Recent advances in nephrology

The 31st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Nephrology, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, October 25-28, 1998, presented the newest advances in basic and clinical nephrology science. Several presentations discussed the results of studies with the newer immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus, sirolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and the anti-CD25 monoclonal antibodies, with the conclusion that studies on long-term use of these agents are needed. A number of other issues on immunosuppression protocols in renal transplantation were addressed during the meeting, including the subjects of steroid withdrawal and the role of TGF-beta in the development of chronic allograft nephropathy. The use of NESP in the treatment of renal anemia, the use of sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction in hemodialysis patients, and the use of ACE inhibitors in nondiabetic renal patients were other important issues discussed at this meeting. Newer approaches to the treatment of hypertension discussed at the meeting highlighted the potential role of angiotensin II receptor antagonists in renal disease patients. Researchers also presented the promising results of a trial of a new, hybrid cell vaccine approach to the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.