The use of imaging techniques has led to a rapid increase in the incidental discoveries of small renal masses. In most cases, this leads to a full or partial removal of the kidney. Kim: “It can be difficult to differentiate a benign or malignant small renal mass on a scan. A biopsy isn’t always performed because of their invasive nature and they're not always representative for the entire mass.”

Studies indicate about 25% of removed small renal masses are benign¹, according to Kim. “Meaning the patient underwent unnecessary surgery. Our goal is to develop a urine test that clinicians can use to exclude a cancerous tumour and prevent surgery.” Kim composed a panel of 5 methylation markers; tiny chemical changes in the complex surrounding the DNA that can turn off genes that normally help prevent cancer.

“We are well on our way to excluding renal cell cancer with the panel, but we’re not fully there yet. At all costs, we must prevent false negatives that send the patient back home. 
The prognosis of renal cell cancer is related to stage and the size of the tumour, and the speed at which it grows is unpredictable so immediate treatment is needed.”

Kim is still in the early stage of her research, her excitement however is advanced. “There aren’t that many MUMC+ researchers working on renal cell carcinoma, but part of those that do come together once a month at MUMC+ to discuss their progress. It feels like a club where we can support each other.”

^{1 Ambani SN, Wolf JS, Jr. Renal mass biopsy for the small renal mass. Urol Oncol 2018;36(1):4-7.}

text: Ruben Beeckman