Dr. Brian Rini stands as a preeminent leader in the field of kidney cancer research and clinical oncology, currently serving as Chief of Clinical Trials at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Ingram Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University. He earned his MD from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1995 following undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Notre Dame, then completed his Internal Medicine residency and Hematology/Oncology fellowship at the University of Chicago. Dr. Rini joined Vanderbilt in January 2020 as the inaugural Chief of Clinical Trials, recruited from Cleveland Clinic where he served as director of the Genitourinary Cancer Program. His strategic leadership has been instrumental in expanding cancer clinical research operations and training opportunities across the institution.
Dr. Rini's research portfolio encompasses over 300 publications focused on genitourinary cancers, with particular emphasis on renal cell carcinoma and innovative treatment approaches. He has served as lead investigator for multiple pivotal phase 3 clinical trials that have directly influenced FDA approvals, including the landmark study on the axitinib and pembrolizumab combination therapy published in The New England Journal of Medicine. His scientific contributions extend to tumor cell interactions with the extracellular matrix, integrin signaling pathways, and biomarker development for kidney cancer. These translational research efforts have fundamentally advanced the understanding of kidney cancer biology while directly improving therapeutic options for patients worldwide.
Beyond his research accomplishments, Dr. Rini demonstrates exceptional leadership through his role as Dean of the Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators, which nurtures the development of early career researchers in the field. He previously completed his term as Chair of the FDA Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee and remains actively engaged with professional organizations including ASCO, the Kidney Cancer Association, and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer. As founder of the Uromigos podcast, he promotes balanced scientific discourse regarding genitourinary malignancies while maintaining his commitment to patient-centered care. Dr. Rini continues to shape the future direction of kidney cancer research through his ongoing clinical trials and mentorship of the next generation of oncology specialists.
