Kidney Cancer Association

2025 IKCS: North America
2025-11-13 00:00 - 2025-11-15 23:59 (America/Denver)
Transforming Kidney Cancer Research

The Kidney Cancer Association is proud to host the 2025 International Kidney Cancer Symposium (IKCS): North America. IKCS meetings are dynamic, multidisciplinary events that explore current trends and future directions in kidney cancer. Our community includes leading experts across academia, clinical care, industry, and advocacy who are committed to exchanging innovative ideas and pushing boundaries to advance kidney cancer care.

Date: November 13-15, 2025

Location: Denver, Colorado

Meeting Hotel: The Westin Westminster

Publications

To come

Meeting Information

Program

Abstract Book

Watch the Presentations

Continuing Medical Education

Important Dates

Abstract Submissions OpenJune 13, 2025Registration OpenJune 13, 2025Abstract Submission Deadline(all complete Regular, TPS, and Case Report submissions, and all LBA Placeholders due at this time)August 15, 2025Early Registration DeadlineOctober 16, 2025Hotel Cancellation DeadlineOctober 22, 20252025 IKCS: North AmericaNovember 13-15, 2025

Email meetings@kidneycancer.org with questions about fees and cancellation policies.

2025 IKCS: North America Scientific Planning Committee

Dr. Manoj Bupathi

Co-Chair

Dr. Sarah Psutka

Co-Chair

Dr. Yousef Zakharia

Co-Chair

Dr. Stephanie Berg

Dr. Maria Carlo

Dr. Dan Geynisman

Dr. Amy Luckenbaugh

Dr. Jodi Maranchie

Virginia Seery, RN, MSN

Dr. Chad Tang

Dr. Qing Zhang

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities

Download the 2025 IKCS: North America Sponsorship Prospectus

HCP Roundtable: Empowering Providers to Bring Cancer Innovation to Every Patient
2025-11-19 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
The pace of innovation in cancer care has never been faster. Yet across the continuum, from prevention to precision medicine, deep inequities persist in who gains access to the latest diagnostics and treatments, and who is left waiting. How can healthcare providers ensure that progress in breast, colorectal, and other cancers truly reaches every patient?

Join Dr. Demetria Smith-Graziani from Emory University School of Medicine and Dr. Folasade May from UCLA Health and Veterans Affairs (VA) as they share practical strategies to dismantle inequities, strengthen communication, and translate innovation into equitable, evidence-based care.

This upcoming roundtable will challenge providers to reimagine what equitable innovation looks like, and to lead the change toward care that truly benefits every community.

Topics:

Strengthening Physician–Patient Communication to Drive Shared Decision-Making

Lessons from Breast and Colorectal Cancer: Addressing Structural Inequities in Real Time

Bridging the Innovation Gap Between Academic and Community Settings

Unlearning Outdated Practices and Awareness Gaps

Overcoming Clinical Inertia to Advance Equitable Implementation

Empowering You: A Kidney Cancer Education Event
2025-11-22 09:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago)
In-Person Patient Event

The Friday Conference Center

100 Friday Center Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Join us for an in-person education event at The Friday Conference Center where Duke Cancer Institute and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center experts will share more on innovative treatment options, clinical trials and support services for kidney cancer.

Recordings available here!

FAQ

Agenda

9:30 am – 10:00 amRegistration and Breakfast10:00 am – 10:10 amWelcomeCatherine Fahey, MD, PhDDaniel J. George, MD10:10 am – 10:25 amKidney Cancer 101Daniel J. George, MD10:25 am – 10:40 amMedications to Treat Kidney Cancer: Adjuvant and 1st Line OptionsDillon Cockrell, MD10:40 am – 10:55 amMedications to Treat Kidney Cancer: Options for Those Previously TreatedTracy L. Rose, MD, MPH10:55 am – 11:15 amSurgical Options for Kidney CancerKathryn Hacker Gessner, MD, PhD11:15 am – 11:30 amRadiation Options for Kidney CancerShivani Sud, MD11:30 am – 11:45 amAblation Techniques for Kidney CancerNicholas Befera, MD11:45 am – 12:10 pmPanel Q&A12:10 pm – 1:00 pmLunch/Networking/Visit exhibit tables1:00 pm – 1:15 pmPatient Story1:15 pm – 1:50 pmThe Importance of Real World Evidence on Kidney CancerMichael R. Harrison, MD1:50 pm – 2:05 pmPatient Story2:05 pm – 2:20 pmBreak2:20 pm – 2:40 pmCaring for Your Kidneys After Your Cancer DiagnosisDavid I. Ortiz-Melo, MD2:40 pm – 3:00 pmManaging Medication Side EffectsMary Dunn, MSN, NP-C, OCN, RN3:00 pm – 3:20 pmFinding Support for You and Your Loved OnesKelly Kivette 3:20 pm – 3:40 pmPanel Q&A3:40 pm – 3:45 pmClosing

FAQ

Can I bring a caregiver with me?

Yes, please be sure each person completes their own registration.

I am not a patient at either Duke University or the University of North Carolina but live in the area, can I still attend?

Yes, please be sure to register in advance.

Will there be parking?

Yes. The Friday Conference Center guest parking lot is provided at no cost exclusively for conference attendees. Please park at the South entrance. Do not park in the “Park and Ride” by the North entrance as you will be ticketed. You will be emailed a parking ticket prior to the meeting that you are responsible for printing out. There will be limited amount of parking passes onsite so we highly encourage you to print out your pass.

Public Transit: The Friday Center is served by both public and private transportation services. Several bus routes of the Chapel Hill Transit system serve our area. Public transit information

Once I’ve arrived at the campus, where do I go for the meeting?

Registration will take place outside of Redbud. The event will take place in Redbud. Please be on the lookout for directional signage.

Can I attend virtually?

No, the meeting is in-person only.

Will the meeting be recorded?

Yes, the sessions will be recorded and available on KCA’s YouTube channel a few weeks after the meeting date.

What if I have other questions?

Email patients@kidneycancer.org with any additional questions.

Sponsors

Diamond

Silver

Bronze

In Partnership With

Duke Cancer Institute

The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Institute

The Kidney Cancer Association

Caregiver Connections
2025-11-25 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-30 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-01-27 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-02-24 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-31 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago)
This support group is open to kidney cancer caregivers, family members, and friends. Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm CT/7:00 pm ET. Register to receive the Zoom link.

Kidney Cancer Support and Resources Webinar (Part 2)
2025-12-03 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver)
Learn all about the free resources the KCA has to support you and your family after a kidney cancer diagnosis. This webinar is led by Amy Marbaugh, Director of Patient Programs, and Sarah Tuck, Senior Manager of Patient Programs, the team responsible for creating and sharing these resources. In Part 2 of this webinar series, Amy and Sarah are joined by several of our partners and advocates who handle our Patient Navigator Program, run our support and mentoring groups, provide expertise on financial topics, and more!

Register Now

Patient Perspectives
2025-12-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-28 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-25 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-25 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
This support group is open to kidney cancer patients and survivors. Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm CT/8:00 pm ET. Register to receive the Zoom link.

Dear Jack Foundation - Stretching Your Dollar: Budgeting Tips for AYA's
2026-01-26 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Denver)

Triage Cancer - Legislative & Policy Watch 2026: Health-Related Updates
2026-01-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)

Empowering You: A Virtual Kidney Cancer Education Event with Mayo Clinic
2026-01-31 11:00 - 15:45 (America/New_York)
Virtual Patient Event

Join us for an online education event where Mayo Clinic experts will share more on innovative treatment options, clinical trials and support services for kidney cancer.

Access the recordings

FAQ

Agenda

11:00 am – 11:10 amWelcomeBradley Leibovich, MDYousef Zakharia, MD11:10 am – 11:50 amManagement of Early-Stage Kidney Masses/CancerRebecca Hibbert, MDAbhinav Khanna, MD, MPHCarlos E. Vargas, MD11:50 am – 12:20 pmLocally Advanced Non-Metastatic RCCVidit Sharma, MDArnab Basu, MD, MPH12:20 pm – 12:35 pmPatient Story12:35 pm – 12:50 pmBreak12:50 pm – 1:30 pmMetastatic/Advanced RCCBrian A. Costello, MDJean-Claude M. Rwigema, MDVidit Sharma, MD1:30 pm – 1:55 pmAvailable Clinical TrialsYousef Zakharia, MD1:55 pm – 2:10 pmPatient Story2:10 pm – 2:25 pmBreak2:25 pm – 2:55 pmIntegrative OncologyZoey I. Harris, MD2:55 pm – 3:25 pmCoping with CancerJanae Kirsch, PhD, LP3:25 pm – 3:30 pmClosing

FAQ

Do I have to be a patient at Mayo Clinic to attend?

No, please be sure to register here.

Will this meeting be recorded and available to watch at a later date?

Yes, each session will be recorded and will be available after the meeting on KCA’s YouTube channel.

What if I have other questions?

Email patients@kidneycancer.org with any additional questions.

In Collaboration With

Mayo Clinic

Sponsors

Platinum

Premier

Core

Spread the Love: Virtual Meet-Up 2/12
2026-02-12 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Let’s spread a little joy this Valentine’s season! Join our kidney cancer community for a relaxed virtual gathering focused on friendship, fun, and good conversation. We’ll keep things lighthearted and supportive, giving everyone a chance to unwind and connect in a welcoming, judgment-free space.

Triage Cancer - Decisions About Work: Accommodations, Leave, Disability, & Retirement
2026-02-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)

YASU: Virtual Open Craft Night
2026-02-26 07:00 (America/Denver)

Kidney Cancer Awareness Month
2026-03-01 00:00 - 2026-03-31 23:59 (America/Denver)
Fuel Progress, Fund Hope

Kidney Cancer Awareness Month is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Over 600,000 people in the United States live with kidney cancer. Every action – big or small – helps to create change.

Donate Now

Here’s how you can turn your awareness into action!

Orange Ribbons

Order FREE orange ribbon stickers to show your support during Kidney Cancer Awareness Month.

*For order requests over 10 ribbons, please contact us.

Orange Up!

Orange is the national kidney cancer awareness color!

* Learn how to illuminate your city orange.

* Share your #OrangeUp-themed photos and stories that show why kidney cancer is a cause close to your heart! Tag the KCA so we can see your photos – visit our Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn.

* Honor loved ones impacted by kidney cancer through our Honor Wall.

Join the KCA Challenge

The KCA Challenge brings the community together to raise awareness and funds for kidney cancer research. In 2025, 81K people are expected to receive a kidney cancer diagnosis.

Join the 2026 KCA Challenge

In March, cities around the country will #OrangeUp in honor of Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. Look out for orange illuminations near you!

Your Dollars Drive Discovery

Here’s how your contributions make an impact:

$10 funds one caregiver or patient to receive a care pack

$50 funds one patient registration for a patient education symposium.

$100 provides 50 newly diagnosed kidney cancer patients with an educational toolkit.

$250 provides one patient financial support during treatment

$1000 funds a week of maintaining a patient registry, fostering better research outcomes and patient care.

$1500 funds one week of research through our KCA Research Award Program

Together, we’re unstoppable!

2026 KCA Challenge: 81K Strong
2026-03-01 00:00 - 2026-06-18 23:59 (America/Denver)
About 81,000 people will be diagnosed with kidney cancer this year. Together, we can change that!

It’s time to step up to the 2026 KCA Challenge: 81K Strong. Join a team, start your own team, or fundraise as an individual – the choice is up to you!

Pick an activity that’s meaningful to you and represents the number 81. Miles, minutes, reps, points, or anything else you can imagine. The options are endless. When you join the challenge, you can start your own team or do an individual challenge. You can also look for a Regional Challenge to see if there’s one near you.

We plan to raise $81,000 between March 1, which kicks off Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, and World Kidney Cancer Day on June 18. Join in and show your passion for a cure!

Join the Challenge

Find a Regional Event

CancerCare: Advances in the Treatment of Renal Cell Cancer
2026-03-12 13:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York)

Triage Cancer - Steps to Navigate Common Insurance Hurdles
2026-03-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)

HER NEXT CONNECT A Purpose-Driven Networking Experience
2026-03-28 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Nana’s Fun House Business & Event Center, 4008 Mitchell Mill Rd ste 104, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27616, United States
This free, purpose-driven gathering brings together women leaders, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and community partners to raise awareness for kidney cancer and support caregivers.

Integrative Oncology: Whole Person Support
2026-03-31 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago)

2026 IKCS: Europe
2026-04-16 00:00 - 2026-04-18 23:59 (America/Denver)
Transforming Kidney Cancer Research

The Kidney Cancer Association is proud to host the 2026 International Kidney Cancer Symposium (IKCS): Europe. IKCS meetings are dynamic, multidisciplinary events that explore current trends and future directions in kidney cancer. Attendees can earn CME credits that will continue building their careers. Our community includes leading experts across academia, clinical care, industry, and advocacy who are committed to exchanging innovative ideas and pushing boundaries to advance kidney cancer care.

Date: April 16-18, 2026

Location: Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Center17 Boulevard Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France

Meeting Information

Abstract Book

Program

Watch the Presentations

Event Photos

Continuing Medical Education Information

Important Dates

Abstract Submissions OpenDecember 12, 2025Registration OpensDecember 18, 2025Abstract Submission Deadline(all complete Regular, TPS, and Case Report submissions, and all LBA Placeholders due at this time)February 6, 2026Early Registration DeadlineMarch 15, 2026Hotel Cancellation DeadlineMarch 15, 20262026 IKCS: Europe April 16-18, 2026

Email meetings@kidneycancer.org with questions about fees and cancellation policies.

The abstracts presented at the 2026 International Kidney Cancer Symposium: Europe (IKCSEU26) in Paris have been officially published in the Journal of Kidney Cancer as part of a special issue. These abstracts highlight cutting-edge research shared through oral presentations and poster sessions, reflecting the continued advancement of the global kidney cancer community. For citation, please reference as follows:

2026 International Kidney Cancer Symposium: Europe – Abstracts. (2026). Journal of Kidney Cancer, 13(SP2). https://doi.org/10.15586/jkcvhl.v13iSP2.480

2026 IKCS: Europe Scientific Planning Committee

Dr. Roberto Iacovelli

Co-Chair

Dr. Stephane Oudard

Co-Chair

Dr. Maxine Tran

Co-Chair

Dr. Christian Beisland

Dr. Barbara Alicja Jereczek

Dr. Tom Mitchell

Dr. Lisa Pickering

Dr. Enrique Trilla

Thanks to our Sponsors!

Byrd Cancer Foundation: All Things Cancer + Wellness Expo 2026
2026-04-18 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)

Triage Cancer - Medicare Made Simple: A Guide for First-Time Enrollees
2026-04-22 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)

Caregiver Connections
2026-04-28 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago)
