Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims In recent years the discovery of targeted therapies in oncology have been a revolution with spectacular results for patients with advanced neoplasia and metastasis. Representing a more precise approach to interfering with tumorigenesis, these therapies exhibit superior tolerability profile in terms of toxicity and have significantly improved overall survival (1). Numerous studies have demonstrated the increased risk of cancer patients developing acute renal failure and progressing to chronic kidney disease, both contributing to higher mortality. The use of these novel drugs, alongside traditional chemotherapy, coupled with the extended survival of patients with neoplasms has led to a rise in kidney pathologies (2.3). Addressing the need to provide a comprehensive and optimized treatment to this group of patients, the field of Onconephrology has emerged. Its primary objective is to assist in the diagnosis and management of kidney diseases associated with the underlying oncological condition and/or oncotherapeutics. While well-established Onconephrology Clinics predominantly operate in tertiary hospitals worldwide, acknowledging the growing significance of this field, we established an Onconephrology outpatient consultation at our secondary level hospital. In this study, we aim to delineate the incidence of renal toxicities secondary to oncotherapeutics within the first six months of initiating our Onconephrology outpatient consultation. Method Forty-six patients were retrospectively included, and an analysis of oncological and renal variables was conducted to determine the incidence of renal toxicities. Results Out of the forty-six patients evaluated, 12 exhibited renal toxicity secondary to oncotherapeutics, with a mean age of 73.3 years. The most frequent malignancy was lung cancer (n = 6), followed by gastrointestinal tract cancer (n = 2). Most patients presented with metastatic disease (n = 9), and their malignant disease was either in remission (n = 4) or stable (n = 5). Reasons for referral included acute kidney injury (n = 7), acute kidney injury over chronic kidney disease (n = 3), proteinuria (n = 1), and electrolyte abnormalities (n = 1). The diagnoses included acute immune-mediated tubulointerstitial nephritis secondary to checkpoint inhibitors (n = 5), cisplatin renal toxicity (n = 3), acute tubular necrosis secondary to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (n = 2), hypomagnesemia induced by EGFR inhibitor (n = 1), and nephrotic syndrome related to anti-VEGF. Following multidisciplinary intervention, most patients experienced recovery of kidney function (n = 9), while some progressed to chronic kidney disease (n = 2), and other maintained electrolyte imbalances (n = 1). Conclusion This study describes 12 patients with renal toxicities secondary to oncotherapeutics over a 6-month period at a secondary hospital. Most patients exhibited recovery of kidney function, emphasizing the positive outcomes achievable through multidisciplinary care, particularly in the context of the Onconephrology outpatient consultation, even in institutions with limited resources.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call