Physicians
(2013–present)
Award-winning Research
From a first-in-class kidney cancer drug to the development of new surgical and radiation approaches, a uniquely collaborative environment catalyzes transformative research.
SPORE Award...
Recognized by the National Cancer Institute with a prestigious Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) Award along with the Harvard Cancer Center.
Innovation Award...
Recognized by D CEO Magazine and Dallas Innovates for its innovation and transformational creativity as a finalist for the inaugural 2020 Healthcare Innovation Award.
Nobel Prize...
Bruce Beutler, M.D.
One of only two programs in the country developing the next generation of immunotherapies with a Nobel Prize-winning immunologist.
Expertise Improving Survival
Improving Survival Rates...
Patient survival rates three times higher for stage 4 kidney cancer and exceeding national benchmarks across all stages.
Leaders in Clinical Excellence...
Recognized with a Leaders in Clinical Excellence Program Award, the Kidney Cancer Program is setting new standards in cancer care.
Belonging
Supportive care and services helping patients navigate the cancer landscape while creating a sense of community.
Advocates...
Dedicating their time and sharing their experiences, our patient and caregiver volunteers set the tone.
Community Outreach...
Promoting educational activities to increase awareness about kidney cancer.
Dr. James Brugarolas Awarded ~1.2 Million from CPRIT Grant
The Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) has awarded nearly $1.2 million to Dr. James Brugarolas, founding Director of the Kidney Cancer Program at UTSW. This funding will support his research into translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC), a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer that primarily affects children and young adults.
tRCC remains poorly understood due to its rarity, and a lack of suitable models has hindered progress in developing effective treatments. The Brugarolas Lab recently developed a mouse model that replicates the human disease, providing a critical tool for further study. With this CPRIT grant, they will conduct mechanistic studies using the UTSW transgenic mouse core, led by Dr. Robert Hammer, and collaborate with Dr. Ben Sabari to explore potential drug therapies.
This research could lead to key insights into tRCC biology and lay the foundation for new treatment strategies, offering hope for patients with this challenging disease.
Read more about the award here.
Three UTSW Researchers Receive Kidney Cancer Research Program Awards
- Dr. Jun Fang from Dr. Qing Zhang’s lab was recognized for her work on HIF-2α regulation in ccRCC. Her research focuses on Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3) and its role in controlling HIF-2α through the JAK-STAT pathway. Her findings could lead to alternative treatment options for patients resistant to current HIF-2α inhibitors like Belzutifan.
- Dr. Arijit Mal from Dr. James Brugarolas’ lab received funding for his research on hypercalcemia in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). His project aims to uncover how HIF2α selectively regulates PTHrP.
- Dr. Tao “Dylan” Wang, also from Dr. Zhang’s lab, received this funding for his research using CRISPR screening to identify oncogenic enhancers in ccRCC. His work highlights a novel PLXNA1 gene enhancer that drives tumor growth, with potential therapeutic implications for targeting ccRCC at the epigenetic level.
Ralph DeBerardinis Appointed as Director of the Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development & the Center for Human Genetics
Effective September 1st, 2024, Ralph DeBerardinis, M.D., Ph.D., as the new Director of the Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development and the Center for Human Genetics. Visit Dr. DeBerardinis’ UTSW profile and follow his lab on X to read more about his accomplishments.
UTSW Hosts VHL Family Weekend with Expert Insights from Dr. Brugarolas
UT Southwestern hosted the 2024 VHL Family Weekend on September 7, bringing together families, patients, and experts for a day of connection, learning, and collaboration.
Dr. James Brugarolas participated in a panel discussion alongside other VHL specialists to discuss Belzutifan, the recently FDA-approved drug for treating renal cell carcinoma in VHL patients. The event also featured interactive workshops, expert presentations, and opportunities to connect with the VHL community.
Beyond the sessions, attendees enjoyed family-friendly activities and the chance to explore Dallas. The weekend highlighted UTSW’s ongoing commitment to advancing VHL research and patient care.
Congratulations to UT Southwestern Kidney Cancer Researchers on CPRIT Awards!
Five outstanding kidney cancer researchers at UT Southwestern have been recognized by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) with prestigious awards.
Please join us in congratulating the following awardees and their groundbreaking projects:
- Dr. Kevin Courtney – Clinical Investigator Award
“Identifying and exploiting novel metabolic vulnerabilities in the treatment of kidney cancer” - Dr. Neil Desai – Clinical Investigator Award
“Adapting radiotherapy clinical trials to treatment response and artificial intelligence innovations” - Dr. Ralph DeBerardinis – Core Facility Award
“Children’s Research Institute Metabolomics Core: Advanced Methodologies in Cancer Metabolism” - Dr. Yang Xie – Core Facility Award
“Pediatric Cancer Data Core” - Dr. Ram Mani – High Impact/High Risk Research Award
“Mapping multivalent chromatin interactions to define the 3D genome of Clear cell renal cell carcinoma”
These awards underscore the importance of their innovative research, which is vital in advancing our understanding, prevention, and treatment of kidney cancer. The recognition from CPRIT not only honors their dedication and expertise but also provides crucial support for their continued contributions to the field.
We are excited to see the impact of these research efforts and the advancements they will bring in improving patient outcomes.
DeBerardinis Lab’s Groundbreaking Research on Kidney Cancer Published in Nature Journal
Congratulations to the DeBerardinis Lab on their recent publication in Nature, titled “Mitochondrial Complex I Promotes Kidney Cancer Metastasis.” Their work provides critical insights into how kidney cancer spreads.
The researchers conducted a study using tumors from over 80 kidney cancer patients to uncover how cancer cells utilize nutrients differently to generate energy and fuel their growth. They discovered that clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a common type of kidney cancer, exhibits unique patterns in nutrient processing.
The study revealed that ccRCC metastases show distinct metabolic behavior compared to primary tumors, indicating that the cancer adapts its metabolism during its spread. In laboratory mice, the researchers found that altering certain metabolic processes in cancer cells could influence their ability to metastasize. This suggests that targeting these metabolic changes might offer new approaches to treating kidney cancer.
This significant work highlights the dynamic nature of cancer metabolism and opens doors to potential new treatments. Kudos to the DeBerardinis Lab for this groundbreaking research that brings us closer to a better understanding of kidney cancer.
Follow the DeBerardinis lab on X at @RJDLab, and read the Nature article here.
Eight Researchers Awarded Funding from SPORE for Innovative Kidney Cancer Research
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) has awarded eight researchers with prestigious SPORE subawards to advance the field of kidney cancer research. This competitive program is part of the larger Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant and is designed to support innovative studies through two key initiatives: the Career Enhancement Program (CEP) and the Developmental Research Program (DRP). The CEP aims to bolster junior faculty and seasoned investigators transitioning into kidney cancer research, while the DRP funds high-risk, high-reward projects with significant translational potential. The selected researchers will explore a range of critical areas including cellular signaling pathways, epigenetics, tumor-stroma interactions, and more, with the goal of advancing understanding and treatment of kidney cancer.
Below are the eight awardees along with an overview of their research.
DRP Awardees:
“Our research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern metabolism in cancer and related disorders. This work seeks to uncover how dietary nucleotides fuel kidney cancer growth. Our goal is to identify novel approaches to manipulate nucleotide availability to impede cancer progression.”
“The proposed research explores a novel mechanism by which Hippo signaling regulates ccRCC tumor growth and investigates the potential for targeting the Hippo pathway for ccRCC treatment.”
“The project’s goal is to test the hypothesis that differential enhancer landscapes and 3D genome organization are major determinants of clinical outcomes in PBRM1-deficient and BAP1-deficient ccRCC.”
“In our proposal we will develop a kidney-cancer-specific multiplexed imaging pipeline (based on CODEX) to identify different cell types in patient tissue. This will serve as a valuable resource for the kidney cancer community to explore how the spatial organization of the microenvironment impacts tumor biology.”
“Based on research developed at UTSW, HIF2 inhibitors have been recently approved by the FDA as a new drug class for the treatment of HIF2-driven kidney cancers. Since these HIF2 inhibitors have sub-optimal efficacy in certain clinical contexts, we propose to develop proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) as targeted degraders of HIF2 to address the unmet need for superior HIF2-targeted drugs.”
“This study aims to generate next-generation IL-2-based immunocytokines as a new paradigm for kidney cancer treatment. We will utilize protein engineering to enhance IL-2-mediated antitumor efficacy in the acidic immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of Renal Cell Carcinoma, and investigate their activity and toxicity in the autologous humanized mouse models of RCC, as well as dissect resistance mechanisms to immunotherapy.”
CEP Awardees:
“The Jewell Lab studies how organisms detect environmental nutrient changes and adjust anabolic and catabolic processes to regulate cell growth, metabolism, and autophagy.”
2024 Kidney Cancer Educational Event – Recordings and Summary
On April 27th, 2024, the inaugural Kidney Cancer Educational Event took place at the UTSW T. Boone Pickens Medical Education and Conference Center, marking a significant milestone in raising awareness and support for kidney cancer patients and caregivers. Over 270 attendees, including patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and volunteers, came together for a day filled with valuable information, community connections, and heartfelt sharing of stories.
The event featured a vibrant atmosphere with music, food, and an array of 20 informational booths offering resources and support. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with experts and peers alike as they visited booths of interest. Seven keynote experts gave presentations on kidney cancer related topics.
The event provided a platform for attendees to learn, connect, and find solace in shared experiences. The overwhelming turnout and positive feedback underscored the event’s resounding success, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to support those affected by kidney cancer. The graph below displays our post-event-survey results, proving the satisfaction of attendees. In addition, each speaker scored above a 4.8/5 on their presentations, as rated by the attendees.
Below you will find the eight presentations along with a description of each.
Decoding Genes: What They Mean for the Kidney Cancer Journey – Remington Fenter, MS, CGC
Genetic markers, family history, and advancements in personalized medicine can all impact a kidney cancer diagnosis. Genetic testing and screening guide prevention and treatment strategies, making the complex world of genetics more accessible.
Fast Food for Kidney Cancer Cells (Oncometabolism) – Kevin Courtney, MD, PhD
Understanding kidney cancer metabolism can open the door to possible opportunities for detection and treatment.
Hitting the Bullseye: How Radiotherapy Works Against Kidney Cancer – Raquibul Hannan, MD, PhD
A debrief on when, why, and how radiation therapy – a crucial component of the comprehensive treatment approach for kidney cancer- is used, its benefits, and what to expect during treatment.
Unleashing the Immune System: Searching for Kidney Cancer ‘Penicillin’ – Hans Hammers, MD, PhD
Updates on the latest immunotherapeutic drugs that extend life for many patients.
The Surgical Journey: Preparing for and Recovering from Kidney Cancer Surgery – Vitaly Margulis, MD
This presentation will describe the surgical journey, from diagnosis to post-operative care; how decisions are made to choose the right approach; and advancements in technology that are making surgery safer and more effective.
Fixing the Faulty Oxygen Thermostat: The Latest FDA-Approved Drug for Kidney Cancer – James Brugarolas, MD, PhD
Focusing on the latest FDA-approved therapy, which targets the oxygen sensor in kidney cancer cells, this presentation will provide a behind-the-scenes look at “bench to bedside” research, from initial laboratory discovery at UT Southwestern to regulatory approval.
The Clinic’s Supermom: Understanding Your Oncology Nurse’s Role in Kidney Cancer Care & Helping Hands in the Fight Against Kidney Cancer
Oncology nurses provide comprehensive care acting as a bridge between patients and their care team, which can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
The Kidney Cancer Program has a long history of volunteers and patient advocates in the clinic- roles that can make a significant impact during a kidney cancer diagnosis. Volunteering opportunities within the clinic not only offer community, but a sense of personal growth and fulfillment.
Updated Survival Statistics for Kidney Cancer Patients at UTSW
Survival statistics for kidney cancer patients at UTSW determined by SEER database.
For a simplified view of these statistics, visit our Patient Resources page.
Groundbreaking phase 1 trial- siRNA effectively targets HIF-2a in RCC, proving a potential route for new therapeutics
A phase 1 clinical trial led by UT Southwestern Medical Center has demonstrated the efficacy of ARO-HIF2, a short interfering RNA (siRNA) drug, in disrupting HIF2α, a key driver of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Published in Clinical Cancer Research, the study highlights the potential of siRNA technology for targeted cancer therapy. Developed by Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, ARO-HIF2 selectively targets HIF2α mRNA, blocking protein production and offering a new avenue for treating ccRCC. The drug’s unique guidance system delivers it to tumor cells via interaction with integrin αvβ3, enhancing uptake and therapeutic potential. The trial enrolled 26 patients with advanced ccRCC, showing promising results with tumor growth halted in 40% of participants and partial responses observed in two patients. Detailed analyses confirmed HIF2α depletion by ARO-HIF2 and effective blockade of tumor-produced erythropoietin. Parallel experiments in mice supported the drug’s efficacy, building on preclinical studies funded by the National Cancer Institute. However, challenges remain, including neurotoxicity observed in some patients, highlighting the need for further research to refine safety profiles. Lead author James Brugarolas, M.D., Ph.D., emphasizes the potential of siRNA technology in oncology, while co-author Nizar M. Tannir, M.D., underscores the need for continued research in cancer therapy.
Click Here for the UTSW Press Release on Phase 1 trial results.
Celebrating Excellence in Research: Haitao Xu, M.D. Named 2024 Seldin Scholar
Huge congratulations to Haitao Xu, M.D., for being named the 2024 Seldin Scholar at the ninth annual Donald W. Seldin Research Symposium!
The symposium showcased an array of poster and speaker presentations, spanning a diverse array of topics, from fundamental biology to quality improvement initiatives while advancing our collective understanding of complex medical challenges. Haitao’s presentation on “PBRM1 as a Predictive Therapeutic Biomarker for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma to the Pancreas” captivated everyone in attendance, granting him victory by popular vote from attendees.
As we applaud Dr. Haitao Xu’s remarkable achievement as the 2024 Seldin Scholar, we also extend our appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of the symposium. Their collective efforts underscore the transformative power of collaboration and the enduring impact of scientific inquiry in shaping the future of medicine.
Cheers to Haitao Xu and the entire research community for pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation!
For more information on the Donald W. Seldin Research Symposium, click here.
Raquibul Hannan, M.D., Ph.D. and his investigators are awarded about $2 million in research funding
The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) has recently awarded the Simmons Cancer Center with about $19 million cancer research funding. Of these funds, Raquibul Hannan, M.D., Ph.D and his Kidney Cancer Program investigation team were awarded about $2 million. Dr. Hannan serves as a professor of Radiation Oncology and Immunology and Urology, as well as the Chief of Genitourinary Radiation Oncology Service. These funds will go toward a clinical trial aimed at investigating the impact of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy on metastatic kidney cancer. This clinical trial is also supported by the Kidney Cancer SPORE grant.
See UTSW’s article for more information on the award.
KCP researchers develop novel model for pediatric kidney cancer
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers at the UT Southwestern Kidney Cancer Program have unveiled a significant breakthrough in understanding and potentially treating translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC), an uncommon yet devastating form of kidney cancer that disproportionately impacts pediatric patients.
Translocation renal cell carcinoma, which accounts for only 5% of all renal cell carcinoma cases, assumes a more grave presence in the realm of pediatric oncology, constituting roughly one-fifth of all cases in this demographic. A rare disease in an underserved population, translocation renal cell carcinoma has long been associated with a bleak prognosis due to a lack of targeted treatment options, and it is often considered incurable in its advanced stages. Many different genes have been linked to the development of tRCC, presenting a formidable challenge in the quest for effective therapies. Furthermore, the scarcity of reliable mouse models for translocation renal cell carcinoma has hindered understanding of its biological underpinnings, leaving researchers seeking insight into the disease.
The paper, authored by Dr. Gopinath Prakasam, a postdoctoral fellow at the Brugarolas Lab within the Kidney Cancer Program, has unveiled a crucial breakthrough in understanding tRCC tumorigenesis. Dr. Prakasam’s research has revealed that genetic mutations, most associated with translocation renal cell carcinoma and driven by the enzyme Sglt2-Cre, lead to the development of highly aggressive tRCC tumors. This discovery not only provides essential insights into the potential pathways of tumor development but also lays a foundation for the development of mouse models for tRCC research.
“This finding is a significant step forward in our quest to understand and combat translocation renal cell carcinoma,” said James Brugarolas, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Kidney Cancer Program. “With this breakthrough, we have not only illuminated the elusive pathways of disease development but have also created a promising platform for future research and therapeutic advancements.”
Dr. Prakasam’s research has been supported by Joey’s Wings Foundation, as well as their partners, the Plano Pacers and Dallas DASH. The commitment to pioneering research by UT Southwestern and the support of Joey’s Wings and their partners continues to offer hope for patients affected by this devastating form of kidney cancer. As researchers delve deeper into the genetic intricacies of tRCC and develop further models to understand the disease, future studies may hold the promise of innovative treatments and renewed optimism for those facing this rare and challenging diagnosis.
Two KCP researchers receive more than $3 million in CPRIT funding
Two UTSW principal investigators received $3 million in research funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to study kidney cancer development and treatment.
Raquibul Hannan, M.D., Ph.D., Kidney Cancer Program Co-Leader of Radiation Oncology, received nearly $2 million for his proposal, Maximizing Anti-tumor Immunity through Simultaneous Activation of the Innate and Adaptive Immune System. Dr. Hannan’s proposal extends studies proposed in Project 3 of the SPORE which combines a novel drug, IMSA101, developed by Zhijian Chen, Ph.D. at UTSW, to activate the innate immune system together with radiation therapy and an immune checkpoint inhibitor in a phase 2 clinical trial. Dr. Hannan’s research seeks to explore the impact of combined activation of the innate and adaptive immune system in patients with suboptimal response to ICI treatment.
Qing Zhang, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pathology, received over $1 million to study JMJD6-DGAT1 Signaling Axis Regulates Lipid Droplets and Tumorigenesis in ccRCC. Dr. Zhang’s research investigates the role of the JMJD6-DGAT1 pathway and lipid metabolism in ccRCC.
Additionally, UTSW researchers received over $15 million in other CPRIT awards across the board for cancer research.
KCP Patient Advocacy and Volunteer Program relaunches after COVID-19 pandemic
The Kidney Cancer Program Patient Advocacy and Volunteer Program relaunched at an inaugural meeting in the Simmons Cancer Center. Five new volunteers began serving within the Cancer Center Genitourinary Clinic after being introduced to providers and staff within the Kidney Cancer Program.
Founded in 2014 by Tony Towler and Merlinda Chelette, the Kidney Cancer Patient Advocacy Program seeks to initiate contact with newly diagnosed patients and improve their experiences while traversing a challenging diagnosis. The duo led fundraising and patient involvement initiatives within the Kidney Cancer Program, as well as offering important feedback to the program on how to improve services for patients.
Temporarily paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, the return of the Patient Advocacy and Volunteer Program aims to bring back the spirit of camaraderie and hope to those affected by kidney cancer.
