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Chemotherapy-induced Vascular Toxicity - Real-time In vivo Imaging of Vessel Impairment
Published on: January 7, 2015
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Hepatotoxicity Secondary to Chemotherapy
Alla Grigorian1, Christopher B O'Brien1
1Divisions of Liver and GI Transplantation, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology
|September 11, 2015
Summary
Determining the cause of abnormal liver function tests in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy is challenging. This review outlines the differential diagnosis for drug-induced liver injury in oncology.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) are common in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity often results from unpredictable, idiosyncratic reactions.
- The precise mechanisms of liver injury for many chemotherapy agents remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a concise review of the differential diagnosis for abnormal LFTs in oncology patients.
- To aid practicing physicians in identifying the causes of chemotherapy-related liver dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity.
- Analysis of reported cases of abnormal LFTs in cancer patients.
- Synthesis of information on the differential diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury in oncology.
Main Results:
- Chemotherapy agents can cause a wide spectrum of liver injury patterns.
- Idiosyncratic reactions contribute significantly to hepatotoxicity.
- Multiple factors can confound the diagnosis, including cancer progression and other medications.
Conclusions:
- A systematic approach is necessary to diagnose the cause of abnormal LFTs in cancer patients on chemotherapy.
- Understanding the broad differential diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced liver injury.
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