Uncommon gastrointestinal bleeding during targeted therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma: A report of four cases

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Targeted therapies like sunitinib and sorafenib are used for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
• Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a known side effect, but its clinical and endoscopic features are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe four cases of advanced RCC with life-threatening GI bleeding during targeted therapy.
• To highlight the effectiveness of endoscopic hemostasis in managing this complication.

Main Methods:

• Case series of four advanced RCC patients experiencing severe GI bleeding while on targeted therapy.
• Endoscopic identification of bleeding sources and application of hemostatic techniques.

Main Results:

• Endoscopic hemostasis was successfully achieved in all four patients.
• Identified bleeding sources included angiodysplasia, gastric ulcers, and diffuse mucosal oozing.
• GI bleeding was a rare but severe adverse event during targeted therapy.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic hemostasis is an effective treatment for life-threatening GI bleeding in advanced RCC patients on targeted therapy.
• Pre-treatment endoscopic evaluation and ongoing monitoring for rare adverse events are recommended.
• Variable endoscopic findings necessitate tailored diagnostic and treatment strategies.