CAGEKID Research Programme

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The EU Directorate General for Research has awarded €10.5 million over 4 years to a research programme investigating the genomics of kidney cancer. The CAGEKID (CAncer GEnomics of the KIDney) programme will provide the first systematic analysis of the genetics involved with kidney cancer with the objective to identify biological markers to enable physicians to select treatment which is most effective for the individual patient.
 

Biological or molecular markers that predict the effect of particular treatments exist in several types of cancer, e.g. HER2 for trastuzumab (Herceptin) in breast cancer, and are in routine clinical use, but there are currently no such markers in kidney cancer. The identification of biological markers will ensure that only patients who are likely to benefit from the treatment will receive it, thereby potentially increasing the average benefits from a particular treatment and sparing patients from ineffective treatment and side effects. Patients destined not to benefit could be treated with other drugs or in clinical trials.
 

The research is currently in the laboratory phase and will not enter clinical trials for at least 4 years. There are 14 research partners from 7 countries, including St James's University Hospital in Leeds. The programme is being co-ordinated from France by Professor Mark Lathrop of the Foundation Jean Dausset. The following provides further information;
 

CAGEKID - Cancer Genomics of the Kidney

Renal cell cancer is of particular importance within Europe where the highest global incidence rates are observed. Disease incidence has increased over the last two decades, and it is now the 8th most common cancer in the EU. CAGEKID will provide the first systematic analysis of this tumour site providing new insights into the disease origins with application for diagnosis and treatment. It addresses a major need to identify new biological markers for renal cell cancer, one of very few tumour types for which there are currently no biological markers in routine clinical use. Renal cancer is not yet supported by any of the members of the ICGC.

Duration: 48 months

Expected EU contribution: €10.5 million

Coordinator: Prof. Mark Lathrop, Foundation Jean Dausset-CEPH, France

Contact: Prof. Mark Lathrop, mark.lathrop3@gmail.com

14 Partners from 7 countries: France, Czech Republic, Russia, UK, Sweden, Latvia, Germany