Research
In 2016, a gathering of international experts with diverse interests in Renal Medullary Carcinoma convened in Memphis, Tennessee. Comprising physicians, researchers, scientists, and advocates, the RMC Alliance group recognized the urgent need to enhance outcomes for children, young adults, and families grappling with this rare cancer.
In October 2017, this expert panel reconvened to formulate and unanimously endorse initiatives aimed at informing clinicians, researchers, and patients about RMC. The key recommendations stemming from this meeting included: 1) Advocating for pathology reviews and the discussion of cases within multidisciplinary tumor boards at prominent centers with expertise in RMC treatment; 2) Encouraging patients to bank their tumors and actively participate in registry studies; 3) Urging institutions to share their data and specimens while fostering international collaborations to advance the field; 4) Emphasizing the importance of patient advocacy groups, with individuals and family members playing pivotal roles in keeping RMC at the forefront of medical research.
Currently, the MD Anderson Cancer Center has developed three clinical trials tailored specifically for patients with RMC and renal cell carcinoma unclassified with a medullary phenotype (RMC in patients without sickle cell trait or disease).
Despite RMC being documented in medical literature for over two decades, numerous unanswered questions persist. Addressing these queries is imperative to optimize the future care of this patient population. The ongoing commitment to combat RMC persists through advocacy, education, and research.