Research

In 2003, BIDMC received the only NCI-funded SPORE (Specialized Program of Research Excellence) grant to advance research on renal cancer. This is the only SPORE ever awarded for the study of kidney cancer, and has enabled BIDMC and its partners to become one of the world-wide leaders in kidney cancer research. With $13M, the Renal Cancer Program is in a unique position to explore new renal projects with special emphasis on translating “bench-to-bedside” developments into clinical practice. These include:

  • Biomarkers for early detection and recurrence of renal cancer
  • Radiofrequency ablation and antivascular/antiangiogenic therapy to treat patients with metastatic disease or high risk of relapse
  • Dendritic cell tumor vaccine, used in combination with IL-12, as new immunotherapy
  • Molecular and biologic predictors of response to various therapies
  • Cytokine-based immunotherapies

The type of research mentioned above is frequently referred to as translational research. This type of research links laboratory work with clinical experience to produce the best available treatments and modalities. There are two over-arching focuses of translational research, both of which are employed here at BIDMC.

  1. The application of discoveries made in the laboratory to the development of clinical trials and studies in humans.
  2. The adoption of the best possible treatment based on such trials and studies. 

By engaging in laboratory research, physicians can learn more about how to treat patients. Biological Therapy is a field that uses the body's natural immune abilities to fight infection or disease, so much of the research being done in our program focuses on immune agents and their response to certain treatments.

BIDMC has joined forces with Dana Farber and other Harvard Medical School hospitals to conduct basic research into the molecular basis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Led by Dr. Michael Atkins of BIDMC, the program seeks to identify meaningful biomarkers for early detection and prognosis, novel therapeutic targets, and potential therapies. 


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