Dr. Pili on the Challenges of Translocation RCC

Roberto Pili, MD, director of genitourinary oncology, co-leader of the Experimental and Developmental Therapeutics research program, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, and Robert Wallace Miller Professor of Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, discusses clinical challenges in translocation renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Translocation RCC is an aggressive type of kidney cancer that is often seen in children. Standard therapies for more common types of RCC are not as effective in this rare subtype. As such, new therapies are needed, says Pili.

A greater understanding of the biology of these tumors may lead to identification of novel drugs.

By studying in vitro and in vivo growth of translocation RCC tumors, researchers are hoping to shed light on the biology of the disease. Moreover, researchers hope to screen for small molecules that can inhibit the TFE3 oncoprotein found in translocation RCC tumors.