[Cancer Treatment-induced Changes in Renal Function in Patients with Tumors - Update on Current Knowledge]

Abstract

Insights

New cancer treatments like immunotherapy and targeted therapy can still harm the kidneys. Careful monitoring of renal function is crucial during cancer treatment to manage potential kidney toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nephrology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Renal abnormalities are common in cancer patients, with significant renal impairment affecting many.
  • Tumors and cancer treatments can directly or indirectly cause kidney damage.
  • Newer cancer therapies, including targeted drugs and immunotherapies, have been approved since 2004.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on kidney toxicity associated with novel cancer therapeutics.
  • To highlight the evolving landscape of drug-induced kidney injury in oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on nephrotoxicity of new cancer drugs.
  • Analysis of drug mechanisms and their impact on renal function.
  • Examination of clinical trial data regarding renal outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Despite advancements, kidney involvement remains a risk with new cancer treatments.
  • Novel therapies like targeted therapy and immunotherapy generally show mild to moderate renal side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
  • Limited data exists on patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency in clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • Kidney toxicity is an ongoing concern with modern cancer therapies.
  • Careful monitoring of renal function is essential throughout cancer treatment.
  • Integrating renal function assessment into clinical trials is vital for patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Related Concept Videos

Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.8K
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests01:24

Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests

Renal function tests are crucial for assessing kidney health, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the kidneys' efficiency in waste elimination, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. These tests offer critical insights into kidney function, even though routine measurements may appear normal until there is a significant decline in the glomerular filtration rate or GFR. Typically, signs of kidney impairment only become evident when the GFR falls to about 50% of its normal level.
460
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance02:40

Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance

Early diagnosis and treatment can often cure cancer. However, even with treatment, residual cells called cancer stem cells (CSC) might remain, often causing tumor recurrence. These cancer stem cells possess the potential for self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation and are often responsible for the therapeutic resistance displayed in most cancers.
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
6.1K
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
7.0K
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
6.1K