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Profiling Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-like Dependent Post-translational Modifications and Identification of Significant Alterations
Published on: November 7, 2019
[Hemolytic uremic syndrome induced by gemcitabine. A poorly recognized complication?]
M P Graas1, G Houbiers, G Demolin
1CHC Saint-Joseph, Liège, Belgique.
Revue Medicale De Liege
|January 25, 2013
Summary
Protracted gemcitabine infusions in advanced cancer patients can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). While hemolytic anemia often improves, renal dysfunction may persist, with some cases requiring dialysis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy agent used for advanced cancers.
- Protracted administration of gemcitabine may pose risks.
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is a serious condition affecting kidneys and blood.
Observation:
- Six patients with advanced cancer (53-73 years old) developed HUS during prolonged gemcitabine infusions (>= 4 months).
- Patients received 13-34 infusions over 4-14 months, with cumulative doses between 9-29 g/m2.
- Progressive renal function decline preceded the acute HUS development.
Findings:
- Discontinuation of gemcitabine and symptomatic treatment led to favorable outcomes for hemolytic anemia in most patients.
- Renal dysfunction showed variable recovery: 2 complete, 1 partial resolution, and 1 case requiring chronic dialysis.
- The estimated frequency of HUS complication from this study is 2.7% after protracted gemcitabine treatment.
Implications:
- Clinicians should monitor renal function closely in cancer patients receiving long-term gemcitabine therapy.
- Early detection and intervention may mitigate severe renal complications associated with gemcitabine-induced HUS.
- This finding highlights a potential serious adverse event of prolonged gemcitabine use, impacting treatment protocols and patient management.
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