William Y. Kim

William Y. Kim, MD, is a Professor of Medicine and Genetics at the UNC School of Medicine, where he serves as the Rush S. Dickson Distinguished Professor. He leads the Kim Laboratory at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, focusing on the genetics and biology of bladder and kidney cancers. Kim is also Co-Leader of the UNC Lineberger Cancer Genetics Research Program and Co-Director of the Mouse Phase 1 Unit.

• Medical School: Brown University (1996)
• Certification: Internal Medicine-Medical Oncology (2002)

His research integrates genomics and cancer biology to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and bladder cancer. Key projects include studying NRF2 transcription factor, KDM6A, and FGFR3 in bladder cancer progression, and investigating non-canonical tumor antigens in RCC. The lab employs patient-derived xenografts, genetically engineered murine models, and single-cell RNA sequencing to dissect tumor-immune interactions and improve immune checkpoint blockade outcomes.

Recent publications highlight his work on bladder cancer subtypes, immunotherapy combinations, and renal carcinoma genetics. His awards include the BCAN Innovation Award (2014), ASCI membership (2014), and grants from the American Association for Cancer Research (2012) and DOD Prostate Cancer Program (2008, 2010). Kim also contributes to clinical trials and collaborates with industry partners like GeneCentric Therapeutics.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Rush S. Dickson Distinguished Professor (2015)
  • Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Innovation Award (2014)
  • ASCI member (2014)
  • AACR-Kure It Grant (2012)

Kim's lab emphasizes team science and multidisciplinary collaboration, particularly with the UNC Vincent Lab. Current initiatives explore cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their role in immunotherapy resistance, alongside non-canonical tumor antigens in RCC. His clinical work centers on genitourinary malignancies, bridging translational research with patient care.