Kidney Cancer New Pathway Discovery Project

Summary

All patients will be given a consent form explaining the nature and goals of this study (see Attachment).

The retrieval of specimens from the OR will be coordinated with the UTSTR. Occasionally, if UTSTR personnel are not available, lab personnel may be involved in sample collection.

Tumors (as well as adjacent normal tissue for comparison, or blood) will be analyzed molecularly using a variety of techniques including SNP arrays, RNA microarrays and miRNA arrays. In addition, samples will be subjected to whole genome or exome sequencing.

Attempts will be made to preserve tumor viability. Tumors will be dissagregated and frozen in 10% dimethylsulfoxide for storage under conditions preserving viability. Tumor samples will also be implanted in immunocompromised mice.

Subsequently, analyses will be conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of the tumors to both approved drugs (such as Sunitinib) as well as experimental therapies.

In addition, the response of tumor samples or cell lines to therapies will be investigated in vitro.

Results in the laboratory will be correlated to patient characteristics and responses in the clinic.

Participant Eligibility

1.This study is being conducted under auspices of the UTSTR and only patients consenting to donating tissue "using the urology consent form" are eligible.

2. Any patient undergoing a resection of a tumor/metastasis presumed to be RCC is eligible to enter into the study. "Similarly, patients having a thoracocentesis for medical reasons, may have fluid collected for the evaluation of tumor cells."

3. Patients with metastatic disease at presentation or at high risk for recurrence will be given priority.