Nephrotic syndrome associated with ramucirumab therapy: A single-center case series and literature review

Factors predictive of clinical outcome in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving ramucirumab treatment: A real-world experience

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors predictive of clinical outcome in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving ramucirumab treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study using a multi-institutional electronic medical records database in Taiwan. We included advanced HCC patients newly receiving ramucirumab as second-line or beyond systemic therapy between January 2016 and February 2022. The clinical outcomes were median progression-free survival (PFS) based on the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST), overall survival (OS) and adverse events. We applied Kaplan-Meier methods to estimate median PFS and OS. Uni-variable and multi-variable Cox regression models were applied to identify the prognostic factors.

RESULTS

We included 39 ramucirumab naive users with a median age of 65.5 (IQR: 57.0-71.0) years and treatment time of 5.0 (3.0-7.0) cycles, of whom 82.1% were male and 84.6% were Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C. After median follow-up time of 6.0 months, 33.3% of patients' AFP level had decreased more than 20% within 12 weeks. The median PFS and OS were 4.1 months and non-reach, respectively. Moreover, tumor burden beyond the up-to-11 criteria (HR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.04-8.38) and a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate of more than 10% within 12 weeks (HR: 0.31, 0.11-0.88) were significantly related to PFS in the multi-variable analysis. No patient discontinued ramucirumab during the treatment on account of side effects.

CONCLUSION

Ramucirumab was an effective treatment option with good AFP response for advanced HCC patients in real-world experience. Tumor burden beyond the up-to-11 criteria and a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate were independent predictive factors for progression-free survival.

Impact of prior bevacizumab therapy on the incidence of ramucirumab-induced proteinuria in colorectal cancer: a multi-institutional cohort study

BACKGROUND

The association between prior bevacizumab (BEV) therapy and ramucirumab (RAM)-induced proteinuria is not known. We aimed to investigate this association in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

METHODS

mCRC patients who received folinic acid, fluorouracil, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) plus RAM were divided into with and without prior BEV treatment groups. The cumulative incidence of grade 2-3 proteinuria and rate of RAM discontinuation within 6 months (6M) after RAM initiation were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

We evaluated 245 patients. In the Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model including prior BEV, age, sex, comorbidities, eGFR, proteinuria ≥ 2 + at baseline, and later line of RAM, prior BEV treatment contributed to proteinuria onset (P < 0.01). A shorter interval between final BEV and initial RAM increased the proteinuria risk; the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the intervals of < 28 days, 28-55 days, and > 55 days (referring to prior BEV absence) were 2.60 (1.23-5.51), 1.51 (1.01-2.27), and 1.04 (0.76-1.44), respectively. The rate of RAM discontinuation for ≤ 6M due to anti-VEGF toxicities was significantly higher in the prior BEV treatment group compared with that in the no prior BEV treatment group (18% vs. 6%, P = 0.02). Second-line RAM discontinuation for ≤ 6M without progression resulted in shorter overall survival of 132 patients with prior BEV treatment (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Sequential FOLFIRI plus RAM after BEV failure, especially within 55 days, may exacerbate proteinuria. Its escalated anti-VEGF toxicity may negatively impact the overall survival.

Glomerular Microangiopathy with Cellular Crescent-like Formation and Endotheliopathy Due to Ramucirumab Treatment for Metastatic Sigmoid Colon Cancer

We encountered a 77-year-old Japanese man who presented with nephrotic-range proteinuria 20 days after receiving ramucirumab treatment for metastatic sigmoid colon cancer. A kidney biopsy showed two characteristic histological findings. The first finding was podocyte injury with cellular crescent-like formation, although focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (collapsing variant) according to the Columbia classification may have been a more appropriate name for this injury, as hypertrophy and hyperplasia of epithelial cells, presumably resulting from podocyte injury, were seen between Bowman's capsule and the glomerular basement membrane (GBM); these changes appeared to be due to the collapse of the GBM rather than to GBM destruction with fibrinoid necrosis. The second finding was endotheliopathy characterized by prominent mesangial interposition via enlargement of the mesangial matrix with mesangiolysis. Proteinuria and renal dysfunction subsided after discontinuation of ramucirumab. Bevacizumab has been reported to induce glomerular microangiopathy with endothelial damage and swelling six months after treatment, but in this case, ramucirumab may have induced focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) collapsing variant and glomerular microangiopathy with endotheliopathy via mesangial damage within 1 month. We believe that the damage to the glomerular podocyte and endothelial cells via mesangial damage secondary to ramucirumab in our patient was a different type of glomerular microangiopathy than the endothelial cell damage with enlargement of the subendothelial space caused by bevacizumab.

The Delivery of the Recombinant Protein Cocktail Identified by Stem Cell-Derived Secretome Analysis Accelerates Kidney Repair After Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Recent advances in cell therapy have shown the potential to treat kidney diseases. As the treatment effects of the cell therapies are mainly attributed to secretomes released from the transplanted cells, the delivery of secretomes or conditioned medium (CM) has emerged as a promising treatment option for kidney disease. We previously demonstrated that the controlled delivery of human placental stem cells (hPSC)-derived CM using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) ameliorated renal damages and restored kidney function in an acute kidney injury (AKI) model in rats. The proteomics study of the hPSC-CM revealed that hPSC secrets several proteins that contribute to kidney tissue repair. Based on our results, this study proposed that the proteins expressed in the hPSC-CM and effective for kidney repair could be used as a recombinant protein cocktail to treat kidney diseases as an alternative to CM. In this study, we analyzed the secretome profile of hPSC-CM and identified five proteins (follistatin, uPAR, ANGPLT4, HGF, VEGF) that promote kidney repair. We investigated the feasibility of delivering the recombinant protein cocktail to improve structural and functional recovery after AKI. The pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of the protein cocktail on renal cells are demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. The intrarenal delivery of these proteins with PRP ameliorates the renal tubular damage and improved renal function in the AKI-induced rats, yielding similar therapeutic effects compared to the CM delivery. These results indicate that our strategy may provide a therapeutic solution to many challenges associated with kidney repair resulting from the lack of suitable off-the-shelf regenerative medicine products.

Safety of ramucirumab treatment in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and elevated alpha-fetoprotein

INTRODUCTION

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer-induced deaths worldwide, and limited therapeutic options are available for patients with advanced disease. Ramucirumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2, is the first biomarker-selected systemic agent with therapeutic efficacy, tolerability, and favorable patient-reported outcomes in patients with advanced HCC and elevated serum α-fetoprotein levels ≥400 ng/mL, who are resistant or intolerant to sorafenib therapy. However, treatment-induced adverse events (AEs), such as hypertension, proteinuria, bleeding, thromboembolism, and gastrointestinal perforation remain challenging and potentially fatal concerns.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses the published or ongoing studies and subgroup analyses on ramucirumab therapy in patients with advanced HCC. We present information on the risks of ramucirumab-induced common or rare AEs and their management.

EXPERT OPINION

Ramucirumab toxicity secondary to VEGF inhibition is similar to the AEs that are known to be associated with other VEGF-blocking antibodies. Common AEs can be safely treated using conventional measures; however, rare and potentially fatal AEs necessitate close monitoring. With regard to the safety profile, more promising ramucirumab-containing combination therapies are likely to pave the future path for effective HCC treatment.

Current trends of anti-cancer molecular targeted therapies: a narrative review focusing on renal complications and their histological features

Among the recent advancements in cancer treatment, the emergence of novel drugs targeting a specific molecule has considerably modulated the therapeutic strategies. Despite the efficacy, the associated renal complications distinct from conventional chemotherapeutic drugs have been reported. Targeted therapy drugs include monoclonal antibodies and small molecule agents. Bevacizumab is one of the monoclonal antibodies that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and blocks tumor angiogenesis. This anti-angiogenic effect causes endothelial injury, resulting in "thrombotic microangiopathy-like lesion" confined to the glomerulus. Segmental hyalinosis of the glomerular tuft is also observed. The small molecular agents, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as pazopanib, can cause endothelial injury and podocytopathy through blocking VEGF receptors and their downstream signaling. Minimal change nephrotic syndrome and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis are associated with TKIs-induced renal complications. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as PD-1, CTLA-4 and PD-L1, are a novel form of immunotherapy against cancer, which modulates immune checkpoints. Owing to its unique function, ICIs cause inflammatory side effects referred to as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). irAEs in the kidney commonly include acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and tubulitis, occasionally accompanied by granuloma formation. The occurrence of vasculitis, thrombotic microangiopathy, and glomerulonephritis is also reported. Renal toxicity associated with other molecular drugs such as protease inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors has also been documented. In this article, we review the clinico-histopathological aspects of renal complications associated with molecular targeted therapies, focusing on anti-VEGF agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors from the pathologists' viewpoint.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with renal dysfunction: Pathophysiology, prognosis, and treatment challenges

The population of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) overlaps to a high degree with those for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The degrees of renal dysfunction vary, from the various stages of CKD to dialysis-dependent ESRD, which often affects the prognosis and treatment choice of patients with HCC. In addition, renal dysfunction makes treatment more difficult and may negatively affect treatment outcomes. This study summarized the possible causes of the high comorbidity of HCC and renal dysfunction. The possible mechanisms of CKD causing HCC involve uremia itself, long-term dialysis status, immunosuppressive agents for postrenal transplant status, and miscellaneous factors such as hormone alterations and dysbiosis. The possible mechanisms of HCC affecting renal function include direct tumor invasion and hepatorenal syndrome. Finally, we categorized the risk factors that could lead to both HCC and CKD into four categories: Environmental toxins, viral hepatitis, metabolic syndrome, and vasoactive factors. Both CKD and ESRD have been reported to negatively affect HCC prognosis, but more research is warranted to confirm this. Furthermore, ESRD status itself ought not to prevent patients receiving aggressive treatments. This study then adopted the well-known Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer guidelines as a framework to discuss the indicators for each stage of HCC treatment, treatment-related adverse renal effects, and concerns that are specific to patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction when undergoing aggressive treatments against CKD and ESRD. Such aggressive treatments include liver resection, simultaneous liver kidney transplantation, radiofrequency ablation, and transarterial chemoembolization. Finally, focusing on patients unable to receive active treatment, this study compiled information on the latest systemic pharmacological therapies, including targeted and immunotherapeutic drugs. Based on available clinical studies and Food and Drug Administration labels, this study details the drug indications, side effects, and dose adjustments for patients with renal dysfunction. It also provides a comprehensive review of information on HCC patients with renal dysfunction from disease onset to treatment.

Clinical and laboratory signs and risk factors for nephrotoxicity, associated with antiangiogenic drugs

Background. Anti-angiogenic anticancer drugs that block the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway can cause renal damage. Assessment of the risk of nephrotoxicity allows developing optimal treatment approaches and ensuring the relative safety of therapy. Aim. To assess early clinical and laboratory manifestations and risk factors for nephrotoxicity of antiangiogenic drugs. Materials and methods. The study included 50 patients who received antiangiogenic drugs in different regimens of chemotherapy. Demographic factors, body mass index, blood pressure levels, type of antiangiogenic drug, and concomitant therapy were assessed. Before treatment and over a period of 8 weeks, the levels of hemoglobin, number of platelets and schistocytes, D-dimer levels, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, as well as daily proteinuria and serum creatinine and eGFRCKD-EPI were assessed. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess risk factors for nephrotoxicity and arterial hypertension (AH). Results. The median age of patients was 46 [3457] years, 22 (44%) men and 28 (56%) women. AH developed in 52%, a decrease in eGFR in 42%, along with a decrease in hemoglobin levels and an increase in LDH levels at 2 weeks of therapy. The numbers of schistocytes and platelets significantly decreased by 8 weeks of therapy. Risk factors for impaired renal function during treatment with antiangiogenic drugs were an initial decrease in GFR less than 80 ml/min/1.73 m2, an increase in D-dimer levels, and a decrease in hemoglobin levels by 8 weeks of treatment. The risk factors for AH during therapy were the initial decrease in eGFR less than 80 ml/min/1.73 m2 and no prophylactic anticoagulant therapy. Conclusion. Early signs of nephrotoxicity of antiangiogenic anticancer drugs were a decrease in eGFR and AH. The independent risk factors for nephrotoxicity were the initial decrease in eGFR, an increase in D-dimer levels, and a decrease in hemoglobin levels at 8 weeks of treatment, while the prophylactic use of anticoagulant therapy reduced this risk in our study.

VEGF-VEGFR2 inhibitor-associated hyaline occlusive glomerular microangiopathy: a Japanese single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling, such as bevacizumab (Bmab), are used for the treatment of various advanced cancers. However, these inhibitors induce renal thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Recently, two European cohort studies showed a distinctive histopathological pseudothrombotic pattern different from TMA in Bmab-treated patients.

METHODS

We analyzed 9 renal biopsies from proteinuric cancer patients treated with VEGF-VEGFR2 inhibitors in our Japanese cohort. Clinical and laboratory features were also assessed in these patients.

RESULTS

All 9 patients had moderate to heavy proteinuria with normal or slightly elevated serum creatinine levels. On light microscopy, a patchy pattern of hemispherical/spherical lesions along glomerular capillary walls was a characteristic finding. On immunofluorescence microscopy, staining for immunoglobulins (IgM dominant) at varying intensities was observed mainly along glomerular capillary walls. Especially, hemispherical/spherical positive staining for immunoglobulins was a characteristic pattern. Immunohistochemical studies showed positive staining for immunoglobulins and negative staining for CD61-positive platelets in capillary hemispherical/spherical lesions and positive VEGF staining in podocytes. On electron microscopy, variably electron-dense material in dilated glomerular capillaries and partial effacement of podocyte foot processes were observed. After the withdrawal of VEGF-VEGFR2 inhibitors, proteinuria improved without any specific treatment in 8 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Histopathological findings in our patients treated with VEGF-VEGFR2 inhibitors were consistent with those observed in the recently described new form of Bmab-associated hyaline occlusive glomerular microangiopathy. This form should be considered in proteinuric cancer patients treated with VEGF-VEGFR2 inhibitors. Discontinuing VEGF-VEGFR2 inhibitors may lead to improvement of glomerular microangiopathy induced by these drugs.

A case of ramucirumab-induced renal failure with nephrotic-range proteinuria and its pathological findings

Ramucirumab-induced renal dysfunction is rarely reported. The pathology of ramucirumab-associated nephropathy in past reports primarily shows thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) lesions but podocytopathy is not yet known. We report a case of kidney injury induced by ramucirumab in a 71-year-old man with cecal cancer. He was referred to our department for increasing serum creatinine (Cr) levels from 1.08 mg/dL to 2.56 mg/dL after changing anticancer drugs from bevacizumab to ramucirumab. He showed nephrotic-range proteinuria (12.1 g/gCr). A renal biopsy revealed endothelial cell injuries, such as TMA and podocytopathy with epithelial cell hyperplasia, which looked like a crescent. After discontinuing ramucirumab, his renal function and proteinuria improved, as seen by his Cr levels and proteinuria which decreased to 1.74 mg/dL and 1.21 g/gCr, respectively, in 3 months. Unlike previous reports, we found that ramucirumab caused podocyte injuries.

Nephrotoxicity of anti-angiogenesis drugs

Neoangiogenesis is a basic factor for most physiological as well as pathological processes i.e. tumor metastases. The most important is vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFR1/2) in angiogenesis processes. Nowadays antiangiogenic agents (which inhibit VEGF like bevacizumab neither VEGFR2 like ramucirumab) are widely used in very different chemotherapeutic regimens in clinical oncology. The signalling pathway VEGF-VEGFR plays a crucial role in supporting of adequate kidney function. Appearance of antiangiogenic drugs led to adverse nephrotoxic effects: arterial hypertension, proteinuria, rarely nephrotic syndrome, and kidney dysfunction. Various hystological variants of nephropathy are described, however, in most cases, signs of thrombotic microangiopathy of the renal vessels are noted. This literature review discusses mechanisms, clinical and morphological aspects of nephropathy associated with antiangiogenic drugs.

Predictive factors for the development of proteinuria in cancer patients treated with bevacizumab, ramucirumab, and aflibercept: a single-institution retrospective analysis

The development of proteinuria restricts the dose of anti-angiogenic agents, thereby reducing their efficacy. Thus, this retrospective study was undertaken to identify predictive factors of the development of angiogenesis inhibitor-induced proteinuria, and to elucidate if there is a difference in the likelihood of proteinuria among anti-angiogenic agents or cancer types, to help guide future strategies to improve the safety, efficacy, and quality of life of patients receiving chemotherapy. Between April 2014 and February 2019, 124 cancer patients at our outpatient chemotherapy center who were receiving chemotherapy with bevacizumab, ramucirumab, or aflibercept were enrolled. Variables related to the development of proteinuria were extracted from the patients' clinical records and used for regression analysis. The level of the proteinuria was evaluated based on CTCAE version 5. Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for the development of proteinuria. The Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis test was used to identify significant differences between groups. Significant factors identified included systolic blood pressure (SBP) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.031, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.005-1.058; P = 0.0197], number of cycles (OR = 1.049, 95% CI = 1.018-1.082; P = 0.0019), and calcium channel blocker use (OR = 2.589, 95% CI = 1.090-6.146; P = 0.0311). There was no difference among the three anti-angiogenic agents (P = 0.4969) or among cancer types (P = 0.2726) in the likelihood of proteinuria. In conclusion, SBP, number of cycles, and calcium channel blocker use were identified as significant predictors of the development of angiogenesis inhibitor-induced proteinuria. There was no difference among the three anti-angiogenic agents or among cancer types.