What is RMC?

Renal Medullary Carcinoma (RMC) is a rare and highly aggressive form of kidney cancer, which originates in the renal medulla, the innermost part of the kidney. First described in 1995, RMC remains one of the rarest kidney cancers, with an estimated several hundred cases reported worldwide. RMC most often affects young people, almost exclusively linked to sickle cell trait, and is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Because RMC is so rare, it is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, when it has already spread to to lymph nodes or other organs, making awareness, education, and research critically important.

* For more information about RMC, click here and click here.

Why RMC is Different

RMC differs from other kidney cancers - in who it affects, how it progresses, and how it is treated.

Extremely rare - less than 1% of all kidney cancers
Primarily affects teens and young adults
Almost exclusively found in people who carry the sickle cell trait
Fast-growing, very aggressive, dismal prognosis
Limited treatment options compared to other kidney cancers
Almost all treatments for typical kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) will not work on RMC, and studies have shown, they may make it worse

* RMC is not just rare - it is under-recognized, and that lack of awareness costs lives.

Illustration showing the kidney and renal medulla, where renal medullary carcinoma originates.

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rmc & sickle cell trait

What is Sickle Cell Trait?

Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) is an inherited genetic condition in which a person carries one copy of the sickle cell gene and affects over 3 million Americans.

While SCT does not cause Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), in rare, extreme conditions (e.g., severe dehydration, intense physical activity, high-altitudes, or low oxygen), individuals with SCT may experience symptoms similar to SCD. In these conditions, red blood cells can become deformed, or sickle-shaped and cause serious health issues. However, most people with SCT often have no symptoms, meaning many are unaware they carry the trait.

It is important to understand that sickle cell trait is not limited to one race or ethnicity. While it is more commonly identified in people of African descent, it also occurs in individuals who are Hispanic/Latino, White, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and South Asian.

* For more information about Sickle Cell Trait, click here and click here.

The SCT Connection to RMC

Though the exact cause of RMC is not fully understood, research has shown a strong association between sickle cell trait and renal medullary carcinoma.

As a result:

more than 85% of individuals diagnosed with RMC are found to carry SCT.
7% of individuals diagnosed with RMC do not have any sickle hemoglobinopathies, a rare sub-type of RMC called renal cell carcinoma, unclassified with medullary phenotype (RCCU-MP).
The remainder of individuals diagnosed with RMC will have other sickle hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disease and sickle cell-beta thalassemia.

** Renal medullary carcinoma has been diagnosed in people of many backgrounds. Antonio Angel Ortiz, in whose memory this foundation was created, was White and Hispanic, carried the sickle cell trait, and was diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma.

Who is Affected?

Most commonly diagnosed in people with sickle cell trait
Disproportionately affects young Black and African-American individuals
Can occur in people of any race or ethnicity, but risk is significantly higher in these groups
Most often appears in young people in their teens and 20's
Men are twice as likely to develop RMC than women

Some studies suggest that extreme or high-intensity physical exertion in individuals with sickle cell trait may place stress on the kidneys, which could be a contributing factor in the development of renal medullary carcinoma.

For additional research context, see:

* Awareness can lead to earlier testing, faster diagnosis, and increased survival rates.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of RMC may vary and can resemble other conditions.

Common symptoms include:

Blood in the urine (hematuria, most common)
Persistent back or side pain
Unexplained weight loss
Fever or night sweats
Fatigue
Lump in the abdomen (less common)

* Anyone with unexplained symptoms consistent with RMC, regardless of race, background, gender, or age, should consult a medical professional.

risk factors & symptoms

why awareness matters

Early recognition can change outcomes.

With aggressive cancers like RMC, delays in diagnosis or treatment can have serious consequences. Many healthcare providers may never encounter a case of RMC, contributing to missed or late recognition. After diagnosis, families affected by RMC often face limited information, few treatment options, and profound isolation.

Delayed diagnosis is common
Research funding is limited
Assumptions about who is "at risk" can delay diagnosis and care
Education and advocacy remain critically needed

Awareness saves time.

Time saves lives.

the urgent need for research

Because current treatment options are limited.

Limited treatment options compared to other kidney cancers
Median survival rate of patients with RMC is currently 13 months
Clinical trials are also limited
Rare cancers receive less research funding and is critical for new therapies
Advocacy helps push RMC into the spotlight

* Advocacy and funding help ensure that RMC is not overlooked and that progress continues.

how the tactical tone memorial foundation is responding

Turning awareness into action.

The Tactical Tone Memorial Foundation was created to confront the reality of RMC through awareness, education, research support, and community-based programs - ensuring that no family faces this diagnosis alone.

Through our work, we honor Antonio's life and legacy while working toward a future where RMC is recognized earlier, studied more deeply and treated more effectively.

Learn more about:

* Together, these efforts help move the RMC community forward.

take action

Learn the signs. Share the knowledge.

Honor the lives impacted by renal medullary carcinoma.

Awareness is the first step toward change.

GET INVOLVED

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions or concerns.

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