Onco-Nephrology: Cancer, chemotherapy and kidney.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Oncology
• Hematology

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD), cancer, and hematological diseases exhibit significant reciprocal influences.
• Cancer can directly impact kidneys via glomerular lesions or indirectly through treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, causing acute or chronic kidney injury.
• Patients on renal replacement therapy, especially kidney transplant recipients, face increased cancer risk due to immunosuppression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To underscore the critical interplay between cancer and kidney disease.
• To highlight the renal side effects of novel cancer therapeutics.
• To emphasize the growing importance of Onco-Nephrology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing knowledge on cancer-nephrology interactions.
• Analysis of the impact of conventional and innovative cancer treatments on renal function.
• Discussion of the challenges and evolving landscape of Onco-Nephrology.

Main Results:

• Cancer treatments, including targeted agents, anti-angiogenic drugs, and immunotherapies, can lead to secondary renal complications.
• Advances in cancer therapy, while improving prognoses, necessitate careful monitoring for renal adverse events.
• Onco-Nephrology is recognized as a crucial subspecialty, requiring nephrologists to deepen their understanding of cancer biology and treatment.

Conclusions:

• The relationship between CKD and cancer is bidirectional, with significant implications for patient management.
• Nephrologists must be equipped to manage renal complications arising from cancer and its treatments.
• Enhanced collaboration and education in Onco-Nephrology are essential for optimal patient care.