W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD

The focus of our research group is the understanding of the tumorigenesis of renal cell carcinoma, and translating these findings into clinical practice. We tackle this problem using a variety of approaches, utilizing tumor specimens, genetically engineered cells and mice. These models provide tools with which we are able to investigate the effects of the von Hippel-Lindau and other important genes on processes integral to tumorigenesis including angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, hypoxic response signaling, extracellular matrix remodeling, glucose metabolism, and cell cycle signaling. These genetic models additionally provide the platform for the generation of a series of VHL mutant mice as an in vivo model of the human disease. Our cell culture and mouse models provide excellent models for exploring the pathogenesis of renal cancer as well as serving as tools for drug development.

Clinically, my focus is the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Using the information we are able to glean from the experimental models in the laboratory our goal is to provide superior care to patients with renal cell carcinoma, and to use those models to support a program of drug discovery and innovative ways of using available drugs targeting this particular cancer. To that end, I oversee a clinical research program within the multidisciplinary genitourinary oncology group that offers biologically active treatment protocols to patients with renal cell carcinoma at most stages of disease.

W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor of Hematology and Oncology
University of North Carolina
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Campus Box 7295, Room 21-237, 247
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295

(919) 966-9696 appointments

Recent publications:

  1. Rini BI, Campbell SC, Rathmell WK. Renal cell carcinoma. Curr Opin Oncol. 2006 May;18(3):289-296
  2. Rathmell, W.K., Wright, T.M. & Rini, B.I. Molecularly targeted therapy in renal cell carcinoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 5, 1031-40 (2005)
  3. Rathmell, W.K., Malkowicz, S.B., Holroyde, C., Luginbuhl, W., Vaughn D.J. Phase II trial of 5-flurouracil and leukovorin in combination with inteferon-alpha and interleukin 2 in advanced renal cell cancer. Am. J. Clin. Oncol., 27(2):109-112, 2004
  4. Rathmell, W.K., Acs, G., Simon, M.C., Vaughn, D.J.: HIF transcription factor expression and induction of hypoxic response genes in a retroperitoneal angiosarcoma. Anticancer Research. 24:167-170, 2004
  5. Mack, F.A., Rathmell, W.K., Arsham, A., Keith, B., Gnarra, J, Simon, M.C.: Loss of pVHL is sufficient to cause HIF dysregulation in primary cells but does not promote tumor growth. Cancer Cell. 3(1):75-88, 2003
  6. Rathmell, W.K., Godley, P. Renal Cell Carcinoma. Curr Opin Oncol., 16: 247-252, 2004
  7. Rathmell, W.K., Godley, P., and Rini, B., Renal Cell Carcinoma. Curr Opin Oncol. 17:261-267, 2005.
  8. Rathmell, W.K., Hickey, M.M., Bezman, N.A., Chmielecki, C.A., Carraway, N.C., Simon, M.C.: In vitro and in vivo models analyzing von Hippel-Lindau Disease-Specific Mutations. Cancer Research. 64: 8595-8603, 2004