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Author Spotlight: Advancing Cancer Associated Thrombosis Research in Rodent Models
Published on: January 5, 2024
The Link Between Conventional and Novel Anti-Cancer Therapeutics with Thrombotic Microangiopathy
Carmen E Cervantes1, Sam Kant1, Mohamed G Atta1
1Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland MD 21218, United States.
Background:
Kidney disease associated with cancer and anti-cancer therapies has been increasingly recognized in the field of onco-nephrology. In particular, drug-induced nephrotoxicity has important implications since most chemotherapeutic agents have a nephrotoxic potential. Also, standard creatinine clearance methods used for the measurement of kidney function have been questioned in cancer patients due to factors like low muscle mass and poor nutritional status. Overestimations of the glomerular filtration rate, not only can increase the nephrotoxic potential of different agents, but also further limit the use of first-line therapies.
Objective:
This review covers specifically the drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy and its two pathophysiologic mechanisms which include immune or idiosyncratic reactions, and non-immune or dose-dependent ones.
Conclusion:
As novel cancer therapies are developed, it is paramount to pursue a better understanding of conventional and novel chemotherapeutic agents and their role in kidney disease.
Insights
Cancer therapies can harm kidneys, a growing concern in onco-nephrology. Understanding drug-induced kidney damage is crucial for safe and effective cancer treatment, especially with unreliable kidney function tests in patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Kidney disease is increasingly linked to cancer and its treatments.
- Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is a significant concern due to the inherent risks of chemotherapeutic agents.
- Standard kidney function tests may be inaccurate in cancer patients, potentially leading to overestimated glomerular filtration rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy in cancer patients.
- To explore the immune/idiosyncratic and non-immune/dose-dependent mechanisms of this condition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy.
- Analysis of pathophysiologic mechanisms of thrombotic microangiopathy.
Main Results:
- Drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy presents with distinct immune and non-immune mechanisms.
- Overestimation of kidney function can exacerbate nephrotoxicity and limit treatment options.
Conclusions:
- A deeper understanding of conventional and novel chemotherapeutic agents is essential.
- Continued research in onco-nephrology is vital as cancer therapies evolve.
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