Grant: Operating Grant

Kidney cancer is one of the top common cancers in North America. The Canadian Cancer Society reported an estimated 4,800 new cases and 1,650 deaths from kidney cancer in 2010. Early diagnosis of small localized kidney cancer is associated with good prognosis but unfortunately, patients often present with few symptoms and are often diagnosed at the metastatic stage when chances for a cure are dismal. There are different subtypes of kidney cancer and distinguishing between them is done using a microscope, but this can be inaccurate. Accurate identification of the subtype is important because the treatment for kidney cancer subtypes is different. Small molecules called microRNA (miRNAs) have been shown to be involved in the development and progression of cancer and may serve as biomarkers (substances that are increased in cancer and may help with early detection) for kidney cancer. Our preliminary data show that miRNAs have altered expression in kidney cancer when compared to normal kidney. Also, some miRNAs can accurately distinguish between different subtypes of kidney cancer. Our project aims to 1) test the expression of miRNAs in blood and urine of kidney cancer patients to examine their use as diagnostic markers. This non-invasive testing may help diagnosis patients in early stage so they can receive effective treatment; 2) We will confirm the use of miRNAs to help distinguish between kidney cancer subtypes. This will help patients get the most appropriate treatment; 3) In order to understand the role miRNAs play in kidney cancer, we will use kidney cancer cell line models to test miRNA effect on tumor growth and other characteristics that promote cancer. We will focus on miRNAs that we know can play a role in kidney cancer. These experiments will help us understand how kidney cancer develops which will lead to a better understanding of the cancer and the discovery of new miRNA treatments. miRNAs represent attractive new therapies for kidney and other cancers.