New scan method could improve early detection of common kidney cancer, UCLA study finds

A study by researchers at UCLA has discovered a new, non-invasive scanning technology that can detect the most common type of kidney cancer, clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC), an ANI report says. The research was published in The Lancet Oncology and could change how doctors diagnose and treat this cancer, potentially reducing unnecessary procedures.

The findings are being hailed as a potential game changer in the diagnosis and management of kidney cancer. Currently, traditional imaging techniques such as CT and MRI often struggle to distinguish between benign and malignant kidney masses, leading to either unnecessary surgeries or delayed treatment.

Dr. Brian Shuch, director of the Kidney Cancer Program at UCLA and lead author of the study, talked about the importance of early detection. "If kidney cancer is diagnosed late, the chances of survival drop significantly, especially if the cancer has spread," he said and added, "But if caught early, over 90% of patients can survive for at least five years. If we are going to survey more tumors, it's crucial to accurately identify clear-cell renal cell carcinoma early on as they have a greater propensity to grow and spread."

The study tested a novel method involving the use of a monoclonal antibody drug called 89Zr-TLX250, which targets a protein called CA9, commonly found in ccRCC. During the trial, 332 patients across 36 hospitals in nine countries participated. Patients were injected with the 89Zr-TLX250 drug, which binds to the CA9 protein if present in kidney masses. A PET-CT scan then allowed doctors to see cancerous areas more clearly by detecting the radioactive marker in the drug.

The results of the study showed high accuracy, with an 85.5% sensitivity and 87.0% specificity in detecting cancerous masses, even in small tumours under 2 cm. This technique also minimised false positives and was deemed safe with no significant side effects.

Dr. Allan Pantuck, co-author of the study and professor of urology at UCLA, highlighted the long-term focus of UCLA's research on the CA9 protein, calling the findings a culmination of years of effort.

"Since joining the UCLA Kidney Cancer Program in the late 1990s with UCLA's Dr. Arie Belldegrun, a main research focus has been on the CA9 protein, a key marker in kidney cancer," Pantuck said and added, "Over the years, our group has explored its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, a therapeutic target and a tool for molecular imaging. Our work has led to significant advancements, including clinical trials involving the antibody girentuximab and a UCLA-initiated dendritic cell immunotherapy led by Dr. Alexandra Drakaki, an associate professor of medicine and urology at UCLA. It is very gratifying to see how our pioneering research has contributed to the success of the 89Zr-TLX250 clinical trial, which we believe will help reduce unnecessary surgeries and improve treatment outcomes for patients."

The research team is now working on a new clinical trial, CANINE, to determine whether this imaging method can detect metastatic disease earlier in high-risk patients following kidney surgery. The hope is that this technology will improve post-surgery treatment plans and spare patients from unnecessary treatments when no disease is present.

(With ANI inputs)