Sunitinib and sorafenib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients with renal insufficiency

Chapter 1: Evaluation of kidney function in patients undergoing anticancer drug therapy, from clinical practice guidelines for the management of kidney injury during anticancer drug therapy 2022

The prevalence of CKD may be higher in patients with cancer than in those without due to the addition of cancer-specific risk factors to those already present for CKD. In this review, we describe the evaluation of kidney function in patients undergoing anticancer drug therapy. When anticancer drug therapy is administered, kidney function is evaluated to (1) set the dose of renally excretable drugs, (2) detect kidney disease associated with the cancer and its treatment, and (3) obtain baseline values for long-term monitoring. Owing to some requirements for use in clinical practice, a GFR estimation method such as the Cockcroft-Gault, MDRD, CKD-EPI, and the Japanese Society of Nephrology's GFR estimation formula has been developed that is simple, inexpensive, and provides rapid results. However, an important clinical question is whether they can be used as a method of GFR evaluation in patients with cancer. When designing a drug dosing regimen in consideration of kidney function, it is important to make a comprehensive judgment, recognizing that there are limitations regardless of which estimation formula is used or if GFR is directly measured. Although CTCAEs are commonly used as criteria for evaluating kidney disease-related adverse events that occur during anticancer drug therapy, a specialized approach using KDIGO criteria or other criteria is required when nephrologists intervene in treatment. Each drug is associated with the different disorders related to the kidney. And various risk factors for kidney disease associated with each anticancer drug therapy.

Combination Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma: the Best Choice for Every Patient?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Therapeutic alternatives to treat metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are increasing, and combination therapies, including antiangiogenic agents and tyrosine kinase/mTOR/immune checkpoint inhibitors, are identified as the gold standard driven by the results of recent clinical studies. Nevertheless, the real-world RCC population is very heterogeneous, with categories of patients not represented in the enrolled trial population who may not benefit more from these treatments. The purpose of this expert review is to assess the rationale on which tyrosine kinase alone may still be a viable first-line treatment option for some subgroups of patients with mRCC.

RECENT FINDINGS

The first-line treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor monotherapy can still be considered an effective tool for addressing selected mRCCs, as highlighted by the successful outcome in a range of subjects such as favorable-risk patients, the ones suffering from autoimmune diseases, those with pancreatic or lung metastases, or previously undergoing organ transplantation and elderly subjects. Some selected categories of patients may still benefit from monotherapy with TKI, and smart sequential therapies can also be considered instead of a combination strategy. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors can also act as immune modulator agents, boosting the immune response to facilitate and potentiate the therapeutic effectiveness of subsequent immunotherapy.

The Impact of Renal Impairment on Survival Outcomes in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated With Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Purpose:

It remained unclear whether tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) related renal impairment had impact on the survival of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

Methods:

Clinicopathological parameters of patients with mRCC treated with TKIs were retrospectively reviewed. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline and during TKIs treatment were recorded. BUN > 7.1mol/L, eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m² and/or proteinuria level > 0.3 g/L were defined as renal impairment. eGFR and proteinuria were furtherly classified into different levels. Treatment outcomes were defined as progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results:

At baseline, the presence of abnormal BUN, eGFR and proteinuria level were observed in 25 (22.7%), 27 (25.5%) and 30 (27.3%) patients, which increased to 46 (41.8%), 55 (50.0%) and 64 (58.2%) respectively after TKIs treatment. In the whole cohort (N = 110), survival analysis suggested that only post-treatment renal impairment was related to survival outcomes. Interestingly, sub-analysis showed that post-treatment eGFR level (p = 0.004), proteinuria (p = 0.014) and eGFR decrease >10% (p = 0.012) and elevated proteinuria compared with baseline (p = 0.006) were statistically correlated with OS among patients without RI at baseline (N = 51). On the contrary, deterioration of renal impairment after TKIs treatment in patients with renal impairment at baseline (N = 59) had no relationship with either PFS or OS. Furthermore, eGFR (p = 0.020) and eGFR decrease >10% (p = 0.016) within 1 year after TKIs therapy were potential biomarkers for OS.

Conclusion:

Dynamic changes of TKI-induced RI during TKIs treatment, especially eGFR and proteinuria level, could be considered as potential biomarkers predicting survival outcomes of mRCC patients.

Renal toxicity of targeted therapies for renal cell carcinoma in patients with normal and impaired kidney function

The introduction of novel targeted therapies during the last 2 decades has led to a significant improvement in patients' clinical outcomes with renal cell carcinoma. However, this improvement came at the price of a whole new spectrum of adverse events, including renal toxicity. Systemic treatment of patients with kidney neoplasms who often present with impairment of kidney function, even prior to treatment, poses an increasing diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. Common lifestyle-related comorbidities, i.e., hypertension and diabetes, may contribute to further impairment of kidney function. The lack of official guidelines and the exclusion of patients with reduced kidney function from the clinical trials of recently approved drugs complicate the issue even further. Early detection and correct management of renal toxic effects are crucial to preserve kidney function and ensure the optimal administration of life-prolonging therapies. This review presents detailed information on the renal toxicities of three groups of drugs commonly used in renal cell carcinoma treatment: tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. We outline the incidence and underlying mechanisms of renal adverse effects with a focus on patients on renal replacement therapy, as well as present suggestions for their management.

Hypertension as a prognostic factor in metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Conflicting evidence exists regarding the effect of hypertension on the prognosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This study aimed to assess the predictive value of TKIs-induced hypertension in patients with mRCC.

Methods

This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019129593). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library database were searched with terms: “renal cell carcinoma”, “hypertension”, “blood pressure”, “tyrosine kinase inhibitor”, “sunitinib”, “axitinib”, “sorafenib” and “pazopanib” until March 21, 2019. Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) were extracted and analyzed with Stata 15.0 software. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² value. Meta-regression, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were also performed to explore heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed with funnel plots and precisely assessed by Egger’s and Begg’s tests. The quality of evidence of outcomes was generated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

A total of 4661 patients from 22 studies were included in the study. The results showed that the increase of blood pressure was an effective predictor for longer PFS (HR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.48–0.71, p < 0.001; I² = 77.3%) and OS (HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.45–0.70, p < 0.001; I² = 77.4%) of patients with mRCC. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients receiving sunitinib and pazopanib could have longer PFS and OS.

Conclusions

This study indicated that TKIs-induced hypertension may be a good predictor for better prognosis of patients with mRCC receiving TKIs treatment, especially using sunitinib or pazopanib.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12894-019-0481-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effects of Antiangiogenetic Drugs on Microcirculation and Macrocirculation in Patients with Advanced-Stage Renal Cancer

Adverse cardiovascular effects, including hypertension, were described in patients with different cancers treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). The mechanism of TKI-related hypertension is still debated. The aim of this work was to study the effects of TKI on blood pressure (BP), searching for a relationship with possible causative factors in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. We included 29 patients in a prospective, observational study; 22 were treated with a first-line drug (sunitinib), while seven participated in the second-line treatment (axitinib or cabozantinib). Patients were investigated at the beginning of antiangiogenic therapy (T0) and at one (T1), three (T2), and six months (T3) after treatment. Patients were evaluated by office blood pressure (BP) and ultrasonography to measure flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and carotid artery distensibility (cDC) by echocardiography and nailfold capillaroscopy. Plasma endothelin-1 (p-ET-1), urine nitrates, and proteins were also measured. At T1, systolic BP, along with U proteins and p-ET-1, increased significantly. In patients with a clinically significant increase in BP (defined as either the need for an antihypertensive drug or systolic blood pressure (SBP) T1–T0 ≥10 and/or SBP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) T1–T0 ≥5 and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg), the urine nitrate concentration was lower at T0, whereas there were no differences in the p-ET-1 and U proteins. Seventeen participants showed changes in the capillaroscopic pattern at T1 with no association with BP increases. There were no differences in the FMD, cDC, and echocardiographic parameters. Our findings are consistent with those of previous studies about BP increases by TKI, and suggest a role of nitric oxide in BP maintenance in this population.

Safety and Efficacy of Pazopanib in First-Line Metastatic Renal-Cell Carcinoma With or Without Renal Failure: CORE-URO-01 Study

BACKGROUND

Pazopanib has been approved for first-line treatment of patients with metastatic renal-cell carcinoma on the basis of clinical trials that enrolled only patients with adequate renal function. Few data are available on the safety and efficacy of pazopanib in patients with renal insufficiency. This study investigated the effect of kidney function on treatment outcomes in such patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data of metastatic renal-cell carcinoma patients treated with pazopanib from January 2010 to June 2016 with respect to renal function. Patients with Modification of Diet in Renal Disease ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m² (group A) were compared to patients with Modification of Diet in Renal Disease > 60 mL/min/1.73 m² (group B) in terms of progression-free survival, toxicities, response rates, and overall survival.

RESULTS

A total of 229 patients were included: 128 in group A and 101 in group B. Median progression-free survival was 14 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.4-18.5) and 17 months (95% CI, 11.4-22.8), and overall survival was 30.5 months (95% CI, 8-53) and 41.4 months (95% CI, 21-62) for group A and group B, respectively, with no significant difference (P = .6). No significant difference between the 2 groups was reported in the incidence of adverse events. Dose reductions were more frequent in group A patients (66% vs. 36%; P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Although the dose of pazopanib was reduced more frequently in patients with renal impairment, kidney function at therapy initiation does not adversely affect the safety and efficacy of pazopanib.

UNCOMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF SUNITINIB THERAPY IN A PATIENT WITH METASTATIC RENAL CELL CANCER: CASE REPORT

SUMMARY – Sunitinib is an orally administered multikinase inhibitor. This therapy can provoke uncommon side effects such as pancytopenia, tumor lysis syndrome, cardiac disorders, thromboembolic incidents, intestinal perforation, pancreatitis, acute renal failure, etc. We report a case of a 63-year-old female admitted to the hospital due to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and elevated blood pressure. One month earlier, sunitinib therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma was initiated. During the first cycle of therapy, after three weeks of sunitinib 50 mg daily, symptoms started and she stopped taking the drug. At admission, laboratory tests revealed elevated serum and urine amylase, C-reactive protein, urea and creatinine, and lowered platelet and leukocyte counts and hemoglobin value. Urine test showed proteinuria, erythrocyturia, leukocyturia and granulated cylinder. The patient was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis grade III, acute renal failure grade II, pancytopenia and urinary infection, and was hospitalized for five days. She was treated symptomatically and with antibiotic therapy because of persistently elevated C-reactive protein and pathologic urinary sediment, which led to subjective and clinical improvement. Acute pancreatitis, renal insufficiency and pancytopenia are rarely described side effects of sunitinib therapy, and clear connection between these conditions and drug activity is not yet determined. Medical specialists who prescribe and treat patients with sunitinib should be aware of the possible occurrence of these conditions and perform regular checkups of sunitinib treated patients.

Hemodiafiltration and plasma levels of axitinib in a patient with metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The standard treatment for metastatic renal cancer is based on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTor) inhibitors. Compared to other advanced tumors, the treatment of renal cancer is highly affected by impaired renal function; therefore, patients with severe renal insufficiency, including patients on hemodialysis, are generally excluded from clinical trials.

CASE REPORT

In the present manuscript we present the case of a renal cancer patient who underwent bilateral nephrectomy and received two lines of treatment. We hypothesized that axitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, would have a similar plasma concentration to patients without hemodialysis and that the levels before and after hemodiafiltration will not differ significantly, as observed in other targeted therapies.

CONCLUSION

The observed axitinib concentrations were at least an order of magnitude lower than expected based on the literature and measurements in other patients. The present case report indicates a potential risk of axitinib underdosing in patients on hemodiafiltration with the standard dose; therefore, drug dosage may need to be corrected based on the plasma levels of axitinib.

Evaluation of renal function change during first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Background

The change in renal function induced by first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma remains unclear.

Methods

One hundred and thirty-four patients were evaluated. Sunitinib (SU) and sorafenib (SO) were administered to 91 (67.9%) and 43 (32.1%) patients, respectively. The change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR) was calculated as [(eGFR at each time point - pre-treatment eGFR)/pre-treatment eGFR] × 100. ΔeGFR was compared between SU- and SO users using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures data with two or greater. Additionally, predictors for ΔeGFR ≤ -10% at 6 months after therapy initiation were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Throughout the 24 months after therapy initiation, ΔeGFR was negatively greater in SU users, compared with that in SO users (P < 0.0001). In SU users, renal dysfunction was observed regardless of pre-treatment chronic kidney disease (CKD) status, whereas the magnitude of renal dysfunction was milder in SO users. In SO users without pre-treatment CKD, renal function did not significantly deteriorate. Moreover, ΔeGFR ≤ -10% was more frequently observed in SU users after 3 months (P = 0.0121) and 6 months (P = 0.0009). Finally, SU usage was an independent predictor for ΔeGFR ≤ -10% at 6 months (odds ratio 8.87, P = 0.0053), along with pre-treatment hypertension (odds ratio 4.69, P = 00072).

Conclusions

Deterioration of renal function was stronger with SU than SO. During SU therapy, renal function should be monitored and pre-treatment kidney function should be taken into consideration for therapy selection.

Complex Monitoring of Biochemical and Radionuclide Parameters in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma during Immunotherapy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To study the effectiveness of complex monitoring of the kidney function, based on biochemical and radionuclide methods in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

41 mRCC patients after nephrectomy received nivolumab (n = 23) and interferon-α (n = 18) from 2015 to 2017. At baseline and 2 months after, all patients underwent blood chemistry, urinalysis, Rehberg test, and ELISA to determine serum levels of IL-17A, TGF-β, and erythropoietin. The monitoring of the renal function and urodynamics by complex renal scintigraphy (CRS) was used for all patients using a dual-detector gamma camera and simultaneous data recording in 2 projections. The interpretation of CRS data used the original SENS CRS technology.

STUDY RESULTS

Statistically significant correlations were established between IL-17A, TGF-β, and D (excretion rate of 99mTc-technephore from the parenchyma) and Rnfsc (a stable sign of nephrosclerosis), respectively. A significant correlation was established between the parameters of the complex functional monitoring with the prognosis for the risk of renal failure (RF) and efficacy of immunotherapy in mRCC.

CONCLUSIONS

All mRCC patients after nephrectomy were recommended to undergo biochemical monitoring with inclusion of TGF-β and IL-17A, as well as radionuclide monitoring (CRS) to determine the RF risk at an early stage.

Hypertension and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition: Effects on Renal Function

VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors have become first-line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Their use commonly leads to hypertension, but their effects on long-term renal function are not known. In addition, it has been suggested that the development of hypertension is linked to treatment efficacy. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of these drugs on long-term renal function, especially in those with renal dysfunction at baseline, and to examine the role of hypertension on these effects. Serum creatinine measurements were used to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate for 130 renal cell carcinoma patients who were treated with this class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. New or worsening hypertension was defined by documented start or addition of antihypertensive medications. Overall, the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with estimated glomerular filtration <60 or ≥60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 was not associated with a decline in long-term renal function. During follow-up, 41 patients developed new or worsening hypertension within 30 days from first drug administration, and this was not linked to further reductions in glomerular filtration. These patients seemed to survive longer than those who did not develop hypertension within 30 days, although this was not statistically significant (P=0.07). Our findings suggest that the use of VEGF tyrosine kinase inhibitors does not adversely affect long-term renal function even in the setting of new-onset hypertension or reduced renal function at baseline.

Influence of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors on Hypertension and Nephrotoxicity in Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer Patients

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common kidney malignancies. An upgraded comprehension of the molecular biology implicated in the development of cancer has stimulated an increase in research and development of innovative antitumor therapies. The aim of the study was to analyze the medical literature for hypertension and renal toxicities as the adverse events of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway inhibitor (anti-VEGF) therapy. Relevant studies were identified in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Eligible studies were phase III and IV prospective clinical trials, meta-analyses and retrospective studies that had described events of hypertension or nephrotoxicity for patients who received anti-VEGF therapy. A total of 48 studies were included in the systematic review. The incidence of any grade hypertension ranged from 17% to 49.6%. Proteinuria and increased creatinine levels were ascertained in 8% to 73% and 5% to 65.6% of patients, respectively. These adverse events are most often mild in severity but may sometimes lead to treatment discontinuation. Nephrotoxicity and hypertension are related to multiple mechanisms; however, one of the main disturbances in those patients is VEGF inhibition. There is a significant risk of developing hypertension and renal dysfunction among patients receiving anti-VEGF treatment; however, there is also some evidence that these side effects may be used as biomarkers of response to antiangiogenic agents.

Feasibility, efficacy and safety of tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in hemodialyzed patients with renal cell cancer: 10 years of experience

AIMS

Sine efficiency of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in dialyzed patients is still unclear we aim to analyze the outcome of treatment in such cohort.

PATIENTS & METHODS

We analyzed treatment outcomes of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with special focus on those who were also treated with hemodialysis and described treatment safety and progression-free survival of eight patients treated with TKIs and hemodialysis.

DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION

Our report supports statement that TKI treatment of dialyzed patients is safe and effective. ccRCC increases risk of developing renal insufficiency as well as end-stage renal disease that require dialysis. Introduction of multitargeted receptor kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including sunitinib, sorafenib and pazopanib significantly expanded life time expectancy of metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma. The advance also applies to patients with ccRCC and end-stage renal disease who undergo dialyses.

Treatment-related deterioration of renal function is associated with the antitumor efficacy of sunitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Some "on-target" adverse events, such as hypertension and thrombocytopenia, have been reported to predict the antitumor efficacy of sunitinib as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). However, it is unclear whether the degree of deterioration of renal function resulting from inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway can predict the antitumor efficacy of sunitinib. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether the degree of deterioration of renal function can predict the antitumor efficacy of sunitinib in patients with mRCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with histologically confirmed mRCC who were treated with sunitinib for>3 months between March 2008 and September 2014. The degree of deterioration of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared.

RESULTS

The study included 62 patients with mRCC. The 62 study patients were divided into the following 2 subgroups according to whether they had a≥10% decrease in the eGFR during sunitinib therapy: Group 1 (≥10% decrease in the eGFR, N = 47 [76%]) and Group 2 (<10% decrease in the eGFR, N = 15 [24%]). PFS was significantly longer in Group 1 than in Group 2 (16mo vs. 6mo, P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center risk group (favorable vs. intermediate, hazard ratio [HR] = 3.7; favorable vs. poor, HR = 14.7, P = 0.05), number of sunitinib courses (HR = 0.64, P<0.0001), baseline eGFR (HR = 0.96, P = 0.0057), and a≥10% decrease in the eGFR (HR = 3.2, P = 0.017) were identified as independent predictors of PFS. In addition, the OS was significantly longer in Group 1 than in Group 2 (not reached vs. 13mo, P = 0.034). In multivariate analysis, a≥10% decrease in the eGFR (HR = 0.98, P = 0.97) was not identified as an independent predictor of OS.

CONCLUSIONS

The degree of deterioration of renal function might predict the antitumor efficacy of sunitinib in patients with mRCC.

Baseline chronic kidney disease is associated with toxicity and survival in patients treated with targeted therapies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma

To assess the impact of baseline chronic kidney disease on targeted therapy (TT)-induced toxicities and survival in patients treated for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Data from patients receiving first-line TT from January 2006 to June 2012 were collected retrospectively. TT side effects, time to treatment failure (TTF), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed according to the baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculated using the modification diet in renal disease formula. Hundred and two patients treated with sunitinib (N=67), sorafenib (N=24), or temsirolimus (N=11) were included. Forty-two patients (41%) had baseline chronic kidney disease with GFR less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m. Patients with GFR less than 60 were more likely to encounter severe (grade 3-4) TT-induced toxicities (79 vs. 32%, P<0.0001). Moreover, renal function impairment was significantly associated with higher median TTF and OS (respectively, 12 vs. 6 months for TTF, P=0.003; and 33 vs. 13 months for OS, P=0.001). On multivariate analysis, GFR less than 60 was identified as the only factor associated with a higher rate of severe toxicity: odds ratio=4.74 (1.67-13.41), P=0.003. Severe toxicity (P=0.05) was identified as an independent prognostic factor for OS and TTF. Baseline chronic kidney disease was associated with higher TT-induced toxicities, which were identified as a prognostic factor of higher survival in mRCC treatment. These results suggest that GFR measurement could be used to optimize the efficacy of TT in patients treated for an mRCC.

Partial nephrectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Where do we stand?

Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) offers comparable oncologic results, but a lower risk of chronic kidney disease, when compared with radical nephrectomy. However, there are limited data in the literature examining the safety of NSS in the setting of metastatic RCC. To evaluate the feasibility of NSS and impact on cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with metastatic disease, we performed a systematic review of the literature. There is ample evidence that NSS is feasible in metastatic RCC, with comparable results in terms of CSS compared with radical cytoreductive nephrectomy.

Renal effects of targeted anticancer therapies

The use of novel targeted anticancer agents has led to overall improvement in the prognosis of many patients affected by various malignancies, but has also been associated with an increased risk of poorly characterized toxic effects to different organs, including the kidneys. The high prevalence of kidney impairment in the general population complicates the issue further. Nephrologists most frequently work with patients with cancer when they are asked to investigate kidney function to assess the need for dose adjustments in anticancer therapy. A thorough knowledge of the renal safety profile of novel life-prolonging anticancer therapies, specific features of their metabolism, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties (under normal circumstances as well as in the setting of renal replacement therapy) is, therefore, necessary to preserve kidney function as far as possible and to ensure optimum treatment. In this Review we summarize the present knowledge of renal toxic effects from novel targeted anticancer agents and discuss whether the management of patients' treatment needs to be modified. We also advocate the development of a new onconephrology subspeciality.

Clinical pharmacokinetics of tyrosine kinase inhibitors: implications for therapeutic drug monitoring

The treatment of many malignancies has been improved in recent years by the introduction of molecular targeted therapies. These drugs interact preferentially with specific targets that are mutated and/or overexpressed in malignant cells. A group of such targets are the tyrosine kinases, against which a number of inhibitors (tyrosine kinase inhibitors, TKIs) have been developed. Imatinib, a TKI with targets that include the breakpoint cluster region-Abelson (bcr-abl) fusion protein kinase and mast/stem cell growth factor receptor kinase (c-Kit), was the first clinically successful drug of this type and revolutionized the treatment and prognosis of chronic myeloid leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. This success paved the way for the development of other TKIs for the treatment of a range of hematological malignancies and solid tumors. To date, 14 TKIs have been approved for clinical use and many more are under investigation. All these agents are given orally and are substrates of a range of drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes. In addition, some TKIs are capable of inhibiting their own transporters and metabolizing enzymes, making their disposition and metabolism at steady-state unpredictable. A given dose can therefore give rise to markedly different plasma concentrations in different patients, favoring the selection of resistant clones in the case of subtherapeutic exposure, and increasing the risk of toxicity if dosage is excessive. The aim of this review was to summarize current knowledge of the clinical pharmacokinetics and known adverse effects of the TKIs that are available for clinical use and to provide practical guidance on the implications of these data in patient management, in particular with respect to therapeutic drug monitoring.

Drug safety evaluation of sorafenib for treatment of solid tumors: consequences for the risk assessment and management of cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

Sorafenib is a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Considerable clinical experience has been accumulated since its first Phase III clinical trial in metastatic renal cancer patients in 2007. The management of its early acute toxicity in fit patients is well known. The management of prolonged treatment becomes the new challenge.

AREAS COVERED

Using sorafenib as a key word for PubMed search, we review preclinical and clinical data and discuss the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sorafenib, its acute and cumulative toxicities and their consequences for patient management.

EXPERT OPINION

The systematic multi-disciplinary risk assessment of cancer patients prior to TKI initiation reduces the risks of acute and late toxicity, especially drug-drug interactions and arterial risks. Sarcopenia is now identified as a major risk of severe toxicity. The very diverse clinical pictures of cumulative toxicity must be known. The monitoring of sorafenib systemic exposure is helpful especially in elderly patients. Moreover, at disease progression, it allows distinguishing between underexposure to sorafenib and truly acquired resistance to the drug. The optimal use of sorafenib should allow improving the reported results of flat-dose. Finally, most of this knowledge could be used for the development and optimal use of the other TKIs.

Efficacy and toxicity of sunitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma with renal insufficiency

BACKGROUND

Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) with renal insufficiency are generally excluded from clinical trials, despite their increasing numbers. Thus, we evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of sunitinib in such patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Korean patients with mRCC with renal insufficiency who had received sunitinib as first-line treatment between January 2008 and May 2012 were included. Patient characteristics, clinical outcomes and toxicities were evaluated. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were determined according to the degree of renal impairment.

RESULTS

The median age of the 34 patients evaluated was 66 years, 90% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 and the median glomerular filtration rate was 46.5 mL min(-1) · 1.73 m(-2) (range, 21.1-59.5). The starting sunitinib dose was 37.5 and 50mg for 12 and 22 patients, respectively. A 4-weeks-on-2-weeks-off regimen was followed for 31 patients; a 2-weeks-on-2-weeks-off regimen, for one patient; and a daily regimen, for two patients. The best response was partial response in eight patients and stable disease in 12. Median OS and PFS times were 26.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.1-35.3) and 12.2 months (95% CI: 10.2-13.2), respectively. Common non-haematologic adverse events (AEs) were stomatitis, rash, general oedema and fatigue. The most common AEs of ⩾ grade 3 severity were fatigue, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with mRCC with renal insufficiency, sunitinib was efficacious and did not cause increased toxicity. Thus, clinicians should not hesitate to treat patients with mRCC with renal insufficiency with sunitinib.

Renal cell carcinoma: how to hit the targets?

INTRODUCTION

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a widespread oncourological disease with a tendency towards a slow increase of incidence. In the recent decade, there has been development of numerous effective drugs targeted at different molecules that play a dominant role in RCC carcinogenesis. Understanding of RCC carcinogenesis confirms the key role of angiogenesis in maintaining the viability of renal tumours and their metastases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We aimed to systemize numerous medicines, used to inhibit the angiogenesis in patients with advanced RCC according to their targets, and to analyze their efficacy.

RESULTS

There are roughly four main mechanisms of action of the targeted drugs:Blockade of circulating extracellular VEGF molecules.The selective blockade of tyrosine kinase receptors' domains.The simultaneous blockage of the tyrosine kinase receptors' domains and intracellular tyrosine kinases.The blockade of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) which is responsible for support of vital functions of cancer cells. In addition to FDA officially approved drugs, numerous experimental agents have been synthesized, which are currently on initial stages of clinical studies in RCC treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the currently used targeted drugs demonstrate perspectives of metastatic RCC conservative treatment, that are able to prolong cancer-specific survival in previously doomed patients for up to 29 months. The development of schedules for sequential treatment or combination targeted therapy remains a current challenge. The quality of life is an important factor that influences remedy choice. The advantages and disadvantages of neoadjuvant and adjuvant targeted therapy are currently being intensively discussed.

Renal adverse effects of sunitinib and its clinical significance: a single-center experience in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Sunitinib is an oral multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor used mainly for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The renal adverse effects (RAEs) of sunitinib have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors of RAEs (proteinuria [PU] and renal insufficiency [RI]) and to investigate the relationship between PU and antitumor efficacy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of medical records of patients who had received sunitinib for more than 3 months.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-five patients (mean age, 58.7 ± 12.6 years) were enrolled, and the mean baseline creatinine level was 1.24 mg/dL. PU developed in 15 of 111 patients, and preexisting PU was aggravated in six of 111 patients. Only one patient developed typical nephrotic syndrome. Following discontinuation of sunitinib, PU was improved in 12 of 17 patients but persisted in five of 17 patients. RI occurred in 12 of 155 patients, and the maximum creatinine level was 3.31 mg/dL. RI improved in two of 12 patients but persisted in 10 of 12 patients. Risk factors for PU were hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease. Older age was a risk factor for RI. The median progression-free survival was significantly better for patients who showed PU.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of RAEs associated with sunitinib was lower than those of previous reports. The severity of RAEs was mild to moderate, and partially reversible after cessation of sunitinib. We suggest that blood pressure, urinalysis, and renal function in patients receiving sunitinib should be monitored closely.

Assessment of vandetanib as an inhibitor of various human renal transporters: inhibition of multidrug and toxin extrusion as a possible mechanism leading to decreased cisplatin and creatinine clearance

Vandetanib was evaluated as an inhibitor of human organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), OAT3, organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2), and multidrug and toxin extrusion (MATE1 and MATE2K) transfected (individually) into human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK293). Although no inhibition of OAT1 and OAT3 was observed, inhibition of OCT2-mediated uptake of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) and metformin was evident (IC(50) of 73.4 ± 14.8 and 8.8 ± 1.9 µM, respectively). However, vandetanib was an even more potent inhibitor of MATE1- and MATE2K-mediated uptake of MPP(+) (IC(50) of 1.23 ± 0.05 and 1.26 ± 0.06 µM, respectively) and metformin (IC(50) of 0.16 ± 0.05 and 0.30 ± 0.09 µM, respectively). Subsequent cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that transport inhibition by vandetanib (2.5 µM) significantly decreased the sensitivity [right shift in concentration of cisplatin giving rise to 50% cell death; IC(50(CN))] of MATE1-HEK and MATE2K-HEK cells to cisplatin [IC(50(CN)) of 1.12 ± 0.13 versus 2.39 ± 0.44 µM; 0.85 ± 0.09 versus 1.99 ± 0.16 µM; P < 0.05), but not OCT2-HEK cells (1.36 ± 0.19 versus 1.47 ± 0.24 µM) versus vandetanib untreated cells and Mock-HEK cells [IC(50(CN)) of 2.34 ± 0.31 µM]. In summary, the results show that vandetanib is a potent inhibitor of MATE1 and MATE2K (versus OCT2). Inhibition of the two transporters may explain why there are reports of decreased creatinine clearance, and increased cisplatin nephrotoxicity (reduced cisplatin clearance), in some subjects receiving vandetanib therapy.

Patient approach in advanced/metastatic renal cell carcinoma: focus on the elderly population and treatment-related toxicity

Recent therapeutic advances have changed the treatment landscape of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Unfortunately, the seven agents now available are not based on biomarkers that would indicate which one could provide the best benefit for every patient. We have reviewed the available information concerning the impact of each treatment on comorbidities or status that are frequently seen before commencing treatment for the advanced disease: elderly and patients with cardiovascular complications, metabolic and endocrinology disorders, and infections, as well as impaired organ function (kidney, liver and heart). Additional new drugs will be launched, but no predictive biomarkers are available. Head-to-head studies to evaluate the safety of the different drugs are rare. In this quite complex scenario, we believe that a decision-making approach focused on the patient may represent a suitable strategy.

Assessment and management of renal impairment in chemotherapy for urogenital cancer

The method of diagnosing chronic kidney disease by simple estimated glomerular filtration rate equations has demonstrated a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease among the genitourinary cancer patients. Approximately 30-50% of urothelial cancer patients have Grade 3 chronic kidney disease before chemotherapy, and the rate increases to around 80% in upper urinary tract cancer patients who have undergone radical surgery. Several gold-standard treatments, including cisplatin for urothelial/testicular tumors and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for kidney cancers, are known to be associated with the development of renal impairment. However, which renal function assessments are best to select a chemotherapy regimen remain unknown. Most testicular tumor patients are cured by intensive combined chemotherapy with cisplatin, but chemotherapy can induce chronic kidney disease in testicular cancer survivors. The prevalence of Stage 3 chronic kidney disease among the testicular cancer survivors is between 10 and 20%. Thus, the estimated glomerular filtration rate assessment is a useful tool for monitoring the development of chronic kidney disease among the cancer survivors, and assessment of renal function is mandatory before the treatment of these genitourinary cancer patients.

Management of adverse events of targeted therapies in normal and special patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Treatment options for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have evolved very rapidly, as reflected by the approval of the many drugs that have shown efficacy in phase III studies. Approved drugs include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) such as sunitinib, sorafenib and pazopanib, vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors such as bevacizumab, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors such as temsirolimus and everolimus. These biological agents have toxicity profiles that differ from those accompanying current chemotherapeutic agents, but their novelty leads to a lack of exhaustive clinical data regarding related adverse events (AEs), whose symptoms may overlap with those of the chronic illnesses of patients with mRCC such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and pneumonitis. Hypertension, hypothyroidism, hand-foot syndrome, and fatigue are AEs frequently associated with TKIs; whereas immunosuppression, stomatitis, metabolic alterations, and non-infectious pneumonitis are AEs of mTOR inhibitors. Recommendations for treating these adverse events in patients with mRCC are usually the same as those for the general population. Mild to moderate toxicities may be managed with supportive and pharmacologic interventions, but higher-grade toxicities usually require external specialist consultation, dose reductions, and treatment interruption or discontinuation. Some groups of patients with mRCC, such as frail, elderly patients, and patients with renal or liver dysfunction, require special management of AEs.

[Management of targeted therapies in hemodialysis patients]

INTRODUCTION

The increased incidence of cancer in dialysis patients has been discussed since the mid 1970s. Furthermore, the emergence of targeted therapies (TT) requires oncologists, nephrologists and pharmacists to question themselves about the handling of these new classes of drugs in dialysis patients. While the cytotoxic drugs have been used in oncology for a long time, these new molecules are recent and clinical studies on their management in dialysis patients are missing.

METHODS

We reviewed the international literature on the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, tolerance and dosage adjustment of TT used in hemodialysis cancer patients, using the following keywords: kidney; renal; dialysis; hemodialysis; end-stage renal disease and the name of each drug.

RESULTS

As described for cytotoxic drugs, there are only case reports or series published in the international literature. However, it is possible to propose some recommendations on TT handling in dialysis patients. It is not necessary to adapt the dose of monoclonal antibodies in dialysis patients. But it is important to considerer that this "class effect" is not true for all the other classes of drugs. In fact, the pharmacokinetic of tyrosine kinase inhibitors varies from drug to drug.

CONCLUSION

The use of TT is possible in dialysis patients. However, many drugs require special attention in dialysis. In addition, because these drugs are new, it is important that oncologists, nephrologists, and pharmacists remain up to date about the management of TT in dialysis patients.

Use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with metastatic kidney cancer receiving haemodialysis: a retrospective Italian survey

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Sunitinib and sorafenib are orally administered multikinase inhibitors approved for the treatment of advanced RCC. The limited pharmacokinetics data on sunitinib and sorafenib suggest that haemodialysis does not significantly alter plasma concentrations. In this retrospective study we define the safety and efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC) and end-stage renal disease requiring haemodialysis. Even though the retrospective nature of this survey and the relatively small sample size represent major limitations, these data indicate that treatment with sunitinib and sorafenib in this cohort of patients is feasible with no unexpected toxicity and good efficacy, results similar to those in the general population of patients with mRCC.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and end-stage renal disease requiring haemodialysis (HD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between July 2006 and December 2010, 24 patients undergoing HD were treated with sunitinib and/or sorafenib for mRCC in 14 Italian institutions. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of these patients to evaluate the administered doses of TKIs, treatment-related toxicities and the clinical response to therapy.

RESULTS

Sunitinib was administered at 50 mg daily for 4-6 weeks in six patients, 37.5 mg daily for 4-6 weeks in seven patients (one patient subsequently increased the dose to 50 mg daily), 25 mg daily for 4-6 weeks in two patients and 12.5 mg daily for 4-6 weeks in one patient. Among the eight patients treated with sorafenib, four patients received 800 mg daily (400 mg every 12 h), three patients 400 mg daily and one patient 200 mg daily with a continuous schedule. The estimated median progression-free and overall survival periods of this cohort of patients were 10.3 months and 22.6 months, respectively. With regard to tolerability and safety, no unexpected adverse events were registered and no grade 4 haematological or non-haematological toxicities were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Sunitinib and sorafenib treatment is not contraindicated in patients with mRCC undergoing HD. The outcome of this patient population is similar to that observed in patients with normal renal function treated with TKIs. These results merit further confirmation by a larger prospective trial.

The antitumor effect of a novel angiogenesis inhibitor (an octahydronaphthalene derivative) targeting both VEGF receptor and NF-κB pathway

Development of a novel type of angiogenesis inhibitor will be essential for further improvement of therapeutics against cancer patients. We examined whether an octahydronaphthalene derivative, AMF-26, which was screened as an inhibitor of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) production stimulated by inflammatory stimuli in vascular endothelial cells, could block angiogenesis in response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and/or inflammatory cytokines. Low dose AMF-26 effectively inhibited the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)- or the interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced production of ICAM-1 in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). We found that the TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα) and nuclear translocation of p65 were impaired by AMF-26 in both endothelial cells and cancer cells. AMF-26 was found to inhibit the phosphorylation of VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1), VEGFR2 and the downstream signaling molecules Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 stimulated by VEGF in HUVECs. Therefore, the VEGF-induced proliferation, migration and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells was highly susceptible to inhibition by AMF-26. Oral administration of AMF-26 significantly blocked VEGF- or IL-1β-induced angiogenesis in the mouse cornea, and also tumor angiogenesis and growth. Together, our results indicate that AMF-26 inhibits angiogenesis through suppression of both VEGFR1/2 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways when stimulated by VEGF or inflammatory cytokines. AMF-26 could be a promising novel candidate drug for cancer treatments.

[Renal cell carcinoma: what is new in 2010?]

This overview presents new insights into renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The search for new target structures for targeted therapy as well as diagnostic and prognostic markers continues to remain a desirable area of research. Investigations are focusing on the use of well-established and new therapeutic agents for metastatic RCC and an increasingly liberal indication for organ-sparing surgery for renal tumors. The response to systemic treatment in metastatic RCC is also being evaluated in defined subpopulations.