Characterizing the Tumor-draining Lymph Nodes and Other Immune Sites in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Summary
The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the phenotype, anti-tumor effector functions, and TCR repertoire of T cells isolated from patient tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) to understand T cell priming and trafficking patterns in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC). Data and biospecimen collected will be used for current and future research projects involving the study of kidney cancer biology and related medical conditions. Investigators will use this valuable resource to ask clinically relevant translational questions that pertain to biomarker discovery/validation, identification of novel therapeutic targets, and to better understand the genetic and biological basis of the various kidney cancers.
Detailed description
This is a protocol to collect and analyze tissue specimens from patients with kidney cancers. Patients with confirmed or suspected renal cell carcinoma (RCC) evaluated at the YCC Genitourinary Oncology Clinic or participating Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Centers (SCHCC) will be invited to participate in the study. Participants will consent to the acquisition and analysis of prospective tissue specimens collected at relevant treatment time points (e.g., pre-treatment, response, primary or acquired resistance, and/or at the occurrence of toxicity), based on their cancer treatment course, whether routine care or as part of another clinical trial. Prospective tissue collection include fresh tissue collection at the time of procedures that are conducted at YNHH as part of standard of care (SOC) or clinical trial protocols (procedures billed to either insurance or trial sponsor). Tissue in excess of what is required for diagnostic/clinical uses will be used for research. If an adult participant consents, draining and regional lymph nodes may be obtained for research purposes. In addition, 20 mL of blood may be collected at time of surgery for correlative biomarker studies and the extraction of germline DNA. Eligible patients will be identified and consented by their treating clinician (PI or sub- investigators) and/or designated research staff.
Arms & interventions
- ProcedurePeripheral Blood Sample for Immune Analysis
A peripheral blood sample will be collected at the time of surgery.
- ProcedureTumor Sample for Analysis
Extra tumor which is left over following clinical diagnoses will be collected.
- ProcedureAdjacent non-malignant kidney for analysis
Extra normal tissue which is left over following clinical diagnoses will be collected.
- ProcedureDraining lymph node(s) for analysis
Draining lymph nodes which have been identified by the surgeon visually, potentially using a tracer (injection of up to 5mg of ICG into the peritumor kidney) will be collected.
- ProcedureRegional non-draining lymph node(s) for analysis
Regional lymph nodes which have been deemed as non-draining by the surgeon will be collected.
Outcome measures
Primary
Molecular Profiling of Tumor and Draining Lymph Node Tissues in Kidney Cancer Patients
This outcome measure focuses on the detailed molecular characterization of tumor and draining lymph node tissues collected from kidney cancer patients. The analysis will include genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic profiling to understand the underlying biology of kidney cancers
Time frame: 24 months
Molecular Responses to Anti-Cancer Therapies in Kidney Cancer Patients
This outcome measure aims to assess the molecular responses of kidney cancer tissues to anti-cancer therapies. It involves analyzing changes in the molecular profiles of tumor and lymph node tissues before and after treatment to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and identify potential biomarkers of response.
Time frame: 24 months
Mechanistic Insights into Resistance to Anti-Cancer Therapies in Kidney Cancer
This outcome measure investigates the mechanisms of resistance to anti-cancer therapies in kidney cancer patients. The goal is to identify molecular alterations and signaling pathways associated with resistance, which could inform the development of strategies to overcome or prevent resistance.
Time frame: 24 months
Biomarkers for Predicting Toxicities of Anti-Cancer Therapies in Kidney Cancer Patients
This outcome measure aims to identify biomarkers that can predict toxicities associated with anti-cancer therapies in kidney cancer patients. By analyzing molecular changes in tissues, the study seeks to develop predictive models to minimize adverse effects and personalize treatment regimens for better patient management. These measures collectively aim to enhance our understanding of kidney cancer biology, responses to therapy, mechanisms of resistance, and toxicity prediction, thereby contributing to more effective and personalized treatment approaches.
Time frame: 24 months
Eligibility criteria
Study locations (1)
Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut, 06510