the Association of German Medical Journalists
The Association of German Medical Journalists [Verband Deutscher Medizinjournalisten, VDMJ] is an umbrella organization comprising the following independent member Associations

- Arbeitskreis Medizinpublizisten/Klub der Wissenschaftsjournalisten e. V.
- Kollegium der Medizinjournalisten
- Vereinigung der Medizinischen Fach- und Standespresse e. V.

The purpose of the VDMJ is to maintain and promote standards in medical journalism.
The VDMJ is devoted exclusively and directly to charitable purposes as defined in the regulations of the German Tax Code.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at http://www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Contact:
Verband Deutscher Medizinjournalisten
Gabriele Schäfer, Tel. +49 711 720712-10
E-Mail: mailto:presse@journalistenvereinigung.de

Bayer HealthCare AG
Helmut Schäfers, Tel. +49 214 30-58308
E-Mail: mailto:helmut.schaefers@bayer.com

The full story can be found in BayNews.
http://WWW.BayNews.BAYER.DE/BayNews/BayNews.nsf/id/2011-0034-e

01/21/2011

New Facebook Kidney Cancer Clinical Trials Community

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:27:20 GMT

Information about the latest developments in the treatment of renal cancers is available from the Kidney Cancer Association's newest Facebook Community. Be among the first to use this new resource and provide us with your feedback at kidney.cancer@hotmail.com.

01/20/2011

Faulty gene linked to more than a third of kidney cancers

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:21:15 GMT

A faulty gene has been found to be linked to more than a third of all kidney cancers in a breakthrough hailed as the most important in two decades.

01/20/2011

Are Electronic Health Systems Cost Effective?

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:24:00 GMT

How effective is all this electronic data capture? Is it making the health care system more efficient?

01/20/2011

House Passes Repeal of Health Law, 245-189

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:26:14 GMT

"When we call this a government-run health program, its a fact," said House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, on Sean Hannitys radio show less than an hour before the vote, "and it's going to destroy jobs in America."

01/20/2011

Third Canadian Kidney Cancer Forum: Moving Forward Together

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:48:06 GMT

Validation of newly identified quality indicators for kidney cancer care in Canada. This will greatly benefit from CKCis which will allow the measure of changes in these indicators with time to continue offering the best treatments to patients.

01/20/2011

Kidney cancer linked to mutated gene

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:36:10 GMT

Scientists think they're close to understanding all of the abnormal genes which cause kidney cancer.

01/19/2011

Reform of the NHS must start with the rudest nurse and the shabbiest hospital ward

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:16:15 GMT

Good luck to Mr Cameron in shaking up the NHS. Putting back a caring culture on our wards would cost nothing but would transform peoples experience of hospitals.

01/18/2011

Clinical Trials Research Recently Published

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:24:06 GMT

Research findings, 'A new concept for non-invasive renal tumour ablation using real-time MRI-guided radiation therapy,' are discussed in a new report.

01/18/2011

Pfizer Seeks Approval For Three Cancer Drugs

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:28:20 GMT

Applications will be submitted by the firm to the European Medicines Agency and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) later this year...

01/18/2011

KCA Announces New Italian Website to Help Kidney Cancer Patients and Their Families

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:30:58 GMT

Kidney cancer affects 8,500 people every year in Italy, but it is not a very well known disease. Patients need all information we have on innovative therapies and recent findings. Only in the last few months, new molecules, targeted bullets, are available to Italians. These agents are able to prolong patients survival.

01/18/2011

Organ Donation Advocate Goes Under the Knife for Longtime Friend

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:56:39 GMT

Since Jennifer's first transplant the women have become close friends, united by their advocacy for organ donation. When Jennifer's 24 year old daughter, Tiffany, was diagnosed with kidney cancer, Pam checked to see if she match.

01/17/2011

Circulating endothelial cells are an early predictor in renal cell carcinoma for tumor response to sunitinib

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:01:30 GMT

Sunitinib treatment is associated with an early increase of Circulating endothelial cells (CEC) in responding patients, suggesting superior endothelial cell damage in these patients as a putative predictive biomarker.

01/14/2011

Cost of Cancer Care will Increase 27%

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:47:39 GMT

The full analysis appears online today in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

01/14/2011

Will We Be Able To Care For Cancer Patients In The Future?

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:49:06 GMT

An aging population, improved screening, and more effective therapies have resulted in a steadily increasing number of patients and cancer survivors.

01/14/2011

MCOs Select Pfizer's Sutent as the Most Efficacious and the Safest and Most Tolerable Agent

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:09:53 GMT

Surveyed oncologists who identified Sutent as having the best overall clinical profile assigned low satisfaction scores to the drugs out-of-pocket costs and its overall cost, said Decision Resources Analyst Ramya Kollipara, Ph.D. Although it is covered by many insurance companies, Sutent is not available generically and appears on the second tier of many MCO formularies."

01/13/2011

Regulatory OK Of Kidney Cancer Drug Expected

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 02:31:35 GMT

"I think we're on the threshold of seeing a lot of things happen with our pipeline in the next 12 to 18 months," Germano said in an interview on the sidelines of the J.P. Morgan healthcare conference here.

01/13/2011

Controversy Surrounds FDA Decision To Revoke Avastin Approval

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:40:46 GMT

Physicians, lawmakers and advocates continue to debate FDA's decision last month to revoke approval of Genentech's drug Avastin for breast cancer treatment, USA Today reports.

01/07/2011

Visceral Fat Area as a New Independent Predictive Factor of Survival in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:30:46 GMT

Conclusion. Our study provides the first evidence that high VFA could be a predictive biomarker from shorter survival in patients given first-line antiangiogenic agents for mRCC.

01/07/2011

Malignant effusion of chromophobe renal-cell carcinoma: Cytological and immunohistochemical findings

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:37:26 GMT

Malignant effusions because of renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) are an unusual event and occur in patients with papillary and clear cell tumors.

01/07/2011

VHL mutations and dysregulation of pVHL- and PTEN-controlled pathways in multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:26:54 GMT

Von Teichman A et al. Multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma is a rare renal cell carcinoma with an excellent prognosis.

01/04/2011

Combination of Gene Therapy and Chemotherapy Stops Kidney Cancer in Mouse Model

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:30:14 GMT

A novel therapeutic approach combining a modified viral vector and a small molecular weight drug produced promising results in a mouse model of human kidney cancer.

01/04/2011

Students Honor Violin Teacher Dying From Kidney Cancer

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 15:25:08 GMT

Read the story here

01/03/2011

Coming Soon: Kidney Cancer TV

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 21:29:27 GMT

Thanks to a generous donor, the Kidney Cancer Association's new TV studio is under construction. In the coming months, you'll be able to watch our multimedia live video stream, "Kidney Cancer News," featuring information about the latest advances in research, along with interviews with experts, and our live phone-in talk show for survivors and their families.

01/01/2011

National Cancer Institute Revamps Clinical Trials Program

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:05:48 GMT

Changes will enable researchers to take advantage of advances in molecular oncology.

12/30/2010

Health care: Dark future if by Britain's example

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:53:28 GMT

At the very time that Britain is recognizing the shortcomings of government-controlled medicine, America is lurching toward it. The message of the 2010 elections were to stop this government intrusion into our freedom.

12/29/2010

Obama's Health Law Hits Roadblock

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:52:33 GMT

A federal judge ruled that a central plank of the health law-the requirement that most Americans carry insurance-violates the Constitution, dealing the biggest setback yet to the Obama administration's signature legislative accomplishment. Ashby Jones discusses.

12/29/2010

GSK Bets on Outcome of Kidney Cancer Trial

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:33:25 GMT

GlaxoSmithKline is literally putting money on the outcome of a clinical trial now in progress, pitting its pazopanib (Votrient) for advanced renal cell carcinoma against sunitinib (Sutent).

12/29/2010

Henry Ford Hospital uses new cancer killer

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:45:29 GMT

Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit is one of just 17 hospitals across the country and the first in Michigan to use a new treatment that uses electrical pulses to kill cancer cells.

12/29/2010

Women honor husbands by delivering soup

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:47:49 GMT

Two Olympia women who lost their husbands to cancer are giving the gift of soup to cancer patients at the Providence Regional Cancer System in Lacey.

12/29/2010

Dendritic cell vaccine: new hope for cancer patients

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 16:01:39 GMT

People suffering from Kidney cancer / Renal Carcinoma in India can hope for better treatment and have more chances of survival which would be evident from phase III clinical trial carried out by Regrow The only cell Therapy Company in India, in association with Creagene, a Korean based Biotechnology company providing Dendritic Cell Technology.

12/29/2010

Genome-wide association study of renal cell carcinoma identifies two susceptibility loci

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 16:16:13 GMT

We conducted a two-stage genome-wide association study of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in 3,772 affected individuals (cases) and 8,505 controls of European background from 11 studies and followed up 6 SNPs in 3 replication studies of 2,198 cases and 4,918 controls.

12/29/2010

Holiday Greetings From A Kidney Cancer Survivor

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:17:09 GMT

Kidney Cancer Forum moderator, Mike Lawing:

12/28/2010

Targeted Molecular Therapy for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Impact on Existing Treatment Paradigms

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 19:26:40 GMT

This CME activity describes the benefits and limitations of current treatment approaches for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) . . .

12/26/2010

New kidney cancer drug fast-tracked

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 13:56:21 GMT

Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has agreed to offer a 12.5% discount on the list price to the NHS and a possible future rebate following the outcome of a clinical trial comparing the drug to another, sunitinib (Sutent), which is already approved.

12/24/2010

Genetic predisposition for breast, kidney cancers discovered

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:02:51 GMT

Scientists have revealed multiple genetic discoveries that may permit easier diagnosis and disease management for Cowden syndrome patients who are predisposed to breast and kidney cancer .

12/24/2010

The extent of tumour fat invasion affects survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:01:59 GMT

Patients affected by RCC with VTT and TFI have a higher risk of CSM relative to cases with VTT only.

12/22/2010

Photo Contest: Win An iPod nano

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 05:04:21 GMT

Win an iPod nano with Multi-Touch by entering a photo in our "Life's Little Moments" contest. Upload a photo of a kidney cancer survivor engaged in an ordinary daily activity (like cooking, reading, shopping, driving children to school etcetera). You must be at least 18 years of age to enter.

12/18/2010

FDA Revokes Avastin Approval

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 22:58:37 GMT

Wise Giving Alliance: Donate To KCA With Confidence

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:37:32 GMT

USA Today: Wise Giving Alliance Charity List

12/16/2010

WSJ: Firms Feel Pain From Health Law

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:46:28 GMT

Companies may consider increasing employee co-pays or implementing high-deductible plans in order to compensate.

12/13/2010

Video, Photo, and Essay Contest Winners

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 22:04:04 GMT

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:15:46 GMT

Read the story here

11/29/2010

Fifth Kidney Cancer Drug Rejected by NICE

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 15:59:17 GMT

11/27/2010

The faces of kidney cancer

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:50:23 GMT

Will you help to create greater awareness of kidney cancer and the need for a cure? Learn how you can win $1,000.00 and a FlipVideo camera for helping with this cause.

11/26/2010

Reducing Risk Of Recurrence And A Stabilization In Incidence Of Renal Cell Carcinoma Will Limit Growth Of Drug-Treatment Opportunities

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 15:00:14 GMT

Projected improvements in recurrence-free survival and a discontinuation of the historically observed increases in the incidence rate of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) will limit growth of new drug-treatment opportunities for advanced disease in RCC.

11/25/2010

Cancer nutrition rehabilitation program (PDF)

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 15:06:00 GMT

The Cancer Nutrition Rehabilitation (cnr) program at the McGill University Health Centre is an interdisciplinary 8-week treatment program offering patients information, education, treatment, and support in areas such as diet, exercise, and rehabilitation, plus resources to address their psychosocial needs.

11/25/2010

Kidney Cancer Survival Rate Data

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:15:05 GMT

By: Neal Kennedy

To calculate the kidney cancer survival rate, you must take several different factors into consideration. Generally speaking, these factors are related to the patient who has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, and the kidney cancer stage..

In gathering their survival rate statistics, researchers take the type of cancer, stage, grade and location into consideration. Factors regarding the patient that must be considered include the individual's age, general health, and ability to undergo necessary treatment.

Using data reflecting these factors in recent decades, medical researchers have been able to generate some statistics for kidney cancer survival rates. Just one type of kidney cancer is shown below, but it is far more common than any other variety. It is known as renal cell carcinoma.

When the kidney cancer survival rate is calculated, it's most often expressed as a percentage. That is, it's statistically normal for a certain percent of patients who have the same type of cancer at approximately the same stage to still be alive after a defined period of time.

It should be said that the kidney cancer survival rate is a generalization based on a huge number of cases that occurred over a long time. There's no way to predict what will happen in any individual case.

As is the case with most other diseases, the kidney cancer survival rate is measured in five year periods. In other words, a certain percentage of patients found to have kidney cancer will survive for a minimum of five years after their diagnosis.

There are a variety of categories that can be listed for kidney cancer survival rates.. The statistics in this article measure the survival rate of kidney cancer patients compared with the general population. This data comes from a study done between 1995 and 2001.

During this interval, the overall survival rate for kidney cancer patients was 64.6 percent.

The numbers were broken down further by race and gender. These were

* 64.7 percent of Caucasian males survived for at least 5 years

* The statistic was almost exactly the same for Caucasian women at 64.5 percent.

* The number for African American Men was slightly lower: 61.8 percent

* African American women had the highest survival rate, coming in at just under 66 percent

The survival rate also depends on the stage the cancer has reached by the time it's diagnosed. A higher stage assignment means the cancer has spread more and will therefore be more difficult to treat.

Approximately 53 percent of kidney cancer cases are found before cancer cells have spread beyond the kidneys.

1 case in 5 or twenty percent is diagnosed after cancer cells have spread beyond the kidneys to nearby lymph nodes, tissues or organs.

Slightly more than one in five cases - 22 percent - are diagnosed when cancer cells have reached distant tissues or organs.

Stages were unclear in the rest of the kidney cancer cases that were included in the study.

You won't be surprised to learn that the sooner the cancer was diagnosed, the longer the patient was likely to survive.

* 9 out of 10 patients who were diagnosed when cancer was confined to the kidneys survived at least five years.

* The survival rate dropped to 60 percent for those whose cancer had spread to regions near the kidneys.

* The survival rate was only 9.7 percent when cancer had spread to distant organs and tissues elsewhere in the body.

* Stage information was unclear or undiagnosed for the remaining percentage of patients.

The highest percentage of kidney cancer occurs in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, along with Northern Europe. Kidney cancer occurs least often in China, Thailand and the Philippines. Of all cancer cases diagnosed in the United States, 1 in every 33 is kidney cancer.

Two smokers develop kidney cancer for every non-smoker who gets the disease. The risk for renal pelvis cancer is even greater for smokers at 4 to 1.

About the Author

Related topics: rate of kidney cancer survival and kidney cancer. Neal Kennedy is a retired radio and TV journalist. To read more of his articles, click on kidney problems.

(ArticlesBase SC #3711554)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Kidney Cancer Survival Rate Data

11/23/2010

The Doctor Con

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:35:18 GMT

One of the tragi-comic sideshows of passing ObamaCare was the Democratic attempt to buy off the American Medical Association . . .

11/22/2010

UK: postcode lottery of cancer drugs is already refusing to prescribe life-prolonging treatments

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:37:32 GMT

In addition, hundreds of potential beneficiaries have been told not to bother even applying to the Interim Cancer Drugs Fund unless they have ‘exceptional’ cases

11/22/2010

Are Airport Scanners Hazardous To Your Health?

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 23:18:37 GMT

In light of some inquiries regarding the safety of radiation exposure resulting from airport scanners, we are sending some information that you may want to share with your patient constituency.

Generally, there are two types of scanners currently used in the United States:

1. Millimeter radio wave scanners (appears like a glass booth) – do not use x-rays

2. Backscatter x-ray scanners (appears like two refrigerators) – use x-rays

The radiation dose from a single backscatter system is very low. A single backscatter scan is equivalent to about 30 minutes of natural background radiation or about 4-5 minutes of air-travel. One needs to undergo 1,000 - 2,000 backscatter scans to receive the radiation dose equivalent to a single chest x-ray dose.

Thank you.

Keith Kerneklian

Legislative & Advocacy Manager

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:13:14 GMT

Read the related press release

11/12/2010

New Kidney Cancer Surgery Technique Could Reduce Organ Damage

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:21:56 GMT

Dr. Inderbir S. Gill, pioneer of this new technique based at the University of Southern California said: "Good kidney function over the long-term is particularly important in patients with kidney cancer.

11/11/2010

AACR News: Long-term statin use 'unlikely to increase cancer risk' [AUDIO]

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:57:05 GMT

11/10/2010

Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:54:56 GMT

A brief overview of the Ninth Annual American Association for Cancer Research cancer prevention meeting in Philadelphia. This is billed as "The world's most comprehensive transdisciplinary cancer prevention meeting." Kidney Cancer Association CEO Bill Bro reports from the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

11/09/2010

2nd Annual Jeff Beitel 5K Race A Big Success

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 20:32:12 GMT

11/09/2010

How Medicare Killed the Family Doctor

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:17:39 GMT

Low government payment rates became the private-sector benchmark, resulting in fragmented care.

11/08/2010

Fatigue in Renal Cell Carcinoma: The Hidden Burden of Current Targeted Therapies

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 13:42:18 GMT

Fatigue remains a prominent toxicity with current targeted therapies. Future agents that show better selectivity and potency than current targeted therapies should help to provide better efficacy and tolerability.

11/06/2010

Cell find may aid cancer vaccines

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 21:50:50 GMT

A type of normal cell often found in cancerous growths may be the reason for the failure of anti-cancer vaccines.

11/05/2010

US drug distributor inks two billion dollar cancer deal

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:15:55 GMT

McKesson will buy all outstanding shares of US Oncology for cash and assume its debt.

11/02/2010

Glowing jellyfish can diagnose cancer

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:18:01 GMT

Scientists say luminous cells from jellyfish can be used to diagnose cancers deep inside the body.

11/02/2010

Lack of KISS1R expression is associated with rapid progression of conventional renal cell carcinomas

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:24:29 GMT

The aim of this study was to identify genes associated with the tumor progression.

11/02/2010

Clear Cell Tubulopapillary Renal Cell Carcinoma

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 14:44:48 GMT

Recently several lowgrade renal cell tumors, distinct from those recognized by the 2004 World Health Organization classification of renal tumors, have been described.

10/30/2010

Cancer Drugs Fund Offers Long-Term Hope To Kidney Cancer Patients

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:23:14 GMT

Andrew Lansley's announcement that cancer patients in England will benefit from a £600 million fund to improve access to cancer drugs over the next three years has been welcomed by the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer.

10/29/2010

Nicholas J. Vogelzang, MD, Receives Award From the Kidney Cancer Association

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:20:42 GMT

Medical oncologist and cancer researcher Nicholas J. Vogelzang, MD, has been awarded the prestigious Eugene P. Schonfeld Award from the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA).

10/29/2010

SGN-75 for the treatment of renal cancer

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:41:11 GMT

At ESMO, Seattle Genetics gave investors another reason for optimism, this time following positive data for another wholly owned agent, SGN-75.

10/26/2010

New cancer targets emerge from VHL study

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:11:38 GMT

Inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein (pVHL) causes the most common form of kidney cancer. pVHL is part of a complex that polyubiquitinates the alpha subunit of the heterodimeric transcription factor HIF.

10/26/2010

In Medicare's Data Trove, Clues to Curing Cost Crisis

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:10:25 GMT

". . . the American public is barred from examining in detail how Medicare spends roughly . . .$62.5 billion . . ."

10/26/2010

Charity Navigator: Kidney Cancer Association Awarded Four Stars

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:45:09 GMT

Charity Navigator, the nation's premiere charity evaluator, has awarded the Kidney Cancer Association its coveted 4-star rating for the third consecutive year. Less than 15% of rated charities achieve this distinction.

10/22/2010

Canada's socialist public health care at crossroads

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:43:56 GMT

Linda Irving is concerned about abdominal pains she's had for a few months, and skittish about the four-month wait her sister-in-law endured before recently undergoing kidney cancer surgery.

10/22/2010

Phase 1 dose-escalation trial of tremelimumab plus sunitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:54:11 GMT

On the basis of potential additive or synergistic immunostimulatory antitumor effects, in this phase 1 study, the authors evaluated the combination of sunitinib and tremelimumab (CP675206; an antibody against cytotoxic Tlymphocyteassociated antigen 4 [CTLA4]) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) was evaluated.

10/22/2010

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) expression is an independent prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:56:53 GMT

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) gene exerts oncogenelike activities and its (over)expression has been linked to several human malignancies. Here, authors studied a possible association between EZH2 expression and prognosis in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

10/22/2010

Report: Drug Companies Pay 17,000 U.S. Doctors

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:48:34 GMT

The payments are not illegal and usually not even considered improper.

10/20/2010

Link between diabetes and kidney cancer

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:15:01 GMT

A positive association between diabetes and kidney cancer has been reported in several investigations.

10/15/2010

Unique Cancer Survivors' Summit

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:53:07 GMT

More than 120 cancer survivors and caregivers, cancer-treating physicians, and patient advocates gathered in San Diego to share their Proleukin® (aldesleukin for injection) treatment experiences.

10/13/2010

High-risk insurance pool accepts patients with pre-existing conditions

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:01:45 GMT

Consumers previously rejected by insurers or forced to wait six months for coverage because they have costly medical problems are starting to get benefits from a new statewide program for uninsured people.

10/11/2010

A Tunable, Cloaked, System To Kill Tumors From Inside

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:36:10 GMT

Researchers led by University of Massachusetts Amherst chemist Vincent Rotello have demonstrated that they can deliver a dormant toxin into a specific site such as a tumor for anti-cancer therapy, then chemically trigger the toxin to de-cloak and attack from within.

10/04/2010

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Genitourinary Malignancies

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:42:01 GMT

There are now emerging data that show the safety and efficacy of this treatment modality in genitourinary malignancies especially in prostate cancer and renal cell carcinoma.

10/04/2010

Laparoscopic Kidney Surgery And Its Role In Kidney Cancer

Sun, 03 Oct 2010 19:50:32 GMT

Laparoscopic kidney surgery is showing itself to be a huge breakthrough in the fight against kidney cancer.

10/03/2010

Kidney Cancer Association In Egypt

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:09:12 GMT

Read the related press release online

09/30/2010

Results From Argos RCC Immunotherapy Phase 2 Study

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 13:28:36 GMT

Argos Therapeutics today announced that results from its Arcelis immunotherapy Phase 2 study for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have been accepted for a poster presentation at the Ninth International Kidney Cancer Symposium on Oct. 1-2 in Chicago.

09/30/2010

Cancer society calls for catastrophic drug coverage

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:02:28 GMT

The cost of cancer can be devastating to Canadians, because the medications they often need to take at home can wipe out their life savings, says the Canadian Cancer Society in a call for more coverage of "catastrophic" drugs.

09/30/2010

Application of simplified Fuhrman grading system in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:16:52 GMT

To investigate the efficacy of simplified (two- or three-tiered) Fuhrman grading systems as prognostic indicators in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

09/28/2010

Kidney Cancer 101: Patients Learn Here

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 19:02:32 GMT

View Dr. David Minor's excellent slide set from the recent meeting of kidney cancer survivors held in San Francisco. You'll learn the basics about kidney cancer and about the drugs used to treat advanced disease.

Kidney 2010 Intro

09/22/2010

Imaging of Hematuria

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:24:25 GMT

In this article, we will discuss the current status of imaging in patients with hematuria of urologic origin

09/22/2010

Health Insurers Plan Hikes: Blame Health Overhaul

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 19:00:25 GMT

Health insurers say they plan to raise premiums for some Americans as a direct result of the health overhaul in coming weeks, complicating Democrats' efforts to trumpet their signature achievement before the midterm elections.

09/21/2010

FREE Newsletter: Kidney Cancer News

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:59:54 GMT

Education and support for families dealing with renal malignancies

09/21/2010

A phase I/II trial of sorafenib and infliximab in advanced renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 19:00:53 GMT

We conducted a phase I/II trial to determine the safety and efficacy of infliximab in combination with sorafenib in patients with advanced RCC.

09/21/2010

Hyaluronan and hyaluronidase in genitourinary tumors

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:58:26 GMT

Many studies have demonstrated the strong correlation between HA accumulation and presence of malignancy in numerous solid tumor types, including genitourinary cancers.

09/21/2010

Discovery May Lead to More Potent Drug Combinations

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:16:18 GMT

"The results might suggest new ways to combine AurA inhibitors with other drugs to boost their activity," says Erica A. Golemis, Ph.D.

09/08/2010

Addition of Sutent to Tarceva Does Not Prolong Survival

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:59:09 GMT

Sutent is an oral targeted agent that works by inhibiting multiple biologic pathways involved in the growth, replication, and spread of cancer cells. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of selected patients with kidney cancer or gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and is also being evaluated in the treatment of other types of cancer.

09/07/2010

Postcard From the NHS

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 13:00:49 GMT

239 patients died of malnutrition in British hospitals, the latest year for which figures are available . . . the real roots of this tragedy lie in Britain's government-run medical system, which tells us something about what we might expect from ObamaCare in the years ahead.

09/04/2010

Long-term survival of patients with sarcomatoid renal cell cancer treated with chemotherapy

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:50:54 GMT

We now report long-term survival of 4 patients with stage IV sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma treated with this regimen . . .

09/01/2010

Long-term response with everolimus for metastatic renal cell carcinoma refractory to sunitinib

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:52:24 GMT

The patient had stable disease after 8 weeks (two cycles) of everolimus that was maintained until 28 months of therapy, at which time the patient had achieved a partial response. This case illustrates the potential for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, a malignancy with historically poor prognosis, to derive long-term benefit from everolimus when used in a manner consistent with its approved indication (after TKI therapy with sunitinib or sorafenib).

09/01/2010

Is it possible to detect early symptoms of Wilms' tumor?

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:56:21 GMT

Wilms' tumor is a rare childhood form of kidney cancer also known as nephroblastoma. Only about five in a million American children will be diagnosed with Wilms' tumor each year, mostly around age 3, but 10% of those children will die within five years of their diagnosis. For this reason, as with all cancers, it is important to catch the disease and begin treatment as early as possible.

09/01/2010

A phase I/II study of siltuximab (CNTO 328), an anti-interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody, in metastatic renal cell cancer

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:58:32 GMT

Serum interleukin (IL)-6 levels correlate with disease outcomes in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. Siltuximab, a chimeric, murine-human mAb against IL-6, was evaluated in a three-part phase I/II study in patients with progressive metastatic RCC.

09/01/2010

Promise Of Tumor Ablation

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:47:28 GMT

The unprecedented growth and promise of using thermal ablation to target and kill cancer is the subject of the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology's August supplement, "Thermal Ablation 2010: At the Crossroads of Past Success, Current Goals and Future Technology."

08/31/2010

Sequential use of targeted agents in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:49:23 GMT

The optimal sequence may vary among patients to accommodate comorbid conditions or different disease stages.

08/31/2010

Nanoknife® Cancer Killer

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:51:59 GMT

Electroporation is a technique to create openings in cells membranes by passing an electric current across the cell. It can be used to temporarily open windows in the membrane, enabling doctors to get chemicals or gene therapy inside the cell.

08/31/2010

Xp11 Translocation Renal Cell Carcinoma

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:22:37 GMT

Elevated expression of phosphorylated S6 in Xp11 translocation RCC suggests the mTOR pathway as an attractive potential therapeutic target for these neoplasms.

08/29/2010

Join the International Kidney Cancer Alliance

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:53:15 GMT

Following a series of well-received meetings with patients, caregivers, and medical professionals in Spain, France, Germany, Italy, England, and Russia, among other countries, we're building the world's largest group of kidney cancer advocates— the International Kidney Cancer Alliance. Join us in Warsaw, Poland, in the spring of 2011. Details will be announced on our Facebook® Fan Page in the coming weeks. We know that some families are concerned about the issues that attend pharmaceutical company funding of patient activities. Although we have a long history of successful collaboration with industry, we remain sensitive to the needs of patients and their caregivers, so there will be no direct pharma involvement in the establishment of this ad-hoc group. Everyone is welcome to join and travel subsidies, based on demonstrated need, will be available.

We're working now to improve patient and physician education in Mexico, South America, Egypt, Eastern Europe, and China. Our publication, "We Have Kidney Cancer," will soon be available for immediate download in nine languages, too. Be sure to bookmark http://IKCA.org and check back for more information.

08/27/2010

Solid Variant of Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma With Spindle Cell and Tubular Components

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:47:45 GMT

We report a case of solid variant of papillary renal cell carcinoma affecting a young man and provide histologic and clinical follow-up data, adding an additional case of this extremely rare pathology to the literature

08/24/2010

Differentiation of oncocytoma and renal cell carcinoma in small renal masses

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:49:10 GMT

We investigate the use of 4-phase computerized tomography with intravenous contrast to help distinguish oncocytoma from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in tumors <4 cm.

08/24/2010

Virtual colonoscopy catches more, study finds

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:26:31 GMT

Now, a new study suggests that virtual colonoscopy may even be superior because it can identify cancers outside of the colon.

08/22/2010

Kidney patient gets transplanted to television

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:28:48 GMT

A kidney transplant patient, whose need for a new organ led to the discovery of his ex-partner having kidney cancer, has appeared on television.

08/22/2010

Lack of KISS1R expression is associated with rapid progression of conventional renal cell carcinomas

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:30:06 GMT

Expression of the KISS1R protein can be used for estimating the prognosis of conventional RCCs.

08/22/2010

Is advanced renal cell carcinoma becoming a chronic disease?

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:16:37 GMT

Cora Sternberg and colleagues 1 reported the efficacy of the multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor pazopanib for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

08/20/2010

Top Abstracts in Renal Cancer

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:32:26 GMT

TopAbstracts in Renal Cancer are the abstracts most highly rated/most read by nearly 300,000 physicians who received a Doctor's Guide newsletter or visited a website Powered by Doctor's Guide in the past 14 days.

08/19/2010

Vanishing Cancers: Sometimes the disease simply disappears

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:24:11 GMT

Research has shown that spontaneous regression of cancer occurs in cases of advanced melanoma, advanced kidney cancer and neuroblastoma (a childhood cancer of nerve tissue). Regression also occurs in colonic adenomas (precancerous growths of the colon) and in precancerous lesions of the cervix.

08/17/2010

Wnt antagonist DKK1 acts as a tumor suppressor gene that induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in human renal cell carcinoma

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 01:32:15 GMT

The results suggest that DKK1 may not be involved in the betacatenin dependent pathway.

08/14/2010

GenSpera Receives Additional Patent

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:00:06 GMT

G-202 was shown to ablate tumors in animal models of breast cancer, prostate cancer and kidney cancer.

08/11/2010

Latest Increase in U.S. Obesity Rate Will Mean More Cancers

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:54:02 GMT

The AICR experts pointed out that those 72.5 million Americans face an increased risk for colorectal cancer, postmenopausal breast cancer, kidney cancer, esophageal cancer, endometrial cancer, pancreatic cancer and gallbladder cancer.

08/09/2010

Surviving Kidney Cancer

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:33:04 GMT

Sgt. George Alderete and Judith Buelow are just two of the survivors now being seen in survivorship clinics at MD Anderson, as the institution embraces another component of the cancer care cycle survivorship.

08/09/2010

Virginia and Missouri fire shots over Obamacare's bow

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:56:56 GMT

Since Obama signed healthcare reform into law, 22 states have filed lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of reform; at least 36 states have introduced initiatives repealing all or parts of healthcare reform. Aside from the obvious political ramifications, what does this obvious sign of discontent mean for our healthcare system moving forward?

08/08/2010

Doctors say treatments using adult stem cells show promise

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:23:04 GMT

The idea is to transplant cells to produce a new immune system that will attack the diseases. Earlier work around a decade ago failed to give lasting benefit, but new approaches aim for better results, said Dr. Michael Bishop of the National Cancer Institute.

08/06/2010

Molecular Diagnostics Conference In Denver To Be Hosted By American Association For Cancer Research

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:12:22 GMT

Findings presented at this year's meeting will include new data on phase III kidney cancer drugs in development.

08/06/2010

Lpath, the Category Leader of Lipidomics-Based Therapeutics, Provides Status Update

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:14:38 GMT

ASONEP, as a single agent in naive mice, significantly delays progression of disease in Renal Cell Carcinoma ("RCC").

08/06/2010

Advances in Renal Cancer Journalists Award 2011 announced

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:16:18 GMT

Renal cell carcinoma is one of the most common cancers worldwide. However, there still is a lack of awareness of the disease. Bayer HealthCare and the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) have therefore announced the European Advances in Renal Cancer Journalists Award 2011.

08/06/2010

Biomarkers Predicting Outcome in Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:20:58 GMT

Univariable analyses of baseline levels in the placebo cohort identified VEGF, CAIX, TIMP1, and Ras p21 as prognostic biomarkers for survival.

08/06/2010

Wife vows to starve herself if NHS won't help her husband

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:14:26 GMT

Terence Burch, 65, was hit by staphylococcus aureus, a neck infection, and kidney cancer.

07/31/2010

Kidney Cancer Blog Has Info That Could Save Your Life

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:20:20 GMT

The Kidney Cancer Association has launched a new blog, Survive Kidney Cancer, on Wordpress.com. Bill Bro, Kidney Cancer Association CEO, says, "We believe this to be the most comprehensive blog about kidney cancer to be found anywhere on the web." The blog, located at www.SurviveKidneyCancer.com, was adapted from the Association's publication for patients, "We Have Kidney Cancer," a 100+ page book that may be downloaded free of charge on the organization's website.

07/31/2010

Cedar Hill woman turns her misery into ministry

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:37:17 GMT

Jennifer Cox has weathered storms of uncertainty, disease and sadness.

07/31/2010

"Advances in Renal Cancer" Journalists' Award 2011 announced Bayer HealthCare and Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) honor medical reporting about renal cancer

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:53:17 GMT

Leverkusen, July 2010 - Renal cell carcinoma is one of the most common cancers worldwide. However, there still is a lack of awareness of the disease. Bayer HealthCare and the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) have therefore announced the European "Advances in Renal Cancer" Journalists’ Award 2011. For the third time, the prize honors journalistic work, in which journalists cover the issue of renal cancer in a critical, but yet objective manner. It is endowed with the sum of Euro 7,500 and awarded to reports which have been published in print media, radio, television, or film.

"Malignant tumors in kidney cells are one of the most insidious types of cancer worldwide. They are often only diagnosed at a late stage and have a significant unmet medical need", says Helmut Schäfers, Head of Corporate Communications Europe, Bayer HealthCare, Leverkusen, Germany. "By announcing this award together with specialists in this field, we want to stimulate journalists to report on the disease and publish more information about renal carcinoma and current medical developments." Carrie Konosky, Director of Development & Public Affairs, Kidney Cancer Association, USA, explains: "Our objective is to raise awareness of the symptoms and risk factors of renal cancer and inform the public about new, diagnostic therapy options. That is why the media are an important partner for us."

Journalists may submit their applications by March 1, 2011, to the Kidney Cancer Association - Project Office, P.O. Box 90 06 48, 51116 Cologne, Germany. The statutes are also available for download online at Bayer HealthCare’s press portal at http://www.viva.vita.bayerhealthcare.com.

The relevant stories must have been published between March 1, 2010, and February 28, 2011. The jury will award the prize to what seems to be the year’s most outstanding medical journalistic publication or program in Europe.

Members of the jury are up to four representatives from journalistic organizations, one urologist and one oncologist, one member of the Kidney Cancer Association as well as one non-voting representative from Bayer HealthCare. The award will be presented in Warsaw, Poland, in May 2011.

About Bayer HealthCare
The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Bayer Schering Pharma, Consumer Care and Medical Care divisions. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover, manufacture and market products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Find more information at http://www.bayerhealthcare.com.

About Bayer Schering Pharma
Bayer Schering Pharma is a worldwide leading specialty pharmaceutical company. Its research and business activities are focused on the following areas: Diagnostic Imaging, General Medicine, Specialty Medicine and Women's Healthcare. With innovative products, Bayer Schering Pharma aims for leading positions in specialized markets worldwide. Using new ideas, Bayer Schering Pharma aims to make a contribution to medical progress and strives to improve the quality of life. Find more information at http://www.bayerscheringpharma.de.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at http://www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Contact:
Bayer HealthCare AG
Helmut Schäfers, Tel. +49 214 30-58308
E-Mail: mailto:helmut.schaefers@bayerhealthcare.com

The full story can be found in BayNews.
http://WWW.BayNews.BAYER.DE/BayNews/BayNews.nsf/id/2010-0365-e

07/20/2010

Penn State Lift For Life Raises More Than $98,000.00

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:47:04 GMT

The record total was nearly $16,000 more than was raised last year and a far cry from the $13,000 raised in the events first year in 2003. Thanks to generous sponsors, fans and the participating Nittany Lion football players, Lift For Life has now raised an eight-year total of nearly $500,000 for the Kidney Cancer Association.

07/17/2010

When Kidney Cancer Hits the Vena Cava

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:55:50 GMT

Its a nasty-looking chunk of cancer, a plug of renal cell carcinoma that sometimes finds its way into the inferior vena cava. Because of its location in the bodys largest vein and its potential threat to the heart and brain, this tumor thrombus is serious indeed.

07/14/2010

Kidney Removal Suggested Not To Prolong Life of Elderly

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:59:32 GMT

A new study has suggested that removing a kidney does not seem to prolong the life of patients aged 75 and above suffering with kidney cancer that has not spread.

07/14/2010

Lift for Life Raises New Record Total

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:00:58 GMT

Despite sweltering conditions in Holuba Hall, the eighth annual Penn State Uplifting Athletes Lift For Life was a huge success drawing more than 3,000 fans and raising a record total of $98,461.35 to benefit the Kidney Cancer Association.

07/14/2010

Penn State football players raise $98,461.35 for kidney cancer research

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:16:18 GMT

It may have been hot on Holuba Hall on Friday but that did not keep players form Penn State's football team from raising a record amount of money to be put toward kidney cancer research. More than 3,000 fans came out in support of the Nittany Lions as the team raised $98,461.35 for the Kidney Cancer Association.

07/13/2010

Nationally-Recognized Oncologist Joins Cedars-Sinais Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:15:30 GMT

Figlin, a prolific researcher known for his work on new urologic and lung cancer treatments, will help manage the institutes growing clinical trials program, in which more than 100 studies are being conducted. As leader of the hematology/oncology division, he will oversee breast, prostate, lung, blood and bone cancer programs.

07/13/2010

Nanoparticles Shrink Tumors in Mice

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:09:20 GMT

The application of nanotechnology in the field of drug delivery has attracted much attention in recent years. In cancer research, nanotechnology holds great promise for the development of targeted, localized delivery of anticancer drugs, in which only cancer cells are affected.

07/12/2010

First Patient Treated in Galil Medical's TRACE Renal Registry

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:02:43 GMT

Galil Medical, a global leader in minimally invasive cryotherapy cancer treatments, today announced that Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., has treated the first patient to be included in its new patient registry. The registry, called Tracking Renal Tumors After Cryoablation Evaluation (TRACE), will allow physicians and the company to follow and evaluate the use and effectiveness of cryotherapy treatment for patients with renal (kidney) tumors.

07/10/2010

PHOTO GALLERY: 2010 Penn State Lift for Life

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:13:10 GMT

Nate Stupar pours ice on his neck after completing the course during the Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes' Eighth Annual Lift for Life in Holuba Hall. Players form teams of four and compete in an 11 event challenge with exercises ranging from bench pressing to a giant tire flip. Proceeds from the event benefit the Kidney Cancer Association.

07/10/2010

Facebook Ad Campaign Raises Awareness

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:19:43 GMT

"We want to conquer kidney cancer in your lifetime," says KCA CEO Bill Bro, a 21-year survivor of kidney cancer. "Like many patients, my diagnosis came as the result of something unrelated. Because kidney cancer doesn't have obvious symptoms, it is often overlooked by both patients and doctors."

07/09/2010

Survivor Gets Back on Course

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:20:22 GMT

He told me I had a mass on my kidney, about 17 centimeters in size and it was called kidney cancer, recalled Kidwell.

07/09/2010

Cardiopulmonary bypass and renal cell carcinoma with level IV tumour thrombus

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:35:16 GMT

Conclusion: Radical nephrectomy and level IV tumour thrombectomy is associated with significant mortality.

07/09/2010

New findings from University Hospital, Department of Urology in the area of renal cell carcinoma described

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:36:49 GMT

Scientists discuss in 'Distant metastasis of renal cell carcinoma with a diameter of 3 cm or less-which is aggressive cancer' new findings in renal cell carcinoma.

07/09/2010

Didcot cancer patient's death linked to drug trial

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:38:29 GMT

A kidney cancer patient died from a rare reaction to a life-extending drug he was taking as part of a trial, an inquest heard.

07/09/2010

Renal Cancer Associated With Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumothorax In Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:51:12 GMT

The authors suggest that a diagnosis of Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome be considered in cases of recurrent pneumothorax, and affected individuals must be screened for renal tumours.

07/08/2010

Abscess Formation Mimicking Disease Progression

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:52:47 GMT

The authors discuss a case of intra-abdominal abscess formation mimicking disease progression during sunitinib treatment.

07/08/2010

Exceeding Contrast Dose Threshold Increases Risk of Acute Kidney Injury

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:57:58 GMT

We recommend that [maximum allowable contrast dose] should be determined before the procedure and implemented whenever feasible, they write.

07/08/2010

Cancer Treatment Based on Patient's Own Cells

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:16:01 GMT

Medistem Panama, licensee of Medistem Inc., announced today issuance of US patent # 7,749,495 covering a new method for treating cancer that does not require use of chemotherapy or radiation. The procedure, which involves taking out patient cells, manipulating them, and re-introducing them into the body, has demonstrated positive results in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, neuroblastoma, adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, sarcoma, and rectal cancer.

07/07/2010

Ill ex-prison employees blame work program

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:17:17 GMT

They claim exposure to unsafe levels of heavy metals and toxic materials

07/07/2010

Rosetta Genomics and Collaborators Demonstrate MicroRNAs Accurately Sub-Classify Renal Tumors

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:18:40 GMT

Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDAQ:ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, announces that a peer-reviewed article entitled "Accurate Molecular Classification of Renal Tumors Using MicroRNA Expression" has been published in the online version of The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics.

07/07/2010

Epithelioid angiomyolipoma of kidney with atypical nuclear features and intranuclear inclusions on cytology

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:20:04 GMT

Described herein are the cytological findings of epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) of the kidney with atypical nuclear features mistaken for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a 61-year-old male patient.

07/07/2010

Macrophages and Immunologic Inflammation of the Kidney

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:21:47 GMT

This article advances the case that targeting macrophage activation and phenotype is leading to new therapies in the treatment of many acute and chronic kidney diseases.

07/07/2010

Pazopanib given conditional UK licence for advanced renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:23:35 GMT

Pazopanib has been granted a conditional licence in the UK for first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

07/07/2010

New Tool for Presurgical Detection of Kidney Cancers Helps to Avoid Unnecessary Surgeries

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:25:30 GMT

If approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this will be one of the first diagnostic scans which can differentiate not only identify a tumors origin and location, but also provide data on the type (histology) of that tumor. Armed with this information, physicians and patients will be able to make more informed treatment choices.

07/07/2010

Concomitant Tumor and Autoantigen Vaccination Supports Renal Cell Carcinoma Rejection

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:14:04 GMT

Efficient tumor vaccination frequently requires adjuvant. Concomitant induction of an autoimmune response is discussed as a means to strengthen a weak tumor Agspecific response.

07/06/2010

Use of gene expression profiling to predict survival in cancer

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:17:15 GMT

Duplicated 1q might be a secondary mutations associated with disease progression. Trisomy of 1q has also been linked to metastatic potential of colon and renal cell carcinomas.

07/06/2010

RKTG inhibits angiogenesis by suppressing MAPK-mediated autocrine VEGF signaling and is downregulated in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:19:02 GMT

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are crucial regulators of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis.

07/06/2010

Charity Navigator: Kidney Cancer Association

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 13:49:17 GMT

Founded in 1990, the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is a charitable organization made up of patients, family members, physicians, researchers, and other health professionals globally. We fund, promote, and collaborate with the National Cancer Institute, American Society for Clinical Oncology, American Urological Association, and other institutions on research projects

07/04/2010

Concurrent Multilocular Cystic Renal Cell Carcinoma and Leiomyoma in the Same Kidney

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 14:00:48 GMT

This is the first report of this kind of presentation.

07/04/2010

Bone metastases from renal cell carcinoma: patient survival after surgical treatment

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 15:08:35 GMT

Surgery is the primary treatment of skeletal metastases from renal cell carcinoma, because radiation and chemotherapy frequently are not effecting the survival.

07/04/2010

Total Pancreatectomy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma with Marked Extension into the Main Pancreatic Duct

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 13:52:03 GMT

The authors discuss an extremely rare case of pancreatic metastasis from RCC, with marked extension into the main pancreatic duct.

07/03/2010

Metastatic Tumor in the Colon from Renal Cell Carcinoma

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 13:53:04 GMT

The authors describe a rare case of a metastatic tumour in the colon arising from renal cell carcinoma.

07/03/2010

Pure Sarcomatous Recurrence of Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma Following Radical Nephrectomy and Dendritic Cell Vaccination

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 13:55:18 GMT

The authors discuss the patient's history and pathology images, treatments, and the potential effects of dentritic cell-tumor cell hybrid vaccination on the natural history of renal cell carcinoma.

07/03/2010

TLN-4601

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 13:57:42 GMT

TLN-4601, a small molecule derived from a nonpathogenic microorganism and TLN-232, a peptide used for the treatment of multiple oncology indications such as metastatic melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and pancreatic cancer.

07/03/2010

Kidney cancer patients denied drug that can extend their lives

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:43:17 GMT

The National Institute for health and Clinical Excellence has turned down the drug called everolimus, also known as Afinitor, saying it does not offer enough benefit to patients to justify the cost.

07/02/2010

Multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma is a subtype of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:44:22 GMT

Multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma is an uncommon low grade renal cell carcinoma with unique morphologic features. Its cytogenetic characteristics have not been fully investigated. Its relationship to typical clear cell renal cell carcinoma is uncertain.

07/02/2010

1H NMR Metabonomic Analysis in Renal Cell Carcinoma: a Possible Diagnostic Tool

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:46:01 GMT

1H NMR based metabonomic approach was applied in order to monitor the alterations of plasma metabolic profile in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) patients and controls

07/02/2010

Treatment of Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter in India at an Incredible Success Rate

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:47:07 GMT

Indian surgeons provide treatment of Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter with the best standards of Indian private healthcare system that can be truly described as being state-of-the-art.

07/02/2010

Report on Clinical Integration of New Cancer Developments

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:49:40 GMT

MDOUTLOOK®, the oncology intelligence initiative powered by The Arcas Group, today announced results from its 3rd Annual Quick Poll research launched following this month's annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago. Within one week, 281 cancer treaters from 22 countries responded, making it the first market feedback available post-ASCO.

07/02/2010

Gene Mutation Linked to Kidney Cancer

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:53:58 GMT

A new probe by the British scientists into the commonest form of kidney cancer have unveiled a batch of new gene mutations linked to it, suggesting even this apparently "straightforward" cancer type can be divided into subtypes requiring tailored treatment.

07/02/2010

Preclinical Data for MGCD265

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:25:53 GMT

The company is providing a preliminary update on Trial 103 (the first stage of the Phase II program) in which MGCD265 is administered in combination with either erlotinib (Tarceva®) or docetaxel (Taxotere®) in solid tumor patients.

07/01/2010

Avastin May Cause Kidney Damage

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:27:20 GMT

Kidney problems are the second serious condition linked to the cancer drug. Last year it was found that some patients on Avastin were at elevated risk of intestinal perforations.

07/01/2010

Longtime football coach Ken Hovet dies of cancer

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:28:21 GMT

Longtime Howard County football coach Ken Hovet died Monday night after fighting kidney cancer for several months. He was 49.

07/01/2010

AVEO Pharmaceuticals Human Response Platform and Proprietary Mouse Models Featured in Nature Reviews Cancer

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:30:24 GMT

Tivozanib is currently being investigated in a global, randomized Phase 3 clinical trial called TIVO-1 comparing tivozanib to sorafenib in advanced kidney cancer, as well as additional clinical studies in other solid tumor types.

07/01/2010

Laparo-endoscopic single-site (LESS) radical nephrectomy with renal vein thrombectomy: initial report

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:32:49 GMT

By combining trocar sites and extraction incision, Laparo-endoscopic Single-site Surgery (LESS) may provide less morbidity than traditional laparoscopy. Concerns continue about LESS for locally advanced tumors. We present our experience with LESS-radical nephrectomy with renal vein thrombectomy (LESS-RN-RVT).

07/01/2010

MicroRNA profiling of clear cell renal cell carcinoma by whole-genome small RNA deep sequencing of paired frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:34:31 GMT

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality. Characterization of microRNA (miRNA) expression of RCC will help disclose new pathogenic pathways in tumourigenesis and progression and may lead to the development of molecular biomarkers and target-specific therapies for diagnosis, prognostication and treatment.

07/01/2010

Minimizing Blood Flow Interruption During Surgery Lowers Kidney Disease Risk

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:40:43 GMT

Interrupting blood flow for more than 20 to 25 minutes during kidney cancer surgery leads to a greater risk for patients developing chronic kidney disease, according to a new study.

07/01/2010

Robust Annual Growth in the Renal Cell Carcinoma Drug Market

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:20:18 GMT

The Pharmacor 2010 findings from the topic entitled Renal Cell Carcinoma reveal that significant uptake of the angiogenesis inhibitor Votrient/Patorma will be driven by its use in treating advanced renal cell carcinoma, particularly in the first-line setting. As a result, Votrient/Patorma will become the market leader and will garner sales of nearly $630 million in 2019 in the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Japan.

06/30/2010

Father's Day offers a chance to celebrate for a grieving John McDonald

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:22:36 GMT

McDonald did it for his father, Jack, who died on June 14 after an eight-month ordeal with liver and kidney cancer.

06/30/2010

Safety of RAD001 in Chinese Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:26:31 GMT

This is an open-label, multi-center study to evaluate the safety of RAD001 in Chinese patients with metastatic renal cell cancer who are intolerant of or have progressed despite treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapies.

06/30/2010

Psoriatic Skin Lesions Induced by Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonist Therapy: Clinical Features and Possible Immunopathogenesis

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:29:46 GMT

TNF antagonist induced psoriasis is a welldescribed adverse event without any known predisposing risk factors.

06/30/2010

The impact of family history on pathological and clinical outcomes in non-syndromic clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:30:46 GMT

Patients with a family history of ccRCC have pathological and clinical outcomes similar to patients with sporadic ccRCC.

06/30/2010

Carbonic Anhydrase IX in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Implications for Prognosis, Diagnosis, and Therapy

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:31:52 GMT

Carbonic anhydrase IX is a promising target for improving diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients.

06/30/2010

Predicting Occult Multifocality of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:33:00 GMT

The data suggest that occult multifocal RCC is more frequently associated with small (24 cm) renal lesions.

06/30/2010

Rationale for targeted therapies and potential role of pazopanib in advanced renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:34:05 GMT

This review will summarize what is known about the fundamental biology that underlies clear cell RCC,

06/30/2010

NexMed to Present PrevOnco® Data at ILCA Annual Conference

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:35:38 GMT

The presentation, entitled, PrevOnco® Exhibits In Vitro Cytolytic Activity, Prolongs Survival in Kidney Cancer and Leukemia Models and Reduces Tumor Growth Rates Alone and in Concert in a Liver Cancer Model, is scheduled to be presented by Bassam Damaj, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of NexMed, on Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

06/30/2010

Perifosine phase II clinical studies

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:38:12 GMT

Perifosine is also in current multiple phase II clinical studies, including renal cell carcinoma.

06/30/2010

PrevOnco Prolongs Survival in Kidney Cancer

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:35:32 GMT

"PrevOnco(R) Exhibits In Vitro Cytolytic Activity, Prolongs Survival in Kidney Cancer and Leukemia Models and Reduces Tumor Growth Rates Alone and in Concert in a Liver Cancer Model"

06/29/2010

IMA901 has completed a successful Phase II trial in renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:39:18 GMT

Scancell Holdings Plc, (PLUS:SCLP), the developer of therapeutic cancer vaccines, today announces a research collaboration with immatics biotechnologies GmbH ("immatics") to explore the development of novel ImmunoBody® vaccines.

06/29/2010

Rob Fowler's Mustache Art Show

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:42:41 GMT

Fowler survived kidney cancer a few years ago and shaved his infamous strip of hair to raise awareness . . .

06/29/2010

Phase I Study of Single-Agent AntiProgrammed Death-1 (MDX-1106) in Refractory Solid Tumors

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:46:49 GMT

Programmed death-1 (PD-1), an inhibitory receptor expressed on activated T cells, may suppress antitumor immunity. This phase I study sought to determine the safety and tolerability of antiPD-1 blockade in patients with treatment-refractory solid tumors and to preliminarily assess antitumor activity, pharmacodynamics, and immunologic correlates.

06/29/2010

53-year-old fundraises for "life savers"

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:49:29 GMT

Glynis Zimmerman, of Hamilton Street, Parkeston, was diagnosed with double kidney cancer last September.

06/29/2010

Child cancer survivors have higher heart risk

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:51:53 GMT

Children and young people who survive cancer have a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease as young adults because of the cancer treatment they received, researchers said . . .

06/29/2010

Thalidomide has benefits

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:23:29 GMT

Thalidomide is now FDA-approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma. It has also been used to treat myelofibrosis, Kaposi sarcoma, and renal cell cancer along with the pain of leprosy. Many more uses for thalidomide are under study. Thalidomide is dangerous only when used in the wrong patients.

06/28/2010

Govt's. tardy response to BP oil catastrophe could destroy a major U.S. city

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:13:39 GMT

Benzene has been connected to a rare form of kidney cancer in two separate studies, one involving tank truck drivers, and the other involving seamen on tanker vessels, both carrying benzene-laden chemicals.

06/28/2010

Improvement of Psoriasis During Sunitinib Therapy for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:30:28 GMT

The authors report the case of a patient who underwent treatment for renal cell carcinoma and noted additional benefit by improvement in his psoriatic skin lesions.

06/28/2010

Characteristics and clinical outcomes of renal cell carcinoma in children

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 14:24:50 GMT

The present study aimed to assess the clinicopathological characteristics and the prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in children.

06/27/2010

Cancer Research UK launches hi-tech research centre

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 14:28:53 GMT

The Imperial Cancer Research UK Centre will see more than 200 clinicians and scientists from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Imperial College London working together to develop breakthrough treatments for the disease.

Philip O’Driscoll, 34, was treated using robotic surgery after he was diagnosed with kidney cancer in November 2009. He was treated at St Mary’s Hospital, part of Imperial College Healthcare.

Philip, a personal trainer, from Paddington, West London, said: “The tumour was only found by accident while I was being treated for an unrelated illness. I didn’t realise at the time that the robotic treatment I was having was so new.

06/27/2010

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:35:49 GMT

View the poster by clicking here

Abstract

Patient reported side effects from molecularly targeted therapies in renal cell carcinoma (RCC)

Background: Multiple new therapies are now approved for patients (pts) with advanced RCC. As these agents enter widespread use, their perceived toxicities may differ from those reported in the literature and limit treatment duration and clinical outcomes. Patient reporting of toxicities may more accurately identify side effects most relevant to pts.

Methods: In an effort to collect patient-reported side effects from RCC pts treated with novel therapies, an on-line survey was developed. RCC pts were recruited through the Kidney Cancer Association.

Results: 177 pts completed the survey and 146 (64%M/36%F) received medication for RCC. Most common geographical regions were Midwest (20.8%); Northeast (17.4%); South/Southeast (16.7%); West (11.8%); and outside the U.S. (9.7%). 68 pts (47.2%) were treated at teaching hospitals; 55 pts (38.2%) in private oncology offices; and 21 pts (14.6%) at community hospitals. First-line treatments included sunitinib (Su) (52.1%, n=73); sorafenib (So) (15.7%, n=22); high dose IL-2 (14.3%, n=20); clinical trial (12.9%, n=18); bevacizumab (Bev) (5%, n=7); interferon (4.3%, n=6) and temsirolimus (Tem) (3.6%, n=5). The most common side effects reported for Su were fatigue (92.9%, n=65), altered taste (90%, n=63) and diarrhea (83.8%, n=57); So: hand foot syndrome (95.2%, n=20) and fatigue (95%, n=19); Bev: fatigue (83.3%, n=5) and altered taste (83.3%, n=5); Tem: fatigue, altered taste and rash (100%, n=4). Pts reported that the most difficult side effects from Su were diarrhea and fatigue (25%, n=18); So: hand foot syndrome (72.7%, n=16); Bev: fatigue (42.9%, n=3); Tem: rash (60%, n=3). Side effects necessitated changing the schedule, dose, or stopping Rx in 82% (n=18) of So pts and in 40% (n=28) of Su pts. QOL was affected very much/extremely for 56.6% of pts (n=73).

Conclusions: These results suggest that the patient-reported impact of molecularly targeted agent side effects may be more significant than suggested by phase III clinical trials. These results also identify specific side effects towards which improved symptom management strategies and enhanced patient education can be directed. Better side effect management may increase treatment duration and improve clinical outcomes.

06/25/2010

Couple sues Pratt & Whitney for wife's kidney cancer

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:53:28 GMT

An Acreage couple have filed a lawsuit against Pratt & Whitney, blaming the defense contractor for the wife's kidney cancer amid a state probe of an unsolved cancer cluster in their community.

06/24/2010

Common Cancer Drug Tied to Kidney Damage

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:04:31 GMT

Doctors should monitor patients taking bevacizumab (Avastin), researchers say.

06/24/2010

FDA Database Aims to Spark Orphan-Disease Drug Development

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:51:01 GMT

For months now, the Food and Drug Administration has been trying novel ways of encouraging drug makers to develop drugs for rare diseases.

06/24/2010

North Carolina Cancer Survivorship Summit

Eighth Annual Penn State Uplifting Athletes "Lift For Life" Set for July 9 to Benefit the Kidney Cancer Association

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:53:09 GMT

Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes announced today that the 2010 Lift for Life is set for Friday, July 9. with doors to Holuba Hall opening at 1:30 p.m. Proceeds again will benefit the Kidney Cancer Association.

06/18/2010

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:40:07 GMT

06/03/2010

"Advances in Renal Cancer" Journalists' Award 2011 announced

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:07:29 GMT

Leverkusen, May 2010 – Renal cell carcinoma is one of the most common cancers worldwide. However, there still is a lack of awareness of the disease. Bayer HealthCare and the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) have therefore announced the European “Advances in Renal Cancer” Journalists’ Award 2011. For the third time, the prize honors journalistic work, in which journalists cover the issue of renal cancer in a critical, but yet objective manner. It is endowed with the sum of Euro 7,500 and awarded to reports which have been published in print media, radio, television, or film.

"Malignant tumors in kidney cells are one of the most insidious types of cancer worldwide. They are often only diagnosed at a late stage and have a significant unmet medical need”, says Helmut Schäfers, Head of Corporate Communications Europe, Bayer HealthCare, Leverkusen, Germany. “By announcing this award together with specialists in this field, we want to stimulate journalists to report on the disease and publish more information about renal carcinoma and current medical developments.” Carrie Konosky, Director of Development & Public Affairs, Kidney Cancer Association, USA, explains: “Our objective is to raise awareness of the symptoms and risk factors of renal cancer and inform the public about new, diagnostic therapy options. That is why the media are an important partner for us.”

Journalists may submit their applications by March 1, 2011, to the Kidney Cancer Association – Project Office, P.O. Box 90 06 48, 51116 Cologne, Germany. The statutes are also available for download online at Bayer HealthCare’s press portal at www.viva.vita.bayerhealthcare.com.

The relevant stories must have been published between March 1, 2010, and February 28, 2011. The jury will award the prize to what seems to be the year’s most outstanding medical journalistic publication or program in Europe.

Members of the jury are up to four representatives from journalistic organizations, one urologist and one oncologist, one member of the Kidney Cancer Association as well as one non-voting representative from Bayer HealthCare. The award will be presented in Warsaw, Poland, in May 2011.

About Bayer HealthCare
The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Bayer Schering Pharma, Consumer Care and Medical Care divisions. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover, manufacture and market products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Find more information at www.bayerhealthcare.com.

About Bayer Schering Pharma
Bayer Schering Pharma is a worldwide leading specialty pharmaceutical company. Its research and business activities are focused on the following areas: Diagnostic Imaging, General Medicine, Specialty Medicine and Women's Healthcare. With innovative products, Bayer Schering Pharma aims for leading positions in specialized markets worldwide. Using new ideas, Bayer Schering Pharma aims to make a contribution to medical progress and strives to improve the quality of life. Find more information at www.bayerscheringpharma.de.

Contact:
Helmut Schäfers, Phone: +49 214 30-5830
E-mail: helmut.schaefers@bayerhealthcare.com

hs (2010-00xxE)

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

06/01/2010

Metastatic Tumor in the Colon from Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:19:27 GMT

A 74-year-old male is admitted to hospital for dyspnoea. Findings from chest x-ray, computed tomography, and colonoscopy are described; images provided.

06/01/2010

Sunscreen Products Linked to Kidney Cancer

Mon, 31 May 2010 18:45:22 GMT

. . . chemicals poured into sunscreen products are equally dubious. They include:TEA, DEA, MEA (tri-, di- and mono- ethaloamines). These chemicals can cause liver and kidney cancer.

05/31/2010

Seattle Genetics Leads the Way in Next Generation Antibody Technologies

Mon, 31 May 2010 18:50:23 GMT

Seattle Genetics has two proprietary ADCs in the clinic, one in late stage trials for Hodgkins Lymphoma and a second in early stage trials for non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and Renal Cell Carcinoma.

05/31/2010

Pioneering cancer drug treatment goes on trial

Mon, 31 May 2010 19:05:03 GMT

A CANCER patient from Yorkshire has become the first in the world to trial a new drug experts hope will become part of a new generation of treatments against the disease.

05/31/2010

Readers share famous encounters

Sun, 30 May 2010 19:19:50 GMT

Not only did Bob meet Elvis Presley, he also ended up with a bottle of the King's Vaseline Hair Tonic. Inspired by this anecdote, I asked readers to send me their accounts of encounters with the famous.

05/30/2010

Cancer patient 'abandoned' by drug refusal

Sun, 30 May 2010 19:22:17 GMT

A CANCER patient last night said he felt "completely abandoned" after health chiefs refused to pay for a new drug which could prolong his life.

05/30/2010

Targeted agents for renal cell carcinoma

Sun, 30 May 2010 19:29:30 GMT

Proposals to use these agents as neoadjuvant therapy have generated significant controversy, Dr. Van Poppel said.

05/30/2010

Antibody diagnostic appears specific for clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Sun, 30 May 2010 19:32:02 GMT

Agent shows high preoperative sensitivity, specificity, data indicate.

05/30/2010

Cancer Vaccine Research Is Coming To Fruition

Fri, 28 May 2010 14:14:32 GMT

The launch of Sanofi Pasteur MSD's Gardasil and GSK's Cervarix has propelled cancer vaccines from research obscurity to a key area of commercial and clinical interest. But can the sector capitalise on these gains and really fulfil its promise?

05/28/2010

Imaging of advanced renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:39:09 GMT

MDCT represents the diagnostic mainstay for the detection and staging of RCC. In the wake of new systemic therapies for advanced RCC, including angiogenesis inhibitor drugs, monitoring treatment response may become a new task for crosssectional imaging.

05/27/2010

Evaluation of neuroendocrine markers in renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:39:55 GMT

Tumours with an immunopositivity for serotonin had a longer RCCspecific survival and tumours with an immunopositivity for CD56 and NSE had a shorter RCCspecific survival but the difference was not significant.

05/27/2010

Pfizer Oncology to Present New Clinical Data From Ten Molecules Across Multiple Tumor Type

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:44:20 GMT

Pfizer Oncology (NYSE: PFE) will present new data highlighting the company's focused approach to cancer drug development through the identification and validation of molecular targets.

05/27/2010

Liver resection for metastatic disease prolongs survival in renal cell carcinoma: 12-year results from a retrospective comparative analysis - Abstract

Tue, 25 May 2010 20:27:57 GMT

Department of Urology, University of Munich, Klinikum Grosshadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munchen, Germany.

05/25/2010

Differential diagnosis of renal tumours with clear cell histology - Abstract

Tue, 25 May 2010 20:29:50 GMT

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.

05/25/2010

Renal oncocytoma: a comparative clinicopathologic study and fluorescent in-situ hybridization analysis of 73 cases with long-term follow-up

Tue, 25 May 2010 20:30:49 GMT

Clinical studies have confirmed that renal oncocytoma (RO) is a benign neoplasm with excellent prognosis. In diagnostically challenging cases of renal oncocytic epithelial neoplasms, fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) is increasingly being used and its ability to distinguish RO from chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) has been documented.

05/25/2010

Using personalized vaccines, researchers enlist the immune system to oust tumors

Tue, 25 May 2010 20:32:06 GMT

The diagnosis of kidney cancerrenal cell carcinomawas shocking, Creel says.

05/25/2010

Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis From Renal Cell Cancer: Treatment Attempt With Radiation And Sunitinib

Mon, 24 May 2010 14:01:37 GMT

The authors describe the case of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in a 72-year-old male with known brain and lung metastases from renal cell cancer without previous systemic therapy.

05/24/2010

Lappin helped 'Make-A-Wish' dreams come true

Mon, 24 May 2010 14:03:48 GMT

After Todd Lappin was diagnosed with cancer he would tell people that the kidney doctors removed was never his favorite kidney.

05/24/2010

AVEO Pharma (AVEO) To Present Data from Tivozanib and AV-299 at ASCO 2010 Annual Meeting

Sat, 22 May 2010 15:11:49 GMT

We are pleased to have the opportunity to present additional analyses from our Phase 2 clinical trial of tivozanib in patients with renal cell cancer, as well as data from a Phase 1 clinical trial of AV-299 in collaboration with Merck . . .

05/22/2010

Morphology, Attenuation, Size, and Structure (MASS) Criteria: Assessing Response and Predicting Clinical Outcome in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma on Antiangiogenic Targeted Therapy

Sat, 22 May 2010 15:13:24 GMT

The objective of our study was to evaluate response assessment and predict clinical outcome in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) receiving antiangiogenic targeted therapy. Target lesions were assessed on routine contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) images obtained during the portal venous phase using new response criteria.

05/22/2010

Imaging-Guided Percutaneous Renal Biopsy: Rationale and Approach

Sat, 22 May 2010 15:14:34 GMT

The purpose of this article is to discuss the history of, indications and rationale for, and approach to imaging-guided percutaneous renal biopsies.

05/22/2010

Predictive Factors for Ipsilateral Recurrence After Nephron-sparing Surgery in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Sat, 22 May 2010 15:15:47 GMT

RCC ipsilateral recurrence risk after NSS is significantly associated with tumour size . . .

05/22/2010

Eighth Annual Penn State Uplifting Athletes "Lift For Life" Set for July 9 to Benefit the Kidney Cancer Association

Sat, 22 May 2010 15:18:49 GMT

Nittany Lion Football Student-Athletes Have Raised Nearly $400,000 in Initial Seven Years

05/22/2010

Identification of prognostic genomic markers in patients with localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC)

Fri, 21 May 2010 20:11:29 GMT

Tumor gene expression may impact prognosis following surgery for early stage ccRCC. Genomic analysis may also aid in understanding disease biology.

05/21/2010

About Interleukin 21

Fri, 21 May 2010 20:22:29 GMT

This novel immunotherapy has demonstrated antitumor activity in multiple tumor types (metastatic melanoma, renal cell cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) as a single agent and in combination with other therapies.

05/21/2010

Sorafenib safety profile

Fri, 21 May 2010 20:24:47 GMT

Long-term sorafenib safety profile in > 700 patients with renal cell carcinoma treated for 12 to 42 months.

05/21/2010

Redectane(R) Meets Both Endpoints Specificity And Sensitivity With Superiority Over CT In Its Pivotal Phase III Trial

Thu, 20 May 2010 13:52:15 GMT

The aim of the Phase III-REDECT study was to determine whether the combination of REDECTANE® with positron emission tomography (PET) and computer tomography (CT) versus the standard use of CT alone could improve the diagnosis of renal masses. Sensitivity and specificity were the defined endpoints of the study.

05/20/2010

Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis From Renal Cell Cancer: Treatment Attempt With Radiation And Sunitinib

Thu, 20 May 2010 15:35:56 GMT

This case illustrates important issues around both biological behaviour and treatment approaches in metastatic renal cell cancer.

05/20/2010

Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma With Cutaneous Metastases

Thu, 20 May 2010 15:37:08 GMT

The authors are reporting a unique case of papillary RCC with cutaneous metastases diagnosed at their institution.

05/20/2010

Use of Tumor Necrosis FactorAlpha-coated Gold Nanoparticles to Enhance Radiofrequency Ablation in a Translational Model of Renal Tumors

Thu, 20 May 2010 15:38:40 GMT

The authors have demonstrated the efficacy of CYT6091 in enhancing RFA in a translational kidney tumor model.

05/20/2010

The prognostic factors for patients with pT1a renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 20 May 2010 15:41:16 GMT

Although the prognosis of patients with pT1a stage renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is generally good, some of these patients show distant metastasis. In this study, we intended to identify the perioperative and pathologic prognostic factors for patients with pT1a stage RCC.

05/20/2010

Genetic Secrets of Common Kidney Cancer

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:10:46 GMT

By examining expression of every human gene in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) compared to normal kidney cells, researchers at Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida have discovered gene signatures they say explain much of the biology of this common and difficult-to-treat kidney cancer.

05/19/2010

Renal Cancer Project ANYARA Featured in Journal of Immunotherapy

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:13:21 GMT

The results show that critical properties of ANYARA (naptumomab estafenatox), such as tumor reactivity and therapeutic window were improved.

05/19/2010

Can we better select patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma for cytoreductive nephrectomy?

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:15:08 GMT

The authors conducted a retrospective study to investigate the overall survival (OS) of patients who underwent CN using the OS of patients with mRCC who did not undergo CN as a referent group.

05/19/2010

Immutep announces oral presentation at ASCO Annual Meeting of IMP321 final results in Phase I/II chemoimmunotherapy trial

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:18:11 GMT

A Phase I trial in metastatic renal cell carcinoma with IMP321 alone has been completed.

05/19/2010

Wilex German Biotech Meets FDA Phase 3 Endpoints for Renal Cancer Diagnosis

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:20:24 GMT

Based on these results, WILEX plans to submit REDECTANE® for approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at the end of 2010.

05/19/2010

Management of side effects associated with antiangiogenic treatment in renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:22:13 GMT

Clinicians have changed their practice and are faced with a number of new adverse events.

05/19/2010

Cancer drug policy has shocking flaws

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:26:07 GMT

Is an overstretched and underfunded National Health Service to blame?

05/19/2010

Kidney removal studied in kidney cancer

Tue, 18 May 2010 12:48:06 GMT

A Cleveland Clinic study suggests the removal of cancerous kidneys does not prolong the lives of patients 75 years or older.

05/18/2010

American Cancer Society awards 152 new research and training grants

Tue, 18 May 2010 12:51:57 GMT

Dr. Wendy Rathmell at the University of North Carolina has detected a novel protein, Ror2 which is abundant in renal cell tumors, particularly those with a very poor prognosis. Dr. Robert Huigens working at the University of Illinois is attempting to make the natural product, Englerin A, which was isolated in tiny quantities from a plant in Africa. Englerin A has generated excitement for showing highly potent and selective activity for elimination of renal cancer cells.

05/18/2010

Contralateral metachronous tumor occurrence is more frequently associated with distant metastases or postoperative intrarenal recurrence in renal cell carcinoma patients

Tue, 18 May 2010 12:55:04 GMT

Metachronous occurrence of RCC in the contralateral kidney is associated with an unfavorable prognosis . . .

05/18/2010

Liver resection for metastatic disease prolongs survival in renal cell carcinoma: 12-year results from a retrospective comparative analysis

Tue, 18 May 2010 12:56:19 GMT

Liver metastasectomy is an independent valuable tool in the treatment of metastatic RCC . . .

05/18/2010

No, You Can't Keep Your Health Plan

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:13:38 GMT

Consolidated practices and salaried doctors will leave fewer options for patients and longer waiting times for routine appointments.

05/18/2010

IMBiotechnologies Receives FDA Clearance to Market Occlusin® 500 Biodegradable Microspheres in the U.S.

Mon, 17 May 2010 11:55:04 GMT

OCL 500 is a microspherical agent in development for the treatment of highly vascularised tumours, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; liver cancer), renal cell carcinoma (RCC; kidney cancer) and uterine fibroids.

05/17/2010

Coverage of the 2010 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium

Mon, 17 May 2010 11:57:42 GMT

A CME activity from Clinical Care Options

05/17/2010

The role of radiologic imaging and biopsy in renal tumor ablation

Mon, 17 May 2010 12:27:33 GMT

The rate of unintentionally discovered renal masses has been increasing along with a parallel increased incidence of renal cell carcinoma both in men and women.

05/17/2010

Man dies after diseased-kidney transplant from wife

Mon, 17 May 2010 12:31:29 GMT

According to the Uwajima Tokushukai Hospital, the couple had asked the hospital in February whether it was possible to transplant the kidney from the wife, who had kidney cancer, to the husband.

05/17/2010

Presentations from Fifth European Kidney Cancer Symposium

Mon, 17 May 2010 19:24:02 GMT

Slides from the Fifth European International Kidney Cancer Symposium, held May 7 & 8, in London, England, are available online. Also online are selected presentations from the First European Kidney Cancer Nursing Conference.

05/17/2010

Fuhrman Grade Provides Higher Prognostic Accuracy Than Nucleolar Grade for Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma

Sat, 15 May 2010 15:24:24 GMT

Each grading system performs well but the predictive accuracy of Fuhrman grade is statistically superior to that of nucleolar grade and only.

05/15/2010

Edgecomb yard sale for cancer organization

Sat, 15 May 2010 15:26:38 GMT

Plans are continuing for the June 4 and 5 yard sale at Edgecomb Town Hall, to benefit the Kidney Cancer Association.

05/15/2010

Generic Sutent On Horizon?

Fri, 14 May 2010 15:57:44 GMT

Mylan Inc. (MYL) has applied for U.S. regulatory approval to sell a generic version of Pfizer Inc.'s (PFE) Sutent cancer pill by challenging several patents on the drug.

05/14/2010

Tue, 04 May 2010 13:18:28 GMT

Multiple epidemiologic studies have linked the development of renal cancer to obesity. In this chapter, we begin with a review of selected population studies, followed by recent mechanistic discoveries that further link lipid deregulation to the RCC development.

05/04/2010

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:42:51 GMT

Click to read the article

04/29/2010

New Oral VEGF-TKI, Tivozanib, Demonstrates Robust Anti-tumor Activity and Excellent Safety in Advanced Kidney Cancer Patients Global Phase 3 TIVO-1 Trial Actively Recruiting

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:47:31 GMT

AVEO Pharmaceuticals has recently initiated enrollment in a Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating tivozanib – a new oral, once-daily, triple VEGF receptor inhibitor – in patients with advanced kidney cancer, with nearly 500 patients worldwide expected to participate. TIVO-1 is a randomized, controlled trial evaluating tivozanib compared to sorafenib (Nexavar®), an FDA and EMEA approved therapy for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The primary endpoint of the trial is progression-free survival (PFS), while secondary endpoints include overall survival, objective response rate, duration of response and quality of life. As the lead study investigator, I am excited to be a part of this important study and pleased to report that trial enrollment at sites spanning the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia is well underway.

Results from a previously completed Phase 2 clinical study of tivozanib demonstrate characteristics of a highly differentiated therapy; patients with clear cell RCC who had undergone a prior nephrectomy achieved a median PFS of 14.8 months, with minimal side-effects commonly associated with other VEGF therapies (such as diarrhea, fatigue, rash, mucositis, stomatitis and hand-foot syndrome).

Individuals with RCC of clear cell histology that have had a prior nephrectomy and that have not received prior VEGF-targeted therapy are eligible for TIVO-1. If you think that you or one of your loved ones may be eligible, please contact AVEO Pharmaceuticals’ clinical operations department at clinicaltrials@aveopharma.com for additional information about eligibility criteria and to locate a trial site near you.

04/29/2010

Cancer research suggests changes in treatment may be forthcoming

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:37:48 GMT

Patients were placed into five marker groups. A first subset was assigned to one of four drugs without regard to their biomarkers. Patients in a second wave were assigned to drugs based on their particular tumor biomarkers, taking into consideration how people in the first group with similar biomarkers were faring.

04/28/2010

Widower calls for end to drug 'lottery'

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:15:49 GMT

She was told there was only one treatment a £30,000 a year drug called sutent but she couldnt have it.

04/28/2010

Renal Cell Neoplasms of Oncocytosis Have Distinct Morphologic, Immunohistochemical, and Cytogenetic Profiles

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:18:12 GMT

This study was undertaken to elucidate the genetic patterns of the renal cell neoplasms of oncocytosis and to compare them with those found in cases with multiple oncocytomas.

04/28/2010

NEW! 20th Anniversary 'Survivor' Wristbands

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:22:50 GMT

Five (5) Kidney Cancer Association Limited Edition 20th Anniversary Survivor Orange | Yellow | Green Wristbands for only $6.99. Medium-size silicone wristbands are imprinted with "Kidney Cancer Survivor" our website address. Give these as gifts to help spread awareness of kidney cancer and the need for a cure. People will ask you, "What does the orange, yellow, and green band stand for?" Orange = surviving kidney cancer | Yellow = honoring Lance Armstrong for putting the focus on surviving cancer | Green = kidney cancer (the disease itself).

Click here to order now!

04/28/2010

T-Cell Receptor Gene-Modified T Cells with Shared Renal Cell Carcinoma Specificity for Adoptive T-Cell Therapy

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:39:04 GMT

Adoptive therapy with genetically engineered T cells carrying redirected antigen specificity is a new option for the treatment of cancer. This approach is not yet available for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), due to the scarcity of therapeutically useful reagents. We analyzed tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from RCC to identify T-cell specificities with shared tumor-specific recognition to develop T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T lymphocytes for adoptive therapy of RCC.

04/27/2010

Phase II Trial of Bevacizumab and Everolimus in Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:47:39 GMT

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of bevacizumab, an angiogenesis inhibitor, and everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, in the treatment of patients with advanced clear cell renal carcinoma.

04/27/2010

ASVT Champions Dethroned

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:49:32 GMT

Alpha Tau Omega, with the help of Twiin Productions, hosted the event at the East Beach Volleyball Courts in downtown Santa Barbara. Approximately 4,000 people attended the tournament, which featured music, food, a beer garden and plenty of volleyball. All proceeds from ticket sales were donated to the Kidney Cancer Association.

04/27/2010

What's CAREFLASH.COM?

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 01:55:43 GMT

Jay Drayer, CEO of CAREFLASH.COM explains what makes this social network so unique. Learn why this virtual community is better than others for families dealing with a loved one's kidney cancer. Click the media player link (above) to hear the interview. Then, be sure to visit CAREFLASH.COM.

04/26/2010

Smile For Your Child: A Parent's Guide To Finding Positive Energy During Diagnosis, Treatment, & Life After

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 01:24:49 GMT

Author Tracy R. Gray discusses her book, Smile For Your Child: A Parent's Guide To Finding Positive Energy During Diagnosis, Treatment, & Life After, in this thirty-minute interview with Bill Bro, of the Kidney Cancer Association. Gray's son is a survivor of Wilms Tumor, a pediatric malignancy.

04/26/2010

Carew's work ethic outlasted retirement

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 15:27:09 GMT

Charles Chuck V. Carew worked well beyond retirement, not stopping until cancer made it physically impossible. In fact, the U.S. Postal Service worker and Air Force retiree stayed on the job until three months before his 76th birthday.

04/25/2010

Some of world's leading experts address UK patients

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 15:35:14 GMT

World experts in the treatment of kidney cancer will gather in London 06 May 2010 to discuss cutting-edge treatments with patients and their family members. Also on the expert panel, a barrister who handles patient appeals to NICE. Travel subsidies for the indigent living in Europe are available. See "Calendar of Events" at http://kidneycancer.org for details.

04/25/2010

Welsh nurses receive lesson in cancer care

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:28:46 GMT

This informative all-day meeting gave over 40 nurses from across Wales the opportunity to learn more about kidney cancer and improve patient care and their understanding of the disease.

04/25/2010

First European Kidney Cancer Nursing Conference Agenda

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:36:33 GMT

07 May 2010, London. View the agenda or register here: http://www.kidneycancer.org/knowledge/learn/medical-education-programs.

04/25/2010

Dunk tank fundraiser to benefit Kidney Cancer Association

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:24:54 GMT

Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes has announced that nine current players will be participating in a dunk tank fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. on Friday (April 23) near Beaver Stadium as part of Blue-White Weekend presented by AAA.

04/24/2010

A prospective study of one-carbon metabolism biomarkers and risk of renal cell carcinoma

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:29:53 GMT

Previous studies have found associations between one-carbon metabolism factors and risk of several cancers, but little is known regarding renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We conducted a nested casecontrol study within the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study, a prospective study of Finnish male smokers aged 5069 at baseline.

04/24/2010

Renal Cell (Kidney) Cancer Forum & Blog

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:33:27 GMT

Ask Dr. Anthony Ciarallo a Question Regarding Adult Renal Cell (Kidney) Cancer [forum section]

04/24/2010

Tumors Deficient in a Specific Enzyme Are Sensitive to a New Drug 'ADI-PEG 20'

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:55:49 GMT

He et al also established primary renal cell carcinoma cultures from fresh human tumor biopsies which were ASS-deficient. ADI-PEG 20 inhibited growth of these cells. These findings suggest that ASS deficiency may serve as a biomarker for selecting tumors for targeted therapy with ADI-PEG 20.

04/22/2010

Seattle Genetics Highlights ADC and SEA Technologies at AACR

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:58:02 GMT

These findings illustrate the mechanism for the release of cysteine-mcMMAF after internalization of the ADC into target cells (Abstract #5334). SGN-75 is in an ongoing phase I clinical trial for CD70-positive relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

04/22/2010

Renal Cell Carcinoma Mortality Calculator

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:46:25 GMT

Is it a tool or a toy? You can decide. Bear in mind, no two cases are exactly alike.

04/22/2010

MethylGene Presents Preclinical Data for MGCD265 (A Multi-Targeted Met Kinase Inhibitor) at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:01:28 GMT

MGCD265 is an oral multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor currently in multiple clinical trials. MGCD265 targets Met and blocks Met activities which contribute to cancer development and progression such as cell proliferation, motility, angiogenesis and tumor cell survival.

04/21/2010

Conservative surgery not inferior to nephrectomy

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:25:45 GMT

EORTC releases results of 30904 study on kidney cancer.

04/20/2010

Surgery still the only measure to cure RCC

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:27:51 GMT

"Surgery in an early stage always was and still is the only measure to cure RCC, and surgery plays an important role in the treatment of metastases as long as they can be removed completely," said Prof. Günter Janetschek.

04/20/2010

Real estate exec Hal Wilson dies at age of 66

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 13:08:51 GMT

Hal Wilson, the real estate executive who established The Wilson Group real estate sales firm, died early Friday at the age of 66 as a result of cancer.

04/18/2010

EAU: Advances in kidney cancer management

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 13:10:24 GMT

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for about 3% of all solid tumours in adults, and worldwide, more than 200.000 new cases and 100.000 deaths result each year from this malignancy.

04/18/2010

Husband's fury at NHS selling dying wife's cancer drug abroad

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:16:24 GMT

Bill Phelps spoke out after a Surrey hospital trust was criticised for selling more than £4million of drugs abroad to make profits of more than £300,000.

04/16/2010

Identifying the risk of disease progression after surgery for localized renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:18:10 GMT

To identify factors in a large cohort of patients with pathologically localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that predicted disease progression after surgery, as RCC most commonly presents as a localized tumour which is treated with surgical excision.

04/16/2010

Durable oncologic outcomes after radiofrequency ablation

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:19:29 GMT

Experience from treating 243 small renal masses over 7.5 years.

04/16/2010

Podocalyxin EBP50 Ezrin Molecular Complex Enhances the Metastatic Potential of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:21:33 GMT

Podocalyxin was initially identified in glomerular podocytes to critically maintain the structural and functional integrity of the glomerular ultrafiltrative apparatus.

04/16/2010

Renal Cell Carcinoma Drug Discoveries - What the Future Holds

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:26:10 GMT

This is a very exciting time in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) . . .

04/15/2010

Funding for kidney cancer drug withheld

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:29:40 GMT

Kidney cancer sufferers received a blow after funding for a new drug was refused.

04/15/2010

Investigators target vascular endothelial growth factor

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:30:37 GMT

A new study, 'The relationship of vascular endothelial growth factor and coagulation factor (fibrin and fibrinogen) expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma,' is now available. In this recently published article, scientists in Amsterdam, Netherlands conducted a study "To investigate the relationship between angiogenesis and coagulation markers in tumor tissues of primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Tumors stimulate angiogenesis and activate the coagulation cascade."

04/15/2010

Multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma is a subtype of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:31:53 GMT

Multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma is an uncommon low grade renal cell carcinoma with unique morphologic features. Its cytogenetic characteristics have not been fully investigated.

04/15/2010

Neoadjuvant temsirolimus effectiveness in downstaging advanced non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:33:11 GMT

After 6 wk of treatment, a significant downstaging of the disease and complete disappearance of the metastases were noticed on computed tomography scan.

04/15/2010

Pfizer Oncology to present cancer drugs at annual cancer research conference

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:35:14 GMT

The company will present data on investigational cancer drugs such as figitumumab, a monoclonal antibody for lung cancer, as well as Sutent (sunitinib) and the kidney cancer drug axitinib, as well as drugs for lymphoma and others.

04/15/2010

Green Tea "Promising Agent" in Kidney Cancer

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:49:35 GMT

Green tea may be an effective anticancer agent for renal cell carcinoma(or RCC), the most common type of kidney cancer in adults, and one of the most deadly.

04/15/2010

Oncology Investigators Leading Promising Research to be Awarded More Than $7.1 Million at the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:10:00 GMT

Each of this years 46 awardees will receive a 1-year grant of $50,000 to fund his or her investigative studies as they begin their careers in clinical oncology research. The Kidney Cancer Association is pleased to be a collaborator in funding these important grants.

04/14/2010

RCC treatment-related hypertension may be marker for efficacy

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:10:25 GMT

A retrospective, exploratory analysis of prospective clinical trials showed treatment-related hypertension was associated with significantly greater progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma . . .

04/14/2010

AVEO Pharmaceuticals' Translational Research Platform and Novel Antibody Pipeline

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:56:22 GMT

Phase 3 clinical trial called TIVO-1 comparing tivozanib to sorafenib in advanced kidney cancer, as well as additional clinical studies in other solid tumor types.

04/14/2010

Researchers find proteins to detect kidney cancer

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:59:05 GMT

The researchers identified a pair of proteins -- aquaporin-1, or AQP1, and adipophilin, or ADFP, -- that are excreted in the urine that could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of the disease. The proteins were not elevated in people without cancer.

04/14/2010

AACR and Landon Foundation Support the Next Generation of Researchers with the INNOVATOR Awards

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:00:55 GMT

W. Kimryn Rathmell, M.D., Ph.D.'s project, Advancing Prognostic Algorithms for Renal Cell Carcinoma, focuses on renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer.

04/14/2010

Prognostic stratification of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:03:21 GMT

04/14/2010

Early 21st Century renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:08:37 GMT

Individuals involved in the management of patients with small renal masses should acknowledge the role and the importance of active surveillance in older populations (aged >75 years) and minimally invasive ablative therapies. These new therapeutic strategies should be inculcated during medical training and practice so that they may become just as embedded as the emphasis on the oncologic outcome of standard treatment.

04/14/2010

Combined classical cytogenetics and microarray-based genomic copy number analysis reveal frequent 3;5 rearrangements in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:09:52 GMT

Karyotypic analysis and genomic copy number analysis with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based microarrays were compared with regard to the detection of recurrent genomic imbalances in 20 clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs).

04/14/2010

WSJ: The Separation of Health and State

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:08:58 GMT

What happens when all medical decisions are political.

04/13/2010

VIDEO: Association Board Chair Sarah Wise Miller

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:09:18 GMT

A few years ago, patients diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer had limited treatment options. However, in recent years, innovative targeted therapies have been developed that have helped countless patients delay the progression of the disease.

04/13/2010

VIDEO: Living With Kidney Cancer

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:08:24 GMT

Join Kidney Cancer Association Board Chair and kidney cancer survivor, Sarah Wise Miller, at either of these two great meetings for survivors and family members. Learn about living with kidney cancer from some of the world's leading experts. Register online by clicking "Calendar of Events" on the home page at KidneyCancer.org.

04/13/2010

Hallucinogens Have Doctors Tuning In Again

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:13:10 GMT

As a retired clinical psychologist, Clark Martin was well acquainted with traditional treatments for depression, but his own case seemed untreatable as he struggled through chemotherapy and other grueling regimens for kidney cancer. Counseling seemed futile to him. So did the antidepressant pills he tried.

04/13/2010

Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:44:33 GMT

Keryx declared the results of the clinical activity of KRX-0401 (perifosine), the company´s Akt-inhibitor for cancer, to be used as a treatment for advanced renal cell carcnoma.

04/13/2010

EAU Congress in Barcelona tops attendance registrations

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:46:35 GMT

The congress will also tackle some of the most controversial issues in urology and the EAU's Scientific Committee has prepared a programme that covers a long list of urological topics ranging from paediatrics, bladder cancer, female urology, renal cell carcinoma, reconstruction and functional urology, benign prostatic obstruction, stones and minimal invasive therapy, to name a few. The Kidney Cancer Association is represented at this meeting through the participation of its board member and past chairman, Paula E. Bowen.

04/13/2010

The genetic link

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:49:09 GMT

HNPCC also raises the risk of other cancers, including ovarian, stomach, pancreatic and kidney cancer.

04/13/2010

An Evening of Reflection with Our Lady, Queen of Peace, and Visionary Ivan Dragicevic of Medjugorje

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:16:19 GMT

Boyle was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma-a large tumor on his kidney . . . He was healed.

04/13/2010

The Massachusetts Insurance Blackout

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:25:01 GMT

This week it became impossible in Massachusetts for small businesses and individuals to buy health-care coverage after Governor Deval Patrick imposed price controls on premiums. Read on, because under ObamaCare this kind of political showdown will soon be coming to an insurance market near you.

04/12/2010

Wall Street Journal: Medical Privacy and ObamaCare

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:29:11 GMT

The Obama health law requires that nearly everyone enroll in a "qualified" plan, then says plans can pay only doctors who implement whatever regulations the Secretary of Health and Human Services imposes to improve health-care "quality" (Section 1311). That covers everything in medicine. Never has the federal government dictated how doctors treat privately insured patients . . .

04/12/2010

Clear Cell Histology Predicts Worse Prognosis With Kidney Cancer

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:11:35 GMT

The histological subtype of renal cell carcinoma predicts outcome, Mayo Clinic researchers say - but rather than settling the controversy over this issue, their assertion just adds to it.

04/12/2010

Primary malignant non-Wilms' renal tumours in children

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:13:07 GMT

Non-Wilms' tumours form a small heterogeneous group of clinically significant renal malignancies in children, including renal-cell carcinoma, clear-cell sarcoma, (congenital) mesoblastic nephroma, rhabdoid tumour, and renal medullary carcinoma.

04/12/2010

Final Analysis of Overall Survival (AVOREN)

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:15:32 GMT

A phase III trial of bevacizumab combined with interferon alfa-2a (IFN) showed significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Here, we report overall survival (OS) data.

04/12/2010

Cancer vaccines therapy

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:18:02 GMT

A new study, 'Enhanced antitumor effects of an engineered measles virus Edmonston strain expressing the wild-type N, P, L genes on human renal cell carcinoma,' is now available.

04/12/2010

St. Josephs Healthcare Hamilton launches kidney website

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:23:08 GMT

The website is a resource for those who are experiencing kidney ailments and to help individuals easily navigate on a user-friendly website that offers an abundance of helpful information, including Your Kidney which anatomically displays and details the kidney.

04/12/2010

Mother condemns NHS over cancer drug refusal

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:25:18 GMT

A mother from Kent dying of a rare form of cancer has hit out at the NHS after she was refused the only drug that could help prolong her life.

04/12/2010

Health insurance would cover drug trials under bill

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 16:55:23 GMT

The trial that Cutright enrolled in through the institute - part of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine - pays for the medicine Cutright hopes will halt or slow the progression of her adrenal cancer, which has spread to both lungs.

04/12/2010

Early Detection and Diagnosis

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:22:13 GMT

Prognostic relevance of global histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation in renal cell carcinoma.

04/11/2010

Hepatitis C Infection Doubles Risk for Kidney Cancer

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:25:26 GMT

Physicians at Henry Ford Hospital have found that infection with the hepatitis C virus increases the risk for developing kidney cancer.

04/11/2010

Cipla to launch kidney cancer drug at 1/10th of its price

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:52:07 GMT

"Cipla will launch ''sorafenib tosylate'' under the brand Soranib, the generic version of Nexavar at less than 1/10th of Bayer''s price of Rs 2.8 lakh for a month''s treatment," Cipla Joint Managing Director Amar Lulla told PTI over telephone.

04/11/2010

Mother forced to sell her home to buy cancer drugs

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:54:50 GMT

The rationing body NICE has since refused to approve ten such drugs. Experts say the rulings cut short up to 20,000 lives.

04/11/2010

Phase III trial of bevacizumab plus interferon alfa-2a in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (AVOREN): Final analysis of overall survival

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:09:47 GMT

A phase III trial of bevacizumab combined with interferon alfa-2a (IFN) showed significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

04/11/2010

Survivors of Childhood Cancer Face Shortened Life Expectancy in Adulthood

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:24:15 GMT

The researchers found that survivors of childhood cancers face health risks that shorten their life span by about 10 years on average. The loss in life expectancy varied for different types of cancer. Survivors of kidney cancer died about 4 years earlier . . .

04/10/2010

Life-saving cancer drugs still not available on NHS

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:28:02 GMT

Life-saving cancer drugs are still not available on the NHS nearly 18 months after the Government promised to improve access to vital medicines, the Conservatives claim.

04/10/2010

What is TIVOZANIB?

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:25:34 GMT

In addition to our ongoing Phase 3 clinical trial of once-daily, oral tivozanib in patients with advanced RCC, we are currently conducting multiple clinical trials of tivozanib . . .

04/09/2010

The Onconeural Antigen cdr2 Is a Novel APC/C Target that Acts in Mitosis to Regulate C-Myc Target Genes in Mammalian Tumor Cells

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:03:53 GMT

Cdr2 is a tumor antigen expressed in a high percentage of breast and ovarian tumors and is the target of a naturally occurring tumor immune response in patients with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, but little is known of its regulation or function in cancer cells. Here we find that cdr2 is cell cycle regulated in tumor cells with protein levels peaking in mitosis.

04/09/2010

Urine test for kidney cancer a step closer to development

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 01:34:37 GMT

Studying patients with kidney cancer, a team of researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has identified a pair of proteins excreted in the urine that could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of the disease.

04/08/2010

Kinase targets in renal-cell carcinomas

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:22:03 GMT

In this review, we discuss the use of molecularly-targeted kinase inhibitors in the treatment of renal-cell carcinoma and identify the next generation of kinase inhibitors that show promise for treatment.

04/08/2010

BNC105 US Renal Cancer Trial Initiated

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:27:39 GMT

The trial will determine whether BNC105 is effective in the treatment of progressive metastaticrenal cell carcinoma, either in combination with or following Afinitor (also known asEverolimus) treatment in patients who have disease progression following treatment withtyrosine kinase inhibitors such as Sutent or Nexavar.

04/08/2010

Has Cleveland State professor found a cure for cancer?

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 14:58:20 GMT

And it happened by accident. Right there inside chemistry labs in a science building along Euclid Avenue.

04/07/2010

The Do's & Don'ts of Managing Your Kidney Cancer Treatment

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 17:48:14 GMT

Ask Dr. DeSilva Internet radio program: Sarah Wise Miller, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kidney Cancer Association and a ten-year survivor of Renal Cell Carcinoma joins the show to discuss the do's and dont's of managing your Kidney cancer treatment.

04/07/2010

New Topical Eye Drop for the Treatment of Macular Degeneration

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:29:01 GMT

According to Dr. Cohen, Pazopanib has been previously used in humans extensively as an oral agent for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.

04/07/2010

Patients get life-saving drugs if Tories win

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:31:47 GMT

Mr. Cameron said: "Other European countries are giving people longer, happier lives with cancer than we are. Thousands whose doctors would like them to have a drug will get it."

04/07/2010

MP meets cancer patients in Witney

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:37:39 GMT

Witney MP and Conservative Party leader, David Cameron, met campaigners for kidney cancer drugs in Witney, where he outlined a plan for a cancer drugs fund.

04/07/2010

2nd Annual Michael J. Garner Renal Run 5k

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:15:02 GMT

This fun, family-friendly event, May 1, 2010, is held to honor Michael J. Garner, retired Tulsa Police Officer who lost his battle with kidney cancer in 2008.

04/06/2010

Santa Barbara: Annual All Sorority Volleyball Tournament

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 15:26:02 GMT

The Annual All Sorority Volleyball Tournament held at beautiful East Beach in downtown Santa Barbara, April 24, 2010. The entire UCSB and Santa Barbara community is invited, so come out and help us raise money for the Kidney Cancer Association, while enjoying a day at the beach with more than 30 sororities from all over California competing, food vendors, DJ's spinning all day, and a beer garden for those 21 and up.

04/05/2010

Seven things you can do if a loved one is diagnosed with cancer

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:56:44 GMT

Georgia Cancer Specialists nurse Kimberly Auriemma shares seven things you can do if one of your loved ones is diagnosed with cancer.

04/05/2010

Sorafenib and sunitinib increase risk of blood clots, research shows

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:46:30 GMT

Two cancer drugs triple the risk of blood clots in the arteries, a meta-analysis published online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (29 March 2010) has found.

04/04/2010

Cancer patients 'are denied drugs'

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 13:12:53 GMT

Cancer sufferers in the UK are still failing to get drugs widely available elsewhere in Europe despite government efforts to speed up approvals, the Tories have said.

04/04/2010

'We'll sell our house for this drug'

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 13:26:40 GMT

"It's devastating for us, because three months ago, before Sutent, he was a dying man. Now he is unrecognisable, almost back to normal - it's clearly working for him."

04/04/2010

UK: Too many new cancer drugs turned down

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 13:33:05 GMT

A drug for advanced kidney cancer, Sutent, was recommended as the first treatment for patients in March 2009 after a vigorous campaign by doctors and patients. But three other drugs for the same type of cancer have had their application to be used as a first line treatment turned down by NICE.

04/04/2010

Gene discovery could lead to new treatments for childhood cancer

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 13:34:57 GMT

Cancer Research UK-funded scientists have identified two genes linked to Wilms tumour a type of childhood kidney cancer - according to research published in Clinical Cancer Research.

04/04/2010

NICE: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of renal cancer

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:33:49 GMT

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is examining percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of renal cancer and will publish guidance on its safety and efficacy to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

04/03/2010

Researchers and Scientists Honored for Improving Treatment and Quality of Life

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:36:26 GMT

Dr. McCormick is a pioneering molecular biologist and cancer researcher, whose contributions include the development of sorafenib, a small-molecule tyrosine protein kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of kidney cancer and advanced liver cancer.

04/03/2010

Lpath rejects Merck's proposal to extend the opt-in deadline for anti-cancer drug Asonep

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:43:51 GMT

These compelling factors include strong efficacy signals from a wide spectrum of preclinical studies in animal models involving renal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer, and now the successful completion of the phase 1 trial announced today that demonstrated an excellent safety profile and produced evidence of pharmacological activity in cancer patients.

04/03/2010

Antiangiogenic cancer therapy combined with oncolytic virotherapy leads to regression of established tumors in mice

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:45:21 GMT

Cancer gene/virus therapy will not achieve its potential until vectors can be delivered systemically to metastatic disease.

04/03/2010

Sunitinib, sorafenib increased risk for arterial thrombosis threefold

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:13:54 GMT

The use of the oral vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors sunitinib and sorafenib resulted in a threefold increased relative risk for arterial thrombosis, according to the results of a meta-analysis.

04/02/2010

2010 ASCO Tumor Boards: Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:12:08 GMT

In this month's Tumor Board, Christopher Wood, MD, FACS, and David Nanus, MD, focus on a patient with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

04/02/2010

Changes in Renal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms Identified

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:40:07 GMT

Researchers who studied renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cases diagnosed between 1964 and 1997 observed an increase in the proportion of cases diagnosed incidentally during that period as well as a decrease in hematuria and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as presenting symptoms.

04/02/2010

Higher vitamin K intake tied to lower cancer risks

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:43:44 GMT

People with higher intakes of vitamin K from food may be less likely to develop or die of cancer, particularly lung or prostate cancers, than those who eat relatively few vitamin-K- containing foods, a new study suggests.

04/02/2010

Kidney Cancer Education and Support Meetings

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:10:21 GMT

Nearly 30 meetings are scheduled through June, 2010, in both the USA and Europe, including large, day-long, meetings in Houston and London.

04/01/2010

Sunlight Exposure Reduces Kidney Cancer Risk in Men

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 03:14:39 GMT

Published early online in Cancer the study is the largest case-control study of kidney cancer to investigate the association with occupational sunlight exposure. American Cancer Society (2010, March 8). Occupational sunlight exposure reduces kidney cancer risk in men, study suggests.

04/01/2010

Is the Tanning Tax Half Baked?

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 03:16:39 GMT

The horse-trading that helped win doctors support for the health-care overhaul included replacing a proposed 5% tax on Botox treatments and elective cosmetic procedures with a 10% tax on indoor tanning services.

04/01/2010

Pathways involved in Wilms tumor

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:52:37 GMT

Wilms tumor, the most common pediatric kidney cancer, is a pluripotent tumor that arises in kidney specific stem cells and histologically resembles the earliest stages of kidney development.

04/01/2010

New diagnostic methods and therapeutics

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:55:00 GMT

We are studying serum and tissue markers that can be used in screening and diagnosis of kidney cancer.

04/01/2010

Spontaneous bilateral pneumothorax in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:08:34 GMT

Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare occurrence in patients with both primary and metastatic lung cancer. Pneumothorax occurring as a complication of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor therapy has not been previously described in the medical literature. Sunitinib malate is a VEGFR inhibitor approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma. We present a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma manifested as bilateral pulmonary nodules who developed a bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax 3 weeks after initiation of sunitinib therapy.

04/01/2010

Surveillance of renal cortical neoplasm an option in some elderly

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:13:20 GMT

Active surveillance for renal cortical neoplasm is a "reasonable treatment option" in older patients with comorbid illness, according to a single-center report from Columbia University in New York.

04/01/2010

Larry R. Mummey

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:14:33 GMT

Larry R. Mummey, 66, a master chief in the Navy, died March 18, 2010, from complications due to kidney cancer.

04/01/2010

Current Oncology: Sunitinib Causes Macrocytosis

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:04:59 GMT

Sunitinib Causes Macrocytosis in Patients with Advance Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

04/01/2010

CaringBridge: Warren Lewis

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:45:47 GMT

We have created this caringbridge site at the suggestion of family & friends to keep everyone updated on Warren. We are doing well and appreciate everyone's love, support & kindness.

04/01/2010

What Does Health Care Reform Mean for Patients?

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:14:10 GMT

Now that it has passed, lets take a look at how the bill will affect the average patient.

03/31/2010

Possible Link Between Opioids and Cancer Progression

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:53:35 GMT

Two recent studies conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago add to a growing literature that suggest that opioid-based pain therapies may trigger the growth and migration of cancer cells.

03/31/2010

Overwhelming Public Anger Over US Government Policies

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:37:16 GMT

03/31/2010

Risk factors and clinical management of haemorrhage after open nephron-sparing surgery

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:44:36 GMT

We evaluated bleeding complications after open NSS in 196 consecutive cases (193 patients) at our institution.

03/31/2010

Kingdom records 200 kidney cancer cases per annum

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:45:59 GMT

Speaking on the sidelines of the recent Saudi Conference on Urological Tumors in Sharm Al-Sheikh in Egypt, Abu Samra said that studies showed a growth in kidney cancer worldwide, but particularly in the Arab World.

03/31/2010

Renal Cell Carcinoma Type Linked to Time on Dialysis

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:48:50 GMT

The histologic type of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) arising in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may be related to the time on dialysis, according to a study.

03/31/2010

Kidney Cancer Films: Jane's Journey

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:49:03 GMT

The film 'Kidney Cancer: Jane's Journey' was commissioned by the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer (http://www.jameswhalefund.org /) and Kidney Cancer UK (http://www.kcuk.org/) in co-sponsorship with Novartis Oncology, Red Health and Day for Night Films, to raise awareness of this cruel disease.

03/31/2010

US judge strikes down patent on cancer genes

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:19:42 GMT

The decision by U.S. District Judge Robert Sweet challenging whether anyone can hold patents on human genes was expected to have broad implications for the biotechnology industry and genetics-based medical research.

03/30/2010

Surgery gives kidney cancer patient 2nd chance

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:54:41 GMT

A kidney cancer patient who underwent surgery at the Mayo Clinic shared her story in this week's Medical Edge.

03/30/2010

Metronomic chemotherapy for renal cancer

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:58:16 GMT

The paper by Bellmunt and colleagues, 1 published in this issue of The Lancet Oncology , could be regarded as a challenge to the conventional approach...

03/30/2010

Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Human Skin Wound Healing

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:02:11 GMT

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), characterized by loss of epithelial adhesion and gain of mesenchymal features, is an important mechanism to empower epithelial cells into the motility that occurs during embryonic development and recurs in cancer and fibrosis . . .

03/30/2010

Pathological prognostic indicators in renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:04:01 GMT

To analyze histological factors not routinely assessed as potential prognostic factors in renal cell carcinoma, such as tumor necrosis, microscopic vascular invasion, and sinus fat invasion.

03/30/2010

Risk of Arterial Thromboembolic Events With Sunitinib and Sorafenib

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:19:34 GMT

Sunitinib and sorafenib are oral vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) used in a vast range of cancers. Arterial thromboembolic events (ATE) have been described with these agents, although the overall risk remains unclear.

03/30/2010

Unclassified Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:21:47 GMT

Although URCC is more likely to present with advanced clinicopathologic features compared with ccRCC . . .

03/30/2010

Treatments for Advanced Renal Cancer

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:21:11 GMT

This video features a kidney cancer survivor, along with members of the Kidney Cancer Association's governing and medical boards, who have conducted ground-breaking research in the treatment of kidney cancer.

03/29/2010

ObamaCare and Immigration Reform

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:46:28 GMT

...a larger welfare state is not conducive to comprehensive immigration reform. If foreigners start coming for handouts instead of economic opportunity, tighter restrictions will be justified.

03/29/2010

Total Fluid And Specific Beverage Intake And Risk Of Renal Cell Carcinoma In Canada

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:51:52 GMT

This is a large, nationwide, population-based investigation based on a widely used and validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Nevertheless, possible limitations should be mentioned, in particular, the validity of information on intake of beverages 2 years before the study.

03/29/2010

Kidney Cancer Risk Groups

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:54:10 GMT

This video features members of our Kidney Cancer Association Professional Group, along with kidney cancer survivors.

03/29/2010

"We Have Kidney Cancer" Facebook Fan Page

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:55:07 GMT

We Have Kidney Cancer

Promote Your Page Too

03/29/2010

ASCO Statement on the Passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 04:07:30 GMT

While ASCO recognizes that there are strong feelings on both sides of this issue, we are very pleased that the newly passed Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed into law this week includes a number of things that will benefit cancer patients in the short term...

03/29/2010

The Kidney Cancer Association challenge focuses on Facebook Fans

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:28:01 GMT

"Today, social networks, like Facebook, play an important role in the lives of families that are dealing with a loved one's experience with cancer," Bro said. "Families are using social media more than ever before to engage friends and share information. There's great economy in this, because it saves the time that would have been spent updating distant family members, colleagues, and friends in individual telephone calls. Some of these precious lost minutes could be better spent helping the patient to become a survivor. [Ed.] Since the original publication of this article, the Facebook challenge has been modified. If the KCA's Facebook Fan Page accrues 5,000 fans by the end of March, the charity is eligible to receive gifts totaling $2,000.00--100% more than the original challenge grant.]

03/28/2010

Renal cancer and chronic kidney disease

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 17:59:18 GMT

Does CKD or ESRD lead to kidney cancer?

03/28/2010

Everolimus (RAD001) in the Treatment of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:18:38 GMT

Historically, there have been few treatment options for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) besides immunotherapy with interleukin-2 and interferon (IFN)-{alpha}. Targeted therapies have improved clinical outcomes over the past several years. These include the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors sunitinib and sorafenib, which inhibit angiogenic signaling in endothelial cells and vascular pericytes predominantly through VEGFR and platelet-derived growth factor receptor β.

03/28/2010

Reports on renal cell carcinoma immunotherapy findings from Royal Marsden Hospital provide new insights

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:20:35 GMT

Researchers detail in 'Interferon alfa-2a versus combination therapy with interferon alfa-2a, interleukin-2, and fluorouracil in patients with untreated metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRC RE04/EORTC GU 30012): an open-label randomised trial,' new data in renal cell carcinoma.

03/28/2010

The Do's & Don'ts of Managing Your Kidney Cancer Treatment

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:37:06 GMT

Health Radio: Sarah Wise Miller, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kidney Cancer Association and a ten-year survivor of Renal Cell Carcinoma joins host Dr. Derrick DeSilva to discuss the do's and dont's of managing your Kidney cancer treatment.

03/27/2010

Impact of body mass index on perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:06:26 GMT

The aim of this study was to review the association between body mass index (BMI) and perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) in Japanese patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

03/27/2010

Kidney Cancer Treatments

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:17:00 GMT

According to the American Cancer Society, about 32,000 new cases of Kidney cancer are diagnosed and about 12,000 people die from the disease annually.

03/27/2010

Saskatchewan now covering cost of kidney cancer drug Torisel

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:11:40 GMT

Saskatchewan has joined two other Canadian provinces that cover the cost of Torisel , a drug used in the treatment of advanced kidney cancer. In clinical studies, compared to Interferon-alpha, recognized as the standard of care, Torisel significantly increased survival from diagnosis to death by 49 per cent.

Bill Bro, CEO of the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA), a global patient advocacy organization, said, "It's comforting to know that many Canadians now have the same therapeutic options for treatment of renal cancer that patients here in the United States have had for quite some time. The limited access to these novel therapies in countries where sociailized medicine prevails continues to be of great concern to our charity. We'll continue fighting for these patients living where their medical system kicks them to the curb, because this cancer is an expensive one to treat. Novel therapies continue to signfificantly improve the quality of life for these desperately ill people."

The KCA reaches 50,000 people in more than 100 countries, from its offices in suburban Chicago. It is the largest organization of its kind, serving the needs of patients and medical practicioners. The KCA was founded by Eugene P. Schonfeld, Ph.D., and a small group of patients, in 1990.

03/26/2010

THE MEDIAN ISN'T THE MESSAGE

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:19:44 GMT

"This is a personal story of statistics..."

03/26/2010

Rexahn Pharma sets up advisory board

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:49:47 GMT

All three drugs are potentially best-in-class pharmaceuticals.

03/25/2010

How Not to Miss or Mischaracterize a Renal Cell Carcinoma: Protocols, Pearls, and Pitfalls

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:51:49 GMT

Proper data acquisition and utilization of postprocessing tools are essential to avoid missed diagnoses or misinterpretation when imaging renal cell carcinoma.

03/25/2010

Wilex Enters 20M Standby Equity Deal with Yorkville

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:54:53 GMT

The upcoming quarter is crucial for Wilex, as it is due to report data from two key clinical trials during the period. It will report final data from a Phase III trial of Redectane (girentuximab), a radiolabeled antibody in development for presurgical detection of clear cell renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer. A regulatory filing could follow in the fourth quarter.

03/25/2010

Congressional Kidney Caucus Praises KCA

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:52:48 GMT

03/24/2010

Benzene has been connected to a rare form of kidney cancer

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:47:12 GMT

The US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) classifies benzene as a human carcinogen.

03/23/2010

Update on Washington Secretary of State Reed's cancer

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:49:06 GMT

Reed's office announced last week that he had been diagnosed with kidney cancer.

03/23/2010

Virtual colonoscopy allows detection of unsuspected cancers beyond colon

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:51:25 GMT

Extracolonic malignancies, which outnumbered cases of invasive colorectal cancer, included renal cell carcinoma, lung cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, among others.

03/23/2010

Regression of human kidney cancer following allogeneic stem cell transplantation is associated with recognition of an HERV-E antigen by T cells

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:23:32 GMT

Transplanted donor lymphocytes infused during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have been shown to cure patients with hematological malignancies.

03/23/2010

Clinical-grade ex vivo-expanded human natural killer cells up-regulate activating receptors and death receptor ligands and have enhanced cytolytic activity against tumor cells.

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:24:49 GMT

Cancer immunotherapy involving natural killer (NK) cell infusions and administration of therapeutic agents modulating the susceptibility of tumors to NK-cell lysis has been proposed recently.

03/23/2010

KCA Recognized by ASCO Cancer Foundation®

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:55:10 GMT

List of Foundations and Non-Profit Organizations

03/22/2010

Ambitious climb honors dad who suffered from kidney cancer

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 14:46:29 GMT

"It's called Kidney Klimb. We hope to raise $10,000 for kidney cancer awareness and for families in the area who are dealing with this. The bulk of our money will go to families, but we will give some to the Kidney Cancer Association..."

03/22/2010

XM Radio: Dr. Samir Taneja

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:06:12 GMT

"Doctor Radio" host specializes in kidney cancer surgery.

03/22/2010

Former PR exec for Disney and Irvine Co. dies

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:08:39 GMT

C. Thomas Wilck, 75, died July 24 from kidney cancer.

03/22/2010

Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy For Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:13:14 GMT

In 73 patients with kidney cancer undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and followed for mean 11.2 years, cancer-specific and overall survival were 78% and 35%, respectively. Cancer recurred in 11% of patients; in 7%, the recurrence occurred late at 8-10 years after surgery.

03/21/2010

Loss of expression of TIMP3 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:17:41 GMT

In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) represents the central positive mediator of tumour angiogenesis while VEGF receptor (VEGFR) is the primary target of anti-angiogenic therapies. TIMP3 is a physiological VEGFR-2 antagonist and thus could be considered as an anti-angiogenic factor. We therefore determined the status of this physiological inhibitor in CCRCC.

03/21/2010

UK cancer death risk is 70% higher in men

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:10:02 GMT

Unhealthy lifestyles and a 'stiff upper lip' make men up to 70 per cent more likely to die from cancer than women, doctors have warned.

03/20/2010

Roche Increased Avastin Sales Efforts; Doubles US Force

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:11:40 GMT

The moves come after Roche paid $46.8 billion to takeover Genentech Inc., which developed the drug. Avastin was Roche's biggest seller in 2009 with sales of about $5.9 billion, making up about 13% of its total, but it has faced multiple setbacks in its development since the deal closed about a year ago.

03/20/2010

Orangeburg man runs marathon to raise $50K for KCA

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:32:25 GMT

He plans to run in the New York City Half-Marathon on March 21. He hopes to raise $50,000 for the Kidney Cancer Association.

03/19/2010

Two-protein signature of novel serological markers apolipoprotein-A2 and serum amyloid alpha predicts prognosis in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer and improves the currently used prognostic

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:03:55 GMT

Proteomics and subsequent validation yielded two novel prognostic markers and survival models which improved prediction of OS in mRCC patients over commonly used risk models. Implementation of these models has the potential to improve current risk stratification, although prospective validation will still be necessary.

03/19/2010

Secretary of State Sam Reed has kidney cancer

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:01:08 GMT

Spokesman David Ammons said Wednesday that Reed was diagnosed last week. He has a malignant tumor on his left kidney, and surgeons will remove the entire kidney on Monday at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle.

03/19/2010

NICE leaves many patients with rarer forms of cancer without drugs

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:04:12 GMT

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is failing to follow its own guidance aimed at making live-extending treatments available on the NHS, leaving many patients with rarer forms of cancer without drugs that could prolong their lives, a campaign group has said.

03/19/2010

Senators question $1 million pay for charity's CEO

03/07/2010

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:19:24 GMT

With the advent of the new targeted therapies there has been a complete shift in paradigm. Treatment options for patients with advanced disease have improved dramatically; until recently there was limited choice and therapies were poorly tolerated, with relatively low response rates. Patients now face multiple options with improved safety and efficacy, and there are plenty of further therapies in the pipeline. The overall prognosis has changed for these patients and survival is now much longer.

03/02/2010

FactCheck.org: Republican & Democrat Health Reform Plans

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:57:01 GMT

Contrary to claims made by some Democratic detractors, detailed GOP proposals, and a bipartisan bill with several GOP cosponsors, do exist.

03/02/2010

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:23:29 GMT

In this email to our CEO, Bill Bro, Shannon Bell, Director, Office of Advocacy Relations, at the National Cancer Institute, describes new initiatives in kidney cancer research. Mr. Bro will attend the National Cancer Advisory Board meetings, in Bethesda, in his capacity as a liaison representing cancer survivors.

Dear Bill:

I would like to take this opportunity to call your attention to several of NCI’s exciting initiatives funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) in both cancer research generally and in kidney cancer specifically. I am pleased to report that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has made significant strides in distributing the $1.26 billion it received under ARRA. As of mid-November 2009, the NCI has awarded $847 million in ARRA funds. These awards have enabled us to significantly expand our support of cancer research by increasing the percentage of grants funded, launching new interdisciplinary and collaborative programs, and accelerating clinical trials to get treatments to cancer patients more rapidly. These NCI ARRA investments are not only stimulating the economy through the support of biomedical and behavioral research, they are enabling opportunities for important scientific advances in cancer research. More detail about NCI’s use of ARRA funds can be found at: http://www.cancer.gov/recovery.

To advance our efforts in the area of kidney cancer, the NCI has used ARRA funds to award 46 grants totaling $3,162,070. These awards, uniquely identified by project numbers, complement our existing portfolio and stimulate the economy by supporting research at 38 institutions in 22 states across the country. Individual investigators conducting hypothesis-driven science remain the backbone of NCI’s research portfolio, and for that reason, the support of investigators—established or new to the field—was the institute’s first priority. Thus, 4 of the awards are funding investigator-initiated research, using the R01 funding mechanism.

For example, one R01 grant recipient (Project # 3R01CA104505-05S1) aims to understand the molecular pathways that underlie renal cell carcinoma, which could support the development of effective therapy for this disease. Another grantee (Project # 3R01CA054498-18S1) will study the long term health of patients treated for Wilms tumor (WT) during their childhood and will monitor the patients’ offspring for cancer and birth defects. By elucidating the late complications of WT and its treatment, and by identifying susceptible subgroups, this study will enable future generations of childhood cancer patients and their physicians to select optimum treatments based on knowledge of long term risks as well as short term benefits.

ARRA funds are also being used to increase the number of studies under TARGET (Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments), an initiative which will expand research on the molecular basis of childhood cancers http://target.cancer.gov/. The $25 million award to the TARGET initiative will allow NCI to further support two current TARGET projects and expand to include molecular characterization of three additional childhood tumors including Wilms tumor.

Remaining ARRA funds may be used to support additional kidney cancer research. To view research projects funded since November 2009, please visit the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tool (RePORT) at http://projectreporter.nih.gov/reporter.cfm. To research NCI ARRA funded kidney cancer projects: 1) be sure to mark the box “Show only projects supported by NIH Recovery Act funds”, 2) include ‘kidney cancer’ as a search term, and 3) check the NCI as the Agency/Institute/Center you wish to search. To view the Institute’s funded research grants, contract awards, and intramural research projects prior to FY 2009, please visit the NCI Funded Research Portfolio at: http://fundedresearch.cancer.gov/.

Thank you for your support of cancer research and the NCI. Please do not hesitate to contact me or members of my staff should you have further questions or require additional information.

Best regards,

Shannon K. Bell, MSW

Director, Office of Advocacy Relations

National Cancer Institute, NIH

Bethesda, MD 20892-2580

02/27/2010

Young Investigator Award Interim Progress Report

Kidney cancer drug also shrinks tumors

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:43:31 GMT

A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study has found a drug used to treat advanced kidney cancer can also shrink kidney tumors prior to surgery.

02/21/2010

Study reveals how genes interact with their environment to cause disease

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:46:36 GMT

A UCLA study reveals how human genes interact with their environment to boost disease risk. Published in the Feb. 18 online edition of the American Journal of Human Genetics, the findings shed light on why the search for specific gene variants linked to human diseases can only partly explain common disorders.

02/21/2010

Non-AIDS Cancer Risk Decreases With Higher CD4 Cell Counts

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:51:23 GMT

Some good news regarding cancers: If antiretroviral therapy is able to maintain higher CD4 cell counts, it may reduce the risk of various non-AIDS-related cancersnotably those caused by other infectious diseases, human papillomavirus (HPV), for examplein people living with HIV.

02/21/2010

Interferon alfa-2a versus combination therapy with interferon alfa-2a, interleukin-2, and fluorouracil in patients with untreated metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRC RE04/EORTC GU 30012): an open-lab

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:54:47 GMT

In metastatic renal cell carcinoma combinations of interferon alfa-2a, interleukin-2, and fluorouracil produce higher response rates and longer progression-free survival than do single agents. We aimed to compare overall survival in patients receiving combination treatment or interferon alfa-2a.

02/21/2010

Gene-modified tumor vaccine secreting a designer cytokine Hyper-Interleukin-6 is an effective therapy in mice bearing orthotopic renal cell cancer

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:58:07 GMT

Although Renal Cell Cancer (RCC) is known to be immunogenic, clinical efficacy of various immunotherapeutic approaches remains unsatisfactory. Novel targeted therapies showing cytostatic rather than cytotoxic activity are unable to cure RCC patients. In our studies, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of whole-cell vaccine based on irradiated murine RENCA cells genetically modified to secrete designer cytokineHyper-IL6 (H6)comprising IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor. An orthotopic RCC model based on a subcapsular implantation of RENCA cells into kidneys of Balb/C mice was employed.

02/21/2010

Potent antitumor effects of combined therapy with a telomerase-specific, replication-competent adenovirus (OBP-301) and IL-2 in a mouse model of renal cell carcinoma

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:02:08 GMT

OBP-301 (a telomerase-specific, replication-competent adenovirus with hTERT promoter) was constructed in a previous study and it showed a strong anticancer effect by inducing cell lysis in human lung and prostate cancer cells. This study investigated the effectiveness of a combination therapy of OBP-301 and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in a mouse model of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The cell-killing effect of OBP-301 was confirmed in vitro in the RENCA cancer cells.

02/21/2010

Editorial On Health Summit: A Pointless Gabfest

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:20:37 GMT

So when all was said and done, what actually was accomplished by the seven-hour gabfest at Blair House?

02/21/2010

Metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma to the gallbladder

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:51:46 GMT

Renal cell carcinoma is the most lethal of all urologic malignancies with a high metastatic potential. Approximately 25% of patients present with stage IV disease and up to 40% of patients have disease recurrence after nephrectomy. Computed Tomography is an important imaging modality for initial diagnosis and restaging of this patient population. Although extremely rare, metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma has been reported to metastasize to the gallbladder.

02/20/2010

Multi-targeted chemo switch improves PFS

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:08:25 GMT

Maximum tolerated dose chemotherapy followed by metronomic chemotherapy a method using frequent low doses plus a multikinase inhibitor improved PFS and response rates in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, according to the findings of a phase-2 trial.

02/20/2010

The Use of the American Society of Anesthesiology Classification as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:37:32 GMT

The authors analyzed whether the American Society of Anesthesiology classification could be used as a prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma. The ASA classification could be used as a prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma.

02/20/2010

NUB1, an interferon-inducible protein, mediates anti-proliferative actions and apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma cells through cell-cycle regulation

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:53:51 GMT

NEDD8 ultimate buster 1 (NUB1) is an interferon (IFN)-inducible protein that downregulates NEDD8 expression and its conjugation system. Although overexpression of NUB1 induces a growth-inhibitory effect in cells, the mechanisms underlying the anti-mitogenic actions of NUB1 in cancer cells remain uncertain. We investigated the anti-cancer effects of NUB1 in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells.

02/18/2010

I'd be dead If I lived under the Canadian health system

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:54:45 GMT

I had kidney cancer in 2007, in the U.S., I got a CAT scan in 24 hours and had the surgery that saved my life within two weeks. Under the Canadian system, I would have waited at least six months for the CAT scan perhaps over a year, the cancer would have killed me long before then.

02/17/2010

George Milton Lopeman Jr. 1945-2010

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:47:17 GMT

George Milton Lopeman Jr., 64, Gardner, died peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, January 17, 2010, at Villa St. Francis Nursing Home, Olathe, after a long battle with cancer.

02/17/2010

What's CareFlash and can it help me?

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:28:40 GMT

Learn about CareFlash and the benefits this service offers to patients and their families.

02/16/2010

Celebrities Support World Kidney Day, March 11

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:37:24 GMT

A growing list of noteworthy figures from the world of sports, and others, are joining Hollywood stars to support World Kidney Day, March 11, 2010.

02/16/2010

Patients With Advanced Kidney Cancer: Switching To Metronomic Therapy Could Offer New Treatment Option

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:21:46 GMT

An article published Online First in The Lancet Oncology reports that a new multi-targeted "chemo-switch" drug regimen shows promising anti-tumour activity with manageable side effects in patients with metastatic renal-cell carcinoma (RCC).

02/16/2010

Changes in RCC symptoms over four decades

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:28:34 GMT

Elderly patients were more often asymptomatic than younger patients, with 7079 year olds being the least symptomatic. Incidental cases of RCC have recently become more common. Haematuria, hypersedimentation, chronic and systemic symptoms have decreased. Stage, tumour class, gender and age are correlated with symptoms.

02/16/2010

Health-related quality of life in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:25:09 GMT

In a randomised phase III trial, sunitinib significantly improved efficacy over interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) as first-line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). We report the final health-related quality of life (HRQoL) results.

02/16/2010

Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Sunitinib: Early Evaluation of Treatment Response Using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:43:34 GMT

DCEUS is a useful tool for predicting the early efficacy of sunitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients.

02/16/2010

New hope for kidney cancer patients

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:01:33 GMT

"Natural killer cells taken from a person suffering from melanoma or kidney cancer can be genetically modified. These modified cells when expanded, cultured and reinfused, promise cure when administered with other drugs," said Kumar, who has made substantial contribution in understanding the origin and differentiation of these cells and their role in rejection of transplanted bone marrow.

02/15/2010

Renal Cell Carcinoma: Similar Survival Between Combination And Single Therapy, But Longer Remissions In Some Patients

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:14:53 GMT

An article published Online First and in an upcoming edition of The Lancet reports that combination therapy for renal cell carcinoma does not improve overall or progression-free survival compared with single therapy using interferon alfa-2a alone. Still, the combined regimen might still have a function because it can produce remissions that are of clinically relevant length in some patients.

02/14/2010

Predictive value of baseline serum vascular endothelial growth factor and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in advanced kidney cancer patients receiving sunitinib

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:15:52 GMT

The study shows that serum levels of VEGF and NGAL are significant predictors of progressionfree survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib.

02/14/2010

Composite renal cell carcinoma: a first case report

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 19:22:05 GMT

Renal endocrine tumours are extremely rare, and carcinoid tumoral elements in renal cell carcinoma have never been reported. This is the first report of a composite renal cell carcinoma.

02/14/2010

The pathology of Wilms' tumour (nephroblastoma): the International Society of Paediatric Oncology approach

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:21:44 GMT

In the International Society of Paediatric Oncology renal tumour trials, preoperative chemotherapy has been successfully applied with resulting reduction of tumour rupture and increased favourable stage distribution of nephroblastoma.

02/14/2010

New Oncology Strategy: Molecular Targeting of Cancer Cells

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:23:10 GMT

New understanding of how cancer cells survive, thrive, and metastasize has enabled researchers to create new targeted therapies for cancer treatments.

02/14/2010

Do HLRCC and BHD Syndrome share a similar obligation to respire anaerobically?

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:24:41 GMT

Yang et al, (2010) describe the generation and characterisation of an immortalised hereditary leiomyomatosis renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) cell line, derived from a human patient. HLRCC is a form of inherited kidney cancer in which affected individuals are at risk of developing cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas and kidney cancer, characterized by germline mutation of the Krebs cycle enzyme fumarate hydratase (FH; Launonen et al, 2001). Incidences of renal cancer in HLRCC are highly aggressive and often result in metastasis.

02/14/2010

Social Security expands compassionate allowances

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:26:19 GMT

Most people think of Social Security as a program that helps retirees pay their bills, but there is another important aspect to it; disability income. The SSA pays out benefits to those who have earned enough to be eligible for Social Security but are not yet old enough to claim it, when they can't work for a year or more due to a physical or mental condition.

02/14/2010

Silencing of HIF-1α suppresses tumorigenicity of renal cell carcinoma through induction of apoptosis

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:29:23 GMT

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a main responder to intracellular hypoxia and is overexpressed in many human cancers, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

02/14/2010

GlaxoSmithKline introduces CARES by GSK to improve patient access to GSK oncology and specialty medicines

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:38:55 GMT

Issued: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 Philadelphia, PA

GlaxoSmithKline today announced the launch of CARES by GSK, a comprehensive program that
provides a single point of contact to GSK services and programs designed to improve access to GSK
oncology and specialty medications. In addition to the comprehensive offerings that include specialty
reimbursement services and free medicine, CARES by GSK now offers its first oncology co-pay
assistance program to further help eligible patients with limited insurance coverage to have better
access to GSK oral oncology and specialty medicines.

“It is becoming more and more difficult for patients and their providers to navigate today’s complex
healthcare system. Through CARES by GSK, we wanted to be a part of a solution that for the first
time streamlines access to the many services we offer, including a new co-pay assistance program,
so that patients can easily access the medicines that may help them,” said David Moules, vice
president, GlaxoSmithKline. “The program demonstrates our belief that improving access to needed
medicines is important.”

A range of services within the CARES by GSK program are now accessible via a single point of
contact, with counselors who will help patients who are prescribed GSK oncology and specialty
medicines. CARES by GSK counselors can verify benefits for patients with all types of insurance,
analyze insurance coverage, provide a co-pay forecast and research pharmacies that offer the lowest
available co-pays for each patient based on his or her insurance coverage. Counselors can also
administer co-pay assistance for patients on oral medications, explain the prior authorization process
for certain oral oncology and specialty medications, provide guidance for how to appeal denied and
underpaid claims, research foundations that provide patient assistance and support, and screen for
eligibility for GSK patient assistance programs that offer medicines at low or no cost, such as
Commitment to Access.

“Too often, patients encounter challenges to accessing their oncology medicines at all stages of the
process. We’ve collected feedback from patients through our existing programs and aimed to design
a new program to answer our patients’ needs,” said Sandy Moulton, director of GlaxoSmithKline
patient assistance and reimbursement. “We believe that CARES by GSK will make access to our
cancer and specialty medicines as helpful and simple a process as possible.”

GSK’s new co-pay assistance program is for people who have prescription coverage, but who need
extra help paying for their oral oncology and specialty medicines. Co-pays are based on patients’
need and reimbursement, and vary according to a sliding scale derived from the federal poverty level.
GSK also offers free GSK oncology and specialty prescription medications to eligible uninsured
patients. Patients with Medicare, commercial insurance, or other insurance who meet other
requirements can also qualify under certain circumstances.

For more information about CARES by GSK or to enroll, patients and their health care providers can
visit www.CARESbyGSK.com or call 1-888-ONE-GSKCARES.

GSK Patient Assistance Programs
GSK offers a number of additional programs to help patients get access to the non-oncology
medicines they need. Information about all of the programs can be found at www.gskforyou.com. The
programs are:

• Bridges to Access offers non-oncology medicines to eligible low-income patients who do not
have prescription drug benefits except Medicare Part D and generic-only coverage, and who
meet income eligibility requirements.

• GSK Access offers non-oncology medicines for eligible Medicare Part D enrollees who have
spent at least $600 on prescription medicines this year and who meet income eligibility
requirements.

• Together Rx Access offers a free savings card program for those who are not eligible for
Medicare, do not have prescription coverage and who meet income eligibility requirements.
This program was created in 2005 by several pharmaceutical companies, including GSK, and
provides savings on more than 275 products. Together Rx Access information and
applications are available via www.TogetherRxAccess.com or 1-800-444-4106.

GSK in Oncology
GSK Oncology is dedicated to producing innovations in cancer that will make profound differences in
the lives of patients. Through GSK’s revolutionary ‘bench to bedside’ approach, we are transforming
the way treatments are discovered and developed, resulting in one of the most robust pipelines in the
oncology sector. Our worldwide research in oncology includes collaborations with more than 160
cancer centers. GSK is closing in on cancer from all sides with a new generation of patient focused
cancer treatments in prevention, supportive care, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.

GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare
companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel
better and live longer. For further information please visit us.gsk.com

Inquiries:
US Media Inquiries: Ken Inchausti (919) 483 2839
Kevin Colgan (919) 483 2839
Mary Anne Rhyne (919) 483 2839
Sarah Alspach (919) 483 2839
US Analyst/ Investor Inquiries: Tom Curry (215) 751 5419
Jen Hill Baxter (215) 751 7002

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
Under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, GSK cautions investors
that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are
subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that
may affect GSK' s operations are described under 'Risk Factors' in the 'Business Review' in the company' s Annual
Report on Form 20-F for 2008.

Registered in England & Wales:
No. 3888792
Registered Office:
980 Great West Road
Brentford, Middlesex
TW8 9GS

02/13/2010

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:54:54 GMT

The drug candidate ANYARA, using the TTS technology, is currently in pivotal Phase III clinical trials for Renal Cell Cancer. The primary endpoint is overall survival and results from these studies are expected first half of 2011.

02/11/2010

Exploratory data presented for Active Biotech's ANYARA project

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:34:33 GMT

02/11/2010

Rexahn: The Undiscovered Biotech

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:36:54 GMT

Archexin for Cancer: A first-in-class AKT Inhibitor for glioblastoma, pancreatic, stomach, ovarian, & renal cell cancers, as well as other solid tumors. Incredibly, the FDA granted orphan drug status in all 5 tumor types for this drug. It significantly reduces production of AKT protein via inhibition of AKT mRNA.

02/11/2010

Report Backs EPA Classification Of PERC As Likely Human Carcinogen And Toxic To Nervous System

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:40:02 GMT

This debate is reflected in the committee's examination of which possible PERC-related cancer -- leukemia, liver tumors, or kidney cancer -- provides the strongest data for EPA to estimate its cancer potential.

02/11/2010

Interferon alfa-2a versus combination therapy with interferon alfa-2a, interleukin-2, and fluorouracil in patients with untreated metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:42:09 GMT

02/11/2010

Stereotactic percutaneous cryoablation for renal tumors

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:43:33 GMT

Percutaneous imaging guided tumor ablation has an increasingly prominent role as minimally invasive treatment for renal tumors. Precise cryoprobe placement is essential for successful ablation. CT-Nav(R) is a novel stereotactic surgical navigation system with the potential to achieve precise percutaneous cryoprobe placement while decreasing radiation exposure compared to conventional computerized tomography guided procedures.

02/11/2010

Trial patient: Afinitor 'saved my life'

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:49:13 GMT

Trial patient and cancer sufferer Dave Saunders says a drug banned by UK's NICE saved his life.

02/10/2010

Court rejects Bayer's appeal

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:17:18 GMT

A division bench of Delhi high court on Tuesday dismissed Bayer's appeal against a judgment on an anti-cancer drug delivered by Justice Ravindra Bhat in August last year. The judgement rejected Bayer's attempt to introduce patent linkage system in the country a policy change, through a court direction. Patent linkage is against public health interests as it will delay the entry of cheaper generic medicines into the market and keep medicines out of reach of those who need them.

02/10/2010

Terminally ill patients 'being penalised by Nice for having rare conditions'

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:18:44 GMT

Terminally ill patients are being penalised for having rare conditions charities have warned after a kidney cancer medication was ruled too expensive for the NHS.

02/10/2010

US HIFU Partners with Riverside Research Institute to Add Cancer Targeting Technology to HIFU Treatment

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:21:43 GMT

US HIFU, a worldwide leader in the development, distribution and use of minimally invasive high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technologies, announced today its exclusive partnership with Riverside Research Institute (RRI) to develop and test an ultrasonic method of prostate imaging and treatment that combines advanced tissue-type imaging with ultrasound energy from the Sonablate(R) 500 medical device.

02/10/2010

UK firm gets final green light for stem cell trial

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:04:24 GMT

The first patient in the study is now expected to receive treatment through the National Health Service.

02/10/2010

Afinitor Cancer Drug Rejected by U.K. Cost Agency

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:24:40 GMT

The U.K.s health-cost regulator rejected Novartis AGs tumor treatment Afinitor for advanced kidney cancer in a draft ruling that is likely to curtail its use among publicly insured patients.

02/09/2010

Health-related quality of life in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:27:36 GMT

Patients treated with sunitinib in this study had improved HRQoL, compared with patients treated with IFNalpha. Treatment differences within the US cohort did not differ from those within the EU cohort.

02/09/2010

New data on renal cell carcinoma epidemiology

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:29:29 GMT

A new study, 'Prognostic significance of Gremlin1 (GREM1) promoter CpG island hypermethylation in clear cell renal cell carcinoma,' is now available.

02/09/2010

Prometheus Makes Deal to Sell Kidney Cancer Drug

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:33:08 GMT

A deal struck with Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis AG will allow San Diego-based Prometheus to begin selling skin and kidney cancer drug Proleukin [IL-2] in the United States

02/09/2010

Microscopic tumor necrosis and survival after curative surgery for renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:37:19 GMT

Tumor necrosis is a potential marker of recurrence and survival after surgery for renal cell carcinoma. We determined whether a correlation exists between the amount (not just the presence/absence) of tumor necrosis, and metastasis-free, disease specific and overall survival after surgery for renal cell carcinoma.

02/09/2010

Could toenail clippings be key to understanding kidney cancer risks?

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:40:33 GMT

Research will focus on identifying to what extent well water contaminated by arsenic is contributing to high rates of bladder and kidney cancer.

02/09/2010

Radio-frequency ablation 'cooking' kidney cancer tumors

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:07:24 GMT

"It basically cooks the tumor to death," said Dr. Peter Julien, Chief of Thoracic Imaging at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

02/08/2010

Caregivers need help as much as the seriously ill

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:10:41 GMT

About 15 years ago, Robert's health began to fail. He had to retire after several heart attacks. And then it was kidney cancer, and then it was cancer of the esophagus

02/08/2010

Health spending is expected to balloon to $4.5 trillion

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:14:16 GMT

Despite this, the government's health overhaul has stalled, Peter Landers reports.

02/08/2010

Oral therapy slows progression of advanced kidney cancer

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:25:30 GMT

Pazopanib (Votrient) appears to delay disease progression by 54% in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma, according to a study by Italian researchers.

02/06/2010

Participate in a cancer survivor survey

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:11:19 GMT

In this questionnaire, which is designed to take approximately 20-30 minutes, we will ask you questions about your cancer history, your employment history, and information about your job.

02/05/2010

After beating cancer, Villanova runner Koons wins courageous athlete award

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:43:20 GMT

Blessed is a word with which Koons has more than a passing acquaintance. Diagnosed during the summer of 2007 with clear-cell renal carcinoma - a form of kidney cancer typically found in people over 40 who are heavy smokers, obese or have high blood pressure - Koons had successful surgery to remove the tumor and has since resumed her training regimen with the hope of qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics.

02/02/2010

Detection Of Circulating Tumor Cells In Peripheral Blood Of Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma Correlates With Prognosis

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:44:52 GMT

In our study, 233 peripheral blood samples from 154 renal cell carcinoma patients were investigated for the presence of CTCs.(1) Interestingly, the presence of CTCs in peripheral blood did not correlate with either tumor size or tumor grade as was also previously shown by other authors.(2, 3) But as expected, detection of CTCs was significantly correlated with the presence of lymph node metastases (p<0.001; chi2-test) and distant metastases (p=0.014; chi2-test). Furthermore, we could show for the first time that occurrence of CTCs (Cytokeratin 8/18 labeled) was significantly correlated with poor overall survival for renal cell carcinoma patients (RR=2.3; P=0.048; multivariate Cox's regression hazard model).

02/02/2010

Journalistenpreis "Advances in Renal Cancer" 2010 ausgeschrieben

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:46:56 GMT

Bayer HealthCare und die Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) haben gemeinsam den europäischen Journalistenpreis Advances in Renal Cancer 2010 ausgeschrieben. Der Preis würdigt Arbeiten, in denen sich Journalisten kritisch und objektiv mit der Problematik des Nierenkrebses auseinandersetzen. Die Auszeichnung ist mit 7.500 Euro dotiert und berücksichtigt Veröffentlichungen aus den Bereichen Print, Hörfunk, Fernsehen und Film.

02/02/2010

Where America Stands on Cancer

How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:44:15 GMT

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Barbara Ehrenreich

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

With the mythbusting powers for which she is acclaimed, Ehrenreich exposes the downside of America’s penchant for positive thinking: On a personal level, it leads to self-blame and a morbid preoccupation with stamping out “negative” thoughts. On a national level, it’s brought us an era of irrational optimism resulting in disaster. This is Ehrenreich at her provocative best—poking holes in conventional wisdom and faux science, and ending with a call for existential clarity and courage.

01/29/2010

Patient Advocate's Report From Eighth International Symposium

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:12:31 GMT

Thanks to Mike Lawing for preparing this (PDF) summary from the Eighth International Kidney Cancer Symposium, held in Chicago, in the fall of 2009.

01/29/2010

New Family Chat Room For People Dealing With Renal Cancers

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:10:31 GMT

Kidney Cancer Chat has a new home on the Internet. Please visit the site and bookmark it. This replaces the chat applet that was installed on the Kidney Cancer Association's site (that is no longer functional, due to technical issues). This is an unmoderated chat, not affiliated with the Association. All are welcome. Keyword: "kidneycancer."

01/28/2010

New Drug Slows Advanced Kidney Cancer

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:23:00 GMT

Pazopanib may double time to disease progression, study finds.

01/27/2010

Bionomics sets up for US renal cancer trials

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:26:41 GMT

CLINICAL trials of Bionomics' lead anti-cancer compound have opened for enrolment in the US.

01/27/2010

Prometheus Acquires Exclusive Rights to PROLEUKIN(R) (aldesleukin) in the U.S.

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:46:29 GMT

Prometheus Laboratories Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical and diagnostic company, today announced the execution of a commercialization agreement with Novartis under which Prometheus acquired exclusive rights to distribute, promote and sell PROLEUKINÂ® (aldesleukin) in the United States. Proleukin is a recombinant human interleukin-2 for treatment in adults with metastatic melanoma and metastatic kidney cancer.

01/27/2010

Living with and loving a child with kidney cancer

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:49:10 GMT

In this Talkshoe.com audio podcast, Maria Coleman Filorimo and author Tracy Gray talk with Kidney Cancer Association CEO Bill Bro about their experiences in living with a child who has kidney cancer. It's a half-hour of of inspiring and frank conversation, filled with joy, tears, and love, as two moms detail their experiences in raising a girl and boy with renal cancer. Clicking the hyperlink will launch your media player.

01/26/2010

The NHS and the cost-benefit dilemma

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:50:59 GMT

New research by health economists at the University of York has raised concerns over any move to broaden the range of costs and economic benefits considered in the analysis of new NHS treatments.

01/26/2010

2010 European "Advances in Renal Cancer Journalists' Award"

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:20:40 GMT

Leverkusen, January 2010 - Bayer HealthCare and the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) have announced the European "Advances in Renal Cancer Journalists’ Award" 2010. The prize honors journalistic work, in which journalists cover the issue of renal cancer in a critical, but yet objective manner. It is endowed with the sum of Euro 7,500 and takes into account reports which have been published in print media, radio, television or film.

"Renal cancer is one of the most common malignant cancers worldwide with a significant unmet medical need. The objective of this award is to stimulate journalists to contribute publishing knowledge and understanding of renal carcinoma and report on current medical developments", says Helmut Schäfers, Head of Corporate Communications Europe, Bayer HealthCare, Leverkusen, Germany. "Media can play a crucial role in raising awareness of symptoms and risk factors of renal cancer among the public and in calling attention to new, diagnostic therapy options", adds Carrie Konosky, Director of Development & Public Affairs, Kidney Cancer Association.

Journalists may submit their applications by April 1, 2010, to the Kidney Cancer Association - Project Office, P.O. Box 90 06 48, 51116 Cologne, Germany. The statutes are also available for download online at Bayer HealthCare’s press portal at http://www.viva.vita.bayerhealthcare.com.

The relevant stories must have been published between May 15, 2009, and March 30, 2010. The prize will be awarded for what the jury seems to be the year’s most outstanding medical journalistic publication or program in Europe.

Members of the jury are up to four representatives from journalistic organizations, one urologist and one oncologist, one member of the Kidney Cancer Association as well as one non-voting representative from Bayer HealthCare. The award will be presented in London in May 2010.

About Bayer HealthCare
The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Bayer Schering Pharma, Consumer Care and Medical Care divisions. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover, manufacture and market products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Find more information at http://www.bayerhealthcare.com.

About Bayer Schering Pharma
Bayer Schering Pharma is a worldwide leading specialty pharmaceutical company. Its research and business activities are focused on the following areas: Diagnostic Imaging, General Medicine, Specialty Medicine and Women's Healthcare. With innovative products, Bayer Schering Pharma aims for leading positions in specialized markets worldwide. Using new ideas, Bayer Schering Pharma aims to make a contribution to medical progress and strives to improve the quality of life. Find more information at http://www.bayerscheringpharma.de.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at http://www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Contact:
Bayer HealthCare AG
Helmut Schäfers, Tel.: + 49 214-30-58308, Fax: + 49 214-30-50731
e-mail: mailto:helmut.schaefers@bayerhealthcare.com

The full story can be found in BayNews.
http://WWW.BayNews.BAYER.DE/BayNews/BayNews.nsf/id/2010-0045-e

01/26/2010

In Canada Few options for kidney cancer patients

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:46:34 GMT

Patient: "Forty-six thousand Canadians are diagnosed with kidney cancer a year and 16,000 will die. I know kidney cancer isn't as high profile as prostate or breast cancer, but we need access to life improving drugs."

01/25/2010

Health care alternatives include tort reform and cross-state insurance plans

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:46:45 GMT

Congress' health-care reform efforts to date have not given people confidence that the final outcome will meet goals such as greater access, affordability and quality, said Marie Gross, a Bedford health-care consultant. Subsequent reform efforts should pay greater attention to enhancing transparency and emphasizing patients' personal responsibility for their health.

01/25/2010

Notes from the Eigth International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:35:28 GMT

We are grateful to patient advocate Katherine Phillion for sharing her notes from our fall kidney cancer meeting.

Eigth International Kidney Cancer Symposium

September 2009

Management of Small Renal Masses and Localized Renal Carcinoma

Case Presentation and Background

Robert G. Uzzo, M.D., FACS

There are a lot of options available to manage small (<4cm) tumors that are limited to the kidney

- cut it out via surgery

- ablate it via freezing (cryo) or heating (RFA)

- watch it

In selecting an approach, the surgeon’s goal is to maximize disease free survival and minimize negative side effects…Selection is often based on the surgeon’s training/comfort level with each option and his/her evaluation of the trade-offs associated with each approach. Relative to an open partial nephrectomy (Nx), there is

- increased risk of chronic kidney disease w/ a radical Nx (removal of entire kidney)

- increased complication rate w/ laparoscopic Nx (minimally invasive or small incision)

- no long term efficacy data on thermal ablation…and ability to salvage (patient advocate perspective: if it doesn’t work, next step is not clear as scarring from cryo/RFA makes subsequent surgery more difficult)

- increased patient anxiety w/ surveillance and no biomarkers or predictors of growth

To help make option selection more objective, Fox Chase Cancer Center has documented a surgeon friendly system which can be found at www.nephrometry.com

AUA small renal mass guidelines:

- cancer control is top priority

- preservation of renal function is high priority (take out part vs. all of kidney when possible)

- minimally invasive surgery is encouraged when appropriate

	Major Urologic Complication	Local recurrence-free survival
OPNx	6.3%	97.4%
LPNx	9.0%	98.4%
ORNx	1.3%	98.1%
LRNx	3.4%	99.2%

Cryo	4.9%	90.6%
RFA	6.0%	87.0%

O = Open

L = Laparascopic

* Ablation date is early w/ RFA and cryo treating smaller tumors with shorter follow-up

Chronic Kidney Disease Implications in Kidney Tumor Surgery

Paul Russo, M.D., FACS

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive loss of kidney function over a period of months/years. CKD is

- increasing in prevalence due to increasing obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.

- Bad as it is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, hospitalization and death.

Surgeons are questioning whether over-use of radical nephrectomy is negatively impacting survival by causing CKD. Preserving renal function is important so partial nephrectomies should be considered for small renal masses as this approach is thought to be protective of kidney function.

Thermal Ablation

Jeffrey A. Cadeddu, M.D

In management of small renal masses, for the right patient partial nephrectomy is a good approach as it is nephron-sparing and provides excellent local cancer control. It is important to recognize that with a partial nephrectomy comes complications and recovery. Also, pre-surgical biopsies are important to make sure tumor is not benign…you don’t want to do an unnecessary surgery on a benign tumor.

An alternative to partial nephrectomy in the management of small renal masses is thermal ablation.

Ablation refers to a local method that destroys the tumor without removing it. Cryoablation is a freezing technique and Radio Frequency Ablation is a heating technique. Advantages of ablation relative to a partial nephrectomy are that ablation has less complications and can be done on an outpatient basis or w/ 1 day hospital stay. Disadvantages are less competitive/no long tem efficacy data on ablation and ability to salvage. Initial data suggests that RFA is similar to partial nephrectomy as a preserver of renal function. Radiographic follow-up is required. Dr. Cadeddu suggests annual imaging after the 1^st year vs. images every 6 months for active surveillance. Another advantage of ablation relative to active surveillance is that patient drop out rate from the surveillance program can be as high as 40%. It is important to have an experienced doctor perform the ablation procedure.

Active Surveillance

Michael A.S. Jewett, M.D., FRCSC, FACS

The most common presentation of renal cell carcinoma is the small renal mass (< 4 cm) which is usually detected incidentally and without metastatic disease.

Not all renal masses are kidney cancer. Biopsy is recommended to determine if tumor is benign. Twenty percent of tumors < 4 cm are benign. Belief is that the smaller the mass, the less the metastatic rate and the greater the survival. Experience is showing that small tumors initially grow at a negligible rate even if biopsy proves the tumor is renal cell carcinoma.

There is a growing body of Canadian and U.S. data that suggests active surveillance of the small renal mass with delayed treatment for progression appears to be a reasonable initial management option in selected patients (older or infirm)…this approach is not yet recommended for young and fit.

Active surveillance requires regular imaging and careful measurement of tumor size/volume. The optimal surveillance protocol is unknown. The progression trigger(s) for metastatic disease is not yet defined.

In Canadian and U.S. studies there is a notable 1.5-2% risk of progression to metastatic disease even though the renal mass is still of small size (~2.5cm) suggesting that an additional prognostic factor besides tumor size needs to be identified and monitored.

Management of Locally Advanced Kidney Cancer

Case Presentation and Background

Allan Pantuck, M.D., FACS

The TMN staging system is a common language/basis to communicate the extent of disease and assists in evaluating a treatment path. TMN stage T1 and T2 tumors are limited to the kidney. T3 and T4 tumors are locally advanced if there is lymph node disease in a single region and no distant mets.

T1 – tumor is limited to the kidney, < 4cm (1a), 4-7 cm (1b)

T2 – tumor is limited to the kidney but > 7 cm

T3a – tumor directly invades adrenal gland or fat

T3b – tumor extends into the renal vein or vena cava below the diaphragm

T3c – tumor extends into the vena cava above diaphragm or invades the vena cava wall

T4 – tumor invades beyond Gerota’s facia (the layer of tissue encapsulating the kidney)

N0 – no regional lymph node mets

N1 – mets in a single regional lymph node

N2 – mets in more than one regional lymph node

M0 – no distant mets

M1 – distant mets

Risk of disease progression/recurrence and consequently decreased survival increases with increasing TMN stage and increases with increasing tumor grade (runs from 0 to 4). For small renal masses, median survival for grade 4 tumors is only 11 months. Another factor known as the ECOG score which is a measure of a patient’s general well-being is also important in considering the risk of disease progression/recurrence. An ECOG score of 0 denotes perfect health and 5 denotes death. Directionally, patients with higher ECOG scores do not do as well as patients with lower ECOG scores.

Lymph Node Dissection

Michael L. Blute, M.D.

For patients without distant mets, 5/10 yr survival is 48/32%. Patients with distant mets have a 5 yr survival of 7%

Whether to cut out lymph nodes during a nephrectomy is controversial. The CT scan sensitivity for nodes > 1 cm is 95%...only about 42% of these nodes are disease positive.

PRO: Lymph node dissection (LND) offers

- improved staging and prognostication (a doctor's prediction about a disease path)

- improved survival in patients with confirmed advanced kidney cancer whose nodes are positive but do not have distant mets

CON: Lack of proven survival benefit studies

In the overall management of kidney cancer, he recommends:

T 1a/1b: No LND

T2-4, N0, M0: LND based on pathological features @ surgery if possible/Mayo/MSK pre-op nomogram

cT2-4, N+, M0: LND is standard of care

cTany, N+/-, M+: cytoreductive surgery then LND

Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locall Advanced Disease

Eric Jonasch, M.D.

Neoadjuvant therapy refers to systemic drug treatment given to people with cancer prior to surgery. For local control of the primary tumor, an optimal neoadjuvant therapy:

1. Is safe

2. Decreases size of primary tumor

3. Results in tumor downstaging to potentially permit resection of a technically difficult to remove tumor or allow for partial nephrectomy (ie retraction of IVC thrombus, or decreased invasion into adjacent organs).

Local control of primary tumor: summary table of neoadjuvant trials results -

Study	Patient population	# of Pts	Safe?	Primary Tumor Shrinks	Amount of Shrinkage	Down-staging?
Sorafenib (UNC/ prospective)	≥T2 RCC; sorafenib 400 mg BID x 4–8 wks prior to Nx	30	Yes	64%	11% (range, 0–40%)	Yes
Bevacizumab (+/- erlotinib) (MDACC/prospective)	RCC Pts w/mets prior to Nx; treatment x 8 wks	50	Yes	51%	***	No
Sunitinib (CCF/prospective)	‘Unresectable’ RCC	18	Yes	72%	19% (range, 1-64%)	Yes
Sunitinib (Netherlands/retrospective)	M+ pts w/ primary	17	Yes	59%	12% (range, 2-33%)
Sunitinib (CCF/retrospective)	‘Unresectable’ RCC	19	Yes	42%	24% (range, 2-46%)

Did current neoadjuvant therapy:

1. Decrease size of primary mass? YES

2. Convert complete to partial nephrectomy? IN SOME CASES

3. Result in retraction of IVC thrombus, or decreased invasion into adjacent organs? NOT TOO OFTEN.

4. Change biology of primary tumor from invasive to noninvasive. UNPROVEN

However, we need better drugs.

Conclusions on Optimal Systemic Control For High Risk Patients:

- Anti-angiogenic agents are capable of reducing primary tumors, but not consistently.

- There is no evidence that anti-angiogenic agents are anti-metastatic

- Monitoring tools/markers need to be developed that can measure efficacy of anti-metastatic drugs

As a patient advocate I point out that in the summary table of neoadjuvant trials results for local control: There is a learning curve to use these drugs safely and effectively. The current neoadjuvant therapy approaches were safe in the hands of experienced clinicians…an example is that some patients had incomplete wound healing and had to have their treatment approach altered “on the run”.”

******************************************************************************************

Emerging Applications of VEGF and mTOR-Targeted Therapy

Case Presentation and Background

Brian I. Rini, M.D.

When kidney cancer spreads in the body, it is called metastatic disease. Metastatic disease is the focus of presentations in this session. Dr. Rini presented a stage IV kidney cancer case and discussed initial treatment and follow-up options…subsequent presentations in this session of the symposium were designed to test/influence how the doctor might treat a similar patient in the future.

Standards of Care and Current Single-Agent Clinical Trials

Robert A. Figlin, M.D.

To treat kidney cancer multiple agents are available:

Agent		Route of administration	Type of Agent
Sutent®	sunitinib malate	oral	TKI
Nexavar®	sorafenib tosylate	oral	TKI
Torisel®	temsirolimus	infusion	mTOR inhibitor
Afinitor®	everolimus	oral	mTOR inhibitor
Avastin®	Bevacizumab	infusion	Monoclonal antibody	Figlin bias is Bev + IFN if go w/ this approach
Votrient®	pazopanib	oral	TKI	6th approved for kidney cancer since 2005

Dr. Figlin said

- they are starting to understand agents better and how to use them to treat the patient in front of them

- patterns of relapse are different than a decade ago and

- sequential targeted therapy is the standard of care for kidney cancer.

Current treatment strategy is to select a first line therapy based on a patient’s prognosis and select a 2^nd line therapy based on prior therapy.

Sunitinib superior to IFN-α in first-line setting (PFS, OS benefit)
Sorafenib superior to placebo in second-line setting (PFS benefit)
Bevacizumab + IFN-α superior to IFN-α alone
Temsirolimus associated with survival improvements over IFN-α, particularly in poor-risk patients
Afinitor® (everolimus) beneficial after first-line sunitinib/sorafenib

Nurses are important in managing proactively side effects w/ the patients.

New Standards for Clear Cell Kidney Cancer Therapy:

Limitations of Single Agent Targeted Therapy for metastatic kidney cancer

Few patients attain complete responses
Continued treatment appears required
Resistance usually develops in 6-12 months
Survival benefit with targeted agents:
- Sunitinib – 4.6-month survival benefit vs IFN-α1
- Sorafenib, bevacizumab, everolimus – No overall survival benefit demonstrated. As a patient I point out that survival benefit is hard to prove w/ some of the cross-over trial designs that allow the patient w/ progressive disease to receive the investigational drug however I am glad to see the patients get the drug.
- Temsirolimus – 3.5-month overall survival benefit vs IFN-α in poor-prognosis patients

I note that this information may be disappointing to you however please recognize that I am a 15 year survivor of stage IV kidney cancer…and we have 6 more treatment options than we had in 2005. New developments continue and the doctors continue to evaluate different combinations and sequences. I am reminded that more than ever, it is most important for some one with kidney cancer to get to a Center of Excellence (COE) for treating kidney cancer. The KCA can refer you to one. If not possible to have all treatment at a COE, make sure your home town Doc consults with a COE.

Strategies for overcoming RCC challenges

Combination therapy – have additional challenges of inadequate activity and/or enhanced toxicity
Sequential therapy – Several new agents showing activity

Investigational Targeted Agents in the clinical trial pipeline:

Agent	Efficacy	Route Administered	Where in pipeline?
AV951	PR 20%; SD 72% Median PFS not reached at 13 mos	oral	Phase II	Bhargava P et al. 2009 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium. A5032.
Axitinib	PR 21%; SD 34% Median PFS 7.4 mos	oral	Phase II	Rini BI et al. ASCO 2007. A5032.
Pazopanib Median PFS: All patients No prior therapy Cytokine-treated ORR: All patients No prior therapy Cytokine-treated Median OS*	Pazopanib Placebo (n=290) (n=145) 9.2 mos 4.2 mos 11.1 mos 2.8 mos 7.4 mos 4.2 mos 30% 3% 32% 4% 29% 3% 21.1 mos 18.7 mos	oral	Phase III	Sternberg CN et al. ASCO 2009. A5021. Global, randomized, double-blinded * 48% of placebo-treated patients switched to pazopanib upon progression. Survival benefit is hard to prove w/ cross-over trial design that allows the patient w/ PD to receive the investigational drug.

PR = partial response, SD = stable disease, PD = progressive disease, PFS = progression free survival, ORR = overall response rate, OS = overall survival

Intermittent Therapy with Tyrosinekinase Inhibitors

Viktor Grunwald, M.D.

TKI’s or tyrosine kinase inhibitors interfere with the reproduction of cancer cells by blocking one or more growth pathways. Different drugs target different pathways. Current approach is sequential targeted therapy or continuous administration of drugs until either toxicity or PD prevail.

Based on success in CML patients, in kidney cancer doctors are trying an intermittent therapy approach to reduce toxicity and preserve the anti-tumor effect of the drugs. They are looking for the right marker to monitor/use w/ each drug to guide drug administration as dose/administration schedule will be key to success. Dr. Grunwald believes that drug wash out can be safely applied w/in a window of several weeks. As a patient I was glad to see that he backed this belief by presenting data that suggests that TKI wash out prior to a second therapy is associated with a better response…this data will make my next wash out less stressful.

Wash Out (days)	# Patients	Overall Response Rate
>30	25	6 (24%)
<30	25	0 ( 0%)

1^st line treatment: Bevacizumab or Sorafenib

2^nd line treatment: Sunitinib

Dr.Grunwald also believes the best continuous vs.intermittent drug dosing approach will be specific to each drug.

Therapy Re-Challenge

Thomas E. Hutson, D.O., PharmD.

Dr. Hustson presented the concept of rechallenging a patient to the drug that had given him the most benefit. Idea came out of dilemma of what to do (phase I trial, treatment or hospice) after patient had done all of the available therapies and still had a good performance status. The following rechallenge experience is w/ Sunitinib in a 4^th, 5^th or 6^th line setting.

Several centers pooled their data to find a group of 23 patients who had Sunitinib as a 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd therapy, went on to receive a variety of other treatments and subsequently were rechallenged w/ Sunitinib. Results were as follows:

- Median PFS for the group was 7 months.

- Patients who had an initial response to Sunitinib were likely to have a PR or SD w/ rechallenge.

- Best response: PR / SD / PD was 5 (22%) / 17 (75%) / 1 (4%)

- For the majority of the patients, PFS with initial Sunitinib was > PFS with rechallenge.

PFS (months)

Initial 13.7

Rechallenge 7.2

- Patients w/ > 6 months between initial Sunitinib and rechallenge had greatest response rate and PFS.

He points out that these results were in a highly select group of patients and that further studies are required. He posed the question “Does it take a certain amount of time to reset the resistance pathways so that people can respond again?” It is possible that a rechallenge benefit may not be limited to Sunitinib …and that what is important is a rechallenge w/ the drug that had given the patient the most benefit.

(PR = partial response, SD = stable disease, PD = progressive disease, PFS = progression free survival, ORR = overall response rate, OS = overall survival)

Alternative Dosing Schemas of VEGF and mTOR therapy in metastatic RCC

Toni K. Choueiri, M.D., M.S.

Dr. Choueiri presented current FDA-approved schedules for kidney cancer drugs:

- Sunitinib: 50 mg PO QD (by mouth once a day), 4 wks on / 2 wks off

- Sorafenib: 400 mg PO BID (by mouth twice daily)

- Bevacizumab: 10 mg/kg IV (intravenous) q2weeks

- Temsirolimus: 25 mg IV weekly

- Everolimus: 10 mg PO QD (by mouth once a day)

Available information on alternative dosing schedules:

Sunitinib: NO difference in taking drug in AM or PM. There are studies in progress to determine whether 4/2 vs. continuous dosing schedule is better. He underscores the importance of getting to/staying at FDA recommended dosing as patients w/ the highest Sunitinib exposure have longer time to disease progression and greater overall survival. Challenge is management of the side effects at that dosing.

Sorafenib: Data from a Dr. Robert Amato study suggests patient benefit from rapid dose escalation to 800 mg… Prospective trials comparing the standard dose and the dose escalation strategy are required

Dose escalation upon progression (600 mg PO BID, by George et al ASCO 2008)	Rapid dose escalation (600 mg bid D 29-56; 800 mg bid D 57+, by Amato et al ASCO 2007)
• 14 patients • PFS: 3.4 months • ORR: 7% • 71% pts dose escalated	• 46 patients • PFS: 8.4 months • ORR: 55%! • 93% pts dose escalated

mTOR inhibitor: it is not known if daily dosing is better. Current mTORs target mTORC1…He advocates potentially using current mTOR drugs in combination w/ future drugs that target mTORC2.

Combination Therapy: Exisiting Data and Ongoing Clinical Trials

Keith Flaherty, M.D.

Dr. Flaherty focused his talk on clear cell RCC and targeted agents (not cytokines). Goal of combining agents is to find complete responses and improve overall survival. However, have to be careful in trial designs as synergy can play out in toxicity as well as efficacy. He reviewed early combination trials and several in progress. Toxicity has been a challenge…in combination, have not been able to get patients to full therapeutic doses of the individual drugs. Favorable results have been seen in Sorafenib w/ Bevacizumab: 52% response (48 patients: 25PR, 18SD, 4PD, 41 w/ tumor decrease), 14 month median PFS. The hope is that newer more potent drugs may be able to achieve these results individually. Not all combinations are equally promising…Bevacizumab w/ erlotinib is an example of one that did not pan out.

Abstract Presentation: Phase II trial of continuous once-daily dosing of sunitinib as first-line treatment in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC)

Sun Y. Rha, M.D

120 patients were enrolled in this study to evaluate one year of continuous once daily dosing of 37.5 mg of sunitinib. Only 35% were able to stay on the continuous dosing for the planned one year of treatment. 65% discontinued the treatment due to side effects. 116 were evaluable for tumor response…Results should be available soon.

Prediction of Response and Toxicity in Metastatic RCC

Overview of Prognostic / Predictive Markers in Metastatic RCC

Robert J. Motzer, M.D.

Prognosis is a medical term to describe the likely outcome of a disease. Treatment for kidney cancer has changed over the last decade however the same factors that predict the aggressiveness of kidney cancer are valid for cytokine, chemo and targeted therapy. These factors include:

- Performance status

- Whether a nephrectomy has been done

- Extent/Sites of metastatic disease

- Various Biochemical parameters

No factor is an independent predictor of survival all of the time.

Prognostic factors not only are a tool for predicting patient outcome but they can also aid in individualizing patient treatment. Dr. Escudier looked at the Bevacizumab data and interpreted that patients who benefit most are the favorable and intermediate risk group and not so much the poor risk group.

For Temsirolimus, eligibility into the clinical trials was poor prognosis factors to determine if poor risk patients would benefit from the treatment…as a result we know that poor risk patients do benefit from this therapy. Now Temsirolimus is the standard of care for poor risk patients.

Doctors are also looking for molecular factors that may predict outcome. The best example is CAIX for IL-2 which was developed by Dr. Atkins’ group.

Dr. Motzer said, “The goal is to identify molecular features that predict the likelihood that a patient will respond to a therapy based on tumor biology. Then integrate the molecular predictive info with the clinical data to drive new drug development, clinical trials and therapy.”

01/25/2010

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn Proclaims March 'Kidney Cancer Awareness Month'

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:24:22 GMT

01/25/2010

Obesity Tied to Common Kidney Cancer

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:42:10 GMT

Obesity increases the risk of developing a common and virulent form of kidney cancer, a new study finds.

01/24/2010

Canadians coming to the USA for treatment

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:44:16 GMT

Canadian patients there is no accurate count seek treatment in the United States and pay out of pocket.

01/23/2010

Antigenics seeks cancer vaccine approval in Europe

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:46:04 GMT

Antigenics Inc. has spent between $400 million and $500 million to conduct two Phase 3 trials on its potential cancer vaccine. But the Lexington-based company never plans to send it to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval.

01/23/2010

Renal cell carcinoma with mixed features of papillary and clear cell cytomorphology: a fluorescent in situ hybridization study

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:39:40 GMT

We performed fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to investigate the numeric change of chromosomes 7, 17, and Y and loss of chromosome 3p in "papillary renal cell carcinomas (RCC) with extensive clear cell changes (CCC)." Consecutive cases of RCC over a 12-year period were reviewed to identify "papillary RCC with extensive CCC." Immunostaining for cytokeratin 7 and alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) and FISH for chromosomes 7, 17, Y, and 3p were applied.

01/22/2010

Insurers Now Focus of Democrats' Health Talks

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:41:20 GMT

Congressional Democrats said they were focusing on toughening regulations on the health-insurance industry in a bid to assemble a scaled-down, more populist health-care bill after the party's defeat in Massachusetts.

01/22/2010

Systematic sequencing of renal carcinoma reveals inactivation of histone modifying genes

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:29:42 GMT

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common form of adult kidney cancer, characterized by the presence of inactivating mutations in the VHL gene in most cases1, 2, and by infrequent somatic mutations in known cancer genes...

01/21/2010

Agennix Expands Talactoferrin Phase 3 FORTIS-M Registration Trial Globally

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:13:37 GMT

Talactoferrin has also shown activity in renal cell carcinoma, as well as severe sepsis and has been shown to be very well tolerated in all of these patient populations.

01/21/2010

Massachusetts voters tell Democrats to shelve ObamaCare

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:20:56 GMT

The resounding five-point victory in one of America's most liberal states is an upset heard 'round Washingtonand one that ought to force Democrats to rethink their entire agenda, national health care in particular.

01/20/2010

Edina doctor's shocking errors punished

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:12:41 GMT

A veteran Edina doctor has been disciplined for removing the wrong kidney of a patient during cancer surgery, a medical mix-up that made headlines across the state in 2008, and for taking a biopsy from the wrong organ of another patient a few months later.

01/17/2010

Kids who beat cancer still face heart risks

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:16:12 GMT

Survivors of childhood cancer have a significantly increased risk for developing heart disease as young adults, a new study finds.

01/17/2010

US songwriter Bobby Charles dies at 71

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:11:13 GMT

Bobby Charles, the Louisiana singer-songwriter who penned such hits as Fats Domino's "Walking to New Orleans" and "See You Later Alligator" by Bill Haley and the Comets, has died. He was 71. His longtime publicist Karen Johnson said Charles, whose real name was Robert Charles Guidry, died Thursday morning. She did not know the specific cause of death but said Charles had diabetes and was in remission from kidney cancer.

01/15/2010

Patients demand: 'Give us our damned data'

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:12:35 GMT

For five days as her husband lay in his hospital bed suffering from kidney cancer, Regina Holliday begged doctors and nurses for his medical records, and for five days she never received them.

01/15/2010

We want an apology from PCT

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:15:26 GMT

The wife of a cancer sufferer who was refused a potential cure by health bosses has lodged a complaint with the national watchdog, saying her husband was denied the right to life.

01/15/2010

Obesity raises kidney cancer risk

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:26:19 GMT

People who are obese may be at an increased risk of developing the most common type of kidney cancer, according to a new study.

01/14/2010

Cytotoxic Effect of Zoledronic Acid-Loaded Bone Cement on Giant Cell Tumor, Multiple Myeloma, and Renal Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:05:50 GMT

Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 01/07/10

01/13/2010

New procedure kills tumors with microwaves

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:49:18 GMT

Some local doctors are using microwave energy to kill cancerous tumors and also keep them from returning.

01/13/2010

Fred Rosenbaum, Oregon leader, philanthropist and Holocaust survivor, dies

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:52:30 GMT

With Nazi secret police approaching, 12-year-old Fred Rosenbaum escaped through a window of his Vienna schoolhouse.

01/13/2010

Obesity linked to common form of kidney cancer and each extra BMI point increases risk

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:53:40 GMT

US researchers found that obese patients with kidney tumours have 48 per cent higher odds of developing a clear-cell renal cell cancer (RCC) than patients with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30. And the odds increase by four per cent for every extra BMI point.

01/13/2010

Jim Sulski, 1957-2010: Devoted Columbia College professor, newspaper adviser

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:52:21 GMT

Reporter told students: 'Don't be a lap dog, be a watchdog'

01/12/2010

Tom Rice, 78: Cancer patient who inspired others

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:53:59 GMT

When Tom Rice was diagnosed with kidney cancer, doctors told him he had months to live.

01/12/2010

R.A. The Rugged Man's Father Dies At 63, Leaves Rap Legacy

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:57:39 GMT

Fans of R.A. The Rugged Man are familiar with the name Staff Sergeant John A. Thorburn. Father of the Long Island Rap titan, the Vietnam War Veteran was the subject of one of R.A.'s most famed tracks, 2006's "Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story."

01/12/2010

First black female orthopedic surgeon to speak in Greenville

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:00:17 GMT

Dr. Claudia Thomas didnt set out to be a pioneer, she was just doing what she liked and what she was good at. It just so happened that the young woman destined to become the first African-American female orthopedic surgeon in the United States liked math, and she was good at it.

01/12/2010

Bob Shryock: He made an impact in this student's life

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:01:51 GMT

It was like getting a million dollar bonus, says retired educator Ed Campbell of a letter he received recently from a student he taught in Wenonah Elementary School a half-century ago.

01/11/2010

Rubi-May's a Little Star

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:02:38 GMT

A YOUNGSTER from Stowmarket, who has been battling cancer since August, has received a Cancer Research UK Little Star award for her bravery.

01/11/2010

Gene sleuths widen net for causes of kidney cancer

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:04:06 GMT

A new probe into the inherited causes of the commonest form of kidney cancer has confirmed the culprit role of a single gene but also shed light on more complex disease-causing machinery, scientists said on Wednesday.

01/11/2010

Toll-Free Numbers for Health Information

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:10:21 GMT

Help for those dealing with various cancers is listed under "C."

01/11/2010

Heavier Sons Tied to Higher Death Risk for Parents

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:16:39 GMT

When a son's body mass index was linked to a father's cardiovascular disease mortality, risk increased 82% with each higher standard deviation of BMI (P=0.008), according to Finn Rasmussen, MD, MPH, PhD, of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, and colleagues.

01/11/2010

Unraveling Kidney Cancer: Mutations in the Genome Regulation Machinery Identified in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:17:36 GMT

In a new study, scientists have searched for mutations in the gene regions of more than 100 kidney cancer samples, the largest number of samples from a single tumour type to be sequenced to date.

01/09/2010

Genetic mutation related to kidney cancer

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:21:27 GMT

A team of scientists discovered a series of genetic mutations associated to the development of kidney cancer.

01/09/2010

Callous Comments Cause Concern For Kidney Cancer Patients

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:23:14 GMT

At the recent annual NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) conference held in Manchester in December, the James Whale Kidney Cancer Patient Advisory Group was shocked at the language used by Sophie Christie, the Chief Executive of Birmingham North and East PCT. She spoke somewhat callously when describing the pressure new drugs put on the system and went so far as calling palliative care drugs "death deferring."

01/09/2010

Doctors Microwaving Kidney Cancer To Kill It

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:25:17 GMT

Fifty-seven-thousand people will be told they have kidney cancer this year 12,000 of them will die from it. Now, doctors are microwaving the cancer to kill it -- and keep it from coming back.

01/09/2010

Skin signs: Internal disease can be associated with cutaneous symptoms

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:29:34 GMT

The skin is the window to the body and often, internal disease processes can be associated with cutaneous symptoms. A number of cutaneous signs are linked to internal malignancies and the timely recognition of these signs and their associations with either genodermatoses or paraneoplastic syndromes can significantly impact the prognosis and treatment of patients.

01/09/2010

Penn St. a family affair for Mautis

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:20:31 GMT

Most of Patrick's game contributions have come on special teams, where he has seven tackles this season. Off the field, he embraced his role in Lift for Life, which raises funds and awareness in the battle against kidney cancer. Patrick served as secretary for the effort, which has raised more than $300,000 the past six years.

01/06/2010

The Genetic Basis of Kidney Cancer: Disease-Specific Approaches to Therapy

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:42:05 GMT

01/06/2010

Quitting smoking linked to diabetes

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:57:58 GMT

Former smokers have a greater risk of developing diabetes than smokers or nonsmokers. But researchers say that's due to the pounds people tend to gain after quitting.

01/05/2010

A Case Of Bone, Lung, Pleural And Liver Metastases From Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:00:23 GMT

We believe that present report is the first report that ZA monotherapy is effective for lung, pleural and liver metastases from RCC.

01/05/2010

Immutep Announces Final Results In Phase I/II Chemoimmunotherapy

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:03:43 GMT

A Phase I trial in metastatic renal cell carcinoma with IMP321 alone has been completed.

01/05/2010

Patient Advocate's Notes From 8th International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:08:55 GMT

Eighth International Kidney Cancer Symposium

September 2009

Management of Small Renal Masses and Localized Renal Carcinoma

Case Presentation and Background

Robert G. Uzzo, M.D., FACS

There are a lot of options available to manage small (<4cm) tumors that are limited to the kidney

- cut it out via surgery

- ablate it via freezing (cryo) or heating (RFA)

- watch it

- increased risk of chronic kidney disease w/ a radical Nx (removal of entire kidney)

- increased complication rate w/ laparoscopic Nx (minimally invasive or small incision)

- increased patient anxiety w/ surveillance and no biomarkers or predictors of growth

To help make option selection more objective, Fox Chase Cancer Center has documented a surgeon friendly system which can be found at www.nephrometry.com

AUA small renal mass guidelines:

- cancer control is top priority

- preservation of renal function is high priority (take out part vs. all of kidney when possible)

- minimally invasive surgery is encouraged when appropriate

	Major Urologic Complication	Local recurrence-free survival
OPNx	6.3%	97.4%
LPNx	9.0%	98.4%
ORNx	1.3%	98.1%
LRNx	3.4%	99.2%

Cryo	4.9%	90.6%
RFA	6.0%	87.0%

O = Open

L = Laparascopic

* Ablation date is early w/ RFA and cryo treating smaller tumors with shorter follow-up

Chronic Kidney Disease Implications in Kidney Tumor Surgery

Paul Russo, M.D., FACS

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive loss of kidney function over a period of months/years. CKD is

- increasing in prevalence due to increasing obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.

- Bad as it is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, hospitalization and death.

Thermal Ablation

Jeffrey A. Cadeddu, M.D

An alternative to partial nephrectomy in the management of small renal masses is thermal ablation.

Active Surveillance

Michael A.S. Jewett, M.D., FRCSC, FACS

The most common presentation of renal cell carcinoma is the small renal mass (< 4 cm) which is usually detected incidentally and without metastatic disease.

Management of Locally Advanced Kidney Cancer

Case Presentation and Background

Allan Pantuck, M.D., FACS

T1 – tumor is limited to the kidney, < 4cm (1a), 4-7 cm (1b)

T2 – tumor is limited to the kidney but > 7 cm

T3a – tumor directly invades adrenal gland or fat

T3b – tumor extends into the renal vein or vena cava below the diaphragm

T3c – tumor extends into the vena cava above diaphragm or invades the vena cava wall

T4 – tumor invades beyond Gerota’s facia (the layer of tissue encapsulating the kidney)

N0 – no regional lymph node mets

N1 – mets in a single regional lymph node

N2 – mets in more than one regional lymph node

M0 – no distant mets

M1 – distant mets

Lymph Node Dissection

Michael L. Blute, M.D.

For patients without distant mets, 5/10 yr survival is 48/32%. Patients with distant mets have a 5 yr survival of 7%

Whether to cut out lymph nodes during a nephrectomy is controversial. The CT scan sensitivity for nodes > 1 cm is 95%...only about 42% of these nodes are disease positive.

PRO: Lymph node dissection (LND) offers

- improved staging and prognostication (a doctor's prediction about a disease path)

- improved survival in patients with confirmed advanced kidney cancer whose nodes are positive but do not have distant mets

CON: Lack of proven survival benefit studies

In the overall management of kidney cancer, he recommends:

T 1a/1b: No LND

T2-4, N0, M0: LND based on pathological features @ surgery if possible/Mayo/MSK pre-op nomogram

cT2-4, N+, M0: LND is standard of care

cTany, N+/-, M+: cytoreductive surgery then LND

Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locall Advanced Disease

Eric Jonasch, M.D.

Neoadjuvant therapy refers to systemic drug treatment given to people with cancer prior to surgery. For local control of the primary tumor, an optimal neoadjuvant therapy:

1. Is safe

2. Decreases size of primary tumor

Local control of primary tumor: summary table of neoadjuvant trials results -

Study	Patient population	# of Pts	Safe?	Primary Tumor Shrinks	Amount of Shrinkage	Down-staging?
Sorafenib (UNC/ prospective)	≥T2 RCC; sorafenib 400 mg BID x 4–8 wks prior to Nx	30	Yes	64%	11% (range, 0–40%)	Yes
Bevacizumab (+/- erlotinib) (MDACC/prospective)	RCC Pts w/mets prior to Nx; treatment x 8 wks	50	Yes	51%	***	No
Sunitinib (CCF/prospective)	‘Unresectable’ RCC	18	Yes	72%	19% (range, 1-64%)	Yes
Sunitinib (Netherlands/retrospective)	M+ pts w/ primary	17	Yes	59%	12% (range, 2-33%)
Sunitinib (CCF/retrospective)	‘Unresectable’ RCC	19	Yes	42%	24% (range, 2-46%)

There is a learning curve to use these drugs safely and effectively. The current neoadjuvant therapy approaches were safe only in the hands of experienced clinicians…an example is that some patients had incomplete wound healing and had to have their treatment approach altered “on the run”.

Did current neoadjuvant therapy:

1. Decrease size of primary mass? YES

2. Convert complete to partial nephrectomy? IN SOME CASES

3. Result in retraction of IVC thrombus, or decreased invasion into adjacent organs? NOT TOO OFTEN.

4. Change biology of primary tumor from invasive to noninvasive. UNPROVEN

However, we need better drugs.

Conclusions on Optimal Systemic Control For High Risk Patients:

- Anti-angiogenic agents are capable of reducing primary tumors, but not consistently.

- There is no evidence that anti-angiogenic agents are anti-metastatic

- Monitoring tools/markers need to be developed that can measure efficacy of anti-metastatic drugs

AS a patient advocate I point out that in the summary table of neoadjuvant trials results for local control: There is a learning curve to use these drugs safely and effectively. The current neoadjuvant therapy approaches were safe in the hands of experienced clinicians... an example is that some patients had incomplete wound healing and had to have their treatment approach altered "on the run."

Emerging Applications of VEGF and mTOR-Targeted Therapy

Case Presentation and Background

Brian I. Rini, M.D.

Standards of Care and Current Single-Agent Clinical Trials

Robert A. Figlin, M.D.

Intermittent Therapy with Tyrosinekinase Inhibitors

Viktor Grunwald, M.D.

Therapy Re-Challenge

Thomas E. Hutson, D.O., PharmD.

Alternative Dosing Schemas of VEGF and mTOR therapy in metastatic RCC

Toni K. Choueiri, M.D., M.S.

Combination Therapy: Exisiting Data and Ongoing Clinical Trials

Keith Flaherty, M.D.

Abstract Presentation: Phase II trial of continuous once-daily dosing of sunitinib as first-line treatment in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC)

Sun Y. Rha, M.D

Overview of Prognostic / Predictive Markers in Metastatic RCC

Robert J. Motzer, M.D.

01/04/2010

Mechanisms of c-Myc Degradation by Nickel Compounds and Hypoxia

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:59:44 GMT

We investigated the effect of nickel on c-myc levels, and demonstrated that nickel, hypoxia, and other hypoxia mimetics degraded c-myc protein in a number of cancer cells (A549, MCF-7, MDA-453, and BT-474). The degradation of the c-Myc protein was mediated by the 26S proteosome.

01/04/2010

My Dad is dying and I have no heart for politics

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:03:10 GMT

He started chemo in November, against his oncologist's advice. Dad is a diabetic; he had kidney cancer two years ago and his left kidney was removed due to a renal tumor. Chemo could have collapsed the remaining kidney.

01/04/2010

Mayo Clinic in Arizona to Stop Treating Some Medicare Patients

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 18:20:04 GMT

The Mayo Clinic, praised by President Barack Obama as a national model for efficient health care, will stop accepting Medicare patients as of tomorrow at one of its primary-care clinics in Arizona, saying the U.S. government pays too little.

01/01/2010

Ohio State's Coleman makes best of bad situation

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 18:42:01 GMT

Coleman, a team captain, started a campus group to raise money and awareness for the fight against little-known diseases such as male breast cancer, kidney cancer and Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), a debilitating neuromuscular disorder similar to muscular dystrophy.

01/01/2010

Refinement Of The Excision Of Extensive Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 18:43:27 GMT

Management of advanced renal cell carcinoma remains an extremely difficult scenario in urologic oncology.

01/01/2010

Ohio State's Kurt Coleman is a true leader

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:01:38 GMT

When the safety's father received a diagnosis of breast cancer three years ago, he began a campus group to raise awareness and money for little-known diseases.

12/31/2009

Denise Richards slams photo set-up reports

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:04:30 GMT

Denise Richards has dismissed reports she purposefully set-up a photo opportunity to capture her playing happily with her two daughters she shares with ex-husband Charlie Sheen.

12/31/2009

Pigmented Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor of the Kidney

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:07:48 GMT

The authors discuss a pigmented perivascular epithelioid cell tumour of the kidney in a woman with clinically indicated tuberous sclerosis and suggest that this type of tumour be differentiated from clear cell renal cell carcinoma or malignant melanoma.

12/31/2009

Can renal oncocytoma be distinguished from chromophobe renal cell carcinoma by the presence of fibrous capsule

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:23:35 GMT

Average thickness of capsule in CRCCs was 337.7 microm, and 115.4 microm in renal oncocytomas, but the median was not statistically significant (P = 0.198). Studies with a larger number of cases are needed to conclude if this characteristic could be a lowcost, reliable microscopic feature in differentiating between CRCC and renal oncocytoma.

12/31/2009

Residents of New Jersey Town Take on Chemical Company After Suspected Cancer Cluster Discovered

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:59:54 GMT

Residents of a northern New Jersey town that was once home to a DuPont munitions plant are taking on the chemical giant and making sure their voices are heard after a cancer cluster was uncovered.

12/30/2009

Revolutionary procedure treats kidney cancer

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:02:08 GMT

A Metairie man says he's lucky, even though he has a serious form of cancer. First, he's lucky for the reason he initially went to the doctor, and second, because he lives right here in this area, where a groundbreaking treatment was pioneered.

12/30/2009

Kidney cancer specialists must meet new challenges

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:04:02 GMT

Renal cell carcinoma represents 3% of all cancer cases but has a significant death rate associated with it: Its estimated that there will be 60,000 new cases this year and 16,000 deaths from kidney cancer. The risk factors associated with kidney cancer include smoking, obesity, hypertension, and some occupational exposure.

12/30/2009

RCC adverse effects and symptoms

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:17:27 GMT

Patients and family members should be encouraged to learn as much as they can about RCC so that they are in a better position to participate in treatment planning. An empowered, knowledgeable patient is more likely to stick with the therapeutic regimen even through the worst bouts of physical and emotional distress.

12/30/2009

Medical breakthroughs 2009: What's new, what's next

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:41:59 GMT

This years biggest medical advances are changing the face and future of your health. Heres what you need to know now.

12/29/2009

Health: Kidney cancer a silent killer

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:43:11 GMT

Unfortunately, for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), early detection is almost impossible. At least 40 per cent of the patients are at an advanced stage of the disease when they are diagnosed.

12/29/2009

Good response to second-line bevacizumab and interferon-[alpha] in a sunitinib-refractory patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:44:27 GMT

In clinical practice, sunitinib and bevacizumab are reserved for firstline treatment, but despite various guidelines, optimal treatment is still uncertain. The authors present, for the first time, a case of a good response to secondline bevacizumab and interferonalpha in a patient who failed classical sunitinib treatment.

12/29/2009

Co-administration of cG250 and IL-2 or IFN-.alpha. for treating cancer such as renal cell carcinomas

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:46:02 GMT

A method for enhancing the therapeutic effect of cytokine treatment is disclosed. More specifically the present invention relates to a method for administering to a tumor patient a therapeutic dose of cytokine in combination with antibodies directed against the tumor associated antigen carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX/G250/MN).

12/29/2009

Am I at risk of cancer from a kidney cyst?

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:47:22 GMT

What is a kidney cyst and should I worry about kidney cancer? Should I have this cyst removed?

12/29/2009

Kidney Cancer: Breaking News

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:20:56 GMT

Click a headline to read the full story

12/24/2009

Papillary renal cell carcinoma

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:19:17 GMT

Papillary renal cell carcinoma may display some unusual morphologic variations, including diffuse oncocytic change not otherwise specified, oncocytic change associated with an inverted nuclear pattern or nonoverlapping low-grade nuclei, low-grade spindle cells, and diffuse clear cells.

12/21/2009

iPhone Application Tracks Radiation Exposure, Risk

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:51:26 GMT

Educating the public, residents and referring physicians about radiation exposure and associated risk took a step forward with the creation of the new iPhone application, Radiation Passport.

12/18/2009

Hemoglobin Levels May Predict Avastin Response

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:22:40 GMT

Patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who responded to angiogenesis inhibitor drugs also had higher hemoglobin levels, a researcher reported in a poster at the ASH 51st Annual Meeting, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

12/14/2009

Advanced renal cell carcinoma: what to do after first line antiangiogenic therapy? - Abstract

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:30:13 GMT

12/08/2009

A 'Must Read' for Patients: Kidney Cancer News

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:28:07 GMT

Kidney Cancer News is our periodical for patients, survivors, and others with an interest in kidney cancer. Subscribe here. If you are a registered user on this website, you'll receive this publication automatically. If not, click "Subscribe here" to create an account. FREE registration brings many benefits, including access to our online Forum for survivors and their families--more than 3,000 members strong, much bigger than any email listserve, and the largest virtual community of its kind!

12/08/2009

Risk of bilateral renal cell cancer

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:48:16 GMT

In a trial to ascertain the risk of developing bilateral kidney cancer, it was concluded that the risk of metachronous bilateral renal cell cancer (RCC) is drastically higher among pts first affected at a young age, suggesting a subset of early onset RCC with a strong genetic component.

12/07/2009

Highlights of ASH in Latin America 2009

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:44:31 GMT

For the first time, ASH held the only official Highlights of ASH meeting in Latin America, earlier this year:

12/06/2009

Small Study Shows 90% Benefit Rate in Papillary Kidney Cancer

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:27:32 GMT

CHICAGO -- Almost all patients with papillary renal carcinoma had stable disease or better response to treatment with a drug that targets multiple growth factors, preliminary data from an ongoing trial showed. Daily and intermittent dosing with foretinib resulted in a total clinical benefit greater than 90%, according to researchers here at the International Kidney Cancer Symposium.

12/01/2009

Notes from the 8th International Symposium

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:09:42 GMT

Patient advocates generously volunteered their time to take notes at the recent 8th International Kidney Cancer Symposium, in Chicago. These notes are intended to capture the essence of this important medical meeting and convey it in a way that is useful to patients, survivors, and their families. The first installment sumarizes the Saturday morning session.

Integration of Surgical and Systemic Therapy in Metastatic RCC

This session was opened by Dr. Bradley Leibovich who presented two cases on which the audience voted on methods to integrate surgery with systemic treatment interventions. The diversity of responses opened the way to consideration of the three discussions that followed.

Dr. Jorge Garcia discussed the role of neoadjuvant therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. He pointed out that patients with resectable disease offer proof of concept, that resection has a place in metastatic disease. In patients seen as unresectable, surgery may still offer an opportunity to attempt to downstage, with surgery preceding systemic therapy. He suggested that using PKIs may downsize and impact distant metastases.

Dr. Allan H. Pantuck discussed debulking nephrectomy. He presented the theoretical rationale for debulking which include about a 1% chance of spontaneous regression of metastatic sites, the potential to improve performance status, reduction of tumor burden and removing source=2 0of future metastases as well as source of growth factors and cytokines. He also pointed out that debulking can be indicated for palliation of pain and other symptoms. He noted that there is a survival benefit to debulking. He said that whether or not to do a biopsy depends on what you have to offer. Dr. Pantuck said that cytoreductive nephrectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma is still the standard of care with the caveat that it is not appropriate for everyone. Careful selection is key. Four things need to be considered: fitness for surgery, type of symptoms, metastatic burden, planned therapy. He concluded by pointing out that cytoreductive therapy is not as successful for non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma as for clear cell and that this probably is because there is no systemic follow-up available.

Dr. Christopher Wood discussed the surgical management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. He indicated five roles for surgical intervention: resection of nodal metastases, resection of isolated/limited metastatic disease, resection of loca l recurrence, surgical consolidation following systemic therapy and palliation of symptoms. He pointed out that in nodal disease, volume matters and that nodal disease together with distant metastases offers a dismal prognosis. He stated that lymph node dissection improves outcome for those with nodal disease and that a person with a solitary metastasis does better than one with multiple metastases. He made the following observations: lung and gland metastases have better outcomes than other metastases; adrenal and pulmonary metastases only have the most positive response to metastasectomy; pancreatic metastases seem indolent and very responsive to resection; liver metastases are problematic but, if single, resection can be very effective; wide resection can be very effective for bone metastases. For renal fossa recurrence, Dr. Wood suggested that systemic therapy and surgery is the best intervention and that margin of resection is very important. Dr. Wood stated that, overall, metastasectomy should be considered for all metastases. Timing matters and metastasectomy done at the time of nephrectomy is the best intervention. This is only proven for clear cell histology. The role in other histologies is unproven. When considering surgery versus system ic therapy plus surgery, there are important selection factors to be considered including size of tumor, presence of sarcomatoid features and margins. Dr. Wood offered data that surgery after IL2 is beneficial.

Novel Therapy

Dr. Tim Eisen reviewed the VEGFR-target treatments that are currently in trials which can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov. He pointed out that VEGFR targeted therapy is looking for better efficacy and tolerability; understanding issues of inhibitory spectrum, dosing schedule, mechanisms of resistance, side effects; predictive markers. He also reviewed HIF(+) targeted treatments and AKT & MeT targeted t rials that are listed on www.clinicaltrials.gov. He noted that trials now involve single agents but that a possible role for combinations where synergy is key, that efficacy must be greater than toxicity, is being studied. www.clinicaltrials.gov also lists phase two trials combining Vorinostat alone or in combination with bevacizumab, sorafenib, or isotretinoin. Another novel therapy currently in phase II trial is botezomib, a proteasome inhibitor. Dr. Eisen discussed pathways of all of the agents in detail, affirming the complexity of treating renal cell carcinoma.

Dr. Yasuhisa Fujii discussed immunotherapy in the targeted therapy era. His focus was on the possible utility of interferon as a first-line therapy in sequential strategies. He noted that sunitinib is better than interferon except in a small subset of patients with sequential therapy. He discussed that bevacizumab and INF is better than INF alone but does have greater toxicity. He reviewed that the clinical challenges in rcc therapy are toxicity, cost, maintenance of treatment, development of resistance. He offered ICCA therapy: combination treatment using interferon, cimetidine, Cox 2 inhibitor, angiotension blocker. This is currently in prospective phase II trial in Japan. Dr. Fujii offered that ICCA is safe, cost-effective, comparable to targeted agents. He sees that there is still a place for this therapy in selected populations.

Timothy Kuzel presented an abstract on a phase 2 multi-center, randomized, open-label study of two dose levels of IMO-2055 in patients with metastatic or recurrent renal cell carcinoma.

He found that overall survival and progression-free survival rates compare well with established immune therapy regimens. The drug appears to be a tolerable treatment but with minimal benefit.

Dr. Daniel Cho spoke about PI3-Kinase/Akt inhibitors in renal cell carcinoma. He reminded us that this pathway is activated in 40 to 59% of rcc patients and that temsirolimus and everolimus have show activity in advanced RCC. Because PI3-Kinase/Akt regulate numerous kinases, transcriptional factors and other proteins besides mTOR, there may be greater efficacy in targeting upstream of mTOR. He gave a tutorial on the prosurvival activity of AKT. He discussed the lack of understanding of why mTOR inhibitors work in RCC. Dr. Cho indicated that Perifosine inhibits Akt activation and phase II trials had shown grade 3 and 4 toxicities to be very uncommon with this drug in patients with advanced RCC who had failed prior TKI therapy. Whereas Perifosine is an indirect inhibitor of Akt activation,20 five agents which directly inhibit the kinase activity of either PI3-K or Akt are now entering phase I clinical trials. Dr. Cho pointed out that pre-clinical experiments have supported the idea that inhibition of PI3-K/mTOR is superior to inhibition of mTORC1 alone so that further studies are required.

Dr. Thomas Hutson presented an abstract on a phase II study of perifosine in patients with metastatic RCC progressing after prior therapy with both a VEGFR inhibitor and a mTOR inhibitor. He indicated that perifosine appears to have clinical benefit in metastatic RCC in patients who failed both a prior VEGFR and mTOR inhibitor. Further randomized studies are being considered to evaluate perifosine’s clinical benefit as second or third line therapy of metastatic RCC. This may include combining perifosine with a mTOR inhibitor or perifosine vs a mTOR inhibitor.

Dr. Bernard Escudier discussed the potential role o f cMET inhibitors in RCC therapy. He noted that cMET is associate with hereditary papillary type 1 RCC. He then gave a tutorial on cMET biology and discussed three different cMET inhibitors that are being studied. He noted that the inhibition of cMET induces tumor shrinkage in papillary RCC. Several cMET inhibitors are bei ng lookd at including AMG 102, XL880 (GSK 1363089) and ARQ197. Questions regarding cMET to be addressed: Is activity restricted to cMET mutated tumors? Is cMET mutation occurring during the course of treatment? Is there any interaction between cMET and VEGF pathways? Thus, although cMET is a promising pathway in cancer and papillary type 1 RCC is an excellent model to test cMET inhibition, there remains significant work to be done in defining the role of cMET in RCC.

Dr. David McDermott presented an overview of ongoing trials with novel agents. He talked about the plethora of agents available for study and the importance of determining whether combination or sequential therapies are most helpful to patients. This remains the big issue facing treatment of RCC today: What to use when. He discussed the importance of novel endpoints being personalized care and complete response. He indicated that immune checkpoint inhibitors have the promise of addressing the geriatric patient with comorbidities. Dr. McDermott said that while advances in therapeutic intervention are important and promising, observation as a treatment approach also has a place in the spectrum.

Understanding the Biology of RCC

Dr. Michael Atkins presented a discussion of the molecular biology of resistance to VEGFR blockade as a critical obstacle to improved clinical outcomes. Therefore, the mechanisms of acquired resistance is a key to optimal combination therapy. He and his colleagues are working with animal models to better understand and intervene in this resistance. Animal testing needs to determine the mechanism of action before testing can begin in humans. He noted that this is a complicated and vexing problem but that he is confident the tools are in place to determine the underlying mechanisms and lead to the development of rational treatment approaches.

Dr. David Quinn discussed clinical definitions of targeted therapy resistance. He affirmed that the overriding question is the optimal sequence of therapy, observing that, currently, a lottery approach may prevail. Dr. Quinn outlined the remarkable increase in treatment options for RCC achieved in a short period of time from 1992 to 2009 when the options went from HDIL2 to a choice of six approved therapies with trials ongoing with other drugs. However, this rapid change has left many unanswered questions, including the optimal sequence of therapy. He noted that today in RCC, therapy is chronic with some control of stable disease in the presence of prevalent side effects. Sequential therapy is developing as the standard as combination therapy has not borne fruit. Long-term disease control with maintenance of health is a viable option. Dr. Quinn outlined that patients progress or fail in a number of ways so that mechanisms of resistance are very important to understand. Key questions to be looked at include is the target of the drug present in the patient; is the dose suboptimal; is there secondary resistance; would a drug holiday help or is it time to change to a different drug? When deciding whether to continue or switch, questions to be addressed include are the new lesions special; are complementary therapeutic approaches such as radiation therapy, surgery, cryo-ablation an option? Surgery and/or cytokine therapy may be curative in some patients. Beyond this, systemic therapy offers disease control and potentially prolonged survival. Development of personalized intervention must be underpinned with a molecular understanding of resistance.

Dr. Martin Gore discussed the clinical approach to the targeted therapy resistant patient. He said there is no curative therapy for 90% of metastatic RCC patients. Treatment is aimed at delaying death and giving good quality of life. One of the problems faced is target bypass. There are so many pathways that blockade becomes problematic. Sequencing seems to be the better approach than combinatorial but work is still being done on which sequence and when to change. There are currently four or five trials20working on sequencing. There is real value in slowing progression. Targeted therapies slow progression and that matters because that opens the potential to turn metastatic RCC to a chronic disease.

IN SUMMARY, these sessions, presented by dedicated, passionate researchers focused on the wealth of new options that are becoming available to patients, the on-going work of sorting out sequencing and combinatorial usage, and the importance of patients seeking care from oncologists and urologists with specific, up to date knowledge of the state of the science in renal cell carcinoma. One size definitely does not fit all.

11/18/2009

Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG Army now in AK

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:10:43 GMT

Kidney cancer took Alger's cousin Sheri Stears. Melanoma skin cancer killed her best friend Carrie Forrest.

11/14/2009

Curbing Obesity: This Could Take Awhile

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:26:15 GMT

Elementary-age girls who spend at least 70 minutes per week in phys ed consistently do better on standardized reading and math tests than girls who spend less than 35 minutes.

11/04/2009

NCCN Guidelines for Kidney Cancer Updated

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:43:09 GMT

NCCN Guidelines for Kidney Cancer Updated to Include Pazopanib for Advanced Disease; Free Webinar Discusses Updates

The NCCN Guidelines for Kidney Cancer have been updated to incorporate the recently approved therapy pazopanib as a treatment option for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. In conjunction with this update, NCCN presents a series of free webinars scheduled for the week of November 9, 2009, hosted by an NCCN Guidelines Panel Member to review the information that supported modification of the NCCN Guidelines.

FORT WASHINGTON, PA — Following the recent FDA approval of pazopanib (Votrient™, GlaxoSmithKline) for advanced renal cell carcinoma, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has updated the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ for Kidney Cancer to include pazopanib as a therapy option for patients with advanced kidney cancer. NCCN has developed a new educational initiative, NCCN Guidelines Update Webinar Series™: Kidney Cancer, designed to quickly communicate significant updates and the basis of the NCCN Guidelines. Four webinars are scheduled for the week of November 9, 2009.

The FDA approved pazopanib on October 19 for advanced renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer in which cancerous cells invade the lining of small tubes in the kidney called tubules. The therapy works by attacking key proteins involved in cancer tumor growth and survival. The FDA based their decision on the outcome of a phase III, open-label, multi-center clinical trial in patients with advanced clear cell renal carcinoma which showed increased progression-free survival in patients treated with pazopanib compared to those who did not receive the therapy. Based upon this data, the NCCN Guidelines Panel for Kidney Cancer has added pazopanib as a first-line therapy option for those with predominant clear cell histology (category 1 designation) and for those with non clear cell histology (category 3 designation). In addition, pazopanib has been incorporated into the options for subsequent therapy for those with predominant clear cell histology following cytokine therapy (category 1 designation) and following other tyrosine kinase inhibitors (category 3 designation). Pazopanib is among a growing list of therapies that has recently been approved by the FDA for kidney cancer. Most recently in April 2009, everolimus (Afinitor®, Novartis) was approved and integrated into the NCCN Guidelines as a recommended treatment option.

The NCCN Guidelines Update Webinar Series™: Kidney Cancer are free 45-minute webinars that will consist of a presentation by Robert A. Figlin, MD, a member of the NCCN Guidelines Panel for Kidney Cancer from City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as an interactive question and answer period for participants. A series of four webinars have been scheduled for the week of November 9 at varying times to allow for increased participation. To view a list of scheduled dates and times as well as register for a webinar, visit NCCN.org. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ are developed and updated through an evidence-based process with explicit review of the scientific evidence integrated with expert judgment by multidisciplinary panels of physicians from NCCN Member Institutions. The most recent version of this and all the NCCN Guidelines are available free of charge at NCCN.org.

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a not-for-profit alliance of 21 of the world’s leading cancer centers, is dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN Member Institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system. As the arbiter of high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers. The primary goal of all NCCN initiatives is to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of oncology practice so patients can live better lives.

The NCCN Member Institutions are: City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA; Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center | Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA; Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, Durham, NC; Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA; Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH; Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY; Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital/University of Tennessee Cancer Institute, Memphis, TN; Stanford Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stanford, CA; University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL; UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA; University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI; UNMC Eppley Cancer Center at The Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE; The University of Texas M. D.AndersonCancerCenter, Houston, TX; and Vanderbilt-IngramCancerCenter, Nashville, TN. For more information, visit NCCN.org.

11/03/2009

Report from iSBTc Annual Meeting

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:46:47 GMT

A report from the International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer (iSBTc) Annual Meeting by kidney cancer survivor, Bill Bro, Kidney Cancer Association, CEO.

10/31/2009

Kidney Cancer Highlights

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:36:29 GMT

The surgical and medical treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has changed dramatically in the last several years and continues to constantly evolve.

10/30/2009

How may we help you?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:09:01 GMT

There is information and assistance for patients, survivors, and caregivers on this website. Your participate is welcome. There is no charge for membership.

10/26/2009

What's the difference between a good day and a bad one?

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:14:15 GMT

When you're living with cancer, the difference between a good day and a bad day can often come down to really small things.

Getting answers on something you're worrying about. Finding out you can get some financial support. Or just having a chat with someone who understands. Every day Macmillan Cancer Support helps thousands of people to have a good day.

Visit http://www.macmillan.org.uk to find out more.

10/25/2009

Votrient Approved for Advanced Kidney Cancer

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:35:15 GMT

Designed to thwart blood vessel growth in tumors

10/23/2009

Searching for Orphan Disease Cures

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:30:29 GMT

The worldwide effort to find cures for rare disease is often the work of small organizations such as the the Myrovlytis Trust, a not-for-profit organization in Great Britain dedicated to finding treatments and cures for rare diseases. John Solly, charity manager for the Myrovlytis Trust, talks with host Dr. Bruce Bloom, the rationale for focusing large dollars on diseases affecting a small population and how the Trust is approaching the search for a cure to their first target disease, Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome.

10/23/2009

Cancer Society, in Shift, Has Concerns on Screenings

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:28:39 GMT

The American Cancer Society, which has long been a staunch defender of most cancer screening, is now saying that the benefits of detecting many cancers, especially breast and prostate, have been overstated.

10/21/2009

New targeted drugs for metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:06:44 GMT

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has poor outcomes. Metastatic disease is resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, although some cases respond to immunotherapy. Although targeted cancer therapies have improved progression-free survival for RCC they have not yet demonstrated much improvement in overall survival. What next after failure of these drugs?

10/20/2009

Exercise eases fatigue in cancer patients on chemo

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:50:14 GMT

Exercise can reduce the often debilitating fatigue that cancer patients experience during chemotherapy, new research shows.

10/18/2009

Don't Rob Kidney Cancer Patients Of Hope

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:28:56 GMT

In a New York Times Magazine article, Peter Singer asks: "You have advanced kidney cancer. It will kill you, probably in the next year or two. A drug called Sutent slows the spread of the cancer and may give you an extra six months, but at a cost of $54,000. Is a few more months worth that much?" [See original New York Times Magazine article: http://tinyurl.com/lb5ek2]

Well, Peter, if it's your life we're talking about, perhaps not. If it's mine, or any of the more than 50,000 Americans who will be diagnosed with kidney cancer this year, the answer is yes--it's worth every penny. Not only is your New York Times Magazine article filled with conclusions based on faulty math (that the Times was later forced to admit), but your reasoning appears to be based largely on rhetorical flourishes. This is a poor surrogate for the truth.

The examples you cite fail to include Katherine, a friend of mine who continues to live and work with metastatic kidney cancer after more than a decade. She's not a lone exception. Since my diagnosis of kidney cancer twenty years ago, I've helped hundreds of poor-prognosis cancer patients who have survived for many years with metastatic disease. Although the drug you mention, Sutent^(R), may in fact have demonstrated a modest survival advantage in clinical data submitted to regulatory authorities, the reality is that some patients continue to thrive for years. With the recent approval of new therapeutics to treat kidney cancer, it is likely that survival will continue to be prolonged in many patients--perhaps, long enough for a cure to be found.

Surely, you will be among those who decry my use of anecdotal evidence in this missive. As, Gerald White, a Texan kidney cancer survivor says, "I'd rather be a live anecdote than a dead statistic."

Shame on you, Peter. I'm one survivor who's not prepared to be robbed of hope for my continued survival. And I'm surely not alone.

--Bill Bro, Survivor & CEO, Kidney Cancer Association

10/16/2009

Pfizer announces joint operations with Wyeth

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:27:15 GMT

October 14, 2009

Today, Pfizer announced that it has initiated joint operations with Wyeth following the legal close of the acquisition yesterday. The combined company now has an impressive array of products in growing therapeutic areas as well as a robust pipeline that gives us an enhanced ability to innovate.

We are embracing our responsibility to serve the world’s diverse health needs. At Pfizer, we understand that to be successful, we must turn the advantages offered by this combination into meaningful results for the patients, customers and the communities we serve. Accordingly, we have made several commitments that will guide how we do our jobs every day. They are:

· Advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures;

· Bring the best scientific minds together to challenge the diseases of our time;

· Set the standard for quality, safety and value of medicines;

· Use our global presence to make a difference in communities and the world;

· Be a leading voice for improving everyone’s ability to have reliable and affordable health care.

Pfizer remains committed to comprehensive health care reform and working to improve health care in the United States. We share a lot of common ground, especially on the need to expand access to care, to reduce costs, and to support scientific and medical innovation. Specifically, Pfizer supports strengthening the Medicare prescription benefit, expanding Medicaid, and supporting a reasonable pathway for approval of biologic drugs. We are also in favor of policies that protect and reward innovation, because it leads to new medicines that focus on unmet medical needs that can save lives and reduce suffering.

In addition to supporting health care reform, Pfizer has stepped-up to help others who are struggling in these difficult economic times. Pfizer Helpful Answers provides low-and no-cost prescriptions to low income individuals. Last year, Pfizer Helpful Answers helped 941,325 patients with 6,569,435 prescriptions. Earlier this year, Pfizer also launched the MAINTAIN program that provides free medicines for up to one year to our patients who have lost their jobs and their health care insurance.

It is with great excitement that I can reiterate today, just as before, we remain committed to our purpose: Working together for a healthier world™. The new company is the premier biopharmaceutical company in the world with the resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. Attached is the press release we issued announcing the launch of our new company. As we move forward, I will keep you informed of relevant developments.

Sincerely,

Janet S. McUlsky

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:47:17 GMT

Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced updated clinical results from a Phase 2 study of KRX-0401 (perifosine), the Company's PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor for cancer, as a single-agent treatment for advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Dr. Thomas E. Hutson, Director of the Genitourinary Oncology Program at Baylor-Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas, Texas, presented the data on Saturday, September 26th, in an oral presentation featured at the Eighth International Kidney Cancer Symposium held in Chicago.

09/29/2009

Results from a Phase II trial of regorafenib (BAY 73-4506),

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:39:09 GMT

Bayer today announced results from a Phase II trial of regorafenib (BAY 73-4506), a potent oral multi-kinase inhibitor, which demonstrated that treatment with regorafenib resulted in a 31 percent partial response rate and 50 percent stabilization rate in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). These data were presented in an oral session at the joint 15th Congress of the European CanCer Organisation and 34th Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ECCO 15 - 34th ESMO).

09/22/2009

PSU Football's Uplifting Athletes Check Presentation

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:13:38 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Peggy Shaw

Peggy.shaw@upliftingathletes.org

717-395-0127

September 17, 2009

Penn State Football Players Raise $88,360 for the Kidney Cancer Association
A check presentation during Saturday’s game will help the group eclipse $400,000 for rare disease research

University Park, PA – Between the first and second quarters of the Penn State versus Temple football game on Saturday, September 19, Uplifting Athletes will present a check to the Kidney Cancer Association for $88,360 - a Penn State chapter record. The gift was generated by events such as a charity video game challenge and the “Lift For Life,” which are organized by current members of the football team. Twelve players, Tyler Ahrenhold, Jeremy Boone, Brett Brackett, Nick Delligatti, Mike Farrell, Ryan Gmerek, Jordan Hill, Patrick Mauti, J.R. Refice, Eric Shrive, Mickey Shuler and Graham Zug raised over $1,000 each this year, with Mickey Shuler leading the charge.

Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes’ total contribution now exceeds $400,000 for rare disease research. The presentation falls on a day when the college football community mourns the loss of NCAA President Myles Brand. Members of Uplifting Athletes across college campuses will be wearing light blue bracelets in memory of Brand, who died of pancreatic cancer, another rare disease. Appropriately, Uplifting Athletes accomplishes Brand’s objective to empower these young people to become contributing members of their communities and country.

"Uplifting Athletes is a group of Penn State football players working together in an attempt to raise awareness and funds for rare diseases," said Brett Brackett, the Penn State chapter president. "These rare diseases affect fewer than 200,000 Americans and consequently little attention is paid to them. As college football players, we believe we are in a position to make a difference. Uplifting Athletes teaches us how a small group of people can make a big impact on the lives of others."

The National institutes of Health (NIH) have identified over 7,000 different rare diseases, including kidney and pancreatic cancer, affecting a total of nearly 30 million Americans. “Our active engagement of current football student-athletes creates a voice for the rare disease community,” explained executive director Scott Shirley. “The rare disease cause is a perfect fit for college football. With an average of 1 out of 10 Americans affected by a rare disease, it is relevant to someone on every team. With such a wide range of different rare diseases, each team can personalize the cause to them. And with each disease affecting such a small population, even the smallest contribution can make the biggest difference.”

About Uplifting Athletes: Uplifting Athletes, Inc. is a 501(c)3 national nonprofit organization that benefits the rare disease community through outreach, research, education and advocacy. Uplifting Athletes chapters are run by current football players on college campuses across the country, including Penn State, Ohio State, Boston College, Maryland and Colgate University – each benefiting a rare disease relevant to their team.

Uplifting Athletes SM, Penn State football team, members including officers Brett Brackett, Jesse Alfreno, Patrick Mauti and Ryan Gmerek, as well as Jeremy Boone, Jordon Hill, Brian Irvin, Christian Kuntz, Evan Lewis, Jared Odrick, Mickey Shuler, Knowledge Timmons and Brandon Ware.

The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is a charitable organization made up of patients, family members, physicians, researchers, and other health professionals globally. We fund, promote, and collaborate with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), American Urological Association (AUA), and other institutions on research projects. We educate families and physicians, and serve as an advocate on behalf of patients at the state and federal levels.

09/19/2009