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Chromophobe Research Grant Awarded to Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

The Kidney Cancer Research Alliance (KCCure) announced today that Dr. Elizabeth Henske and Dr. Carmen Priolo have been selected to receive the FY2022 KCCure Chromophobe Research Grant Award of $50,000 for their proposal: Role of Cysteine Homeostasis and Ferroptosis in the Therapy of Chromophobe RCC.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this wonderful support from KCCure,” said Drs. Henske and Priolo. “Our work will test the hypothesis that Chomophobe kidney cancer cells are hypersensitive to ferroptosis (a form of iron-dependent cell death).  This partnership with KCCure allows us to fast-track critical research, toward highly effective treatments and hopefully a cure for Chromophobe kidney cancer.

Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma (ChRCC) is a rare subtype of kidney cancer accounting for roughly 5 percent of RCC tumors. When discovered early, this histological type is less likely to spread to other parts of the body. However, once the disease becomes metastatic, survival rates are poor. Despite significant advances for patients with the most common type of kidney cancer, research has lagged for patients with advanced chromophobe RCC. This is the second KCCure research grant awarded through the Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma (ChRCC) Research Program. 

“It was so meaningful to work with other patients to help move research forward for Chromophobe Kidney Cancer,” said Gigi Cohen, ChRCC patient and FY2022 Programmatic Panel Member. “Seeing different investigative directions and multiple organizations getting involved in research for this rare subtype gives me hope for a brighter future.”

KCCure is an evidence based, patient driven kidney cancer advocacy organization, dedicated to improving outcomes through outreach, education, and research. The KCCure research platform offers a unique opportunity for patients to establish competitive, peer-reviewed research programs directed at priorities that are important to them. 

In 2020, ChRCC patient Catherine Yutmeyer successfully led the effort to establish a chromophobe specific research grant program aimed at increasing research funding, incentivizing new researchers, and promoting patient empowerment. In less than three years, the KCCure chromophobe patient community has grown by more than 70 percent and public support for the effort has grown dramatically. 

“The surge of interest and enhanced focus on this rare subtype of kidney cancer has been extraordinary,” said Dena Battle, President of KCCure. “Last year we received four proposals for this award – this year, we received seven. Due to increased fundraising, we are confident in our ability to fund future grant cycles, and other organizations are jumping on the bandwagon to fund research for ChRCC as well. This is a true testament to how patients can drive innovation and research. 

The FY2022 Chromophobe Research Grant Programmatic Panel, led by Catherine Yutmeyer, includes Gigi Cohen, Katie Coleman, Chase and Meghan Griffith, Melissa Helmick, Solange Inghilleri, Lauren McKernan and Tracy Poyneer. 

You can support the KCCure Chromophobe Research Program via Facebook or through our Website.

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