For Patients
We believe in working with innovative partners in the development of therapeutics and diagnostic tools for patients.
We believe in understanding the fundamental mechanics of kidney cancer and its unique micro-environment.
We encourage patients to learn more about treatment options that may be available through clinical trials, at any stage of kidney cancer disease.
Find a trial or request an appointment at Consortium sites
University of Pennsylvania
MD Anderson
University of Michigan
Beth Israel Deaconess
Vanderbilt University
Duke University
UT Southwestern
Current Kidney Cancer Trials in the United States
* feed from ClinicalTrials.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Clinical Trials?
Researchers design cancer clinical trials to test new ways to:
- treat cancer
- find and diagnose cancer
- prevent cancer
- manage symptoms of cancer and side effects from its treatment
Clinical trials are the final step in a long process that begins with research in a lab. Before any new treatment is used with people in clinical trials, researchers work for many years to understand its effects on cancer cells in the lab and in animals. They also try to figure out the side effects it may cause.
When Should I Consider a Clinical Trial?
Trials are available for all stages of cancer. It is a myth that they are only for people who have advanced cancer that is not responding to treatment.
Ask your doctor about clinical trials that might be an option for you. You can also look for trials yourself by visiting Find NCI-Supported Clinical Trials.
What Can I Expect from a Clinical Trial?
The protocol explains what will be done during the trial. It also contains information that helps the doctor decide if this treatment is right for you.
The protocol includes information about:
- the reason for doing the trial
- who can join the trial (called “eligibility criteria”)
- how many people are needed for the trial
- any drugs or other treatments that will be given, how they will be given, the dose, and how often
- what medical tests will be done and how often
- what types of information will be collected about the people taking part
How Can I Find a Clinical Trial That's Right for Me?
Often, your doctor may know about a clinical trial that could be a good option for you. He or she may also be able to search for a trial for you, provide information, and answer questions to help you decide about joining a clinical trial.
Some doctors may not be aware of clinical trials that could be appropriate for you. If so, you may want to get a second opinion about your treatment options, including taking part in a clinical trial.
If you decide to look for trials on your own, the steps discussed at the NCI’s Clinical Trial Guide can direct you in your search. The NCI’s Cancer Information Service can also provide a tailored clinical trials search that you can discuss with your doctor. To reach them call 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) and select option 2. This is a free service.
Keep in mind that search results do not replace advice from your doctor.
What Questions Should I Ask About a Clinical Trial?
What is the main purpose of the trial? Is it to cure your cancer? To slow its growth or spread? To lessen the severity of cancer symptoms or the side effects of treatment? To determine whether a new treatment is safe and well-tolerated? Read this information carefully to learn whether the trial’s main objective matches your goals for treatment.
Eligibility Criteria
Do the details of your cancer diagnosis and your current overall state of health match the trial’s eligibility criteria? Some treatment trials will not accept people who have already been treated for their cancer. Other treatment trials are looking for people who have already been treated for their cancer.
Helpful tip: If you have just found out that you have cancer, the time to think about joining a trial is before you have any treatment. Talk with your doctor about how quickly you need to make a treatment decision.
Trial Location
Is the location of the trial manageable for you? Some trials take place at more than one location. Look carefully at how often you will need to receive treatment during the course of the trial. Decide how far and how often you are willing to travel. You will also need to ask whether the sponsoring organization will pay for some or all of your travel costs.
Study Length
How long will the trial run? Not all protocol summaries provide this information. If they do, consider the time involved and whether it will work for you and your family.
After thinking about these questions, if you are still interested in a clinical trial, then you are ready to contact the team running the trial.
Why Are Clinical Trials Important?
Clinical trials also help us find new ways to prevent and detect cancer. And they help us improve the quality of life for people during and after treatment.
When you take part in a clinical trial, you add to our knowledge about cancer and help improve cancer care for future patients. Clinical trials are the key to making progress against cancer.
Additional Resources
The National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute has excellent information for patients considering a clinical trial for kidney cancer treatment.
Support
The National Cancer Institute provides a searchable list of more than 100 organizations nationwide that provide emotional, practical, and financial support for people with cancer and their families. Click here to search the list.