Characterising the biological markers of Renal cancer progression
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterisation of the immunological and biological markers of Renal cancer progression
IRAS ID
196635
Contact name
Maxine G B Tran
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
Over 10000 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer every year in the UK, and every year the number is rising. The only real chance of cure is early detection and surgical removal of the tumour before the cancer spreads.
We know that small tumours that are less than 3 cm in size are unlikely to spread, and that the likelihood of spread increases with the size of the tumour. We also know that the early natural history of kidney tumours can involve a period of no growth, slow growth or even spontaneous shrinkage. This makes us think that the body’s natural immune system can have an important role in suppressing tumour growth in the early stages of disease. Most studies in renal cancer have concentrated on advanced tumours. We would like to study the earliest stages of renal cancer development, particularly focussing on markers of activation or suppression of the immune system in the tumour, around the tumour and also in the circulating blood of patients. We hope to identify key changes in the immune profile during early stage kidney cancer progression. Improved knowledge of the critical processes which prevent or allow tumour growth, will help us to develop earlier treatment strategies and close the gate before the cancer bolts and escapes control.REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
16/WS/0039
Date of REC Opinion
18 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion