Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: establishment of a new diagnostic and prognostic grading system

• Applicant: Privatdozentin Dr. Franziska Erlmeier
• Subject Area: Pathology
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 275904863

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) is one of four malignant renal tumour subtypes. Because of its morphological variation, ChRCC repeatedly presents problems in routine pathological diagnosis. The tumour can be mistaken for more aggressive and for benign tumours. In both cases, the effects of the incorrect diagnosis on treatment decisions are grave.Due to the morphological variation of the tumour, development of a generally recognised grading system that is prognostically reliable has so far been unsuccessful. In this project, such a grading system for ChRCC will be developed. For this, new diagnostic biomarkers will be measured for distinguishing the tumour better from other subtypes. In addition, new prognostic biomarkers will be developed for more effective estimation of the clinical course. By studying nuclear membrane proteins as the link between morphological and chromosomal changes, I expect to discover new biomarkers that will be valuable for diagnosis and prognosis. These aims will be achieved by combining established methods (e.g., immunohistochemical stainings, fluorescence in situ hybridisations) with newer methods (e.g., morphometry, mass spectrometry).The aim of this project is to better distinguish ChRCC from other tumour subtypes using a new grading system and thus optimise patient care.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants