Onc Now | Episode 28
In this episode, Jonathan Sackier speaks with Brian Rini, Chief of Clinical Trials at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, and an internationally known leader in genitourinary oncology. The discussion explores the evolution of kidney cancer treatment, highlighting breakthroughs in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and precision oncology. Rini shares insights from landmark clinical trials, his passion for translational research, and the challenges of broadening trial access. He also reflects on the future of the field, including the role of artificial intelligence, biomarker-driven strategies, and his hopes for advancing patient outcomes worldwide.
Briana Rini is Chief of Clinical Trials at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. He is an internationally recognised leader in genitourinary oncology, with a particular focus on kidney cancer, immunotherapy, and biomarker-driven clinical research. Throughout his career, he has been at the forefront of clinical trial design and precision oncology, leading pivotal studies that have transformed therapeutic strategies across the spectrum of renal cell carcinoma.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:10 – Key insights into kidney cancer
03:50 – Brian’s career journey
07:40 – One piece of career advice
10:40 – Diagnosis of kidney cancer
12:04 – Treatment landscape for kidney cancer
17:00 – Landmark trials in renal cell carcinoma
19:18 – Precision-based approach in trial design and selection
23:40 – Translational research
26:35 – Clinical trial recruitment
30:25 – Diversity in kidney cancer research
32:27 – ESMO 2025 highlights
35:00 – Potential of AI in trial design and recruitment
36:43 – Uncovered areas for research
38:12 – Brian’s three wishes for healthcare
Disclosure: Rini has received grants or contracts from AVEO, Arcus, Merck, HiberCell, Incyte, Janssen, Adela, AstraZeneca, Tempus, Gilead, POINT Biopharma, BMS, Pfizer, Daiichi Sankyo, Genentech, Exelixis, Surface Oncology; consulting fees from Eisai, BMS, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Aveo, Merck, Debiopharm, Exelixis, MashupMD, Xencor, Johnson & Johnson; support for attending meetings and/or travel from Merck; and has served on a Data Safety Monitoring Board or Advisory Board for AstraZeneca.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this episode belong to the speakers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of EMJ.
