Integrated immunomodulatory analysis of LAG3 inhibition in renal cell carcinoma

Award Details: The Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research received a $1.39M Project Grant from the Defense Health Agency (DHA) under the Military Medical Research and Development program (CFDA 12.420) on September 1, 2025, with performance extending through August 31, 2029. The award supports an integrated immunomodulatory analysis of LAG3 (Lymphocyte-Activation Gene 3) inhibition in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a hypothesis-driven research initiative addressing cancer immunotherapy development within the DHA's portfolio of biomedical research advancing healthcare for service members and the American public.

Research Scope and Deliverables: The project will deliver translational research and development services focused on cancer immunotherapy, specifically investigating the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of LAG3 inhibition as a checkpoint inhibitor strategy in renal cell carcinoma treatment. The Institute will provide comprehensive immunological analysis, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic development activities in collaboration with Sinai Health System (Mount Sinai Hospital), which will serve as a sub-awardee responsible for quantifying tumor immune networks and characterizing immune changes following anti-LAG3 treatment of clear cell RCC (ccRCC). This collaborative effort represents the type of multi-institutional research partnership typical of DHA-funded oncology initiatives, combining the specialized expertise of a premier cancer research institution with clinical research capabilities to advance precision medicine and immunotherapy innovation.