UCLA Researchers Develop New Imaging Technology for Kidney Cancer Detection
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a new non-invasive imaging technology to detect clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer. This breakthrough, published in The Lancet Oncology, could reduce unnecessary procedures and ensure timely treatment for patients.
Importance of Early Detection
Dr. Brian Shuch, director of the Kidney Cancer Program at UCLA, emphasized the importance of early detection. “If kidney cancer is diagnosed late, survival chances drop significantly,” he said. Early detection can lead to a 90% survival rate for at least five years.
About Kidney Cancer
Renal cell carcinomas account for 90% of solid kidney tumors, with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma being the most common and deadly. Traditional imaging methods often struggle to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors, leading to unnecessary surgeries or delayed treatment.
New Imaging Method
The new method uses a monoclonal antibody drug, 89Zr-TLX250, which targets the CA9 protein found in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma. In a phase 3 trial called ZIRCON, 332 patients from nine countries participated. The drug attaches to the CA9 protein, allowing doctors to see cancer more clearly on a PET-CT scan.
Trial Results
The imaging method showed high performance with 85.5% sensitivity and 87.0% specificity, even in small renal masses. It was also safe, with no significant side effects. Dr. Shuch noted that this could become a new standard in kidney cancer diagnostics.
Future Research
The team is exploring whether this imaging can identify distant disease. A new trial, CANINE, aims to detect metastasis earlier in high-risk patients post-surgery, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Doubts Revealed
UCLA -: UCLA stands for the University of California, Los Angeles. It is a famous university in the United States known for its research and education.
Imaging Technology -: Imaging technology refers to tools and methods used to create pictures of the inside of the body. These pictures help doctors see what is happening inside without surgery.
Kidney Cancer -: Kidney cancer is a disease where cells in the kidney grow uncontrollably. The kidneys are organs in our body that help filter waste from the blood.
Non-invasive -: Non-invasive means that the method does not require surgery or entering the body. It is a safer and less painful way to diagnose or treat diseases.
Monoclonal Antibody Drug -: A monoclonal antibody drug is a special medicine made to target specific proteins in the body. It helps in treating diseases by attaching to these proteins and stopping harmful cells.
89Zr-TLX250 -: 89Zr-TLX250 is a type of monoclonal antibody drug used in the new imaging technology. It helps in detecting kidney cancer by targeting a specific protein in cancer cells.
CA9 Protein -: CA9 protein is a substance found on the surface of some cancer cells, including kidney cancer. It is used as a target for the new imaging technology to find cancer cells.
Phase 3 Trial -: A phase 3 trial is a stage in medical research where a new treatment is tested on a large group of people. It helps to confirm the treatment’s effectiveness and safety before it is widely used.
Distant Disease -: Distant disease refers to cancer that has spread from its original location to other parts of the body. Detecting it early can help in better treatment and management.