NCI funding for biomarker study

A $1.25 million grant from the National Cancer Institute launches a new study that will search for the biomarkers of kidney cancer. Led by Robert Weiss, professor of nephrology at UC Davis and chief of nephrology at the Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System, the research team will focus on identifying metabolites, the small molecules easily excreted by the kidneys that are unique to kidney cancer. The ultimate goal is to develop a simple urine test that can be conducted in doctors' offices as part of routine examinations.