October 7, 2024: If cancer is detected in its early stages, it can potentially save a patient’s life. Recent research has identified a new method for accurately diagnosing kidney cancer. This study involved 332 patients with kidney-related issues across 36 research hospitals in nine different countries. The average age of the participants was 61, consisting of 71% men and 29% women. Researchers at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that a non-invasive imaging technique could detect clear cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer. This research was published in The Lancet Oncology.
Kidney cancer is known as renal cell carcinoma, which accounts for 90% of solid kidney tumors. Each year, there is a rising incidence of kidney cancer cases. The most common and aggressive form is clear cell renal cell carcinoma, responsible for 75% of cases and 90% of deaths associated with kidney cancer. Traditional imaging techniques, such as CT or MRI scans, often struggle to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors, leading to delays in treatment.
To detect clear cell renal cell carcinoma, the research team utilized a monoclonal antibody called 89Zr-DFO-rituximab. This protein, known as CA9, is frequently found in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. After introducing 89Zr-DFO-rituximab into the patient’s body, it binds to the CA9 protein. Subsequently, when a PET-CT scan is performed, this protein becomes visible, making it easier to identify cancer.
