I’m interested in advancing the science around the usage of immunohistochemical biomarkers in order to differentiate chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) from renal oncocytoma (RO). These two tumors have vastly distinct management and follow-up strategies but are currently hard to differentiate without the use of expensive and often unavailable techniques, like electron microscopy, fluorescence in situ hybridisation, proteomics or cytogenetics.

While relatively rare, ChRCC can be found in about 5% of cases of renal cell carcinoma. Compared with more aggressive and more common clear cell renal cell carcinoma and papillary cell renal cell carcinoma, ChRCC has indolent clinical behaviour. Unfortunately, however, ChRCC exhibits a malignant potential and can metastasize.

RO originates from the same type of cells as ChRCC and exhibits very similar morphological features but is, nonetheless, a benign tumor with a good prognosis.

Through researching how immunohistochemical biomarkers can help fulfill the task of effectively differentiating them, I hope to help reduce the cost of proper diagnosis and avoid unnecessary surgery.