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NCT06005818 · University of Alabama at Birmingham

Molecular Residual Disease (MRD) Guided Adjuvant ThErapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

(MRD GATE RCC)

What this study is about

The goal of this Clinical Study is to understand the outcomes by informing therapy choice for adjuvant treatment in clear cell renal cell carcinoma by using molecular residual disease.

View original scientific description

The goal of this Clinical Study is to understand the outcomes by informing therapy choice for adjuvant treatment in clear cell renal cell carcinoma by using molecular residual disease. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: * what is the progression free survival of a cohort of high risk resected RCC patients when treated based on MRD * what is the overall survival of high risk resected RCC patients when treated based on MRD Participants will forgo adjuvant therapy with pembrolizumab if they have no detectable molecular residual disease. Participants will continue on with standard of care pembrolizumab if they do appear to have molecular residual disease.

Interventions

DRUG

Pembrolizumab injection

PD-1 antibody

Primary outcome measures

Disease Free Survival (DFS) by Investigator's assessment as defined by RECIST 1.1

Time frame: 1 year from surgery

Who can participate

This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.

Inclusion criteria

  • Participants are eligible to be included in the study only if all the following criteria apply. Type of Participant and Disease Characteristics
  • Must have histologically confirmed diagnosis of RCC with clear cell component with or without sarcomatoid features. Diagnosis of RCC with clear cell component is to be made by the investigator and does not require central histology review. Molecular Residual Disease
  • Patients must have at least ONE available assessment of molecular residual disease by the Signatera® (Natera Inc.) assay performed within the last 90 days prior to enrollment in study. Demographics
  • Be ≥18 years of age on the day of signing informed consent. Female Participants:
  • Female participants of childbearing potential must have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test within 72 hours prior to randomization. If the urine test is positive or cannot be confirmed as negative, a serum pregnancy test will be required.
  • Female participants of childbearing potential must be willing to use an adequate method of contraception, for the course of the study through 120 days after the last dose of study drug. Note: Abstinence is acceptable if this is the usual lifestyle and preferred contraception for the participant. Male Participants:
  • Male participants of childbearing potential must agree to use an adequate method of contraception, starting with the first dose of trial therapy through 120 days after the last dose of study therapy. Note: Abstinence is acceptable if this is the usual lifestyle and preferred contraception for the participant. Informed Consent
  • The participant provides written informed consent for the trial. The participant may also provide consent for Future Biomedical Research; however, the participant may participate in the main trial without participating in Future Biomedical Research. Other Inclusion Criteria
  • Have intermediate-high risk, high risk RCC as defined by the following pathological tumor-node-metastasis and Fuhrman grading status {Oza, 2022 #4431}
  • Intermediate-high risk RCC
  • pT2, Gr. 4 or sarcomatoid, N0, M0
  • pT3, Any Gr., N0, M0
  • High risk RCC
  • pT4, Any Gr. N0, M0
  • pT Any stage, Any Gr., N+, M0
  • Have received no prior systemic therapy for advanced RCC unless having recently initiated immunotherapy with pembrolizumab for no more than 6 weeks or 1 dose prior to enrollment.
  • Have undergone a partial nephroprotective or radical complete nephrectomy)
  • Must have undergone a nephrectomy ≥28 days prior to signing informed consent and ≤12 weeks prior to enrollment.
  • Must be tumor free as assessed by the investigator and validated by either CT or MRI scan of the brain and CAP ≤28 days from randomization.
  • Have an ECOG PS ≤2.
  • Have adequate organ function

Exclusion criteria

  • Medical Conditions
  • Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving chronic systemic steroid therapy (in dosing exceeding 10 mg daily of prednisone equivalent) or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior the first dose of study treatment.
  • Has an active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in past 2 years (ie, with use of disease modifying agents, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (eg, thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency) is not considered a form of systemic treatment and is allowed.
  • Has a known additional malignancy that is progressing or required active treatment ≤3 years ago. Exceptions include early-stage cancers (carcinoma in situ or Stage 1) treated with curative intent, basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, in situ cervical cancer, in situ prostate cancer, or in situ breast cancer that has undergone potentially curative therapy.
  • Has an active infection requiring systemic therapy.
  • Has a history of, or is currently on, dialysis.
  • Has a known history of human immunodeficiency virus infection. No human immunodeficiency virus testing is required unless mandated by local health authority.
  • Has a known active hepatitis B (hepatitis B surface antigen reactive) or HCV (eg, HCV RNA \[qualitative\] is detected).
  • Has a known history of active tuberculosis (Bacillus tuberculosis).
  • Has a history or current evidence of any condition, therapy, or laboratory abnormality that might confound the results of the trial, interfere with the participant's participation for the full duration of the trial, or is not in the best interest of the participant to participate, in the opinion of the treating investigator.
  • Has a known psychiatric or substance abuse disorder that would interfere with the cooperation with the requirements of the trial in the opinion of the investigator.
  • Has had a prior solid organ transplant.
  • Has severe hypersensitivity (≥Grade 3) to pembrolizumab and/or any of its excipients (refer to Investigator's Brochure for further details on excipients).
  • A Woman of Childbearing Potential (WOCBP) who has a positive urine pregnancy test within 72 hours before randomization. If the urine test is positive or cannot be confirmed as negative, a serum pregnancy test will be required. Participants must be excluded/discontinued from the trial in the event of a positive or borderline positive test result.
  • Is pregnant or breastfeeding or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the trial, starting with the Screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of study treatment. Prior/Concomitant Therapy
  • Has received prior anticancer therapy and not recovered from AEs due to previously administered agents. Note: denosumab may be allowed for bone protective purposes if dosing has been stable for ≥2 weeks before screening.
  • Has received a live vaccine within 30 days prior to the first dose of study treatment. Examples of live vaccines include, but are not limited to, the following: measles, mumps, rubella, varicella/zoster (chicken pox), yellow fever, rabies, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, and typhoid vaccine. Seasonal influenza vaccines for injection are generally killed virus vaccines and are allowed; however, intranasal influenza vaccines (eg, FluMist®) are live attenuated vaccines and are not allowed. Prior/Concurrent Clinical Study Experience
  • Is currently participating in or has participated in a trial of an investigational agent or has used an investigational device within 4 weeks prior to the first dose of study treatment.

Where

  • Birmingham, Alabama

Related conditions & keywords

Renal Cell CarcinomaADJUVANT

Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 21, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 100 participants interested
1% interest

See if this study fits

A short prescreen based on this study's listed criteria. A coordinator confirms eligibility — this is not a medical assessment.

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Study locations

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RECRUITING

Birmingham

Alabama

Location available

Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Looking for Renal Cell Carcinoma Treatment in Birmingham?

Join others in Alabama exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Renal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Options in Birmingham, Alabama

If you're searching for Renal Cell Carcinoma treatment in Birmingham, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Birmingham and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Alabama
Now Enrolling
Up to 100 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Renal Cell Carcinoma?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Renal Cell Carcinoma

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Renal Cell Carcinoma Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT06005818. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.