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Updated: Feb 27, 2026
Intravascular Delivery of Biologics to the Rat Kidney
Published on: September 1, 2016
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitor Therapy and Cardiovascular and Renal Damage in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Silvia Lai1, Alessio Molfino1, Patrizia Seminara2
1Department of Clinical Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Background:
Sunitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is approved for first and second line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Knowledge on the effects of sunitinib on cardiovascular (CV) risk and renal damage is limited.
Aim:
To evaluate possible renal and CV damage in patients with RCC treated with sunitinib.
Materials And Methods:
Patients with metastatic RCC treated with sunitinib were enrolled. This population was evaluated before starting treatment (T0) and after 3 months (T1). Laboratory and instrumental parameters, including interventricular septum (IVS) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were recorded before and after treatment.
Results:
Thirty-two patients (13 female, 19 male, mean age 62.7±9.9 years) were enrolled. We observed overtime, a significant reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p=0.01), hemoglobin (Hb) (p=0.04) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-VitD) (p=0.002), in association with a significant increase in serum phosphorus (p<0.001), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p<0.001), IVS (p=0.03) and proteinuria (p<0.001), while we showed no significant differences in glycosuria, phosphaturia, serum uric acid, intact parathormone, and LVMI.
Conclusion:
We observed the development of renal damage and worsening of CV indices in patients treated with sunitinib. We suggest to consider a careful assessment of renal function and CV risk factors, before initiation and during administration of this drug.
Insights
Sunitinib treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may cause kidney damage and worsen cardiovascular (CV) health. Careful monitoring of renal function and CV risk factors is recommended during sunitinib therapy.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
- Limited data exists on sunitinib's impact on cardiovascular (CV) risk and renal function.
- This study investigates potential renal and CV damage in RCC patients treated with sunitinib.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate renal and cardiovascular damage in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) undergoing sunitinib treatment.
Main Methods:
- Patients with metastatic RCC receiving sunitinib were assessed before treatment (T0) and after 3 months (T1).
- Evaluated laboratory parameters and instrumental measurements, including interventricular septum (IVS) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI).
Main Results:
- Significant reductions observed in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hemoglobin (Hb), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-VitD).
- Significant increases noted in serum phosphorus, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), IVS, and proteinuria.
- No significant changes in glycosuria, phosphaturia, serum uric acid, intact parathormone, or LVMI.
Conclusions:
- Sunitinib treatment is associated with the development of renal damage and worsening cardiovascular indices.
- Recommend careful assessment of renal function and CV risk factors before and during sunitinib therapy.
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