[Renal tolerance of targeted therapies]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nephrology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are increasingly used for long-term cancer treatment.
• Monitoring for both immediate and cumulative toxicities, particularly renal side effects, is crucial due to long-term use.
• The kidneys express growth factor receptors targeted by therapies like anti-EGFR and anti-VEGFR, leading to potential nephrotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the physiopathological mechanisms of renal toxicity associated with targeted cancer therapies.
• To discuss early diagnostic methods for identifying kidney damage caused by these drugs.
• To outline treatment strategies for managing renal toxicities in patients receiving targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing available data on targeted therapy-induced renal toxicity up to 2011.
• Analysis of physiopathological hypotheses regarding kidney damage from targeted agents.
• Compilation of information on diagnosis and management of renal side effects.

Main Results:

• Renal toxicities often result from structural damage to nephrons.
• Specific targeted therapies like anti-EGFR and anti-VEGFR agents have known renal side effects.
• Limited data exists on the acute and chronic tolerance, including renal, for newer agents approved based on small patient studies.

Conclusions:

• Understanding and managing renal toxicity is essential for the safe and effective long-term use of targeted cancer therapies.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can mitigate the impact of kidney damage.
• Further research is needed to fully characterize the long-term renal safety profile of many targeted agents.