With the proliferation of new therapies for cancer including novel targeted therapies, it is difficult to keep up with the potential renal problems related to these medications. Thankfully, Nature Reviews Nephrology have published a comprehensive review of the nephrotoxic effects of targeted anticancer therapies that could serve as a reference for practicing nephrologists. As is pointed out in the review, this is a rapidly evolving field and novel toxicities are being recognized with real world use that may not have been seen in the initial trials..
Of particular interest was the fact that many of these agents cause severe electrolyte abnormalities. For example, approximately 17% of individuals receiving cetuximab (an EGFR inhibitor used in the treatment of some lung cancers) develop hypomagnesemia. It turns out that TRPM6, a DCT magnesium channel, it regulated by EGF which is highly expressed in that area of the nephron and cetuximab therapy leads to inhibition of Mg reabsorption and subsequent hypomagnesemia (along with hypocalcemia and hypokalemia).
The figure below shows a list of the commonest adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Click on the picture for a larger image:
Of particular interest was the fact that many of these agents cause severe electrolyte abnormalities. For example, approximately 17% of individuals receiving cetuximab (an EGFR inhibitor used in the treatment of some lung cancers) develop hypomagnesemia. It turns out that TRPM6, a DCT magnesium channel, it regulated by EGF which is highly expressed in that area of the nephron and cetuximab therapy leads to inhibition of Mg reabsorption and subsequent hypomagnesemia (along with hypocalcemia and hypokalemia).
The figure below shows a list of the commonest adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Click on the picture for a larger image:
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