Antiangiogenic therapy targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or its receptor (VEGFR) has proven its effect in the treatment of several types of cancer, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
However, treatment can be accompanied by notable adverse effects. Mild proteinuria and hypertension are often seen, but sometimes nephrotic range proteinuria and÷or renal insufficiency develop. In recent years insight into the toxic effects of anti-VEGF therapy in the kidney has increased. A few biopsies have been done and thrombotic microangiopathy is reported in the majority of cases. However, other patterns of kidney injury have been described as illustrated by the case of a 62-year-old patient who presented two years after initiation of the VEGFR inhibitor cediranib with a nephrotic syndrome and acute renal failure. Kidney biopsy disclosed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FS GS) and interstitial nephritis. Partial remission was achieved after stopping the cediranib and a short course of prednisone. We review the different forms of kidney injury that could be caused by anti-VEGF therapy.
Written by:
den Deurwaarder ES, Desar IM, Steenbergen EJ, Mulders PF, F M Wetzels J, van Herpen CM. Are you the author?
Department of Internal Medicine, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
Reference: Neth J Med. 2012 Aug;70(6):267-71.
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22859418
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