Ongoing Clinical Trials for Renal Cancer
There are currently 8 ongoing clinical trials focused on renal cancer (also known as kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma). These studies are evaluating various treatment approaches including immunotherapy combinations, pain management strategies, exercise interventions, and novel drug therapies across several European countries.
Clinical trial locations
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czechia
- Finland
- France
- Long-Term Study for Cancer Patients Using Atezolizumab Therapy
- Study of Oncobax-AK with Immunotherapy for Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer or Renal Cell Carcinoma
- Study on Digital Monitoring of Symptoms in Patients with Advanced Kidney Cancer Treated with Cabozantinib and Nivolumab
- Study on the Effectiveness of Atezolizumab with Radiotherapy for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal, Lung, Renal, and Sarcoma Cancers
- Study on the Safety and Effects of Volrustomig and Axitinib for Patients with Advanced Kidney Cancer
- Hungary
- Poland
- Spain
- Sweden
Study of Oncobax-AK with Immunotherapy for Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer or Renal Cell Carcinoma
This trial is investigating the use of Oncobax-AK, a capsule containing live bacteria called Akkermansia muciniphila, in combination with immunotherapy drugs for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. The study is being conducted in Belgium and France.
Main inclusion criteria: Participants must have confirmed Stage IV clear cell renal cell carcinoma that is newly diagnosed and classified as intermediate- or poor-risk. They must be eligible for standard care with ipilimumab plus nivolumab immunotherapy and have a negative stool test for Akkermansia bacteria, indicating a deficiency. Patients must be over 18 years old with an ECOG performance status of 0-1, have at least one measurable tumor lesion, and adequate blood counts including hemoglobin of 90 g/L or higher, neutrophils of 1.0 x 10⁹/L or higher, and platelets of 75 x 10⁹/L or higher.
Main exclusion criteria: Patients who do not have renal cell carcinoma or non-small cell lung cancer, those who are not deficient in Akkermansia bacteria, patients not receiving PD-L1-based immunotherapy, and vulnerable populations are excluded.
Trial focus: The study aims to evaluate the safety and tolerability of Oncobax-AK when used alongside PD-L1-based immunotherapy in patients with Akkermansia deficiency. The second phase focuses on assessing how effective this combination is in treating metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Patients receive repeated doses of Oncobax-AK along with their immunotherapy treatment.
Investigational drug: Oncobax-AK is being studied for its potential to enhance the immune response against cancer cells in patients with Akkermansia deficiency, used in combination with immunotherapy drugs including ipilimumab, atezolizumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and cemiplimab.
Study on Digital Monitoring of Symptoms in Patients with Advanced Kidney Cancer Treated with Cabozantinib and Nivolumab
This trial in France is evaluating how digital monitoring of patient-reported symptoms can help manage treatment for advanced clear-cell kidney cancer patients receiving cabozantinib and nivolumab.
Main inclusion criteria: Patients must be older than 18 years with a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma with a clear-cell component. They must not have received any prior systemic treatment for their cancer. The decision to treat with cabozantinib and nivolumab in combination must be made by the doctor before joining the study. Patients must be affiliated with a social security system and provide signed informed consent.
Main exclusion criteria: Patients without kidney cancer, those outside the specified age range (adults only), and vulnerable populations cannot participate.
Trial focus: The study evaluates how digital monitoring of symptoms can help adjust treatment plans during the first three months of therapy. Patients report their symptoms digitally on a regular basis, which can lead to treatment changes such as earlier consultations or medication adjustments. The goal is to improve treatment management through proactive symptom monitoring.
Investigational drugs: Cabozantinib works by blocking proteins that help cancer cells grow and spread, while nivolumab helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells by blocking a protein that prevents immune cells from targeting tumors.
Study on Spinal Morphine, Intravenous Lidocaine, and Bupivacaine for Patients Undergoing Robot-Assisted Surgery for Kidney or Ureter Conditions
This Swedish trial focuses on improving recovery after robotic-assisted upper urinary tract surgery for patients with kidney or ureter conditions, including kidney cancer.
Main inclusion criteria: Patients must be scheduled for planned robotic-assisted surgery on the upper urinary tract. They must provide both spoken and written informed consent after receiving information about the study. The study is open to adults of any gender.
Main exclusion criteria: While the study includes patients with kidney cancer, kidney stones, and ureter conditions, specific exclusion criteria focus on patients who cannot undergo the planned robotic procedure.
Trial focus: The study explores different pain management strategies during and after surgery, comparing spinal morphine, intravenous lidocaine, and combinations with bupivacaine and adrenaline. The goal is to determine which approach best enhances recovery, measured by the Quality of Recovery 15 scale, and to monitor pain levels and overall well-being at various points after surgery.
Investigational drugs: Bupivacaine is used as spinal analgesia to numb specific areas and relieve pain, morphine is given intrathecally for strong pain relief, and lidocaine is administered intravenously to help manage pain during and after surgery.
Study on the Effectiveness of Atezolizumab with Radiotherapy for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal, Lung, Renal, and Sarcoma Cancers
This French trial is testing the combination of atezolizumab immunotherapy with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for patients with metastatic cancers, including kidney cancer.
Main inclusion criteria: Patients must be 18 years or older with confirmed metastatic solid tumors including renal cell carcinoma. They must have at least one tumor measurable and treatable with SABR that is 4 cm or smaller, plus at least one additional measurable tumor that will not be treated. Patients must have adequate organ function confirmed through blood tests, a WHO performance status of 0-1, life expectancy over 3 months, and be evaluated by a radiation oncologist within 45 days before joining. Women of childbearing potential must use highly effective birth control methods.
Main exclusion criteria: Patients with major health conditions that would make treatment unsafe, those with tumors in the brain or specific lung areas, and vulnerable populations are excluded.
Trial focus: The study evaluates how effective the combination of atezolizumab and SABR is in preventing cancer progression over one year. Atezolizumab is given through intravenous infusion, while SABR delivers precise radiation to target cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Investigational drugs: Atezolizumab is an anti-PD-L1 antibody that helps the immune system fight cancer cells. SABR is a precise radiation therapy technique that delivers high doses to cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue.
Study on the Impact of Exercise and Atorvastatin on Advanced Breast, Ovarian, Prostate, and Kidney Cancer Patients
This Finnish study is investigating whether supervised exercise combined with atorvastatin can improve treatment outcomes for patients with metastatic cancers, including kidney cancer.
Main inclusion criteria: Patients must have metastatic kidney cancer confirmed through tissue analysis and imaging tests. They should be starting their first line of anticancer therapy and must be adults 18 years or older. Women participating must use reliable contraception. Patients must provide written informed consent.
Main exclusion criteria: Patients not diagnosed with metastatic kidney, breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer, those outside the specified age range, patients unable to engage in supervised group exercise including aerobic and resistance training, those unable to take atorvastatin, and vulnerable populations are excluded.
Trial focus: The study examines whether supervised group exercise (aerobic and resistance training) can improve cancer treatment effectiveness, and whether combining exercise with atorvastatin can further enhance treatment response. Participants are monitored for changes in cancer progression and overall health.
Investigational drugs: Atorvastatin, commonly used to lower cholesterol, is being tested to see if it can improve cancer treatment outcomes when combined with supervised exercise. The exercise regimen itself is evaluated as a therapeutic intervention.
Study on Pain Relief and Recovery After Kidney Removal Surgery Using Ropivacaine, Dexamethasone, and Sodium Chloride in Patients with Renal Cancer
This Finnish trial is studying pain management following laparoscopic kidney removal surgery in patients with kidney cancer, using a technique called the Quadratus lumborum block.
Main inclusion criteria: Patients must have renal cancer and be scheduled to undergo laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (kidney removal surgery). Participants must be adults between 18 and 65 years old, and both male and female patients can participate.
Main exclusion criteria: Patients not diagnosed with kidney cancer, those younger than 18 or older than 65, and vulnerable populations are excluded.
Trial focus: The study determines whether the Quadratus lumborum block can decrease the need for additional pain relief after surgery. Researchers monitor the amount of pain medication needed at various times after anesthesia is administered and assess pain levels both at rest and during movement. The technique involves injecting a local anesthetic near the quadratus lumborum muscle in the lower back to block pain signals.
Investigational drugs: The Quadratus lumborum block uses ropivacaine as a local anesthetic to numb the area, dexamethasone to reduce inflammation, and sodium chloride as a solution for infusion. This regional anesthesia technique aims to improve pain management and recovery.
Long-Term Study for Cancer Patients Using Atezolizumab Therapy
This long-term follow-up study across Austria, Hungary, France, Poland, Czechia, and Spain provides continued access to atezolizumab for cancer patients who were benefiting from it in previous studies.
Main inclusion criteria: Patients must have cancer and have been previously enrolled in a Genentech or Roche-sponsored study. They must be eligible to continue or switch to atezolizumab-based therapy at the time the original study ends and must still be benefiting from the treatment. The first dose in the new study must be received within 7 days after the allowed break from the original study. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test within 7 days before starting treatment.
Main exclusion criteria: Patients not currently receiving the study treatment at the time of the parent-study closure and those who have local access to the treatment outside the study are excluded.
Trial focus: The study provides continued access to atezolizumab for eligible patients who do not have local access to the medication. It monitors long-term safety and effectiveness, tracking serious adverse events and their severity. For patients from specific previous studies who don’t continue treatment, safety and survival follow-up is conducted.
Investigational drug: Atezolizumab is an immunotherapy drug that blocks a protein called PD-L1, allowing the immune system to better detect and attack cancer cells. It is administered as an intravenous infusion at a dose of 1,200 mg.
Study on the Safety and Effects of Volrustomig and Axitinib for Patients with Advanced Kidney Cancer
This trial in France and Spain is testing a new treatment combination for advanced kidney cancer using volrustomig (MEDI5752) with either lenvatinib or axitinib.
Main inclusion criteria: Patients must be 18 years or older, weigh more than 35 kilograms, and have confirmed advanced renal cell carcinoma with a clear cell component. They must not have received previous treatment for advanced disease. Patients must provide tumor material from a biopsy, have an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1, at least one measurable tumor lesion, life expectancy of at least 12 weeks, and adequate organ and marrow function. Women of childbearing potential must have negative pregnancy tests and use effective birth control.
Main exclusion criteria: Patients with cancer types other than advanced renal cell carcinoma, those outside the specified age range, patients unable to safely take the study medications, and vulnerable populations are excluded.
Trial focus: The study evaluates the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of MEDI5752 (a special protein designed to help the immune system fight cancer) when combined with lenvatinib or axitinib. Researchers aim to determine the best dose of MEDI5752 for future research and monitor how well the cancer responds to treatment.
Investigational drugs: MEDI5752 (volrustomig) is given through intravenous infusion and works by targeting specific proteins on cancer cells to help the immune system recognize and attack them. It is tested in combination with axitinib or lenvatinib, which are oral medications that block proteins helping cancer cells grow and spread.
Summary
These eight clinical trials represent diverse approaches to treating kidney cancer, from immunotherapy combinations and novel bacterial therapies to pain management strategies and lifestyle interventions. France leads in trial activity with five studies, reflecting a strong research focus in this country. Several trials test immunotherapy approaches, particularly combinations involving checkpoint inhibitors like atezolizumab and nivolumab, highlighting the importance of immune-based treatments in modern kidney cancer therapy.
The studies encompass various stages of the treatment journey, from surgical pain management to advanced metastatic disease treatment. Notable is the exploration of supportive interventions such as digital symptom monitoring, exercise programs, and improved pain control methods, suggesting a holistic approach to cancer care beyond direct tumor treatment.
Multiple trials focus on treatment-naive patients (those not previously treated for advanced disease), offering opportunities for newly diagnosed patients to access innovative therapies. The international scope of these trials, particularly the long-term atezolizumab study spanning six countries, demonstrates collaborative efforts to advance kidney cancer treatment across Europe.
