Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Nephrotoxin Microinjection in Zebrafish to Model Acute Kidney Injury
Published on: July 17, 2016
Nephrotoxicity of anticancer drugs--an underestimated problem?
1Department of Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. norbert.lameire@ugent.be
Abstract:
Nephrotoxicity is an inherent adverse effect of certain anticancer drugs and may result in a variety of functional consequences that include any combination of glomerular or tubular dysfunction, hypertension and disturbance of the renal endocrine function. The nephrotoxic potential of most anticancer agents dramatically increases in the presence of borderline or overt pre-existing chronic kidney disease and measurement of renal function is therefore of utmost importance in the cancer patient before any treatment is initiated. This review summarizes some clinical nephrotoxic side effects of a selection of the most frequently used anticancer drugs. The drugs discussed are cisplatin, methotrexate, ifosfamide, citumixab and panitumumab, mitocin C and gemcitabine and antiangiogenesis drugs.
Insights
Anticancer drugs can harm kidneys, especially in patients with existing kidney disease. Monitoring renal function is crucial before starting cancer treatment to manage potential nephrotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nephrotoxicity is a known adverse effect of various anticancer drugs.
- Kidney function impairment can be caused by glomerular or tubular dysfunction, hypertension, and endocrine disturbances.
- Pre-existing chronic kidney disease significantly elevates the risk of drug-induced nephrotoxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical nephrotoxic side effects of commonly used anticancer agents.
- To highlight the importance of renal function assessment in cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical nephrotoxic side effects.
- Focus on frequently used anticancer drugs.
Main Results:
- Identified nephrotoxic effects associated with specific anticancer drugs.
- Emphasized the increased risk in patients with compromised renal function.
Conclusions:
- Careful monitoring of kidney function is essential for cancer patients.
- Understanding drug-specific nephrotoxicity aids in risk management and treatment planning.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments
Reduced renal clearance and elimination rate are common outcomes of renal impairment. These alterations lead to a prolonged elimination half-life and an altered apparent volume of distribution for drugs. As a result, dosage adjustments are typically necessary to maintain optimal drug levels in the body.
However, dosage adjustments...
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Dose Adjustments Based on Drug Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

