Precision-RCC: Advancing personalized treatment strategies in renal cancers

Personalizing treatments for patients with renal cell carcinoma

A new national research initiative is setting the stage for more precise and personalized treatment strategies for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common form of kidney cancer. Led by Dr. Simon Tanguay (McGill University Health Centre) and Dr. Yasser Riazalhosseini (McGill University), the Precision-RCC project will analyze the molecular characteristics of RCC subtypes to improve diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.

RCC is a highly complex and diverse disease. Under a microscope, tumours may appear similar, yet their clinical behaviour—how they progress, respond to treatment and impact patient outcomes—can be vastly different. This variability is believed to stem from distinct molecular drivers, including genetic abnormalities. Currently, rare or unclassified RCC subtypes are difficult to diagnose accurately, leaving patients with limited treatment options tailored to their specific tumour type.

The Precision-RCC project, funded through the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network’s Pan-Canadian Projects program, will use cutting-edge genomic analysis to define the unique molecular signatures of different RCC subtypes. By identifying specific biomarkers linked to disease progression and treatment response, the team aims to provide clinicians with powerful new tools to make more informed decisions about patient care.

“This research will allow us to go beyond traditional pathology and histology, giving us a molecular blueprint of each tumour,” says Dr. Tanguay. “With this information, we can better classify RCC subtypes and ultimately guide personalized treatment strategies that improve patient outcomes.”

The project brings together a pan-Canadian team of experts, including Dr. Frédéric Pouliot (Laval University), Dr. Rodney Breau (University of Ottawa) and Dr. Alexis Rompré-Brodeur (McGill University). By leveraging the expertise and resources of cancer centres across Canada, the team is building a comprehensive dataset that will serve as a foundation for future research in RCC precision medicine.

“Identifying molecular markers associated with different RCC subtypes will transform the way we diagnose and treat this disease,” adds Dr. Tanguay. “This work aligns directly with the mission of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network to advance precision medicine and ensure that every patient gets the right treatment at the right time.”

By integrating genomic insights into clinical practice, the Precision-RCC project aims to improve diagnosis, enhance patient management, and ultimately, provide hope to those facing kidney cancer.