Genetic Study in Inherited Urologic Malignancies

This study focuses on understanding inherited disorders that lead to urologic cancers, such as kidney cancer. These include conditions like von Hippel-Lindau (VHL), hereditary papillary renal cancer (HPRC), and others. The aim is to explore how these genetic disorders develop and progress, particularly when the specific gene causing the disorder is unknown. By studying the genetic makeup of affected families, researchers hope to uncover new information that could lead to better diagnosis and treatments for these rare cancers. This research is important as it may reveal critical insights into the hereditary nature of these cancers, offering hope for improved care and prevention strategies. Participants in the study will include families with known or suspected inherited urologic cancers. They will provide blood, tissue, and urine samples to help researchers study the genetic factors involved. The study seeks to identify specific genetic mutations and link them to how the disease appears and behaves in individuals, including the age it starts and how often it recurs. By examining these samples, researchers aim to map out the genetic landscape of these disorders, potentially leading to new discoveries in cancer genetics. This process involves no direct treatment but focuses on gathering data to answer scientific questions related to these inherited cancer conditions.