Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026
Early Detection of Drug-Induced Renal Hemodynamic Dysfunction Using Sonographic Technology in Rats
Published on: March 11, 2016
Sunitinib-Induced Acute Interstitial Nephritis in a Thrombocytopenic Renal Cell Cancer Patient
Ibrahim Azar1, Saghi Esfandiarifard1, Pedram Sinai1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Albany Medical Center, 47 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208, USA.
Abstract:
Sunitinib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is currently the standard of care for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Renal adverse events associated with sunitinib include proteinuria, renal insufficiency secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and thrombotic microangiopathy. We describe the second reported instance of biopsy-proven sunitinib-induced acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), in a challenging case complicated by thrombocytopenia. The case illustrates the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in ensuring long-term recovery from renal complications. Four other cases of AIN reported along with inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by either TKI (sunitinib and sorafenib) or antibodies (bevacizumab) suggest a possible class effect. Given our experience, we recommend monitoring renal function with VEGF inhibition, and in the case of renal failure in the setting of an unclear diagnosis, we recommend prompt biopsy.
Insights
Sunitinib can cause acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), a rare kidney complication. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for recovery, suggesting a potential class effect with VEGF inhibitors.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sunitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is a standard treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
- Renal adverse events linked to sunitinib include proteinuria, renal insufficiency, and thrombotic microangiopathy.
- Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a rare but serious renal complication associated with TKIs.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
01:17Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Renal Impairment
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...
01:20Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
01:23Renal Clearance
Renal clearance refers to the volume of plasma cleared of a specific substance, such as creatinine, per unit of time. To measure clearance, urine samples are collected over a 24-hour period during each bladder voiding, followed by a single blood sample at the...
01:08Renal Drug Clearance: Comparison Between Renal Excretion Methods
Renal clearance is often associated with the renal glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which represents the rate at which plasma is filtered through the glomeruli in the kidney. When drug reabsorption is minimal and there is no active secretion, renal clearance is closely related to the...