News from Kidney Cancer Association

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.

Remember it's important to consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. When you accept the KCA Summer Fitness Challenge, it helps you and patients around the world to stay healthy.

Visit our store to purchase awareness items

06/30/2013

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

VIDEO: Managing Side Effects from Kidney Cancer Targeted Therapies

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:47:35 GMT

Watch the entire series of videos, ranging from about four to twelve minutes in length, each, to better understand how targeted therapies work and the side effects commonly experienced by patients using these treatments for disease management.

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.

The ACOR home page as it appears in the Internet Archive on March 31, 2013: http://web.archive.org/web/20130331124750/http://acor.org/

[Ed. note: The evening of April 15, 2013, the ACOR website appeared to be back online, with some users reporting difficulty in using the listserv over the weekend.]

04/13/2013

Interactive global map of kidney cancer survivors

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:32:03 GMT

Click anywhere below to register, share your story, and get on the map!

04/13/2013

Treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma undergoing hemodialysis

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 20:52:12 GMT

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may involve both kidneys. When bilateral nephrectomy is necessary renal replacement therapy is mandatory. Treating such patients with sequential therapy based on cytokines, antiangiogenic factors and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors is challenging.

04/13/2013

Freedom in the 50 States

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:54:50 GMT

http://freedominthe50states.org/

04/11/2013

Roche immune therapy cancer drug shows promise in early study

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:03:35 GMT

An experimental drug that spurs the immune system to fight cancer appeared to be safe and demonstrated anti-tumor activity against a variety of cancers in a small early stage study, researchers said on Tuesday.

04/11/2013

Engineered Antibody Demonstrated Safety, Efficacy in Wide Range of Advanced Tumors

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:18:40 GMT

The engineered antibody MPDL3280A, which targets a protein called programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), was safe and effective for several cancers, according to phase I study results presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013, held in Washington, D.C., April 6-10

04/11/2013

Seattle Genetics and Collaborators Highlight Multiple Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) Programs and Technology Advances at AACR

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:46:06 GMT

Presentations Highlight Preclinical Data for Novel SGN-CD33A and SGN-LIV1A Programs and Breakthroughs in Research to Develop Highly Stable Linkers and More Potent Chemotypes.

04/10/2013

VIDEO: Rally for Research, Washington, D.C.

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:20:36 GMT

We attended the Rally for Research, April 8, 2013, on the grounds of the Carnegie Library, across from the Convention Center, where the 2013 AACR Annual Meeting is taking place. This brief video examines how the event was attended. Its purpose was to make research a national priority. The rally was webcast live. Learn more about this event.

04/08/2013

Young scientists wow judges at regional science and engineering fair

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:18:27 GMT

Maurer and three other local students will head to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix May 12-17 after taking top honors among more than 1,000 students...

04/07/2013

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

Kidney sparing surgery underutilized for patients who need it most

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

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

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 20:41:49 GMT

Want to be among the first to join? It's easy! Just click here.

Website | Facebook | Twitter @patientsonline

03/24/2013

Cerulean Announces Results from Phase 2b Cancer Trial

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 16:25:56 GMT

CRLX101 is being studied in clinical trials in renal cell carcinoma in combination with Avastin®

03/23/2013

March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:43:28 GMT

March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month and the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA), with its more than 70,000 members worldwide, are celebrating by honoring the many collaborators who have helped to make ours the largest organization of its kind.

03/22/2013

Why AVEO Pharmaceuticals' Tivozanib Will Be Approved

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:45:33 GMT

TIVO-1 was the first registrational study in 1st-line RCC to compare an investigational agent against an approved VEGF therapy.

03/22/2013

Scientists Investigate Potential Markers For A Response To Sunitinib

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:46:56 GMT

Markers such as CA9, CD31, CD34 and VEGFR1/2 in the primary tumours might serve as predictors of a good response to a sunitinib treatment in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), according to a new study presented at the 28th Annual EAU Congress currently on-going in Milan.

03/22/2013

The War on Death

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:06:20 GMT

In her book, Two Weeks of Life: A Memoir of Love, Death, and Politics,Eleanor Clift detailed her experiences after her husband, Tom, was diagnosed with kidney cancer, fully five years before he died.

03/20/2013

Lymph Node And Distant Metastases Occur Even In Small Kidney Tumors

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:07:27 GMT

Small kidney tumours have an agressive potential and should be treated, according to the results of a large multicentre study presented at the 28th Annual EAU Congress in Milan.

03/20/2013

In March we honor the many collaborators who have helped to make KCA a global leader

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:25:17 GMT

“By working with others who specialize in helping people whose lives have been touched by renal cancers, we’ve made remarkable strides in the development of new medicines, along with advancements in surgical interventions, and helping patient families with the psycho-social aspects of dealing with the disease.”

03/20/2013

NCCN Opens 18th Annual Conference With Roundtable Discussion of the Cost of Cancer Care

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:29:57 GMT

The Cost of Hope: A Candid Roundtable Discussion. ABC News veteran and anchor, Sam Donaldson, moderated the opening session, as he has for the past seven years, following a keynote address from Amanda Bennett, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Executive Editor, Bloomberg News, and author of The Cost of Hope: A Memoir, who spoke candidly about her late husband, Terence Foley, and his battle with kidney cancer.

03/19/2013

Study says no risks from Agent Orange exposure

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:31:44 GMT

Although more than 100 soldiers have filed claims for health issues they believe stem from their exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Gagetown, all have been unsuccessful.

03/19/2013

Scientists investigate potential markers for a response to sunitinib in patients with metastatic RCC

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:32:54 GMT

Markers such as CA9, CD31, CD34 and VEGFR1/2 in the primary tumours might serve as predictors of a good response to a sunitinib treatment in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), according to a new study to be presented at the 28th Annual EAU Congress currently on-going in Milan.

03/19/2013

New Findings on Kidney Disease

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:34:37 GMT

Data detailed on Kidney Disease have been presented. According to news reporting from Taipei, Taiwan, by NewsRx journalists, research stated, "Spontaneous perinephric hemorrhage is a clinically rare life-threatening condition, also known as Wunderlich syndrome. Presentations can be variable, but patients typically display symptoms and signs including flank or abdominal pain, abdominal mass, and hypovolemia."

03/19/2013

2013 Kidney Cancer Association National Patient / Survivor Conference

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:44:01 GMT

Mark your calendars for the 2013 Kidney Cancer Association National Patient / Survivor Conference to be held at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Saturday, April 6, 2013 in the Dan Duncan Building (CPB 8th Floor). The conference will focus on case presentations and discussions on localized, locally advanced and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The conference will be open to all, but is primarily for kidney cancer patients and their families. The conference will be sponsored by the Kidney Cancer Association and chaired by Dr. Christopher G. Wood, Professor and Deputy Chairman, Department of Urology.

03/19/2013

Celebrate Kidney Cancer Awareness in March!

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:07:11 GMT

KCA CEO, Bill Bro, a 24-year kidney cancer survivor, serves as a member of NCI’s Renal Cancer Task Force, as well as an adviser to the Kidney Cancer SPORE, a federally funded program of research excellence based in Boston.

03/19/2013

Scientists unlock hidden potential of cutting-edge cancer drugs

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:53:58 GMT

Scientists have hailed the finding “unexpected and exciting”.

03/18/2013

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

We're known by the company we keep!

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 02:14:35 GMT

03/18/2013

The Health Benefits of Eating Cod

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 19:58:14 GMT

The chance of contracting renal cell carcinoma, a common type of kidney cancer, can be reduced to a great extent by including cod fish in the diet.

03/17/2013

New study points to the aggressive potential of small kidney tumours, advocates treatment

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 20:01:03 GMT

Small kidney tumours have an agressive potential and should be treated, according to a the results of a large multicentre study presented at the 28th Annual EAU Congress in Milan.

03/17/2013

Autocrine production of IL-11 mediates tumorigenicity in hypoxic cancer cells

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 14:31:49 GMT

IL-11 and its receptor, IL-11Ra, are expressed in human cancers; however, the functional role of IL-11 in tumor progression is not known. We found that IL11 is a hypoxia-inducible, VHL-regulated gene in human cancer cells and that expression of IL11 mRNA was dependent, at least in part, on HIF-1.

03/16/2013

National Cancer Institute Division of Extramural Affairs Annual Report

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 18:12:07 GMT

The Annual Report contains good news concerning funding for kidney cancer research projects. Kidney had the second highest success rate for applications in high incidence cancers, with total funding in excess of $7-million. Click either image to read the full report online.

03/16/2013

Phase I Study of an Anti-KIR Antibody in Combination With an Anti-PD1 Antibody

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:07:33 GMT

The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and tolerability of BMS-986015 given in combination with BMS-936558...

03/15/2013

Is AVEO's Tivozanib Any Better Than Placebo For The Treatment Of Renal Cell Carcinoma?

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:12:04 GMT

Tivozanib is an oral inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and inhibits all three VEGF receptors. AVEO Pharmaceuticals (AVEO) submitted an NDA in September 2012, based on results of the global Phase III TIVO-1 trial, a randomized superiority-designed pivotal trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of tivozanib compared to sorafenib (Nexavar®) in 517 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma ((RCC)) who had no prior treatment with a systemic therapy, as well as data from 17 clinical studies involving over 1,000 subjects who received tivozanib.

03/15/2013

Highlights from ASCO GU

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:13:25 GMT

The 2013 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, held February 14-16, 2013, in Orlando, Florida, focused on multidisciplinary approaches to the prevention, screening, evaluation, and management of genitourinary (GU) cancers.

03/15/2013

Cancer patients may have to travel further under new plans

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:15:17 GMT

Under the proposals, Barnet patients may have to go to the Royal Free Hospital, in Hampstead, or University College Hospital, in Bloomsbury, central London, for surgery.

03/15/2013

Erin Rebo Pikul Creates Awareness for Kidney Cancer

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

Goldberg Interview 1 from Washington Media Institute on Vimeo.

A video interview of Paul Goldberg, editor and publisher of The Cancer Letter, was conducted by Amos Gelb, associate professor at Northwestern University Medill Journalism School, president of the Washington Media Institute, and guest editor of this story. [Read online]

02/01/2013

Malaria drug helps kidney cancer patien

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:14:37 GMT

SAN ANTONIO - Five years, local attorney Henry Grun had his will ready to be executed at the request of his first oncologist, who warned him that his kidney cancer was so aggressive he had only six months to live.

01/31/2013

CHOICE Ambassadors Program looking for volunteers

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:09:57 GMT

You may be able to help raise awareness about metastatic kidney cancer as a CHOICE Ambassador. CHOICE Ambassadors are people who share their stories about living with metastatic kidney cancer and help educate, motivate, and inspire others also living with the condition.

CHOICE Ambassadors may participate in public speaking, public relations or live and online programs. If you are 18 years or older and have metastatic kidney cancer, or have a close family member who does and you’re interested in learning more about participating in awareness initiatives sponsored by AVEO & Astellas, please contact us.

We recognize your desire to protect the confidentiality of the information that you share with us as part of the application process, including personally identifiable information such as your name, address and phone number, as well as any health information you choose to provide. Please be aware that we will take reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of your information and will not disclose it to other parties without your permission.

Interested in learning more?

Call us toll-free at 1-855-578-5347 or visit our website www.ShareKidneyCancerStory.com

01/31/2013

AVEO, Astellas Announce Presentations of Tivozanib Clinical Data

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:37:34 GMT

Astellas Pharma today announced that new clinical data on tivozanib, an investigational agent for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), will be presented at the 2013 American society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO GU), taking place February 14-16 in Orlando, Florida.

01/30/2013

Cerulean Pharma to Present Avastin®-CRLX101 Synergy Data

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:50:49 GMT

Cerulean Pharma Inc., a leader in designing and developing dynamically tumor-targeted nanopharmaceuticals, today announced that Scott D. Eliasof, Ph.D, vice president of research, will present data on Cerulean’s most advanced experimental cancer treatment, CRLX101, at the 15th International Symposium on Anti-angiogenic Therapy.

01/30/2013

Nephron Sparing Surgery For Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma in Horseshoe Kidney

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:34:42 GMT

The exact incidence of carcinoma in horseshoe kidney has not been described in literature but the observation has been made that it is higher - approximately 3 to 4 times greater than that of the rest of the population.

01/24/2013

Breneman named officer of PSU Uplfiting Athletes chapter

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:53:06 GMT

Penn State freshman tight end Adam Breneman has been named an officer of Penn State's Uplifting Athletes chapter, the university announced.

01/24/2013

Communicate Effectively With Your Medical Team

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:48:54 GMT

01/24/2013

International Kidney Cancer Congress Clinical Trials App

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:18:54 GMT

01/24/2013

Conquer Cancer Foundation Research Update

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 19:17:56 GMT

The Conquer 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 delighted to share with you the update we received from Dr. Martin Voss, currently at work at the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, through the generous support of the Kidney Cancer Association.

01/24/2013

Tenemos Cáncer de riñón

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:11:53 GMT

Una guía práctica para los pacientes y sus familias.

01/24/2013

Amgen Gets a Gift From Congress

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:42:29 GMT

For a disheartening example of how intense lobbying and financial contributions can distort the legislative process in Washington, consider what happened to the “fiscal cliff” bill approved three weeks ago by Congress.

01/23/2013

Rice-Cell Cocktail Tough On Cancer Cells, Nice to Normal Cells

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:44:37 GMT

After 96 hours of exposure to a 20-to-1 rice callus solution, 95 percent of the kidney cancer cells were killed...

01/23/2013

Argos Therapeutics Enrolls Initial Patients in Pivotal Phase 3 ADAPT Study

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:16:15 GMT

Argos Therapeutics Enrolls Initial Patients in Pivotal Phase 3 ADAPT Study

AGS-003, first fully personalized, dendritic-based immunotherapy

being evaluated in combination with targeted therapy for mRCC

Visit ADAPTkidneycancer.com & Follow on Twitter @ADAPTkdnycancer

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)

jabbey@argostherapeutics.com

(919) 287-6308

[1] Heng et al. J Clin Oncol. 2011:29 (suppl; abstr 4560).

[2] Heng et al. International mRCC Consortium Database. November 2011.

[3] Motzer et al. 10th International Kidney Cancer Symposium. October 14, 2011. Poster presentation.

[4] Figlin et al. J Clin Oncol. 2012;30 (suppl 5; abstr 348).

01/23/2013

Aveo Pharma says it will sell $50M in stock

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:38:00 GMT

Aveo Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Thursday it plans to sell about $50 million in stock.

01/18/2013

Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Award

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:56:51 GMT

A redshirt junior guard, Shrive has raised nearly $70,000 for the Kidney Cancer Association during his Penn State career.

01/17/2013

IMA901 (Renal Cell Carcinoma) - Analysis and Forecasts to 2022 for US, EU5 and Japan

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:59:55 GMT

The report also includes information on Renal Cell Carcinoma market.

01/17/2013

Phase II and Biomarker Study of the Dual MET/VEGFR2 Inhibitor Foretinib in Patients With Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:13:30 GMT

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of foretinib in patients with PRCC.

01/15/2013

Will 2008 Legislation Cause Drug Prices to Skyrocket?

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:12:17 GMT

Many physicians have expressed concerns about how comparative effectiveness analysis will be used by payors and insurers.

01/15/2013

Argos Therapeutics Enrolls Initial Patients in Pivotal Phase 3 ADAPT Study

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 20:57:07 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, announced that the first patients have been enrolled in the ADAPT Phase 3 clinical study for AGS-003, its most advanced product candidate.

01/15/2013

Issues pose challenge to closing minority health gap

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:20:23 GMT

A deadline for eliminating disparities by 2010 has come and gone.

01/14/2013

India to hit Roche, BMS with compulsory licenses on 3 cancer drugs

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.

“We partner with the Conquer Cancer Foundation and Urology Care Foundation [formerly AUA Foundation] to make annual Young Investigator Awards because of the expertise resident in these organizations, because of the difference in scale—we knew that they would receive more and better-quality proposals—and because of the efficiency of the process, which relieves our small organization of the financial and logistic burden of reviewing proposals,” says Bill Bro, KCA chief executive officer, a 24 year kidney cancer survivor. “We’re very pleased with our collaboration. It’s an extremely effective synergy.”

KCA has sponsored more kidney cancer research projects than any organization of its size in the world. In its two most recent fiscal years, KCA invested a total of approximately $1,000,000 in research-related program activities.

More than 60,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year, and each year over 13,000 people lose their battle with this disease. Kidney cancer is the sixth most common cancer for men and the eighth most common cause of cancer for women.

Details concerning the application process for YIA grants may be found on the websites of the Conquer Cancer Foundation and the Urology Care Foundation. Information concerning prior grants awarded collaboratively by KCA and its research partners may be found here.

Currently, KCA is partnering with Hollywood star Denise Richards, whose mother died from kidney cancer in 2007, and ShoeDazzle to raise funds for research, education, and advocacy. 100% of sales from two ladies shoe designs (one created by Richards and the other by a teen who died from renal cancer) are donated by ShoeDazzle to KCA.

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.

# # #

01/12/2013

2013 Kidney Cancer Association Research Scholar Announced

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 18:43:45 GMT

Learn more about how your contributions to the Kidney Cancer Association help to sponsor valuable research projects.

01/12/2013

Kidneys Sometimes Removed Unnecessarily Due to Misdiagnosis

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 15:56:31 GMT

Thousands of individuals have had kidneys removed unnecessarily because doctors misdiagnosed their disease.

01/12/2013

BHD and apoptosis: a review

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 16:25:36 GMT

Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death and is required for the correct development and tissue maintenance of an organism.

01/12/2013

New Research Method to Identify Brain Tumors Could Enhance Neurosurgery

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:40:09 GMT

Developed by researchers in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at Stony Brook University, the contrast agent adheres to a molecular marker of medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer, and can be seen by the optical microscope system, also developed by the research team.

01/11/2013

Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Cancer) Global Clinical Trials Review

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:30:22 GMT

This report provides elemental information and data relating to the clinical trials on Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Cancer).

01/09/2013

ABO Blood Group as a Predictor of Survival

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.

Once you've got the momentum going, reach out to your extended network of friends and family. Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are really useful for helping to spread the word.

Get started now or learn more by visiting Go Get Funding's how to fundraise and fundraising ideas pages.

01/05/2013

X-Ray Technician Schools Listing

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 20:32:23 GMT

Click here for a comprehensive directory of every x-ray technician school in America.

01/05/2013

Rosetta Genomics to Present at Sidoti & Company 2013 Micro-Cap Conference

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 20:38:10 GMT

miRview® are a series of microRNA-based diagnostic products offered by Rosetta Genomics. miRview® mets² accurately identifies the primary tumor type in primary and metastatic cancer including CUP.

01/05/2013

Cancer-killing cells that can be injected into patients?

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 19:33:21 GMT

The cells naturally occur in the body in small numbers...

01/04/2013

Kidney Cancer Association Invests More Than $1-Million In Research

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:11:19 GMT

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.

01/03/2013

A two-pronged approach to immunotherapy for brain, kidney cancers will enter phase 3 in 2013

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:22:46 GMT

After withdrawing an initial public offering early last summer, a company employing a two-pronged approach to immunotherapy is raising private capital as it looks toward phase 3 trials of brain and kidney cancer drugs.

01/03/2013

Denise Richards and ShoeDazzle announce second annual partnership to support the Kidney Cancer Association

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

Hungarian Translation of "We Have Kidney Cancer"

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:27:22 GMT

12/21/2012

R&D Lessons from Pfizer's New Breast Cancer Drug, PD-332,991

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:56:27 GMT

One often thinks that Big Pharma has enormous resources that enables companies to move all programs aggressively. I think this example shows this not to be true.

12/21/2012

Slushy spares kidney during partial nephrectomy

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:58:23 GMT

US researchers report the success and feasibility of a novel method of carrying out partial nephrectomy in kidney patients, using minimally invasive surgery.

12/21/2012

Ablation devices will be fastest growing segment in the US nonvascular interventional radiology device sector

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:01:03 GMT

Medical technology market intelligence specialist, Millennium Research Group (MRG) forecasts that the segment of the United States nonvascular interventional radiology device market with the fastest growth and greatest potential is ablation devices, comprising radiofrequency (RF) ablation, cryoablation and microwave ablation devices.

12/21/2012

Teen With Kidney Cancer Designs High Heel for ShoeDazzle

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 04:04:08 GMT

12/20/2012

More Patients May Be Offered Partial Nephrectomy For Kidney Cancer Through A Minimally Invasive Robotic Approach

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 05:09:30 GMT

Urologists at Henry Ford Hospital have developed a new technique that could make minimally invasive robotic partial nephrectomy procedures the norm, rather than the exception for kidney cancer patients.

12/20/2012

Causes, Risks And Symptoms Of Transitional Cell Cancer

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 05:10:45 GMT

Transitional cell cancer happens to be the second most common form of kidney cancer.

12/20/2012

Hollywood's Denise Richards Fighting for Kidney Cancer Awareness to Honor Her Mom's Memory

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:36:14 GMT

How Denise Richards Is Fighting Kidney Cancer, One Heel at a Time

12/19/2012

Why Clinical Trials Matter: International Kidney Cancer Congress

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:20:06 GMT

“We’ll hold the inaugural meeting of the recently formed International Kidney Cancer Congress in May, 2013, in Budapest, in concert with our International Kidney Cancer Symposium.”

12/19/2012

VIDEO: Star Denise Richards and ShoeDazzle Support Kidney Cancer Research

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:40:05 GMT

Visit www.ShoeDazzle.com to buy shoes that support kidney cancer research, education, and advocacy.

12/18/2012

Hard-to-treat Myc-driven Cancers May Be Susceptible to Drug Already Used in Clinic

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:56:50 GMT

Drugs that are used in the clinic to treat some forms of breast and kidney cancer and that work by inhibiting the signaling molecule mTORC1 might have utility in treating some of the more than 15 percent of human cancers driven by alterations in the Myc gene, according to data from a preclinical study published in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

12/18/2012

Denise Richards and ShoeDazzle Partner Again to Raise Funds for Kidney Cancer Association

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:59:21 GMT

ShoeDazzle is pleased to announce its second annual partnership with actress and mother Denise Richards...

12/18/2012

Cancer Survivors: Words of Inspiration

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:00:09 GMT

Surviving cancer is a different experience for everyone.

12/18/2012

Partial nephrectomy maintains renal function in cT1a RCC

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:00:53 GMT

Partial nephrectomy (PN) offers a similar magnitude of benefit in patients with clinical (c) T1b versus cT1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC), Japanese researchers have shown.

12/18/2012

Preop features predict pathology of small renal masses

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:01:57 GMT

Researchers have identified preoperative clinical and tumor characteristics that predict the risk for malignancy in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy for small renal masses.

12/18/2012

Nephron-sparing surgery beats ablation for small renal masses

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:02:43 GMT

Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) is more effective than ablation for the treatment of clinical stage T1a renal masses, research findings show.

12/18/2012

Cytokine rise signals RCC progression

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:03:29 GMT

Progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is frequently preceded by a rise in levels of proangiogenic cytokines, Italian researchers have found.

12/18/2012

Kidney Cancer Association Promotes Worldwide Awareness of Clinical Trials

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:13:36 GMT

“For many patients, a clinical trial may be a reasonable option for treating advanced kidney cancer,” says Bill Bro, CEO of the US based Kidney Cancer Association (KCA).

12/18/2012

Danish Translation of "We Have Kidney Cancer"

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:47:50 GMT

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

Read three FREE books:

12/15/2012

This Christmas, Fight Cancer With Your Fork

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 17:44:53 GMT

If you or someone you love is fighting cancer, Christmas can be especially difficult. It's hard to feel festive when you're suffering and cannot enjoy traditional holiday meals.

12/15/2012

Tax Exempt Status of Cancer Listserv Revoked by Internal Revenue Service

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 18:34:16 GMT

The Association of Online Cancer Resources (ACOR), an email listserv that was popular with cancer patients starting in the 1990s, appears to have lost its federal designation as a tax exempt charity. An entry on the GuideStar.org website shows that ACOR lost its federal tax exempt status after failing to file tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service for three or more years. The last publicly available tax return appears to have been filed in 2008 and reports total revenue in excess of $118,000. GuideStar is an online service that offers independent evaluations of thousands of US charities.

Responding to a member’s email inquiry concerning a donation, Robin Martinez, a self-described owner of the Kidney-ONC email list hosted on the ACOR website, said, “ACOR is restructuring and is not accepting donations at this time.”

The Charities Bureau of the New York State office of the Attorney General was asked to provide additional information concerning donations made to ACOR since the filing of its 2008 tax return, but had not responded in time for inclusion in this article. The website of the Charities Bureau shows ACOR as having registered in 2004 and lists Gilles Frydman under “Leadership.” Reporters from the cancer press say they have attempted to reach Frydman for comment, but without success.

12/15/2012

New Technique for Minimally Invasive Robotic Kidney Cancer Surgery

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:18:11 GMT

12/14/2012

Nano-enabled paper detects kidney cancer markers

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:20:02 GMT

Using common laboratory filter paper coated with antibody-labeled gold nanorods, a team of investigators at Washington University in St. Louis has developed a rapid and inexpensive method for detecting biomarkers of kidney cancer in urine.

12/14/2012

HER2 Blockade in Metastatic Collecting Duct Carcinoma (CDC) of the Kidney: A Case Report

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:05:37 GMT

12/14/2012

Tumor Vascular-Disrupting Agents: What Is Their Potential When Combined With Targeted Therapy?

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:40:51 GMT

Selectively targeting established tumor vasculature with tumor vascular-disrupting agents (VDAs) represents a promising and innovative approach to improving the efficacy of standard anticancer therapies.

12/14/2012

FREE Global Kidney Cancer Caregiver Support Tool

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

A Patient-friendly Summary of the 11th International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:55:20 GMT

12/01/2012

Learn About the ASCO Quality Care Symposium

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:45:26 GMT

Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO Honors Researchers for Work in Measuring and Improving the Quality of Cancer Care

11/30/2012

FDA Rejection. EU Withdrawal. Set and Match?

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 19:34:05 GMT

Merck is testing ridaforolimus in other cancer types including kidney cancer.

11/30/2012

Lots of Talk, Little Action on Medicare Fraud

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:09:43 GMT

Who are you going to believe, him or your lying eyes? During his re-election campaign, President Obama said that his administration has pursued “fraud in Medicare and Medicaid very aggressively—more aggressively than ever before.” America’s seniors deserve to know the truth behind this misleading assertion.

11/29/2012

Podcast from VHL Family Alliance: Conquering Kidney Cancer

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:55:41 GMT

What is the IKCS and why should it matter to patients living with kidney cancer?

11/29/2012

FDA will review a drug candidate for kidney cancer

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:16:58 GMT

AVEO Oncology, a Cambridge-based cancer therapeutics company, and its Japanese partner Astellas Pharma Inc. said Wednesday that federal regulators have agreed to review its drug candidate for kidney cancer.

11/29/2012

Kidney tumors may be smarter than previously thought

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 17:25:01 GMT

Scientists have been trying to figure out how different people have kidney tumours with the same histology, or shape, although the genetic changes can vary among individual tumours.

11/23/2012

Will the Affordable Care Act make this happen in the USA, too?

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 20:05:13 GMT

Doctors 'are withholding treatment from dying cancer patients because they think it is futile to continue'

11/22/2012

Potential tumor markers of renal cell carcinoma

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:24:32 GMT

α-Enolase for postoperative follow up, and galectin-1 and galectin-3 for primary detection

11/19/2012

Journal ONCOLOGY Offers Two-Part "Primer" on Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors

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:

Gail Whitehead, Public Affairs, 301-619-7783

gail.whitehead@amedd.army.mil

11/17/2012

PSU Football Lift for Life is Saving Lives

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 15:26:54 GMT

Uplifting Athletes and PSU football team raise funds for kidney research through the annual Lift for Life event, held in State College, PA. In this video, Dr. David McDermott explains the importance of the Kidney Cancer SPORE.

11/16/2012

Extended workflow yields thousand of proteins from archived FFPE tissue

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 20:50:11 GMT

In the search for biomarkers of disease using proteomics techniques, many samples need to be analysed in order to validate the results and confirm the special significance of particular peptides or proteins. Apart from the common biological fluids like plasma and urine, tissue is another highly prized source with the advantage that many hospitals store archived tissue along with the relevant patient histories.

11/16/2012

Kidney Cancer Association Receives Support of Big Ten Football Team

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:37:56 GMT

The Kidney Cancer Association’s vice president for public affairs, Carrie Konosky, is in Happy Valley, PA, this weekend to receive funds from the Penn State Chapter of Uplifting Athletes.

11/16/2012

Patients rank toxicity against progression free survival in second-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:51:07 GMT

The aims of this study were to quantify and contrast patient preferences between second-line advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) medication profiles and their associated benefits and toxicities, and to help frame the doctor-patient discussion about selecting appropriate RCC therapies.

11/14/2012

Black Patients With Kidney Cancer Have Poorer Survival

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:56:40 GMT

Read about this on ScienceDaily

11/13/2012

"Soul Diva of the Northwest" fighting kidney cancer

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 15:46:56 GMT

11/12/2012

Black Patients With Kidney Cancer Have Poorer Survival Than Whites

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 15:53:16 GMT

Regardless of patient and tumor characteristics or surgical treatment, white patients with kidney cancer consistently have a survival advantage over black patients.

11/12/2012

Not Enough Cancer Drugs, Too Many Price Controls

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 22:42:34 GMT

The future for kidney cancer patients could be bleak, if this Wall Street Journal op-ed's conclusions are accurate.

11/12/2012

Not Enough Cancer Drugs, Too Many Price Controls

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 02:28:09 GMT

Read op-ed

11/12/2012

Kidney cancer in Sweden: A decrease in incidence and tumour stage

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:47:11 GMT

In the Western world the incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been increasing for several decades.

11/11/2012

Renal cell carcinoma and the WNT/β-catenin pathway

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:52:02 GMT

The highly conserved WNT pathway is involved in the transduction of signals from the cell surface to the nucleus, and it is known to play a key role in embryonic development, adult tissue maintenance and tumourigenesis (Klaus & Birchmeier, 2008).

11/11/2012

Improvement in Overall Survival of Patients with Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 19:16:35 GMT

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

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Penn State Football raises funds and awareness for the Kidney Cancer Association.

10/09/2012

Argos Therapeutics' Phase 3 ADAPT Study for AGS-003 Highlighted During 11th Annual International Kidney Cancer Symposium

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:12:15 GMT

Approximately 70 North American Sites Are in Process and Enrollment Will Commence During Fourth Quarter 2012.

10/09/2012

AVEO stock slides on analyst downgrade

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:13:45 GMT

AVEO Oncologyâs (Nasdaq: AVEO) shares dropped more than 7 percent Monday morning, on news the stock was downgraded by Boston life sciences investment bank, Leerink Swann.

10/09/2012

Kidney Cancer Association Works with Conquer Cancer Foundation to Stimulate Breakthrough Research

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:40:16 GMT

KCA has sponsored more kidney cancer research projects than any organization of its size in the world. In its most recent fiscal year, KCA invested more than $650,000 in research-related program activities.

10/09/2012

Lynch & Inherited Polyposis Syndromes

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 19:00:52 GMT

Lynch syndrome and inherited polyposis syndromes are caused by genetic mutations that run in families and can increase your lifetime chance of getting colorectal cancer to 80% or higher.

10/09/2012

Data From BeST Clinical Trial Presented at Kidney Cancer Symposium

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 16:50:51 GMT

Nizar M. Tannir, MD, FACP

Learn more about the BeST clinical trial

See the presentation from the 11th International Kidney Cancer Symposium

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

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 19:45:40 GMT

Learn more and download the agenda (PDF)

The World Summit on Innovation & Entrepreneurship was launched in 2006 at the United Nations under the support of three UN agencies, International Chamber of Commerce, African Union, in partnership with key multinationals like PepsiCo, Cisco, La Post, Boeing, Microsoft, CNBC, and Business Week.

The Summit connects an elected group of the world’s most innovative people to exchange inspiring stories and architect meaningful actions for economic competitiveness and social innovation.

This video was created, edited, and uploaded using only the iPhone 4s

09/26/2012

Did you know that general health could be affected by Oral health?

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:32:32 GMT

48% more likely to develop kidney cancer due to poor oral health

09/24/2012

MD Anderson Moon Shots To Help Put An End To Cancer

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:35:46 GMT

The center is launching its Moon Shots ProgramÂÂ as a way to rally up researchers, and put an end to cancer.

09/24/2012

Oral Health and Cancer Risk

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 17:08:50 GMT

As seen on CNN iReport, YouTube, and Vimeo:

09/24/2012

With patient welfare pitted against corporate social irresponsibility, lives are at stake

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 17:44:36 GMT

The Supreme Court is hearing a case which could well determine whether patients grappling with deadly diseases can have access to affordable generic medicines.

09/23/2012

Sunitinib as First-Line Therapy in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced Metastatic Papillary Renal Cell Cancer

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 17:48:28 GMT

This phase II trial is studying how well sunitinib works as first-line therapy in treating patients with locally advanced or metastatic papillary renal cell (kidney) cancer.

09/23/2012

Kidney Cancer Association Launches International Kidney Cancer Congress

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 23:59:04 GMT

"We invite kidney cancer advocates from around the world to join us for this inaugural event..."

09/22/2012

Charity Launches International Kidney Cancer Congress

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 14:42:06 GMT

âWeâre pleased to announce the formation of an international collaboration of cancer patient organizations aimed at speeding innovative treatments from the bench to the bedside,â says Bill Bro, CEO of the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA), the worldâs largest charity dedicated to the eradication of death and suffering from renal cancers.

09/22/2012

Occupational trichloroethylene exposure and kidney cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 14:44:48 GMT

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

Text Your Donation to Fight Kidney Cancer

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 21:49:44 GMT

To donate $10 to the Kidney Cancer Association, text GIVE to 80100. Do your part to help eradicate death and suffering from renal cancers

Or call 1-800-850-9132 (toll-free in the USA & Canada)

Or click below to donate securely online

06/30/2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rare Wilms' Tumor Case Surfaces in Macomb County: MyFoxDETROIT.com

Read the story

04/26/2012

Cancer patient denied Avastin in Wales

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:22:02 GMT

Kate Spall, who appears in this report, is a cancer advocate who has worked tirelessly on behalf of patients to assure they receive the treatments often denied them by government-run health care systems. The drug mentioned here, Avastin®, is used in the USA to treat kidney cancer.

04/26/2012

Phase 3 ADAPT Study in Patients with mRCC

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:54:15 GMT

The international Phase 3 ADAPT study is expected to commence in mid-2012 under a revised Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement with the FDA. This pivotal study will evaluate the addition of AGS-003 to standard therapy versus standard therapy alone.

04/25/2012

Phase II/III Trial of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:58:19 GMT

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of ex vivo expanded autologous immune killer cells in treating hepatocellular carcinoma patients...

04/25/2012

Marlo Thomas: Hope on the Horizon

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:10:45 GMT

Within the NIH, several investigators have now begun to demonstrate the effectiveness of such precision attacks on various cancers, including lymphoma, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer, among others.

04/24/2012

Surgery Shows Promise in Lung Metastases

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:13:14 GMT

The 301 patients included in the analysis consisted of 133 women and 168 men who had a median age of 64 (range of 11 to 86). Their lung metastases arose from more than a dozen types of cancer. Colorectal cancer accounted for a third of cases, followed by renal cell carcinoma (12%), melanoma (7%), breast cancer (6%), soft-tissue sarcoma (6%), head and neck carcinoma (6%), and lung cancer (6%).

04/24/2012

Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma with Osteosarcoma Differentiation

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:17:37 GMT

We present a 6th case of sarcomatoid chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, which had an osteosarcoma differentiation component. However, the correlation between the presence of heterologous elements and prognosis is unknown because of the rarity of this phenomenon.

04/24/2012

CT appearances following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:15:56 GMT

There was no evidence of tumor recurrence in any of the patients.

04/24/2012

Wilms' tumor (kidney cancer in children)

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:18:09 GMT

Feeling frightened about one of your children having cancer is normal. The good news is that Wilms' tumour is curable in more than 9 out of 10 children (90%) diagnosed. [See: http://www.WilmsKids.org]

04/24/2012

Medicare advisory board bad medicine for Illinois

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:14:10 GMT

It's an extraordinary amount of power to give fifteen unelected individuals.

04/24/2012

National Patient and Survivor Meeting Streaming Live on YouTube

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:00:39 GMT

03/01/2012

FDA approves Inlyta for advanced kidney cancer

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:36:01 GMT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Inlyta (axitinib) to treat patients with advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) who have not responded to another drug for this type of cancer.

02/29/2012

Kidney Cancer Journal

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:48:02 GMT

Read Kidney Cancer Journal online

02/29/2012

Role of lymph node dissection in RCC

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:04:15 GMT

Controversy exists over whether lymph node dissection (LND) simply provides improved staging or whether removal of pathologic nodes offers a therapeutic advantage.

02/29/2012

Axitinib Tops Sorafenib as Second-Line RCC Treatment

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:11:02 GMT

Axitinib treatment led to a significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival compared with sorafenib in patients with treatment-refractory renal-cell carcinoma...

02/29/2012

Learn About Kidney Contenders

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 17:17:53 GMT

Listen to the podcast:

02/29/2012

Study: Bevacizumab in Combination With Low-Dose-Interferon

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:11:30 GMT

This single arm study will assess progression free survival, tumor response and safety of Avastin in combination with interferon alfa-2a (IFN) as first line treatment in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

02/28/2012

Partial Kidney Removal Also Gives Long-Term Survival: Study

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:46:48 GMT

The study has revealed that usually the kidney cancer patients needing surgery have their whole kidney taken out but the patients can healthily survive long-term even if just a part of the organ is removed.

02/24/2012

Pre-Surgical Sutent in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:49:10 GMT

The goal of this clinical research study is to learn if SutentÂ® (sunitinib malate), given before surgery, can help control renal cell carcinoma. The safety of sunitinib malate will also be studied.

02/24/2012

IL-7 Treating Patients With Metastatic Kidney Cancer

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:51:38 GMT

This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of interleukin-7 in treating patients with metastatic melanoma or locally advanced or metastatic kidney cancer.

02/24/2012

PHOTOS: Living With Kidney Cancer

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:55:38 GMT

Meet these and other families that are dealing with kidney cancer on the newest social network for kidney cancer survivors, KidneyCancer.ME

02/21/2012

Why the UK Is Ditching Socialized Medicine

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:40:44 GMT

...even under optimum conditions, people suffering from afflictions such as heart disease and cancer will face more than a five-and-a-half month wait before getting the treatment they need.

02/21/2012

CA9 Level as Biological Marker in mRCC

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:39:19 GMT

One third of patients with kidney cancer are diagnosed in the metastatic stage, and among patients with a localized form, about 30 to 40% will develop metastases after surgery.

02/20/2012

Tinzaparin in Treating Patients With mRCC

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:40:45 GMT

Tinzaparin may stop the growth of kidney cancer by blocking blood flow to the tumor.

02/20/2012

Aspirin and urologic cancer risk: an update

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:42:48 GMT

Such excess risk, however, might be due to exposure to phenacetin-containing analgesics, which have been reported to increase renal cell cancer risk.

02/20/2012

Penn State THON raises record $10,686,924.83

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:45:24 GMT

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.

2012 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium Preliminary Agenda

Note that Saturday's (February 4) sessions are dedicated almost exclusively to renal cancers. Many of those making presentations at this year's Symposium are either members of the Kidney Cancer Association Medical & Scientific Steering Committee or of our Professional Group. We are grateful for the dedication of these individuals for their signficant contributions to kidney cancer research.

02/04/2012

Papillary Kidney Cancer Clinical Trials

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:23:14 GMT

This page is dedicated to bringing you the most current information about clinical trials for papillary kidney cancer. In a small number of cases, papillary renal cell carcinoma is hereditary. This disease accounts for a small percentage of all cases of kidney cancer.

02/03/2012

Dilemma of the Small Renal Mass

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:22:53 GMT

2012 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium Daily News: By: Sima Porten, MD, MPH, and Maxwell V. Meng, MD The past decade has seen significant advances in the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma, with the widespread adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques and the approval of several targeted systemic agents for metastatic disease.

02/03/2012

GU ASCO: The Role of Cytoreductive Nephrectomy

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:12:58 GMT

Read the full expert editorial from today's Genitourinary Cancers Symposium Daily News by clicking here

02/03/2012

AGS-003 with sunitinib and overall survival

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:57:15 GMT

AGS-003 in Combination With Sunitinib Shows Statistically Significant Correlation of Immune System Response to Overall Survival

02/02/2012

Kidney Papillary Carcinoma

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:55:30 GMT

Kidney clear cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, representing approximately 92 percent of such cases. Papillary carcinoma accounts for about 8 percent.

02/02/2012

2012 GU ASCO "Daily News"

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:14:10 GMT

The Kidney Cancer Association is podcasting live from the 2012 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, in San Francisco. For the latest information from this event,be sure to read the "Daily News" online.

02/01/2012

Quality of life during dendritic cell vaccination

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:18:51 GMT

The data indicate that dendritic cells (DCs) vaccination, which is a personalised treatment modality, maintains quality of life (QoL) and thus represents an attractive nontoxic treatment option for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

02/01/2012

Small Renal Oncocytomas

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:22:12 GMT

To evaluate characteristic imaging findings of tumor attenuation in multiphase computed tomography (CT) between renal oncocytomas and clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) of small tumor size (

02/01/2012

Familial renal cancer as an indicator

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:24:08 GMT

Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Carcinoma (HLRCC) is a hereditary condition which typically presents with cutaneous and uterine leiomyomata. Papillary type II renal cell carcinoma and other less common histologic subtypes of renal cancer have been reported in HLRCC.

02/01/2012

Thermal ablation of renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:25:48 GMT

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is increasing. With the increasing emphasis on minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery, thermal ablation is playing a larger role in the management of patients with this disease.

02/01/2012

Bevacizumab and Sunitinib in Treating Patients With Solid Tumors

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:27:33 GMT

Monoclonal antibodies, such as bevacizumab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help kill them or carry tumor-killing substances to them. Sunitinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Bevacizumab and sunitinib may also stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking blood flow to the tumor. Giving bevacizumab together with sunitinib may kill more tumor cells.

02/01/2012

Vaccine Therapy With or Without Fludarabine

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:29:04 GMT

This randomized phase II trial is studying vaccine therapy and fludarabine to see how well they work compared to vaccine therapy alone in treating patients with stage IV kidney cancer.

02/01/2012

Phase II Study of AS1411 in RCC

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:30:52 GMT

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of AS1411 in patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma.

02/01/2012

Kidney Cancer: Patient Centered Care

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

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:57:41 GMT

Nicholas Vogelzang, MD, discusses the research highlights from the 2012 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco, California.

01/31/2012

Upload a photo to win a date with Denise Richards

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:44:07 GMT

Hollywood celebrity Denise Richards, starring in Spike TV's hit series, "Blue Mountain State," invites fans to upload a photo to win a luncheon date. This contest aims to create greater awareness of kidney cancer and the need for a cure. In a companion contest fans can upload a video instead.

01/30/2012

What is sonography?

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:27:15 GMT

Sonographic technology was first developed in WWII to locate objects under water.

01/28/2012

SCIENTIFIC PEER REVIEW OF CANCER RESEARCH

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:04:36 GMT

01/28/2012

Richard Pazdur, M.D.: Cancer Care in the U.S

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:35:29 GMT

2012. A milestone in my professional career marking the 30th anniversary since I finished my medical oncology fellowship and started practicing in the field.

01/28/2012

Medical Imaging Test May Damage Thyroid

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:41:25 GMT

Patients injected with contrast material were about twice as likely as those who didnt get the chemical to develop hyperthyroidism, when the gland produces too much thyroid hormone and can cause rapid or irregular heart rates, according to a study today in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

01/28/2012

Researchers suggest a proximate cause of cancer

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:23:46 GMT

01/26/2012

Kidney cancer, diabetes linked

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:35:57 GMT

A new study of local kidney cancer patients shows a strong link to diabetes, with the most advanced cancers found in those with the worst control over their blood sugar

01/26/2012

Blood Levels Of Lead May Increase Smokers' Risk For Kidney Cancer

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:37:15 GMT

Higher than normal levels of lead in the blood may signal a risk two times higher than average of developing renal cell carcinoma in smokers, according to medical researchers.

01/26/2012

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

01/20/2012

First Patient in Phase 1b Trial in Solid Tumors

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:32:26 GMT

Novelos Therapeutics Enrolls First Patient in Phase 1b Trial in Solid Tumors With (131)I-CLR1404 (HOT) Cancer-Targeted Molecular Radiotherapeutic. Expects to Begin Phase 2 Proof-of-Concept Trials in First Quarter of 2013.

01/19/2012

Juliet Ibrahim (JIF) KIDNEY CANCER AWARENESS SONG

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:47:41 GMT

The release of this powerful video is a staple of what the Juliet Ibrahim Foundation (JIF) hope it would achieve by bringing attention and awareness to the issue of Kidney cancer and kidney related diseases.

01/19/2012

Kidney Cancer Research: Developing a New Vision

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:45:00 GMT

Since the founding of the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) just over 20 years ago...[READ more]

01/18/2012

Tumor cells can prevent tumor spread

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:45:26 GMT

Paradoxical discovery finds cells known as pericytes help prevent metastasis

01/18/2012

U.S. to Force Drug Firms to Report Money Paid to Doctors

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:30:04 GMT

Manufacturers of prescription drugs and devices will have to report if they pay a doctor to help develop, assess and promote new products or if, for example, a pharmaceutical sales agent delivers $25 worth of bagels and coffee to a doctors office for a meeting.

01/16/2012

Denise Richards designs shoe for kidney cancer charity

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:40:23 GMT

Denise Richards, who is an actress, model and busy mother of three, teamed up with ShoeDazzle designers and created a special on-trend pump in honor of her Mother who passed away from kidney cancer.

01/13/2012

Deaths From Some Cancers Declining

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:43:32 GMT

The report wasn't all good news, though. Certain cancers that used to be considered rare, such as thyroid cancer, skin melanoma, and kidney cancer, are beginning to afflict people more often.

01/13/2012

People rally for a cancer friendly Barbie

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:51:38 GMT

"Kaylee has Wilm's tumor. It's a kidney cancer that has progressed into her lungs," said Rider.

01/13/2012

2012 Projected Cancer Deaths by State

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:00:25 GMT

Cancer Deaths by State, Projected 2012 (incidence and mortality), from American Cancer Society. [Format: Microsoft Excel]

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

Denise Richards Invites One Lucky Fan to Join Her for Lunch

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:45:02 GMT

01/06/2012

Denise Richards On Losing Her Mother To Kidney Cancer

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:07:15 GMT

Denise Richards is well known for her high-profile divorce from Hollywood bad boy Charlie Sheen. But the 40-year-old single mom-of-three says her biggest heartbreak was the death of her mother Joni to kidney cancer.

01/06/2012

Fewer Americans Dying From Cancer

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:10:14 GMT

Fewer Americans are dying of cancer, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society. The societys annual report on cancer statistics showed that cancer death rates have fallen nearly two percent for both men and women over the past five years.

01/06/2012

Tivozanib Progression-Free Survival Superior

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:25:07 GMT

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. and TOKYO, JAPAN, January 3, 2012 – AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVEO) and Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503) today announced that tivozanib demonstrated superiority over sorafenib in the primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) in TIVO-1, a global, randomized Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of investigational drug tivozanib compared to sorafenib in 517 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). TIVO-1 is the first registration study in first-line RCC that is comparing an investigational agent against an approved VEGF therapy.

01/03/2012

Optimizing Treatment of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:25:54 GMT

The outcome of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma has been substantially improved with administration of the currently available molecularly targeted therapies.

01/02/2012

New Smartphone App: My Pain Diary

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:04:45 GMT

My Pain Diary was developed to eliminate some of the overhead in keeping a pain diary and communicating the information to health care professionals.

01/02/2012

How Can A Shoe Fight Kidney Cancer?

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

If you have further inquiries regarding ACOS2012, please feel free to contact us anytime.

[ACOS2012 Secretariat] Tel: 82-2-3476-7700 Fax: 82-2-3476-8800 E-mail: office@acos2012.org

12/14/2011

New 'cancer atlas' shows risk regions

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:40:58 GMT

These conclusions are to be found in a major new survey by the National Cancer Registry and its Northern Ireland equivalent.

12/14/2011

Assisted Living Directory: Cancer and Assisted Living

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:03:19 GMT

Learn more about cancer and assisted living here.

12/14/2011

Could This Be The End Of Cancer?

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:40:09 GMT

It's a disease that kills millions a year and a slew of hoped-for miracle treatments have gone nowhere. Now scientists say vaccines could hold the keynot just to a cure but to wiping out cancer forever.

12/13/2011

Scientists discover new way to target cancer

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:26:30 GMT

The findings, published today in the journal Cancer Cell, reveal how cancer cells grow faster by producing their own blood vessels.

12/13/2011

Charities should be accountable to the public

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:02:24 GMT

By Paula Bowen and Bill Bro

Last year, we expressed concern about a new organization in the kidney cancer community that sought to consolidate the activities of many kidney cancer not-for-profits into one “super organization.”

Following this group’s first meeting in Germany last year, we emailed several times to request some basic information, including questions regarding governance structure, the role of industry in its operations, and full disclosure of the member organizations. We are still waiting for a reply. On its website, IKCC indicates that they will provide feedback and a summary of the evaluation forms from its meeting in Germany. No such information has been provided...[read more]

(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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Lastly, competitively priced major medical plans could be purchased by those people who want coverage for things Medicare does not cover.

The Economy of Scale in “Owning Diseases”

Medicare would eventually “own” all the serious illnesses. Tremendous savings will result. They could buy drugs at much better cost for their patients. Medicare could insist on centers of excellence for things such as Organ Transplants that have enough volume and have costs scrutinized for fairness so we have both high quality and efficiency. They Government would also be able to enroll patients in clinical trials when effective treatments are not available. Currently, such patients, mainly with cancer, will accept treatments that have no evidence of effectiveness due to the difficulty one has in giving up. In this system, those patients would not get the therapy, unless they were willing to pay out of pocket, or had a preexisting supplemental policy for such a situation. If, however, Medicare had a clinical trial for their illness, they could enroll for free.

This does not exhaust the list of benefits one would find in this simple system. Current proposals will not resolve cost issues and will ultimately break the bank. Copying the British, Canadian, German, Australian or any mix of the many socialized solutions has been resisted for a reason; we can and should do better. Real competition and true compassion will lead to a cost effective, innovative and uniquely American solution.

Dr. Kim Meyers, F.A.C.P.
Past Chair, Soreng, Solis Chair of Medical Informatics
Senior Attending in Medicine Evanston Hospital
Assistant Clinical Professor Northwestern University
1713 Central Street
Evanston,Illinois 60201

Read response from Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)

10/24/2011

Does Obesity Influence the Prognosis?

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:49:15 GMT

Obesity increases the risk for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, it has only recently been identified as an independent positive prognostic factor for localized RCC.

10/22/2011

Don't Let Congress Hurt America's Charities

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:03:40 GMT

A powerful group of Senators is proposing to significantly reduce key tax benefits for donating to charities. This comes at a time when nonprofit organizations desperately need all the funding they can get.

10/21/2011

Could Aspirin be a Viable Adjuvant Treatment for Cancer?

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:49:27 GMT

Dr. Ruth E Langley and colleagues provide an overview of the evidence in favor of aspirin in cancer despite aspirin being neither new nor expensive, in a recent review in the British Journal of Cancer (British Journal of Cancer...

10/21/2011

Novel Heritable Renal Cancer Factor Identified

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:53:41 GMT

Researchers have identified a novel rare, germline mutation linked to a predisposition for both melanoma and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that results in a five-fold increased risk of developing melanoma, RCC, or both.

10/21/2011

Long-term use of nonaspirin NSAIDs may increase kidney cancer risk

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:03:16 GMT

The absolute risk differences for users versus nonusers of nonaspirin NSAIDs were 9.15 per 100,000 person-years in women and 10.92 per 100,000 person-years in men.

10/20/2011

How to Read Your Pathology Report

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:54:19 GMT

Surgical pathology reports vary somewhat regarding the information that they contain; however, each report will document the significant details that affect the management of your diagnosis.

10/17/2011

VeriStrat® Results Correlate with Survival Outcomes in Kidney Cancer Patients

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:57:43 GMT

Data presented at the 10th International Kidney Cancer Symposium being held in Chicago, IL show that the pretreatment blood-based test, VeriStrat, was able to stratify renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients treated with a combination of two targeted therapies, sunitinib (Sutent®) and erlotinib (Tarceva®), by survival outcomes.

10/17/2011

Kidney Cancer Predictive Tools

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

Bin Tean Teh, MD, PhD
Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI

John A. Thompson, MD
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA

Ilya Tsimafeyeu, MD
N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Moscow, Russia

Robert G. Uzzo, MD, FACS
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA

Philip Walther, MD
Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC

Christopher G. Wood, MD
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

07/08/2011

Mass. General Team Identifies New Class Of Antiangiogenesis Drugs

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:56:55 GMT

Natural plant compound blocks vessel growth by interfering with cellular adhesion

07/04/2011

Arsenic linked to kidney cancer

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:01:24 GMT

People with moderately elevated levels of arsenic in their urine may have an increased risk of kidney cancer -- particularly if they have high blood pressure and kidney disease, a new study suggests.

07/04/2011

Kidney Cancer Interactive Webinar

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:46:38 GMT

Presented by Jon D. Smith, RN, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington. Watch the video and then submit your questions to the experts by clicking here. The complete Q&A series will be added to this page over the coming weeks.

06/30/2011

The Impact of Health Care Delivery Reforms on Patients

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:58:58 GMT

The health care reform law provides for the adoption of innovative health care delivery models with the overall goal of achieving higher value health care services. These new delivery models such as accountable care organizations and patient-centered medical homes are being considered as solutions to a broken health care system, but many questions remain.

06/30/2011

Vaccine Updates at BIO International Convention

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:09:54 GMT

Vical has conducted early-stage clinical trials of Allovectin(R) in patients with breast, prostate, colorectal or kidney cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or squamous cell cancer of the head and neck.

06/29/2011

Pfizer files for US approval of kidney cancer drug

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:12:04 GMT

Pfizer seeks approval of axitinib as a treatment for most common type of kidney cancer

06/29/2011

Social Networking On The Front Line Of New Modern Medicine

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:15:28 GMT

Comprehensive Guide for Medical Professionals and Patients Engaging in Social Media

06/29/2011

FDA Mulls Fate of Avastin

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.

In this study, researchers looked at the tumors from 1,144 patients with advanced cancer to find specific changes to the tumor’s genes, called mutations. The tumors from 460 patients had one or more genetic mutations. Each of these patients received a targeted therapy drug that targets the specific genetic mutation found in their tumor.

Source: Cancer.net

06/04/2011

Researchers Make Kidney Cancer Discovery

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 14:53:37 GMT

Finding Could Affect Patient Treatment Options

06/04/2011

VIDEO: Report from ASCO Annual Meeting

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 20:30:49 GMT

Learn more about the ASCO Annual Meeting and why it is important to families dealing with cancer.

06/03/2011

AVEO Pharmaceuticals' License Agreement with Centocor

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 22:32:58 GMT

AVEO is initially receiving $15 million. Under the terms of the license agreement, AVEO will receive the first half of this amount as an up-front payment from Centocor Ortho Biotech.

06/02/2011

Pfizer asks EU to approve kidney cancer drug

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:06:12 GMT

Pfizer says it asked European Union to approve its kidney cancer drug candidate axitinib

06/02/2011

Kidney Cancer Discovery Could Expand Treatment Options

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:13:03 GMT

Oregon Health & Science University Knight Cancer Institute researchers uncovered a gene that may be the key to helping kidney cancer patients who don't respond to current therapies.

06/02/2011

Donate to KCA at ASCO Annual Meeting

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:14:13 GMT

AVEO invites you to help kidney cancer patients. It is simple, just stop by the AVEO Medical Booth at the 2011 ASCO Annual Meeting and scan your attendee badge. AVEO will donate $25 to kidney cancer patient advocacy, via Kidney Cancer Association, Kidney Cancer Canada and Conquer Cancer Foundation, for every unique badge scanned. The more individual badges scanned, the more money AVEO will donate.

In keeping with AVEO's dedication to cancer patients, the company has decided to donate to kidney cancer patient advocacy rather than investing money in an elaborate booth structure. Uniquely, AVEO's 2011 exhibit space is designed to be a lounge where you can rest, meet with colleagues, enjoy a snack and sign the tabletops in support of patient advocacy. So stop by the AVEO Exhibit space (#13085) and enjoy yourself while doing a great thing for the patients we serve. Feel free to share this invitation with your colleagues.

06/01/2011

USA Today: Kidney Health Report

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 20:44:08 GMT

Mediaplanet Publishing released a Kidney Health report to targeted markets in USA Today. The report is distributed to 1 million readers with contributions from Kidney Cancer Association, National Kidney Foundation, Fresenius Medical Care North America, UKidney, Medical Education Institute, and National Kidney Registry.

05/31/2011

Active surveillance may be viable option for small renal masses

Wed, 25 May 2011 14:13:28 GMT

Active surveillance may be a viable short-term treatment option in select patients with small renal masses, researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia.

05/25/2011

VIDEOS: National Patient Conference

Tue, 24 May 2011 15:49:43 GMT

Learn about state-of-the art treatment of kidney cancer from world-renown experts.

05/24/2011

Obama Budget Caps Donations to Charity

Mon, 23 May 2011 14:22:33 GMT

Independent Sector urges Congress to reject proposals to limit the value of itemized deductions for charitable donations. As nonprofit organizations struggle to meet increased demand for services and raise the necessary funds to meet those needs, Congress should seek to encourage all individuals, regardless of income and wealth, to give more to charitable organizations.

05/23/2011

Patients Abandoned Oral Anti-Cancer Drugs

Thu, 19 May 2011 13:28:15 GMT

High Cost-Sharing and Higher Concurrent Prescription Activity Are Key Factors Related to Abandonment of Medicines

05/19/2011

Nexavar Data to Be Presented

Thu, 19 May 2011 13:33:09 GMT

Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:ONXX - News) today announced that data evaluating the use of Nexavar® (sorafenib) tablets will be presented in a scientific forum at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), June 3-7, in Chicago.

05/19/2011

Pfizer kidney cancer drug effective in key study

Thu, 19 May 2011 13:35:12 GMT

Company expected to seek U.S. approval this year

05/19/2011

Lymphocyte Count Indicates Prognosis of Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma

Thu, 19 May 2011 13:43:09 GMT

Now, researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have discovered that the lymphocyte count--which is routinely measured in laboratory tests--is a simple and effective prognostic indicator in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

05/19/2011

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

The pivotal Phase III study will evaluate as the primary endpoint the overall survival of advanced renal cell carcinoma patients treated with IMA901 in combination with Pfizer's Sutent(R) (sunitinib malate) versus Sutent(R) alone.

Read the full article online

04/12/2011

What Causes White Blood Cells in Urine?

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:38:53 GMT

The urinary system under attack does not perform to its optimal level and WBC escape through the urine during this time.

04/12/2011

Iranian researchers produce new cancer treatment

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:46:43 GMT

The medicine has successfully been tested for the treatment of breast, bone, liver, and kidney cancer, which are the most resistant cancers...

04/12/2011

Breakthrough Kidney Cancer Surgery

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:49:46 GMT

Surgeons at University of Rochester Medical Center in New York state, US, have become the first in the country to use a new infrared imaging technique combined with robot-assisted surgery to remove kidney cancer.

04/12/2011

New Cancer Drug Trial

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:51:58 GMT

"One of the draw backs to the use of interluekin as an anti cancer agent is its toxicity. When given intravenously in the sort of dose that you had to administer to have an effect on kidney cancer, it was extremely toxic and even dangerous..."

04/12/2011

Photos From National Survivors Conference

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 20:02:31 GMT

Survivors 2011 from KCA VIDEOS on Vimeo.

2011 National Kidney Cancer Survivors Conference, April 9, Houston

Videos of the expert presentations from this meeting should be available online at KidneyCancer.org in approximately six weeks.

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

KCJ: Managing Toxicities of HD IL-2

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:42:10 GMT

02/25/2011

Endostatin- and interleukin-2-expressing retroviral bicistronic vector for gene therapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 22:11:16 GMT

Metastatic RCC (mRCC) is one of the most treatment-resistant malignancies

02/24/2011

Kidney Cancer on the Rise

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:40:45 GMT

Improved Detection, Obesity Epidemic May Play Role, Researchers Say

02/24/2011

Sarcomatoid -- A phase II trial of doxorubicin and gemcitabine in renal cell carcinoma

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:47:20 GMT

The authors conclude that the combination of doxorubicin and gemcitabine, inactive in patients with mostly clear cell histology, demonstrated responses in patients with RCC with sarcomatoid features.

02/24/2011

Date Set for 2011 Lift for Life Football Fundraiser at PSU

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:39:56 GMT

The Penn State Chapter of Uplifting Athletes has elected new officers for 2011 and set the date for the Ninth Annual Penn State Lift for Life.

02/23/2011

Onions and Garlic Prevent Kidney Cancer?

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:59:57 GMT

In a study, participants consuming the most garlic had a 39 per cent reduced risk for cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx, 57 percent reduced risk for esophageal cancer, 26 per cent reduced risk for colorectal cancer, 44 per cent reduced risk for laryngeal cancer, 10 per cent reduced risk for breast cancer, 22 per cent reduced risk for ovarian cancer, 19 per cent reduced risk for prostate cancer, and 31 per cent reduced risk for renal cell cancer, compared to those eating the least garlic.

02/23/2011

The Meaning of Wisconsin for Nonprofits

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)

How Medicare Affects Patient Care for Kidney Cancer (GS-7)

Bio Witness List For San Diego, October '94 (GS-8)

02/20/2011

President's Budget Contains Bad News For America's Charities

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:25:00 GMT

02/19/2011

2011 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:22:44 GMT

2011 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium sponsored by ASCO, ASTRO, and SUO, through February 19, Orlando, Florida. Read abstracts from this meeting that deal with kidney cancer. See the Program Agenda and be sure to listen to our daily podcasts from this meeting, featuring information presented by several members of our advisory and governing boards,

02/19/2011

February 18th KCA Highlights: ASCO GU

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:18:16 GMT

Front page editorial co-authored by Christopher G. Wood, MD, of the Kidney Cancer Association's governing and advisory boards

View today's Genitourinary Cancers Symposium Daily News

Read Abstracts

Program Agenda

02/19/2011

New limb sparing surgical techniques

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 14:22:42 GMT

This is a patient with a pathologic fracture of his right humerus due to metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Dr. Wittig and his team performed an intraarticular resection of the right proximal humerus.

02/19/2011

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