Drug may shrink kidney tumors, allowing less invasive surgery

NCT ID NCT03438708

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether taking the drug axitinib for 8 weeks before surgery can shrink kidney tumors in people with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The goal is to make partial nephrectomy (removing only the tumor) possible for patients whose tumors are too complex for this surgery otherwise. About 22 participants with localized disease and imperative need for kidney preservation are being studied.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Axitinib (Inlyta) oral tablet
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could allow more patients with complex kidney tumors to have partial nephrectomy instead of full kidney removal, preserving kidney function.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study with only 22 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Axitinib can cause side effects like high blood pressure and fatigue, and the tumor may not shrink enough to change surgery options.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

  • UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center

    La Jolla, California, 92093, United States

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