Unlike many solid tumors, kidney cancer is well vascularized (vessels shown in red) and also heavily infiltrated by cytotoxic T cells (green).
Our lab’s primary focus is to enhance the functionality of T cells within the tumor microenvironment to increase sensitivity to immunotherapy and improve kidney cancer patient outcomes.
Findings from our pilot trial in metastatic renal cell carcinoma combining high-dose radiation of kidney tumors with surgical resection, provide a glimpse into the immune activating effects of radiation in human cancer.
Recent findings examining these tissues have shown intratumoral T cell clones are expanded in the peripheral blood of patients two weeks following radiation. Our studies performed in collaboration with Scott Abrams, PhD, have shed light on the role key transcription factors play in macrophage behavior and kidney cancer patient outcome.
See the science: Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
Our lab has intensively investigated how radiation alters responses within patient tumors using samples provided by a clinical trial performed at Roswell Park.
Clinical trialJournal articlePress release
DOD Grant: Radiation-induced immune recognition
Dr. Muhitch recently received a two-year, $672,800 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense. His project, “Exploiting radiation-induced immune recognition of renal cell carcinoma,” aims to determine whether radiation therapy sensitizes kidney cancer cells to tumor-specific immune responses.
View abstractConnect with the Muhitch Lab
Email: Jason.Muhitch@RoswellPark.org
Department of Immunology
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Elm and Carlton Streets
Buffalo, NY 14263