Clinical Research Directory

Genetic Analysis of Birt Hogg-Dube Syndrome and Characterization of Predisposition to Kidney Cancer

This study will investigate the genetic cause of Birt Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome and the relationship of this disorder to kidney cancer. BHD is a rare inherited condition characterized by papules, or bumps-benign tumors involving hair follicles-on the head and neck. People with BHD are at increased risk of developing kidney cancer. Scientists have identified the chromosome (strand of genetic material in the cell nucleus) that contains the BHD gene and the region of the gene on the chromosome. This study will try to learn more about: * The characteristics and type of kidney tumors associated with BHD * The risk of kidney cancer in people with BHD * Whether more than one gene causes BHD * The genetic mutations (changes) responsible for BHD Patients with known or suspected Birt Hogg-Dube syndrome, and their family members, may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a family history and review of medical records, including pathology reports for tumors, and films of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Participants may undergo various tests and procedures, including the following: * Physical examination * Review of personal and family history with a cancer doctor, cancer nurses, kidney surgeon, and genetic counselor * Chest and other x-rays * Ultrasound (imaging study using sound waves) * MRI (imaging study using radiowaves and a magnetic field) * CT scans of the chest and abdomen (imaging studies using radiation) * Blood tests for blood chemistries and genetic testing * Skin evaluation, including a skin biopsy (surgical removal of a small skin tissue sample for microscopic evaluation) * Cheek swab or mouthwash to collect cells for genetic analysis * Lung function studies * Medical photography of skin lesions These tests will be done on an outpatient basis in either one day or over 3 to 4 days. When the studies are complete, participants will receive counseling about the findings and recommendations. Patients with kidney lesions may be asked to return periodically, such as every 3 to 36 months, based on their individual condition, to document the rate of progression of the lesions.

MRI Functional Imaging Characteristics and Fat Quantification of CT-fat-free Renal Neoplasms: Relationships With Histological Classifications and Molecular Markers

The knowledge of the histological diagnosis and its subtype of a renal parenchymal tumor is important for determine whether the choice of a specific regimen of chemotherapy, target therapy and immunotherapy could be suitable and effective for treating this tumor. Computed tomography (CT) has been considered as an excellent imaging modality for detecting intra-tumoral fat, and most of renal angiomyolipomas (AML) could be thus confidently diagnosed on computed tomography by showing intra-tumoral fat. However, if a renal parenchymal tumor has no detectable fat in the tumor on computed tomography, there is a long list of its diagnosis including benign neoplasms as angiomyolipoma with minimal fat, oncocytoma, metanephric adenoma, etc., epitheloid angiomyolipoma (eAML) malignant potential, malignant neoplasms as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), sarcoma, malignant eAML, etc. Furthermore, there are three kinds of anticancer drug (antiangiogenetic drug, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, immune modulators, and whether the anticancer drug is effective mainly depending on subtypes of RCCs. Nonetheless, computed tomography could not reliably differentiate histological types of renal parenchymal masses except renal AMLs with abundant fat. Therefore, for patients without established diagnoses by imaging examinations, further biopsy of the renal tumor is usually mandatory to validate the histological diagnosis and subtype. Thus, this study plans to enroll 60 patients with renal parenchymal masses which show no intra-tumoral fat on computed tomography. All enrolled patients will undergo multiparametric and fat-detection magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Savolitinib vs. Sunitinib in MET-driven PRCC.

This study is designed for patients diagnosed with MET-driven, unresectable and locally advanced or metastatic Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma. The purpose of this study is to see if an investigational new anti-cancer medication, savolitinib, is effective in treating patients with MET-driven PRCC, how it compares with another medication frequently used to treat this disease called sunitinib, and what side effects it might cause.

Translation of Acoustic Angiography: Contrast Enhanced Super Resolution (CESR) Imaging

This is a 4-arm, single-center study involving 40 participants. Ten healthy volunteers will be enrolled for system imaging optimization, and thirty (30) patients with previously identified lesions in the breast, liver, or kidney-based on prior ultrasound or cross-sectional imaging-will be imaged. Recruitment will be conducted such that ten patients are included from each anatomic region. The fourth arm will consist of 10 healthy volunteers who will be imaged to allow optimization of imaging parameters. Optimization is is required again due to the use of a different ultrasound system employing a new imaging technique. Parameters such as frame rate, power, depth of imaging, and linear translation rate will be adjusted during this process. The primary objectives of the study are to assess the sensitivity and specificity of Contrast Enhanced Super-Resolution (CESR) imaging in evaluating known lesions in the breast, liver, and kidney. These results will be compared with pathological findings. The secondary objectives are to compare the sensitivity and specificity of CESR imaging with those of traditional B-mode ultrasound in differentiating malignant from benign lesions in these same organs.

CD70-targeted immunoPET Imaging of Kidney Cancer

The aim of this study is to establish and optimize the \[18F\]RCCB6 PET/CT imaging method, and its physiological and pathological distribution characteristics, on the basis of which the diagnostic efficacy of the above imaging agent in renal cancer (especially clear cell renal cell carcinoma) wil be evaluated.

Renal Cancer Monitoring Based on ctDNA Methylomics: A Prospective Cohort Study (MEMORY Study)

To conduct prospective studies to confirm the value of circulating tumor DNA and its abnormal methylation in longitudinal monitoring of patients undergoing kidney cancer surgery.

Vorolanib in the Second-line Treatment of Patients With Unresectable or Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

This is a multicenter real world study (RWS) initiated by the investigator. Eligible patients will be selected for treatment with second-line treatment including vorolanib and followed up. The real survival data of patients after medication will be collected and compared with the data of CONCEPT study, and multi-factor stratified analysis of the efficacy of voronib will be conducted.

Genetic Analysis of Pheochromocytomas, Paragangliomas and Associated Conditions

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are neural crest-derived tumors of the nervous system that are often inherited and genetically heterogeneous. Genetic screening is recommended for patients and their relatives, and can guide clinical decisions. However, a mutation is not found in all cases. The aims of this proposal are to: 1) to map gene(s) involved in pheochromocytoma, and 2) identify genotype-phenotype correlations in patients with pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma of various genetic origins.

HTL0039732 in Participants With Advanced Solid Tumours

The purpose of this trial is to evaluate a new drug, HTL0039732, that will be administered on its own (as a monotherapy) and in combination with atezolizumab or with other approved anti-cancer therapies, in participants with advanced solid tumours.

Planning Operative Strategy Using a Digital Renal Artery Clamping Tool

A proposed new tool ('DIPLANN-tool' - Digital Planning in Nephrectomy) for predicting kidney perfusion zones on a segmented 3D model during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for localized renal cancer demonstrated high accuracy when planning selective clamping (SC) for RAPN. However, the tool's clinical added value still needs to be confirmed. Therefore, a randomized controlled trial using a study and control group is the preferred study design. Experimental group: the use of the DIPLANN-tool + conventional computed tomography (CT) imaging for preoperative planning and perioperative guidance during RAPN. Control group: the use of only conventional CT imaging for preoperative planning and perioperative guidance during RAPN (= current standard of care). The primary endpoint is planning and performing as planned a SC strategy. Secondary endpoints include patients' health, patients' insight and surgeons' benefits.

Zero Ischemia Robot-Assisted MWA Assisted Suture-less Tumor Enucleation of RCC With T1 Stage

Zero ischemia laparoscopic radio frequency ablation assisted tumor enucleation has been proved to enable tumor excision with relatively better renal function preservation comparing with conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a randomized clinical trial in single center. The investigators want to explore this technique to robotic surgery and add suture-less technique to T1 RCC patients in randomized clinical trial.

Cryaoablation Assisted Partial Nephrectomy a Non Ischemic Approach

Patients with renal masses eligible to partial nephrectomy often require arterial ischemia to control or prevent blood loss during this surgical procedure. This study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of renal cryoablation at the tumor bed, as a substitute measure or technique vs total or selective arterial renal ischemia.