Adverse kidney effects of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nephrology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is crucial in many cancers.
• EGFR inhibitors are widely used cancer therapeutics.
• These inhibitors can cause kidney adverse events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review renal adverse events associated with EGFR inhibitors.
• To differentiate between tubular and glomerular kidney injuries.
• To discuss the pathogenesis of these EGFR inhibitor-induced nephropathies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of EGFR inhibitors and associated renal toxicities.
• Analysis of reported cases of kidney disorders.
• Categorization of renal adverse events by drug class and affected kidney component.

Main Results:

• EGFR inhibitors, including small molecule tyrosine-kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, are associated with renal toxicity.
• Tubular/electrolyte disorders are common, primarily linked to monoclonal antibodies.
• Glomerulopathies are rare but associated with various anti-EGFR agents.

Conclusions:

• Anti-EGFR therapies pose a risk of kidney damage.
• Distinct renal toxicities (tubular vs. glomerular) are observed.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the pathogenesis of anti-EGFR-related kidney disorders.