Clinicopathological features of acute kidney injury associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Acute kidney injury in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute kidney injury (ICI-AKI) is the most common renal complication and has attracted increasing amounts of attention. However, studies on this topic in Chinese cancer patients are very limited. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study on the incidence, risk factors, clinical features and renal recovery of ICI-AKI in all patients with malignancies treated with ICIs in Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University.

METHODS

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, the data of 904 patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of ICI-AKI.

RESULTS

A total of 46 of 904 patients receiving ICIs developed ICI-AKI, and the incidence of ICI-AKI was 5.1%. Patients developed ICI-AKI at a median of 9 weeks (IQR 3-23) after ICIs initiation. A lower baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and use of antibiotics were associated with a higher risk of ICI-AKI. Renal recovery occurred in 17 patients (46%) at a median of 4 weeks (IQR 2-8) after ICI-AKI, including 16 (43%) with complete recovery and 1 (3%) with partial recovery. Of the 14 rechallenged patients, only one developed recurrent ICI-AKI.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ICI-AKI were more likely to have impaired renal function at baseline and after treatment with antibiotics. Approximately half of the patients achieved renal recovery.

Harnessing the capacity of phytochemicals to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy of cancers: A focus on brain malignancies

Brain cancers, particularly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are challenging health issues with frequent unmet aspects. Today, discovering safe and effective therapeutic modalities for brain tumors is among the top research interests. Immunotherapy is an emerging area of investigation in cancer treatment. Since immune checkpoints play fundamental roles in repressing anti-cancer immunity, diverse immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been developed, and some monoclonal antibodies have been approved clinically for particular cancers; nevertheless, there are significant concerns regarding their efficacy and safety in brain tumors. Among the various tools to modify the immune checkpoints, phytochemicals show good effectiveness and excellent safety, making them suitable candidates for developing better ICIs. Phytochemicals regulate multiple immunological checkpoint-related signaling pathways in cancer biology; however, their efficacy for clinical cancer immunotherapy remains to be established. Here, we discussed the involvement of immune checkpoints in cancer pathology and summarized recent advancements in applying phytochemicals in modulating immune checkpoints in brain tumors to highlight the state-of-the-art and give constructive prospects for future research.

Acute interstitial nephritis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with vedolizumab: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a complication of drugs that may cause permanent kidney injury. AIN has been reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with the integrin inhibitor vedolizumab. Through systematic review of existing literature, we aimed to identify and describe cases of AIN in patients with IBD treated with vedolizumab.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science Core Collection between 1 January 2009 and 25 April 2023. The search yielded 1473 publications. Titles and abstracts were screened by two independent reviewers. Seventy publications were reviewed in full-text. Eight met the inclusion criteria. Clinical characteristics of AIN cases were extracted. Case causality assessment was performed according to two international adverse drug reaction probability assessment scales. Results were reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

Nine biopsy-confirmed cases of AIN were reported in six patients with ulcerative colitis and three with Crohn's disease. Mean age at AIN onset was 36 years (range = 19-58) and the majority of patients were females (n = 6/9). Time from vedolizumab treatment initiation to AIN onset spanned from hours to 12 months. Common symptoms were fever and malaise. Creatinine levels were elevated in all patients. Five patients sustained permanent kidney injury.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that vedolizumab, although rarely, could cause AIN in patients with IBD. Awareness of laboratory findings and symptoms consistent with AIN, along with monitoring of the kidney function, could be warranted in patients with IBD treated with vedolizumab.

Immunological Drug-Drug Interactions Affect the Efficacy and Safety of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapies

With the rapid expansion in the development and clinical utility of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for oncology, the continual evaluation of the safety profile of such agents is imperative. The safety profile of ICIs as monotherapy is dominated by immune-related adverse events, which can be considered as an extension of the mechanism of action of these immunomodulatory drugs. Further to this, an emerging theme is that ICI treatment can significantly impact upon the tolerability of coadministered medications. Numerous reports in literature indicate that ICIs may alter the immunological perception of coadministered drugs, resulting in undesirable reactions to a variety of concomitant medications. These reactions can be severe in manifestation, including hepatotoxicity and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), but may also have detrimental impact on malignancy control. To minimize the impact of such drug-drug interactions on patients, it is imperative to identify medications that may cause these reactions, understand the underlying mechanisms, consider the timing and dosing of comedication, and explore alternative medications with comparable efficacies. Improving our understanding of how concomitant medications affect the safety and efficacy of ICIs can allow for potential culprit drugs to be identified/removed/desensitized. This approach will allow the continuation of ICI therapy that may have been discontinued otherwise, thereby improving malignant control and patient and drug development outcomes.

Clinicopathological features of kidney injury in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi) combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICPi) combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy has increasingly become a promising strategy in various malignancies. However, the combination might be associated with increased risk of nephrotoxicity.

METHODS

We retrospectively recruited patients who suffered kidney injury and received renal biopsy after anti-VEGF/ICPi mono- or combination therapy and divided them into three groups: anti-VEGF monotherapy, ICPi monotherapy and combination therapy. Clinical and histopathological features of three groups were analysed. All patients were followed-up for 3 months after biopsy, with or without glucocorticoid treatment, and renal outcome were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients were enrolled. Eighteen patients received anti-VEGF monotherapy, 12 received ICPi monotherapy and 16 received combined treatment of anti-VEGF and ICPi. Proteinuria level of anti-VEGF group, ICPi group and combination group were 4.07±3.17 g/day, 0.60±0.61 g/day and 2.05±2.50 g/day, respectively (p=0.002). The peak serum creatinine level of combination group (1.75±0.77 mg/dL) was also in between ICPi group (2.79±0.90 mg/dL) and anti-VEGF group (1.34±0.60 mg/dL) (p<0.001). Multiple histopathological patterns involving glomerulus, tubulointerstitium and vessel existed in the majority of cases in combination group (68.8%). Renal complete and partial recovery rate of combination therapy were also in between monotherapy (57.1% vs 40.0% in anti-VEGF group, 100.0% in ICPi group, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Kidney injury in patients treated with combination therapy of ICPi and anti-VEGF shows hybrid pathological patterns and intermediate clinical features compared with monotherapy. Cohorts with larger sample and better design, as well as basic research, are needed to elucidate the mechanism of 'protection' effect of combination anti-cancer therapy to renal function.

Double-negative T cells have a reparative role after experimental severe ischemic acute kidney injury

T cells mediate organ injury and repair. A proportion of unconventional kidney T cells called double-negative (DN) T cells (TCR+ CD4- CD8-), with anti-inflammatory properties, were previously demonstrated to protect from early injury in moderate experimental acute kidney injury (AKI). However, their role in repair after AKI has not been studied. We hypothesized that DN T cells mediate repair after severe AKI. C57B6 mice underwent severe (40 min) unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Kidney DN T cells were studied by flow cytometry and compared with gold-standard anti-inflammatory CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). In vitro effects of DN T cells and Tregs on renal tubular epithelial cell (RTEC) repair after injury were quantified with live-cell analysis. DN T cells, Tregs, CD4, or vehicle were adoptively transferred after severe AKI. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-sinistrin. Fibrosis was assessed with Masson's trichrome staining. Profibrotic genes were measured with qRT-PCR. Percentages and the numbers of DN T cells substantially decreased during repair phase after severe AKI, as well as their activation and proliferation. Both DN T cells and Tregs accelerated RTEC cell repair in vitro. Post-AKI transfer of DN T cells reduced kidney fibrosis and improved GFR, as did Treg transfer. DN T cell transfer lowered transforming growth factor (TGF)β1 and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression. DN T cells reduced effector-memory CD4+ T cells and IL-17 expression. DN T cells undergo quantitative and phenotypical changes after severe AKI, accelerate RTEC repair in vitro as well as improve GFR and renal fibrosis in vivo. DN T cells have potential as immunotherapy to accelerate repair after AKI.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Double-negative (DN) T cells (CD4- CD8-) are unconventional kidney T cells with regulatory abilities. Their role in repair from acute kidney injury (AKI) is unknown. Kidney DN T cell population decreased during repair after ischemic AKI, in contrast to regulatory T cells (Tregs) which increased. DN T cell administration accelerated tubular repair in vitro, while after severe in vivo ischemic injury reduced kidney fibrosis and increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR). DN T cell infusion is a potential therapeutic agent to improve outcome from severe AKI.

Global epidemiology of kidney cancer

Kidney cancer (KC) is a disease with a rising worldwide incidence estimated at 400 000 new cases annually, and a worldwide mortality rate approaching 175 000 deaths per year. Current projections suggest incidence continuing to increase over the next decade, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this significant global health trend. Despite the overall increases in incidence and mortality, striking social disparities are evident. Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionate burden of the disease, with higher mortality rates and later-stage diagnoses, underscoring the critical role of socioeconomic factors in disease prevalence and outcomes. The major risk factors for KC, including smoking, obesity, hypertension and occupational exposure to harmful substances, must be taken into account. Importantly, these risk factors also often contribute to kidney injury, a condition that the review identifies as a significant, yet under-recognized, precursor to KC. Finally, the indispensable role of nephrologists is underscored in managing this complex disease landscape. Nephrologists are at the forefront of detecting and managing kidney injuries, and their role in mitigating the risk of KC is becoming increasingly apparent. Through this comprehensive analysis, we aim to facilitate a more nuanced understanding of KC's epidemiology and determinants providing valuable insights for researchers, clinicians and policymakers alike.

Predominant CD8+ cell infiltration and low accumulation of regulatory T cells in immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced tubulointerstitial nephritis

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can provide survival benefits to cancer patients; however, they sometimes result in the development of renal immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) is the most representative pathological feature of renal irAEs. However, the clinicopathological entity and underlying pathogenesis of ICI-induced TIN are unclear. Therefore, we compared the clinical and histological features of this condition with those of non-ICI drug-induced TIN. Age and C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in ICI-induced TIN, but there were no significant differences in renal function. Immunophenotyping of ICI-induced TIN showed massive T cell and macrophage infiltration with fewer B cells, plasma cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils. Compared with those in non-ICI drug-induced TIN, CD4+ cell numbers were significantly lower in ICI-induced TIN but CD8+ cell numbers were not significantly different. However, CD8/CD3 and CD8/CD4 ratios were higher in ICI-induced TIN. Moreover, CD25+ and FOXP3+ cells, namely regulatory T cells, were less abundant in ICI-induced TIN. In conclusion, T cell, B cell, plasma cell, neutrophil, and eosinophil numbers proved useful for differentiating ICI-induced and non-ICI drug-induced TIN. Furthermore, the predominant distribution of CD8+ cells and low accumulation of regulatory T cells might be associated with ICI-induced TIN development.

How to deal with renal toxicities from immune-based combination treatments in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. A nephrological consultation for Oncologists

We are witnessing a revolution in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Indeed, several immune-based combinations (ICI [immune checkpoint inhibitor] + ICI, or ICI + antiangiogenic agents) have been approved as first-line therapy for mRCC after demonstrating superior efficacy over the previous standard. Despite all the improvements made, safety remains a critical issue, adverse events (AEs) being the main reason for drug discontinuations or dose reductions, ultimately resulting in an increased risk of losing efficacy. Thus, a good understanding of the AEs associated with the use of immune-based combinations, their prevention, and management, are key in order to maximize therapeutic effectiveness. Among these AEs, renal ones are relatively frequent, but always difficult to be diagnosed, not to take into account that it is often difficult to determine which drug is to blame for such toxicities. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common finding in patients with RCC, either as a pre-existing condition and/or as a consequence of cancer and its treatment; furthermore, CKD, especially in advanced stages and in patients undergoing dialysis, may influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties of anticancer agents. Finally, managing cancer therapy in kidney transplanted patients is another challenge. In this review, we discuss the therapy management of immune-based combinations in patients with CKD, on dialysis, or transplanted, as well as their renal toxicities, with a focus on their prevention, detection and practical management, taking into account the crucial role of the consulting nephrologist within the multidisciplinary care of these patients.

Single and combination immunotherapy with chemotherapy and the risk of AKI in patients with solid cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has emerged as an important toxicity among patients with advanced cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, risk factors and mortality of AKI in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination with another form of immunotherapy or chemotherapy.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We included all patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination with another form of immunotherapy or chemotherapy at AC Camargo Cancer Center from January 2015 to December 2019. AKI was defined as a ≥ 1.5 fold increase in creatinine from baseline within 12 months of immune checkpoint inhibitor initiation. We assessed the association between baseline demographics, comorbidities, medications and risk of AKI using a competing risk model, considering death as a competing event.

RESULTS

We included 614 patients in the analysis. The mean age was 58.4 ± 13.5 years, and the mean baseline creatinine was 0.8 ± 0.18 mg/dL. AKI occurred in 144 (23.5%) of the patients. The most frequent AKI etiologies were multifactorial (10.1%), hemodynamic (8.8%) and possibly immunotherapy-related (3.6%). The likelihood of AKI was greater in patients with genitourinary cancer (sHR 2.47 95% CI 1.34-4.55 p < 0.01), with a prior AKI history (sHR 2.1 95% CI 1.30-3.39 p < 0.01) and taking antibiotics (sHR 2.85 95% CI 1.54-5.27 p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, genitourinary cancer, previous AKI and antibiotics use were associated with a higher likelihood of developing AKI.

Knowledge domains and emerging trends in immune-related adverse events from immune checkpoint inhibitors: A bibliometrics and visualized analysis

Objective

The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the research hotspots and future trends of immune-related adverse events induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors, offering valuable insights for researchers in this field.

Methodology

Using the visual analysis software, this study conducted quantitative statistics and visualization research on the relevant literature concerning immune-related adverse events caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors in the Web of Science Core Collection Database. By evaluating the publication trends, countries, institutions, keywords, research status, cited documents, and document co-citations, among several others, the discussion revolved around the hot spots and future development trends in this field and provided references for future research.

Findings and conclusions

A total of 514 English articles were included, and the top three countries in the research field at the time of this study were the United States, Japan, and China. More specifically, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Massachusetts General Hospital have been the top three research institutes with more than 10 publications. The frequency of keyword use linked to immune-related adverse events caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors in literature research has been steadily growing over the years. Additionally, the research with respect to the disease focuses on melanoma, cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and breast cancer. In the context of drugs, cancer-related research has mainly focused on the combined use of nivolumab, pembrolizumab, ipilimumab, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Meanwhile, research on adverse events has delved into the immune checkpoint inhibitors causing vitiligo, thyroid dysfunction, pancreatitis, cholangitis, and rheumatism. Related studies cover acute arthritis, myositis, acute kidney injury, as well as the combination therapy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and docetaxel, management of irAEs in cancer immunotherapy, and biomarkers of immune adverse reactions of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Finally, case report studies of immune adverse reactions caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors could serve as research hotspots in the future.

Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Renal Biopsy with Anti-PD1 and p53 to Solve the Dilemma between Platinum- and Pembrolizumab-Induced AKI: Case Report and Review

Introduction: The combination therapy of platinum and pembrolizumab looks like a promising treatment in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. However, both platinum-based chemotherapy and pembrolizumab can lead to AKI. AKI can occur due to acute tubular necrosis or interstitial nephritis. It is essential to identify the drug responsible for renal damage. For this purpose, we used new immunohistochemistry markers (p53 and anti-PD1 analysis). Case Description: A 77-year-old female patient with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer received the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy carboplatin. The patient, after 60 days, experienced AKI. A kidney biopsy was performed, and two new immunohistochemical techniques for p53 (experimental markers of ATN from platinum) and anti-PDL1 (experimental markers of PD-1 inhibitors nephritis) were employed. Renal biopsies revealed severe tubular damage. No infiltration was detected, and the immunohistochemical assessment of PDL-1 was negative. The expression of p53 was positive. The renal biopsy suggested platinum-induced acute tubular necrosis. After discontinuing steroids and reducing carboplatin, the patient continued with pembrolizumab, and their renal function returned to normal within two months. Discussion: Combining checkpoint inhibitors and platinum-based therapies may result in AKI. The standard method of examining kidney tissue may not provide sufficient information about the effects of these drugs on the kidneys. To address this issue, we recommend incorporating an assessment of the analysis of the expression of PDL1 and p53. This personalized approach will help identify the best treatment option for the patient while ensuring the best possible cancer treatment plan.

Interpretable machine learning-based individual analysis of acute kidney injury in immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical complication of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Since the etiology of AKI in patients undergoing cancer therapy varies, clarifying underlying causes in individual cases is critical for optimal cancer treatment. Although it is essential to individually analyze immune checkpoint inhibitor-treated patients for underlying pathologies for each AKI episode, these analyses have not been realized. Herein, we aimed to individually clarify the underlying causes of AKI in immune checkpoint inhibitor-treated patients using a new clustering approach with Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP).

METHODS

We developed a gradient-boosting decision tree-based machine learning model continuously predicting AKI within 7 days, using the medical records of 616 immune checkpoint inhibitor-treated patients. The temporal changes in individual predictive reasoning in AKI prediction models represented the key features contributing to each AKI prediction and clustered AKI patients based on the features with high predictive contribution quantified in time series by SHAP. We searched for common clinical backgrounds of AKI patients in each cluster, compared with annotation by three nephrologists.

RESULTS

One hundred and twelve patients (18.2%) had at least one AKI episode. They were clustered per the key feature, and their SHAP value patterns, and the nephrologists assessed the clusters' clinical relevance. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the area under the curve was 0.880. Patients with AKI were categorized into four clusters with significant prognostic differences (p = 0.010). The leading causes of AKI for each cluster, such as hypovolemia, drug-related, and cancer cachexia, were all clinically interpretable, which conventional approaches cannot obtain.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the clustering method of individual predictive reasoning in machine learning models can be applied to infer clinically critical factors for developing each episode of AKI among patients with multiple AKI risk factors, such as immune checkpoint inhibitor-treated patients.

Two acute kidney injury episodes after ICI therapy: a case report

A 74-year-old Japanese male with lung squamous cell carcinoma received his first dose of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs): ipilimumab and nivolumab. He developed acute kidney injury (AKI) and was admitted to our department. We diagnosed kidney immune-related adverse effects (irAE), and a kidney biopsy revealed acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. We started oral prednisolone (PSL) and his AKI immediately improved. The patient maintained stable findings after PSL was tapered off. However, seven months after the ICI administration, he developed rapid progressive glomerular nephritis and was admitted to our department again. The second kidney biopsy showed findings consistent with anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis. Although the patient was treated with pulse methylprednisolone followed by oral PSL and plasma exchange, he became dependent on maintenance hemodialysis. To our knowledge, no case report has described two different types of biopsy-proven nephritis. In cases of suspected relapsing kidney irAEs, both a relapse of previous nephritis and the development of another type of nephritis should be considered.

Metastatic Melanoma Treatment in Special Populations

ABSTRACT

This review outlines the most up-to-date metastatic melanoma treatment recommendations and relevant risks for patients with solid organ transplants, patients with renal dysfunction, and patients with preexisting autoimmune conditions. These specific treatment populations were excluded from the original clinical trials, which studied immune checkpoint inhibitors and BRAF/MEK inhibitors in the advanced melanoma setting. We have synthesized the current body of literature, mainly case series and retrospective analyses, to reflect the evidence for the treatment of these special patient populations at present.

Cohort study on immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute kidney injury: Incidence, risk factors, and management strategies

INTRODUCTION

Case studies and retrospective chart reviews of health system data have demonstrated an increased risk of nephrotoxicity in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors compared to clinical trials. This study investigated the frequency, causes, and risk factors for acute kidney injury in a real-world, rural setting.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who received at least one dose of a checkpoint inhibitor at a rural health system from May 2013 to February 2020 and who received at least one dose of a checkpoint inhibitor. Electronic and manual chart review helped to determine the incidence of, risk factors for, and renal outcomes and management strategies of checkpoint inhibitor-related acute kidney injury. Multivariable Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard models were used to assess the impact of patient characteristics on the incidence of sustained acute kidney injury and checkpoint inhibitor-induced acute kidney injury.

RESULTS

After exclusion criteria, 906 patients who received at least one dose of a checkpoint inhibitor at Marshfield Clinic Health System during the study period were included. The incidence of acute kidney injury of any duration and due to any cause was 36.1%, while sustained acute kidney injury occurred in 28.7% of patients. Checkpoint inhibitor-related acute kidney injury was thought to have occurred in 2.7% of patients. Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 was the sole predictor of checkpoint inhibitors-related acute kidney injury. Most patients with suspected checkpoint inhibitor-related acute kidney injury were managed with corticosteroids, and 62.5% experienced complete renal recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Ours is the first retrospective cohort study to test whether baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score and checkpoint inhibitor place in therapy were associated with checkpoint inhibitor-related acute kidney injury, and neither of these data points were found to be predictive. Even after expanding the parameters and methodologies of our study as compared to other retrospective cohort studies, we found only three baseline characteristics to be predictive of sustained acute kidney injury: Baseline eGFR, loop diuretic, and spironolactone use. For checkpoint inhibitor-related baseline, eGFR alone was predictive.

Drug-induced glomerular diseases

Drug-induced kidney diseases represent a wide range of diseases that are responsible for a significant proportion of all acute kidney injuries and chronic kidney diseases. In the present review, we focused on drug-induced glomerular diseases, more precisely podocytopathies - minimal change diseases (MCD), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) - and membranous nephropathies (MN), from a physiological and a pharmacological point of view. The glomerular filtration barrier is composed of podocytes that form foot processes tightly connected and directly in contact with the basal membrane and surrounding capillaries. The common clinical feature of these diseases is represented by the loss of the ability of the filtration barrier to retain large proteins, leading to massive proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome. Drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), D-penicillamine, tiopronin, trace elements, bisphosphonate, and interferons have been historically associated with the occurrence of MCD, FSGS, and MN. In the last ten years, the development of new anti-cancer agents, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, and research into their renal adverse effects highlighted these issues and have improved our comprehension of these diseases.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors and acute kidney injury

As a new type of anti-tumor immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved the prognosis of multiple malignancies. However, renal complications are becoming more frequent. Nephrotoxicity often manifests as acute kidney injury (AKI), and the most common histopathological type is acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN). Based on previous studies of the incidence and potential risk factors for nephrotoxicity, in this review, we describe the mechanism of AKI after ICIs treatment, summarize the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of AKI, and discuss the diagnosis and management of immune checkpoint inhibitors-associated acute kidney injury (ICI-AKI). In addition, we review the current status of ICIs rechallenge and the therapeutic strategies of ICIs applied in kidney transplant recipients. Finally, we emphasize the importance of collaboration between nephrologists and oncologists to guide the treatment of ICIs and the management of renal complications.

Pembrolizumab-induced Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis Accompanying Fanconi Syndrome and Type 1 Renal Tubular Acidosis

Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, is used to treat a variety of refractory malignancies. However, these agents are sometimes associated with immune-related adverse events. A 71-year-old woman received pembrolizumab-integrated chemotherapy to treat her recurrent mandibular gingival cancer. Five months after stopping pembrolizumab, she developed acute tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with Fanconi syndrome and type 1 renal tubular acidosis, which resolved with steroid therapy. We experienced a case of pembrolizumab-induced Fanconi syndrome and type 1 renal acidosis. We recommend follow-up of the tubular function in addition to the renal function even after discontinuation of pembrolizumab.

Achilles' Heel of currently approved immune checkpoint inhibitors: immune related adverse events

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the cancer treatment landscape by opening up novel avenues for intervention. As the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has exponentially increased, so have immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The mechanism of irAEs may involve the direct damage caused by monoclonal antibodies and a sequence of immune responses triggered by T cell activation. Common side effects include dermatologic toxicity, endocrine toxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and hepatic toxicity. While relatively rare, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and pulmonary toxicity can be fatal. These toxicities pose a clinical dilemma regarding treatment discontinuation since they can result in severe complications and necessitate frequent hospitalization. Vigilant monitoring of irAEs is vital in clinical practice, and the principal therapeutic strategy entails the administration of oral or intravenous glucocorticoids (GSCs). It may be necessary to temporarily or permanently discontinue the use of ICIs in severe cases. Given that irAEs can impact multiple organs and require diverse treatment approaches, the involvement of a multidisciplinary team of experts is imperative. This review aims to comprehensively examine the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, incidence, and treatment options for various irAEs.

Hemodialysis requirement after the first dose of durvalumab following chemoradiation therapy: a case report

Durvalumab is the first immune check point inhibitor that was approved for use following concurrent platinum-based chemoradiation, in patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer. The new treatment regimen of durvalumab administered after chemoradiation resulted in higher response rates and required careful immune-related adverse effects management. We experienced a rare case of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring hemodialysis after only the first dose of durvalumab, in a patient who was diagnosed with immune-related AKI by renal biopsy. Although severe (Grade 3 or more) immune-related AKI occurred in 0.9% of patients treated with durvalumab, some drugs and radiation may increase immune-related AKI. Further research is needed to identify the clinical characteristics of patients who tend to develop severe AKI so as to prevent it, by reviewing such rare cases as ours.

Immunotherapy-associated symptoms, distress, financial toxicity and unmet supportive care needs of patients with cancer

PURPOSE

To examine the unmet care needs (i.e., overall needs and need subdomains [physical and daily living needs, psychological and emotional needs, care and support needs, and health-system and informational needs]) of patients with cancer undergoing immunotherapy alone or in combination with other anticancer therapies, as well as related influencing factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design was adopted. Cancer patients who received immunotherapy completed consent and questionnaires. Unmet care needs were evaluated with the Chinese version of the Supportive Care Needs Survey Screening Tool, symptom severity with the Symptom Severity Scale, distress severity with the Distress Thermometer Scale, and financial toxicity using the Financial Toxicity - Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Questionnaire.

RESULTS

In total, 105 patients were surveyed. The most frequently reported unmet needs were psychological and emotional needs (56.2%) followed by health-system and informational needs (36.2%). The major factors associated with unmet care needs and their subdomains were years of education, symptoms, distress, and financial toxicity. Years of education predicted overall unmet care needs, psychological and emotional needs, and care and support needs; symptoms predicted overall unmet care needs and all four subdomains; distress predicted psychological and emotional needs and health-system and informational needs; and financial toxicity predicted overall needs and psychological and emotional needs.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with higher education, severe symptoms, distress, and financial toxicity reported more unmet care needs. The findings of this study could be incorporated into immunotherapy-related clinical practice guidelines and future interventions to improve the quality of cancer care.

Cardiac and Nephrological Complications Related to the Use of Antiangiogenic and Anti-Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 Receptor/Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 Ligand Therapy

The ability to undergo neoangiogenesis is a common feature with all cancers. Signaling related to vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and their receptors (VEGFR) plays a key role in the process of tumor neoangiogenesis. A close relationship has been demonstrated between excessive VEGF levels and the induction of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. The use of drugs blocking the VEGF function, apart from the anticancer effect, also result in adverse effects, in particular related to the circulatory system and kidneys. Cardiac toxicity associated with the use of such therapy manifests itself mainly in the form of hypertension, thromboembolic episodes and ischemic heart disease. In the case of renal complications, the most common symptoms include renal arterial hypertension, proteinuria and microangiopathy. Although these complications are reversible in 60-80% of cases after cessation of VSP (VEGF pathway inhibitor) therapy, in some cases they can lead to irreversible changes in renal function, whereas cardiac complications may be fatal. Also, the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors may result in kidney and heart damage. In the case of cardiac complications, the most common symptoms include myocarditis, pericarditis, arrhythmia, acute coronary syndrome and vasculitis, while kidney damage most often manifests as acute kidney injury (AKI), nephrotic syndrome, pyuria or hematuria. The decision whether to resume treatment after the occurrence of cardiovascular and renal complications remains a problem.

Incidence and risk factors of immune-related adverse events induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors among older adults with non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment has been linked to a variety of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which can affect any organ system. The incidence and risk factors of irAEs have not been adequately evaluated among older adults with NSCLC.

METHODS

A cohort study was conducted using 1999-2019 SEER-Medicare data among beneficiaries aged ≥65 years with a diagnosis of NSCLC who received nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or atezolizumab. Incident irAEs were identified post-ICI initiation. Demographic, cancer-related characteristics, and clinical history risk factors of irAEs were evaluated with competing events considered.

RESULTS

A total of 8175 older NSCLC patients were included (with 46.8% experiencing irAEs). Pneumonitis (16.5%), hypothyroidism (10.5%), arrhythmia (11.18%), and acute kidney injury (AKI) (5.8%) were the most common irAEs. The median time to first irAE was 82 days (IQR: 29-182 days). The earliest onset of irAE occurrence was for hematologic irAEs, while the latest were gastrointestinal, dermatologic, and musculoskeletal irAEs. Fine-Gray regression modeling revealed significantly greater hazards of irAE occurrence in patients who received pembrolizumab at index, did not have CNS metastases, had a history of autoimmune disorder, and had chemotherapy in combination with ICI. Race, socioeconomic status, previous radiation therapy, and comorbidity burden were found to be associated with the occurrence of certain type of irAEs.

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of older patients with NSCLC develop an irAE after receiving ICI treatment. Factors related to cancer and treatment as well as demographics contribute to the increased risk of irAEs. Close monitoring and prediction of irAE among older patients receiving ICI is warranted.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Recipients of Renal Allografts

Kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk of malignancy as a result of immunosuppression and are increasingly exposed to checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). However, CPI therapy can precipitate allograft rejection. This review aims to summarize the current literature describing the epidemiology, immunological mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of CPI-associated allograft rejection.Initial studies of CPIs suggested allograft rejection post commencement of CPIs occured commonly (40-60%), occurring between 2 and 6 weeks after CPI initiation, with a cancer response rate approaching 50%. More recent studies with predefined, structured immunosuppressive regimens have seen rejection rates of 0-12.5%, with rejection occurring later. Allograft biopsy remains the mainstay of diagnosis; however, noninvasive tools are emerging, including donor-derived cell-free DNA, urinary chemokine assessment, and defining alloreactive T-cell clones prior to or during CPI therapy.

The renal damage and mechanisms relevant to antitumoral drugs

Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in the development of drugs to combat cancer. It is unfortunate that these drugs can also lead to various kidney injuries and imbalances in electrolyte levels. Nephrotoxicity caused by chemotherapy drugs can impact different parts of the kidneys, including the glomeruli, renal tubules, interstitium, or renal microvessels. Despite the existing knowledge, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the renal damage caused by antitumoral drugs remains incomplete. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the specific types of kidney injury and the mechanisms responsible for the drug-mediated renal damage, and briefly discuss possible prevention and treatment measures. Sensitive blood and urine biomarkers can provide clinicians with more information about kidney injury detection and reference value for subsequent treatment options. In addition, we emphasize that both oncologists and nephrologists have a responsibility to remain vigilant against the potential nephrotoxicity of the drugs. It's crucial for experts in both fields to collaborate in early detection, monitoring and prevention of kidney damage.

Incidence and Timing of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitor-Treated Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective against various cancers; however, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have been reported and the timing and risk factors are unknown. Therefore, we examined the incidence and timing of irAE occurrence.

METHODS

Patients who received ICIs at our hospital between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2020 were enrolled. Patients were classified into an irAE group or non-irAE group. In addition, we examined the onset time and symptoms of irAEs for each ICI type.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients received ICIs, of which 27 (33.8%) developed irAEs. The incidence of irAEs was 35.3% for nivolumab, 35.5% for pembrolizumab, and 28.6% for atezolizumab. The incidence of pneumonitis was 12.5%, 8.8% for dermatologic adverse events, and 6.3% for thyroid dysfunction. The earliest case of onset was after the 1st course, and the latest cases occurred after the 66th course. By the sixth course, 69% of the irAEs occurred. The positive rates for anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were higher in the irAE group compared to the non-irAE group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a high probability of irAEs occurring early in ICI treatment, with a diverse range of symptoms. This underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and tailored patient management during the initial courses of ICI therapy.

Podocyte Senescence and Aging

As the population in many industrial countries is aging, the risk, incidence, and prevalence of CKD increases. In the kidney, advancing age results in a progressive decrease in nephron number and an increase in glomerulosclerosis. In this review, we focus on the effect of aging on glomerular podocytes, the post-mitotic epithelial cells critical for the normal integrity and function of the glomerular filtration barrier. The podocytes undergo senescence and transition to a senescence-associated secretory phenotype typified by the production and secretion of inflammatory cytokines that can influence neighboring glomerular cells by paracrine signaling. In addition to senescence, the aging podocyte phenotype is characterized by ultrastructural and functional changes; hypertrophy; cellular, oxidative, and endoplasmic reticulum stress; reduced autophagy; and increased expression of aging genes. This results in a reduced podocyte health span and a shortened life span. Importantly, these changes in the pathways/processes characteristic of healthy podocyte aging are also often similar to pathways in the disease-induced injured podocyte. Finally, the better understanding of podocyte aging and senescence opens therapeutic options to slow the rate of podocyte aging and promote kidney health.

Peptide aggregation-induced immunogenic cell death in a breast cancer spheroid model

Utilizing multicellular aggregates (spheroids) for in vitro cancer research offers a physiologically relevant model that closely mirrors the intricate tumor microenvironment, capturing properties of solid tumors such as cell interactions and drug resistance. In this research, we investigated the Peptide-Aggregation Induced Immunogenic Response (PAIIR), an innovative method employing engineered peptides we designed specifically to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD). We contrasted PAIIR-induced ICD with standard ICD and non-ICD inducer chemotherapeutics within the context of three-dimensional breast cancer tumor spheroids. Our findings reveal that PAIIR outperforms traditional chemotherapeutics in its efficacy to stimulate ICD. This is marked by the release of key damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which bolster the phagocytic clearance of dying cancer cells by dendritic cells (DCs) and, in turn, activate powerful anti-tumor immune responses. Additionally, we observed that PAIIR results in elevated dendritic cell activation and increased antitumor cytokine presence. This study not only showcases the utility of tumor spheroids for efficient high-throughput screening but also emphasizes PAIIR's potential as a formidable immunotherapeutic strategy against breast cancer, setting the stage for deeper exploration and potential clinical implementation.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors and their interaction with proton pump inhibitors-related interstitial nephritis

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy and outcomes, leading to an expanding use in millions of patients worldwide. However, they can cause a spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Essentially, any organs can be affected by irAEs, which have emerged as therapy-limiting side effects. In the kidneys, ICI-associated acute interstitial nephritis (ICI-AIN) leads to acute kidney injury (AKI) in 2%-5% of patients on ICI therapy. AKI associated with ICI therapy pathologically presents with AIN in nearly 90% of the cases, but the pathophysiology of ICI-AIN remains to be defined. The generation of autoreactive T cells in patients receiving AIN-inducible drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), is one of the leading theories, supported by a higher incidence of ICI-AIN in patients on these AIN-inducible drugs. In this review, we will discuss our understanding of the incidence, potential pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical presentations, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of PPI-related AIN and its interaction with ICI therapy.

Proton pump inhibitors and adverse kidney outcomes during immune checkpoint blockade: time to sound the alarm?

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly altered the treatment landscape for cancer in the last decade. However, their benefits are often offset by therapy-limiting immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is the most common renal irAE, but the exact mechanisms underlying its development are poorly understood. ICI-induced immune activation against drug-derived antigens, leading to an inflammatory response within the kidney interstitium, has been postulated, evidenced by current observations of a higher incidence of ICI-associated AIN in patients receiving AIN-inducing drugs such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The role of PPIs in this specific context has garnered significant attention, given their ubiquitous use and sometimes misuse. In this issue of CKJ Miao et al. summarise and synthesize the best available evidence to clarify the interactions of PPIs with ICIs in the development of AIN and other adverse kidney outcomes. The sum of evidence provided appear to implicate PPIs in the development of clinically significant short- and long-term kidney-related adverse effects in patients on immune checkpoint blockade, although causality cannot be proven. In this editorial we discuss the key practical implications of these findings and emphasize the need for further quality studies to delineate the true relationship of ICIs and PPIs in the development of AIN.

Biopsy-proven acute tubulointerstitial nephritis in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a pooled analysis of case reports

Introduction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) may recognize multiple causes. Here, we reviewed cases of biopsy-proven acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN) to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of this condition.

Method

We conducted a pooled analysis of clinical cases of ICI-related biopsy-proven ATIN up to 1 May 2022. We collected data on clinical characteristics, AKI, biopsy findings, laboratory examinations, and renal outcomes.

Results

Eighty-five patients (61.4 ± 19 years, 56 male) were evaluated. Melanoma was the most prevalent diagnosis (51%), followed by non-small cell lung cancer (30%). ICI treatment consisted of PD-1, PDL-1 (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab), and CTLA-4 inhibitors (i) (ipilimumab) or combination PD-1i+CTLA4i. Renal toxicity developed after a median of four cycles of therapy. Fifty-one patients (65.5%) developed the most severe form of AKI- stage 3, including five patients requiring dialysis. All the 19 patients treated with dual ICI blockade developed AKI-stage 3, compared with 29 patients out of the 60 receiving a single agent (p<0.001). Most events were managed with corticosteroids associated with ICI withdrawal. In 15 patients ICI was restarted, but in six (40%) AKI recurred. Overall, 32 patients (40%) presented a complete renal recovery, which chance was inversely associated with dual ICI blockade (OR 0.15, 95CI 0.03-0.7, p=0.01).

Conclusion

ICI-related ATIN may develop late after the therapy initiation, presenting as severe AKI, particularly in patients with dual ICI blockade. Although this complication may be partially reversible, concerns remain about the renal function sequelae and the possibility of restarting ICI treatment.

Immune-related acute kidney injury in Australian non-small cell lung cancer patients: Real-world results

BACKGROUND

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has altered therapeutic paradigms in NSCLC. However, they may cause immune-related toxicities, including acute kidney injury (irAKI), especially when combined with nephrotoxic agents. We investigated the incidence, management and outcomes of AKI in Australian NSCLC patients.

METHODS

Medical records from a cancer centre registry were reviewed. AKI was defined and graded on absolute creatinine rise, or rise above baseline. Fishers exact test compared proportions. The Kaplan-Meier method estimated survival, and multiple logistic regression tested for risk factors.

RESULTS

Of 449 patients who underwent immunotherapy from 2013 to 2021, the median age was 65 years and 61% were male. Metastatic disease was present in 68% at diagnosis, the remainder had stage Ia-III disease; 70% had adenocarcinoma; and 17% had EGFR mutations. AKI was identified in 65 patients (14.5%) of which 19 were irAKI (4.2%). Within irAKI patients, eleven (58%) had other immune-related adverse events. Median time to irAKI onset was 4 months (IQR 4-6). Seventeen (89%) patients had AKI stage 1 or 2; two had stage 3. Eleven patients developed chronic kidney disease; none required renal replacement therapy. Kidney biopsies demonstrated acute interstitial nephritis (n = 3), acute tubular necrosis (n = 1) and anti-phospholipase A2 receptor negative membranous glomerulonephritis (n = 1). Five patients were rechallenged with immunotherapy; two had recurrent irAKI. The median overall survival for those with irAKI was not reached versus 12 months with no irAKI (HR 0.35, 95 %CI 0.20-0.60, p = 0.01). Risk factors for irAKI included having an additional, non-renal irAE (OR 6.21, 95 %CI 2.35-17.26, p ≤ 0.01); immunotherapy combined with other cancer therapies (OR 5.62, 95 %CI 2.08-16.20, p ≤ 0.01); and ECOG performance status > 1 (OR 4.39 (95 %CI 1.11-14.90, p = 0.02) CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of irAKI was similar to the published literature. Renal recovery was poor, however survival was not compromised. Improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for irAKI would benefit this population.

Chapter 3: Management of kidney injury caused by cancer drug therapy, from clinical practice guidelines for the management of kidney injury during anticancer drug therapy 2022

Cisplatin should be administered with diuretics and Magnesium supplementation under adequate hydration to avoid renal impairment. Patients should be evaluated for eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) during the treatment with pemetrexed, as kidney injury has been reported. Pemetrexed should be administered with caution in patients with a CCr (creatinine clearance) < 45 mL/min. Mesna is used to prevent hemorrhagic cystitis in patients receiving ifosfamide. Febuxostat is effective in avoiding hyperuricemia induced by TLS (tumor lysis syndrome). Preventative rasburicase is recommended in high-risk cases of TLS. Thrombotic microangiopathy could be triggered by anticancer drugs and there is no evidence of efficacy of plasma exchange therapy. When proteinuria occurs during treatment with anti-angiogenic agents or multi-kinase inhibitors, dose reductions or interruptions based on grading should be considered. Grade 3 proteinuria and renal dysfunction require urgent intervention, including drug interruption or withdrawal, and referral to a nephrologist should be considered. The first-line drugs used for blood pressure elevation due to anti-angiogenic agents are ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers). The protein binding of drugs and their pharmacokinetics are considerably altered in patients with hypoalbuminemia. The clearance of rituximab is increased in patients with proteinuria, and the correlation with urinary IgG suggests similar pharmacokinetic changes when using other antibody drugs. AIN (acute interstitial nephritis) is the most common cause of ICI (immune checkpoint inhibitor)-related kidney injury that is often treated with steroids. The need for renal biopsy in patients with kidney injury that occurs during treatment with ICI remains controversial.

Acid suppressants reduce the therapeutic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors and increase the risk of acute kidney injury: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are used in cancer immunotherapy; however, they can lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs) through immune function of patients. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to assess the concomitant effect of acid suppressants (ASs) on ICIs, including several subgroup analyses.

METHODS

We identified related studies and generated the forest plot. The primary endpoint was defined as the change in progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) with or without ASs administration. We also evaluated the effect of ASs on the incidence of irAEs.

RESULTS

The total hazard ratio (HR) of ASs on PFS with ICI treatment was 1.39 and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 1.21-1.59 (Z: p < 0.00001). Moreover, the total HR of ASs on OS was 1.40 and the 95% CI was 1.21-1.61 (Z: p < 0.00001), suggesting that ASs reduced ICI's therapeutic effect. The total odds ratio (OR) for evaluating the effect of ASs on irAEs was 1.23 with a 95% CI of 0.81-1.88 (Z: p = 0.34). However, ASs significantly worsened acute kidney injury (AKI) (total OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.74-2.53 (Z, p < 0.00001)). Furthermore, although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduced ICI's therapeutic effect, histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) did not affect OS.

CONCLUSIONS

It was shown that ASs, especially PPIs, reduced ICI's therapeutic effect, while H2RAs had no effect, and ASs did not affect irAEs; however, it is a risk factor for ICIs-induced AKI.

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.

Acute kidney injury in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors: a retrospective real-world study

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi) can cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs) including acute kidney injury (AKI). We investigated the incidence of ICPi-associated AKI (ICPi-AKI) and AKI from other causes (non-ICPi-AKI) in cancer patients treated with ICPi.

METHODS

This was a single-centre retrospective cohort study of patients receiving ICPi therapy between December 2011 and August 2020. AKI was defined and staged by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes creatinine criteria. The primary outcome was the incidence of AKI and ICPi-AKI.

RESULTS

A total of 1037 patients were included in the final analysis. The median age was 63 years, 60% were male, and 22% had pre-existing chronic kidney disease. Overall, 189 patients (18.2%) developed AKI of whom 37 patients (3.6%) had ICPi-AKI. In patients with progressive cancer, AKI was not associated with increased mortality. In treatment responders, non-ICPi-AKI was associated with an increased risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-3.67), whereas ICPi-AKI was not linked to an increased risk of death (adjusted HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.18-1.96). Patients with ICPi-AKI were more likely to have higher AKI stages and less likely to have complete kidney recovery compared with non-ICPi-AKI (54% versus 79%, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

AKI was common in cancer patients treated with ICPi. Patients with ICPi-AKI had worse kidney outcomes compared to those with AKI from other causes. However, non-ICPi-AKI was associated with a higher risk of death. These findings emphasise the importance of identifying different sub-phenotypes of AKI.

Incidence, mortality, and risk factors of acute kidney injury after immune checkpoint inhibitors: Systematic review and meta-analysis of real-world evidence

BACKGROUND

To precisely quantify the incidence, mortality, and risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) following immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment for cancer in real-world scenarios.

METHODS

Comprehensive searches were performed on PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library. Real-world observational studies reporting incidence, mortality and/or factors for AKI in ICI-treated patients were eligible. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI for potential predictors and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI for mortality risk associated with AKI were calculated using the random-effect model.

RESULTS

Eighteen articles comprising 12,111 patients receiving ICI were finally eligible. The pooled incidence was 16.0% (95% CI 11.2%-20.8%; n = 15) for AKI following ICI therapies overall and 3.5% (95% CI 2.1%-4.9%; n = 8) for ICI-induced AKI. Patients who developed AKI during ICI therapies had 51% increased risk of death compared with those without (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.07-2.14). Regarding risk factors, statistically increased risk for AKI during ICI therapies was observed with preexisting chronic kidney diseases (OR 1.86, 1.25-2.78), diabetes (OR 1.26, 1.04-1.53), and concomitant extrarenal immune-related adverse events (OR 2.53, 1.79-3.56). Ipilimumab (OR 2.18, 1.43-3.32), combined ICI therapies (OR 1.80, 1.14-2.83) and concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors (OR 1.97, 1.56-2.49), renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (OR 1.50, 1.05-2.14), diuretics (OR 1.69, 1.27-2.26) also significantly predicted the incident AKI.

CONCLUSIONS

AKI episode is frequently observed during ICI exposure for cancer treatment, but ICI induced nephrotoxicity is only occasionally. Higher risk of AKI during ICI therapies was significantly associated with specific comorbidities, concomitant of certain drugs, ipilimumab and ICI combination therapies.

Immunological mechanisms underlying clinical phenotypes and noninvasive diagnosis of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced kidney disease

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a mainstay of cancer therapy, with over 80 FDA-approved indications. Used in a variety of settings and in combination with each other and with traditional chemotherapies, the hyperactive immune response induced by ICIs can often lead to immune-related adverse events in bystander normal tissues such as the kidneys, lungs, and the heart. In the kidneys, this immune-related adverse event manifests as acute interstitial nephritis (ICI-AIN). In the era of widespread ICI use, it becomes vital to understand the clinical manifestations of ICI-AIN and the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of these complications. In this review, we delve into the clinical phenotypes of ICI-AIN and how they differ from traditional drug-induced AIN. We also detail what is known about the mechanistic underpinnings of ICI-AIN and the important diagnostic and therapeutic implications behind harnessing those mechanisms to further our understanding of these events and to formulate effective treatment plans to manage ICI-AIN.

Drawbacks of immune checkpoint inhibition and rigorous management for immune-related adverse events along with a mathematical model to assess therapy success and optimum therapy duration and a strategy against tumor plasticity

PURPOSE

Immune checkpoint inhibition therapy (ICIT) is an emerging field in oncology especially opening new horizons to chemotherapy refractory patients. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and undesired response patterns such as progression after the initial good response in a subset of patients pose a major challenge and drawback to ICIT. This paper provides deep insight into ICIT related bottlenecks and corresponding effective management and combat strategies for very complex complications.

METHODS

The relevant literatures from PubMed have been reviewed. Based on obtained information, rigorous and exhaustive analyses have been made to present novel methods and strategies against ICIT drawbacks and bottlenecks.

RESULTS

The results show that baseline biomarker tests are very crucial to identify suitable candidates for ICIT and frequent assessments throughout ICIT help to recognize possible irAEs at early stages. Equally important are the necessity for mathematical definitions for the ICIT success rate and optimum duration, and the development of combat mechanisms against loss of sensitivity within the tumor microenvironment (TME).

CONCLUSION

Rigorous management approaches are presented for mostly observed irAEs. Furthermore, for the first time in the literature, a non-linear mathematical model is invented to measure the ICIT success rate and to decide about the optimum ICIT duration. Finally, a strategy against tumor plasticity is introduced.

Adverse renal effects of check-point inhibitors (ICI) in cancer patients: Recommendations of the Onco-nephrology Working Group of the Spanish Society of Nephrology

The most widely used approach in the immunotherapy treatment of cancer is the administration of monoclonal antibodies directed against regulatory molecules of immune control that inhibit the activation of T cells, the so-called check point inhibitors (ICI). ICI nephrotoxicity epidemiology and pathology; its diagnosis with or without kidney biopsy; the type and duration of treatment; the possibility of rechallenging after kidney damage; and its indication in patients with cancer and renal transplantation are certainly controversial. In the absence of definitive studies, this document is intended to specify some recommendations agreed by the group of Onconephrology experts of the Spanish Society of Nephrology in those areas related to ICI nephrotoxicity, in order to help decision-making in daily clinical practice in Onconephrology consultations.

New Challenges in the Diagnosis of Kidney Damage Due to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Therapy: An Observational Clinical Study

In recent years, immunotherapy has been postulated as one of the most effective strategies in the fight against cancer. The greatest success in this field has been achieved with the inhibition of molecules involved in slowing down the adaptive immune response by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Despite its efficacy, ICI treatment has side effects. Regarding kidney damage, it is estimated that 4.9% of patients treated with ICIs develop renal injury. Furthermore, cancer patients who develop renal dysfunction have a worse prognosis. Current diagnostics are insufficient to predict the underlying renal injury and to identify the type of damage. Our hypothesis is that the renal injury could be subclinical, so the possibility of using new urinary biomarkers could be a useful diagnostic tool that would allow these patients to be managed in a preventive (risk biomarkers) and early (early biomarkers) way and even to clarify whether the renal damage is due to this therapy or to other factors (differential diagnostic biomarkers). A prospective study to validate risk and early and differential biomarkers in patients treated with ICIs is proposed to test this hypothesis. The results derived from this study will improve the clinical practice of cancer treatment with ICIs and therefore the life expectancy and quality of life of patients. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04902846.

Multiorgan Failure From Nivolumab and Ipilimumab: A Case Report and Literature Review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as standard of care have revolutionized the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma. The combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab improves treatment efficacy and prolongs survival compared to monotherapy alone. However, combination therapy is also associated with an increased incidence of adverse events. We report an uncommon yet important case of multi-organ failure in a patient following a single dose of nivolumab plus ipilimumab. A 60-year-old male with a history of ulcerative colitis in remission and metastatic melanoma was admitted on February 25, 2021, for presumed sepsis, after presenting with neutropenic fever. His brain metastases were previously resected on January 14, 2021, and he was started on dexamethasone 4 mg BID for six weeks. On February 11, 2021, he received one dose of nivolumab plus ipilimumab, per the CheckMate-067 protocol. He presented 14 days later with fever, diarrhea, pancytopenia, renal failure, drug-induced hepatitis, and myocarditis. The infectious workup was negative. His neutropenia responded to growth factors. He was diagnosed with interstitial nephritis due to immunotherapy and treated with corticosteroids. His symptoms resolved with concomitant improvement of his renal, hepatic, and cardiac function. He was discharged home in a stable condition. Although these specific immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are uncommon and rarely occur simultaneously, ICIs can trigger non-specific immune system activation, resulting in widespread inflammatory effects. Since irAEs can lead to multi-organ failure, as evidenced in this case, early recognition and institution of high-dose steroids are critical to preventing rapid deterioration. Given that ICI therapy is the standard of care for several cancers and is often studied in clinical trials, increased education on irAE toxicity and updated algorithms on the management of febrile cancer patients are warranted.

The incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Recent observational studies reported acute kidney injury (AKI) events in over 10% of the patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, these studies included patients treated in high-resource settings and earlier lines. Therefore, we aimed to assess the AKI rates and predisposing factors in ICI-treated patients from a limited resource setting. We evaluated 252 patients with advanced cancer for this retrospective cohort study. AKI events were defined by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. The median age was 59 years. The melanoma (18.3%), non-small cell lung cancer (14.7%) and renal cell carcinoma (22.6%) patients comprised over half of the cohort. During the follow-up, 45 patients (17.9%) had at least one AKI episode. In multivariable analyses, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) [odds ratio (OR), 3.385; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.510-7.588; P  = 0.003], hypoalbuminemia (OR, 2.848; 95% CI, 1.225-6.621; P  = 0.015) or renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor use (OR, 2.236; 95% CI, 1.017-4.919; P  = 0.045) had increased AKI risk. There was a trend towards increased AKI risk in patients with diabetes (OR, 2.042; 95% CI, 0.923-4.518; P  = 0.78) and regular proton pump inhibitors use (OR, 2.024; 95% CI, 0.947-4.327; P  = 0.069). In this study, we observed AKI development under ICIs in almost one in five patients with cancer. The increased AKI rates in CKD, hypoalbuminemia or RAAS inhibitor use pointed out a need for better onco-nephrology collaboration and efforts to improve the nutritional status of ICI-treated patients.