NCT04623502

An Investigation of Kidney and Urothelial Tumor Metabolism in Patients Undergoing Surgical Resection and/or Biopsy

Recruiting now NA Last updated 28 January 2026

What this trial tests

NA trial testing 13C-Glucose in Kidney Cancer in 600 participants. Currently enrolling.

Timeline

30 September 2019

Primary endpoint
30 April 2027

30 September 2027

Quick facts

Lead sponsor	University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Phase	NA
Status	Recruiting now
Study type	INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation	non randomized
Design	parallel
Masking	none
Primary purpose	basic science
Enrollment	600
Start date	30 September 2019
Primary completion	30 April 2027
Estimated completion	30 September 2027
Sites	1 location across United States

Drugs / interventions tested

• 13C-Glucose — full drug profile →
• 13C-Acetate
• 13C-Lactate
• 13C-Glutamine
• 13C-Fructose

Conditions studied

• Kidney Cancer — all drugs for Kidney Cancer →
• Renal Cell Carcinoma — all drugs for Renal Cell Carcinoma →
• Clear Cell Carcinoma — all drugs for Clear Cell Carcinoma →
• Urothelial Carcinoma — all drugs for Urothelial Carcinoma →

Sponsor

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Who can join

18 and older, any sex, with Kidney Cancer or Renal Cell Carcinoma. Patients with the condition only — healthy volunteers not accepted.

Sponsor's own description

The purpose of this study is to understand the metabolism of cancers involving the kidney, including renal cell carcinomas and urothelial cell carcinomas, and how kidney cancers use different types of fuel to support tumor growth. This study uses specially labeled nutrient tracers of compounds normally found circulating in the blood. The nutrients (glucose, fructose, glutamine, acetate, and lactate) are also found in common foods. A nutrient tracer will be given to the participants through an intravenous (IV) catheter during surgery or biopsy, and blood will be collected every 30 minutes during the infusion to monitor safety parameters and the nutrient tracers. The investigators will collect a tissue sample after the completion of surgery. Participants not having an infusion will have their tissue collected after surgery or biopsy.

Participation in this study will not change patient care. All patients will receive standard of care treatment as determined by their doctors.

Publications & conference data

3 peer-reviewed publications reference this trial (live from Europe PMC):

1. Mitochondrial complex I promotes kidney cancer metastasis.
   Bezwada D, Perelli L, Lesner NP, Cai L, et al · · 2024 · cited 88× · PMID 39143213 · DOI 10.1038/s41586-024-07812-3
2. Glycosaminoglycan-driven lipoprotein uptake protects tumours from ferroptosis.
   Calhoon D, Sang L, Ji F, Bezwada D, et al · · 2025 · cited 33× · PMID 40500442 · DOI 10.1038/s41586-025-09162-0
3. Stable Isotope Tracing Analysis in Cancer Research: Advancements and Challenges in Identifying Dysregulated Cancer Metabolism and Treatment Strategies.
   Hilovsky D, Hartsell J, Young JD, Liu X. · · 2024 · cited 6× · PMID 38921453 · DOI 10.3390/metabo14060318