New kidney cancer drug shows promise in early trial

NCT ID NCT04846920

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-stage trial tested a drug called belzutifan in 29 people with advanced clear cell kidney cancer that had worsened after other treatments. The main goal was to check safety and find the right dose. Participants took belzutifan pills daily, and researchers monitored side effects and how the drug moved through the body.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Belzutifan (also known as MK-6482, WELIREG™)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a new treatment option for advanced kidney cancer that has stopped responding to other therapies.
What could go wrong: This is an early Phase 1 trial with only 29 participants, focused on safety. It is too small to prove effectiveness, and side effects may limit its use.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

clear cell renal carcinoma renal cell adenocarcinoma renal cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CARCINOMA, RENAL CELL

Contacts and locations

Locations

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center ( Site 1002)

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
University of Michigan ( Site 1006)

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center-Genitourinary Medical Oncology ( Site 1007)

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
Vanderbilt University Medical Center-Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center ( Site 1005)

Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States

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