Kidney Disease in the Cancer Patient

Abstract

The spectrum of kidney disease in the cancer patient is wide. Kidney dysfunction can result from the cancer itself or its treatment. The presentation in this population is varied and may manifest as acute kidney injury (AKI) or chronic kidney disease. In addition, other manifestations of kidney disease can include proteinuria, hypertension, and electrolyte disturbances. As new cancer treatments emerge, the range of therapy-associated renal syndromes increases. This chapter deals predominantly with causes and management of renal dysfunction that are specific to the cancer patient, including those caused by hypercalcemia; hepatorenal syndrome; the use of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and bisphosphonate; glomerular, tubular, interstitial, and vascular diseases; multiple myeloma (MM); and tumor infiltration. The chapter also examines postrenal causes of AKI, electrolyte disorders, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Tables provide the features of kidney disease in the cancer patient, the pathogenesis of hypercalcemia, strategies for preventing and managing AKI with IL-2 therapy, laboratory findings with hemolytic-uremic syndrome/thrombocytopenic purpura, the causes of acute tubular necrosis in MM, a summary of electrolyte disturbances in the cancer patient, indications for HSCT, and a summary of the management of patients with post-HSCT AKI. The chapter is also enhanced by ultrasound and computed tomographic scans, histology images, and an illustration of tumor lysis syndrome. This chapter contains 105 references, 8 tables, 4 highly rendered figures, and 5 MCQs.