Biomarker Resource Center
Kidney Cancer Biomarkers
Reviewed by XpertPatient Medical Advisory · Updated June 2026 · Sources: NCI · ACS · ASCO · NIH/PMC
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What is a biomarker?
A biomarker is a signal your cancer leaves behind. Doctors find these signals in your blood or tumor tissue. The signals tell your doctor important things — like what type of cancer you have and how it is behaving.
Think of it like a clue. Your doctor collects clues from your biomarker test results. Those clues help build a picture of your cancer. That picture helps your doctor and you have a more informed conversation about next steps.
Everyone’s cancer is different — even people with the same type of cancer can have very different results. That is why biomarker testing matters. It helps your care team understand your cancer specifically.
For Kidney Cancer
Why do biomarkers matter in kidney cancer?
Kidney cancer has a specific biology that biomarker testing helps reveal. Most kidney cancers involve a gene called VHL. Understanding your tumor’s biology helps your doctor have a more informed conversation with you about your care. Ask your doctor what your biomarker results mean for your situation.
💬 A good question to ask your doctor: Ask your doctor what your risk category is and how your biomarker results fit into that picture. These are two important pieces of the conversation about kidney cancer care.
The most important kidney cancer biomarkers are VHL gene status and PD-L1 expression. Together they help your doctor understand your tumor’s biology and which treatment combinations may be most worth discussing.
Patient Poll
Have you had biomarker testing for your kidney cancer?
The Tests Your Doctor May Order
🔍 Is a key gene changed in your tumor?
VHL is a gene that normally helps regulate cell growth. Changes in this gene are very common in clear cell kidney cancer. Your doctor uses this information as part of the overall picture of your cancer. Ask your doctor what VHL means for your specific situation.
🔍 How does your tumor interact with your immune system?
PD-L1 is a protein that affects how your immune system responds to cancer. Testing PD-L1 levels is commonly done in kidney cancer. Ask your doctor what your PD-L1 result means and how it fits into the conversation about your care.
🔍 Is a marker protein present in your tumor?
CA9 is a protein that often appears when VHL is changed. It gives your doctor additional information about your tumor’s biology. Ask your doctor whether CA9 was tested and what the result means.
Sources: ASCO · NCI · Kidney Cancer Association
Watch & Learn
Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Every patient’s situation is different. Please talk to your doctor or care team about what your biomarker results mean for you specifically.
Common Questions
Kidney Cancer Biomarkers — Your Questions Answered
What is the IMDC risk score?
The IMDC score is a tool your doctor may use to assess your kidney cancer. It is based on several health measures and helps your doctor think about your care. Ask your doctor what your IMDC risk category is and what it means for you.
Does kidney cancer respond to chemotherapy?
Kidney cancer often does not respond well to standard chemotherapy. Your doctor will discuss the approaches that are commonly used for your specific situation. Ask your care team what options make sense for you.
What if I have a less common type of kidney cancer?
Some kidney cancers are less common types with different biology. Ask your doctor to confirm your exact tumor type and what that means for your care.
Should I ask about clinical trials?
Clinical trials can be an option for some kidney cancer patients. Ask your doctor or visit clinicaltrials.gov to see whether any trials may be relevant for your situation.
Quick Links
From the Kidney Cancer Center on XpertPatient
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