Deciphering the Role of EGFR Splice Variants and Tumor-Immune Microenvironment in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Abstract
Objective and Rationale: Our project will investigate the immune and genetic changes that occur among patients with kidney cancer and use these findings to develop a more tailored and effective approach to patient treatment. Given that there are more than 20 approved drugs for patients with advanced or metastatic kidney cancer, it is often difficult for clinicians to determine the best treatment options. This problem is further complicated by (1) the lack of reliable biological markers with which to make individualized diagnostic and treatment decisions, (2) the few clinical studies that compare outcomes for many of the available drugs, and (3) the wide variability of drug responses among patients. Therefore, a goal of this research project is to gather insights into the characteristics of tumors in relationship to treatment outcomes to make a precision approach to kidney cancer treatment possible, an approach that is being applied in other cancer types. Locally advanced and metastatic tumor samples will be used to prioritize the identification of effective treatments for aggressive disease. Applicability of Our Study: By studying tumor and tissue samples from patients with advanced or metastatic kidney cancer and linking the biological markers we find with treatment outcomes, we will be able to treat patients with specific drugs that will offer them the best chances for response and survival, on the basis of their individual immune or genetic data. Our study involves examining the tumors of patients who have already undergone treatment, so the risk to patients is small and limited to the use of their medical records. A potential benefit is the initiation of a personalized medicine approach to kidney cancer treatment that will be more effective than the current standard of care. The findings of our study will be immediately applicable to the care of future patients and the conduct of further studies upon its completion. Dr. Manley will ensure his results are available to the research and clinical communities via publications, seminars, and data sharing. Principal Investigator: Dr. Brandon Manley is a urologic oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center whose clinical practice and research focus on treating patients with kidney cancer and studying kidney cancer tumors. Dr. Manley will leverage his strong background in the translational research of kidney cancer to lead this study. His career goals include becoming an independent surgeon-scientist whose research and treatment of those with kidney cancer will contribute to improved survival outcomes for those afflicted with this disease. With his experience in translation research, Dr. Manley is well aware of the scientific complexities and multidisciplinary team approach needed to conduct successful and clinically relevant studies. As such, he has assembled a team of mentors and collaborators for this study who have unique and critical expertise in fields that include immunology, digital pathology, molecular genetics, biostatistics, and the clinical treatment of kidney cancer. Through weekly meetings and regular correspondence, these resources also provide Dr. Manley with the valuable experience, education, and growth that are required to apply modern research techniques to the study of kidney cancer. Through mentorship, he will learn from the experience of more senior and established investigators. He also benefits from an institution that fully supports his research goals, along with those of his mentors and collaborators, to conduct studies that will advance and improve cancer patient care. Contributions to Kidney Cancer Research and Patients: Metastatic kidney cancer is currently a lethal disease with an average survival rate of just under 2 years. Identifying reliable and clinically relevant biological markers in patients will allow us to improve survival outcomes and work toward the ultimate goal of a cure. These results could also be used to generate more focused c
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 19, 2019
- Source ID
- W81XWH1910663
Entities
People
- Brandon Manley
Organizations
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
- United States Army