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Renal toxicity of targeted therapies

Ronan J Kelly1, Bertrand Billemont, Olivier Rixe

  • 1National Cancer Institute, Medical Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Targeted Oncology
|May 8, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Molecular targeted therapies offer modest cancer treatment benefits but can cause significant toxicities, particularly kidney damage. This review explores the biological mechanisms of this nephrotoxicity and strategies for prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nephrology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Molecular targeted therapies are increasingly used for cancer treatment.
  • These therapies often exhibit modest efficacy and significant toxicities.
  • Many agents lack specificity, inhibiting multiple targets, leading to poorly defined consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the observed nephrotoxicity associated with molecular targeted therapies.
  • To review the biological mechanisms underlying targeted agent-induced renal toxicity.
  • To explore potential strategies for preventing renal damage from these therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical data.
  • Analysis of human renal biopsies.
  • Synthesis of current literature on targeted therapies and nephrotoxicity.

Main Results:

  • The kidney expresses many targeted pathways, making it susceptible to toxicity.
  • Preclinical and clinical data elucidate mechanisms of targeted agent-induced renal damage.
  • Class-specific toxicities are frequently described.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular targeted therapies can cause significant nephrotoxicity.
  • Understanding the biological pathways involved is crucial for managing renal side effects.
  • Preventive strategies are needed to mitigate renal damage in patients receiving these treatments.

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