Onc Now: Episode 28: Challenges and Hope in Kidney Cancer Research

In this episode, Jonathan Sackier speaks with Brian Rini, Chief of Clinical Trials at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, and an internationally known leader in genitourinary oncology. The discussion explores the evolution of kidney cancer treatment, highlighting breakthroughs in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and precision oncology. Rini shares insights from landmark clinical trials, his passion for translational research, and the challenges of broadening trial access. He also reflects on the future of the field, including the role of artificial intelligence, biomarker-driven strategies, and his hopes for advancing patient outcomes worldwide.  Timestamps:    00:00 – Introduction  01:10 – Key insights into kidney cancer  03:50 – Brian's career journey  07:40 – One piece of career advice   10:40 – Diagnosis of kidney cancer   12:04 – Treatment landscape for kidney cancer  17:00 – Landmark trials in renal cell carcinoma   19:18 – Precision-based approach in trial design and selection  23:40 – Translational research  26:35 – Clinical trial recruitment  30:25 – Diversity in kidney cancer research  32:27 – ESMO 2025 highlights  35:00 – Potential of AI in trial design and recruitment  36:43 – Uncovered areas for research  38:12 – Brian's three wishes for healthcare