Risk of cancer in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease: A nationwide population-based study with a matched control group

Chronic kidney disease and risk of kidney or urothelial malignancy: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent, affecting approximately 11% of US adults. Multiple studies have evaluated a potential association between CKD and urinary tract malignancies. Summary estimates of urinary tract malignancy risk in CKD patients with and without common co-existing conditions may guide clinical practice recommendations.

METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched for original cohort studies evaluating the association between CKD and urinary tract cancers (kidney cancer and urothelial carcinoma) through 25 May 2023, in persons with at least moderate CKD and no dialysis or kidney transplantation. Quality assessment was performed for studies meeting inclusion criteria using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis with a random-effects model was performed for unadjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) as well as adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for confounding conditions (diabetes, hypertension and/or tobacco use), shown to have association with kidney cancer and urothelial carcinoma. Sub-analysis was conducted for estimates associated with CKD stages separately.

RESULTS

Six cohort studies with 8 617 563 persons were included. Overall, the methodological quality of the studies was good. CKD was associated with both higher unadjusted incidence and adjusted hazard of kidney cancer (IRR 3.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.32-4.88; aHR 2.04, 95% CI 1.77-2.36) and urothelial cancer (IRR 3.96, 95% CI 2.44-6.40; aHR 1.35, 95% CI 1.22-1.50) compared with persons without CKD. Examining incident urinary tract cancers by CKD severity, risks were elevated in stage 3 CKD (kidney aHR 1.89, 95% CI 1.56-2.30; urothelial carcinoma aHR 1.35, 95% CI 1.20-1.52) as well as in stages 4/5 CKD (kidney cancer aHR 2.30, 95% CI 2.00-2.66; urothelial carcinoma aHR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.49).

CONCLUSIONS

Even moderate CKD is associated with elevated risk of kidney cancer and urothelial carcinoma. Providers should consider these elevated risks when managing individuals with CKD, particularly when considering evaluation for the presence and etiology of hematuria.

The Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on the Mortality Rates of Patients with Urological Cancers-An Analysis of a Uro-Oncology Database from Eastern Europe

(1) Background: The relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and urological cancers is complex, as most of these cancers are diagnosed in patients with advanced ages, when the kidney function may be already impaired. On the other hand, urological cancers could represent a risk factor for CKD, significantly reducing the life expectancy of the patients. The main objective of our study was to analyze the impact of CKD on the overall mortality of patients diagnosed with the most frequent types of urological cancers. (2) Material and Methods: We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study on a group of 5831 consecutive newly diagnosed cancer patients, followed over a 2-year period (2019-2020), from a large Oncology Hospital in Romania. From this group, we selected only the patients diagnosed with urological malignancies, focusing on prostate cancer, bladder cancer and renal cancer; finally, 249 patients were included in our analysis. (3) Results: In the group of patients with prostate cancer (n = 146), the 2-year overall mortality was 62.5% for patients with CKD, compared with 39.3% for those with no initial CKD (p < 0.05). In the group of patients with bladder cancer (n = 62), the 2-year overall mortality was 80% for patients with initial CKD, compared with 45.2% for the patients with no initial CKD (p < 0.05). Finally, in the group of patients with renal cell carcinoma (n = 41), the 2-year overall mortality was 60% for patients with initial CKD, compared with 50% for the patient group with no initial CKD (p < 0.05). Various correlations between specific oncologic and nephrological parameters were also analyzed. (4) Conclusions: The presence of CKD at the moment of the urological cancer diagnosis is associated with significantly higher 2-year mortality rates.

Chronic kidney diseases and the risk of colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

We conducted this review to offer a comprehensive search and up-to-date overview of the currently available information about the probability risk of colorectal cancer among chronic kidney disease patients.

Method

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) and meta-analysis guidelines. We identified, reviewed, and extracted from Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, and Komaki Databases for research publications on chronic kidney disease and colorectal cancer published between February 2016 and January 2023. We meta-analyzed the prevalence of colorectal cancer with chronic kidney disease. We ran a random effect meta-regression. Risk-of-bias assessment was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023400983).

Results

The risk of CRC in chronic kidney diseases was reported in 50 research studies, which included 4,337,966 people from 16 different countries. SIR of CRC was obtained from 14 studies and showed a significant relationship between CRC with CKD patients, with a pooled SIR of 1.33; 95% CI (1.30-1.36), with higher heterogeneity (Q = 121.82, P < 0.001, and I2 = 86.9%). Metaregression showed that there was no significant correlation between the risk of CRC and the proportion of males or age.

Conclusion

Overall, this study shows that patients with chronic kidney disease have a significantly increased risk of colorectal cancer. More studies with larger sample sizes, and robust surveillance are needed.

Risk of Prostate Cancer in Chronic Kidney Disease Patient: A Meta-Analysis using Observational Studies

Background

Both clinical and experimental findings demonstrated a rise in prostate cancer in chronic renal illness. However, the clinical data associated with CKD was not looked at the context of prostate cancer. The study aims to investigate prostate cancer risk in CKD patients using clinical data via systemic review and meta-analysis.

Materials and Methods

Using pertinent pairing keywords, I carried out a thorough exploration of PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science. The pooled HR with 95% CI of the considered clinical findings was estimated involving the general inverse variance outcome type. With RevMan 5.3, the total pooled estimate meta-analysis was evaluated utilizing the random effects model.

Results

Total of six findings were considered for this analysis, with a total of 2,430,246 participants. The age and mean follow-up of the included patients and studies ranged from 55 to 67.4 years and 10.1 to 12 years, respectively. The meta-analysis showed no significant risk of prostate cancer among CKD patients (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.60-1.41; P = 0.70). The results from subgroup analysis based on eGFR levels ranged ≥30-59 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and also found no significant risk of prostate cancer among CKD patients (HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.92-1.18; P = 0.52). Here I did not report statistical heterogeneity found (Q = 0.56, I2 = 0%, P = 0.87). As per the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, the included studies suggested good quality.

Conclusion

The results suggest no significant risk of developing prostate cancer among CKD patients. Therefore, well-designed prospective cohort studies with stages of CKD and clear predefined prior history and causative factors are needed to support the present evidence strongly.

Risk of malignancy in patients with chronic kidney disease

Background

Fifteen percent of US adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD). The effect of CKD on the development of different malignancies is unknown. Understanding the effect of CKD on the risk of development of cancer could have important implications for screening and early detection of cancer in these patients.

Methods

Adult CKD patients [estimated GFR (eGFR) <60ml/min/1.73m²] between January 2001 and December 2020 were identified in this single institution study. Patients were divided into four stages of CKD by eGFR. The incidence of cancer and time to development of the first cancer were identified. Multivariable models were used to compare the overall cancer incidence while considering death as a competing risk event and adjusting for relevant covariates (sex, race, diabetes, hypertension, CAD, smoking or not, BMI, and CKD stages). Separate multivariable models of the incidence of cancers were conducted in each age group. Multivariable Cox models were used to fit the overall death adjusting for relevant covariates. Patients were censored at the conclusion of the study period (December 31, 2020). Statistical analysis was performed with SAS software (version 9.4).

Results

Of the 13,750 patients with a diagnosis of CKD in this cohort, 2,758 (20.1%) developed a malignancy. The median time to development of cancer following a diagnosis of CKD was 8.5 years. Factors associated with the risk of developing cancer in CKD patients included increasing age, male sex and worsening chronic kidney disease, while diabetes was associated with a lower risk of malignancy. On multivariate analysis, the factors associated with increased mortality in patients who developed cancer included increasing age, diabetes and lower eGFR.

Conclusion

CKD is an increased risk factor for the development of various malignancies. Age appropriate cancer screening should be aggressively pursued in those with progressive CKD.

Chronic kidney disease in cancer patients, the analysis of a large oncology database from Eastern Europe

Introduction

Kidney dysfunction is prevalent in oncology patients and has an impact on their treatment and quality of life. The aim of our study was to analyze the prevalence of CKD in a large cohort of several types of cancer patients in an East European Region.

Material and methods

We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study on 5831 consecutive, biopsy-diagnosed cancer patients between January 2019 –December 2020 in the largest oncology hospital and outpatient clinic in Western Romania. 4342 subjects were included in the statistical analysis.

Results and discussion

From the 24 cancer types, the most prevalent cancers were represented by: breast (22.02%), lung (10.18%) and colonic cancer (9.51%). The prevalence of CKD (G3 –G5) was 12.27% after the first year of follow-up and 13.42 after the second year. The prevalence of CKD was higher in patients with renal (50%), urinary tract (33.6%) and pancreatic cancers (19.6%) and lower in patients with colonic cancers (5.3%) and brain tumors (2.5%). At the end of our 2-year survey period, 0,7% of the CKD cases had an eGFR around 6 ml/min/1.73m2 –an indication for renal replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Oncology patients have a significantly higher prevalence of CKD compared to the general population, dependent of the age of the patients and the type of cancer. The prevalence of advanced CKD was surprisingly high (stages G4-G5 Pre-Dialysis 22.15%) one third of the CKD- G5 patients having indication for initiation of renal replacement therapy. An onco- nephrology team should be needed for the best medical care of these patients.

Causal Association between Chronic Kidney Disease and Risk of 19 Site-Specific Cancers: A Mendelian Randomization Study

BACKGROUND

Results of previous observational studies examining the risk of cancer among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are conflicting. We here explore the causal relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria, two principal measurements of CKD, and 19 site-specific cancers using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

METHODS

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms reported to be strongly correlated with eGFR and albuminuria in recent large genome-wide association studies were used as instrumental variables to investigate the causal relationship with cancer using summary-level statistics from several cancer-specific consortia, as well as data of 347,408 participants in the UK Biobank and 260,405 participants in the FinnGen.

RESULTS

Our data showed that impaired kidney function was associated with higher odds of leukemia [OR = 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-1.43; P = 0.007], cervical cancer (OR = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04-1.43; P = 0.017), and female renal cell carcinoma (OR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.12-1.77; P = 0.004), per 10% decrease in eGFR. The ORs were 1.21 (95% CI, 1.07-1.36; P = 0.002) for colorectal cancer and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.62-0.92; P = 0.006) for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, per doubling odds of albuminuria. In multivariable MR, effect sizes of eGFR-cervical cancer remained strong after adjusting for confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study indicates that progression of CKD contributes to carcinogenesis of renal cell carcinoma, leukemia, cervical, and colorectal cancer.

IMPACT

The potential association of kidney function and albuminuria with certain cancers warrants further investigation in order to provide appropriate recommendations regarding cancer screening among patients with CKD.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Cancer: Inter-Relationships and Mechanisms

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been recognized as an increasingly serious public health problem globally over the decades. Accumulating evidence has shown that the incidence rate of cancer was relatively higher in CKD patients than that in general population, which, mechanistically, may be related to chronic inflammation, accumulation of carcinogenic compounds, oxidative stress, impairment of DNA repair, excessive parathyroid hormone and changes in intestinal microbiota, etc. And in patients with cancer, regardless of tumor types or anticancer treatment, it has been indicated that the morbidity and incidence rate of concomitant CKD was also increased, suggesting a complex inter-relationship between CKD and cancer and arousing increasing attention from both nephrologists and oncologists. This narrative review focused on the correlation between CKD and cancer, and underlying molecular mechanisms, which might provide an overview of novel interdisciplinary research interests and the potential challenges related to the screening and treatment of CKD and cancer. A better understanding of this field might be of help for both nephrologists and oncologists in the clinical practice.

Albuminuria within the Normal Range Can Predict All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Mortality

BACKGROUND

Despite interest in low-grade albuminuria and poor clinical outcomes, evidence from a large-scale population is lacking. Therefore, we identified the association of low-grade albuminuria within the normal range with all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality.

METHODS

After excluding individuals with urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥30 mg/g (n=6094), this cohort study analyzed 43,396 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2016). Participants were divided into four quartiles of ACR. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcome was CV mortality. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used.

RESULTS

During a median 7.9 years of follow-up, 3516 (9%) participants died. Compared with the reference group (Q1, ACR <4.171 mg/g), low-grade albuminuria groups were associated with all-cause mortality (Q3, ACR ≥6.211 to <10.010 mg/g, hazard ratio [HR], 1.25 [95% CI, 1.11 to 1.41]; Q4, ACR ≥10.010 mg/g, HR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.41 to 1.76]) in a multivariable hazards model. A similar pattern was also seen in the association of low-grade albuminuria with CV mortality. Subgroup analyses showed that low-grade albuminuria was also associated with all-cause mortality in the nondiabetic group, nonhypertensive group, and non-CKD group (eGFR ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m²).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that low-grade albuminuria is associated with all-cause and CV mortality. Low-grade albuminuria should be monitored, even for patients with low CV risk.

OUP accepted manuscript

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) after cardiovascular disease. The incidence of CKD in patients with cancer is higher than in the non-cancer population. Across various populations, CKD is associated with an elevated risk of cancer incidence and cancer death compared with people without CKD, although the risks are cancer site-specific. Higher risk of cancer is detectable in mild CKD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m2], although this risk is more obvious if sensitive markers of kidney disease are used, such as cystatin C. Independent of eGFR, albuminuria is associated with increased risk of site-specific cancer incidence and death. Here, we explore the potential mechanisms for the increased risk of cancer observed in CKD, including patient factors (shared risks such as cardiometabolic disease, obesity, smoking, diet, lifestyle and environment), disease (genetic, inflammatory and infective) and treatment factors. In particular, we discuss the ways in which renal adverse events associated with conventional chemotherapies and newer systemic anti-cancer therapies (including targeted and immunotherapies) may contribute to worse cancer outcomes in people with CKD. Finally, we review the potential benefits of acknowledging increased risk of cancer in risk prediction tools used for the management of CKD.

Risk of Kidney Failure in Patients With Cancer: A South Korean Population-Based Cohort Study

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Reduced kidney function is associated with an increased risk of cancer; however, it is unclear if cancer increases the risk of kidney failure with replacement therapy (KFRT). We assessed the risk of KFRT among patients with various types of cancer collectively and with specific types of cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective population-based cohort study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

A total of 2,473,095 participants with (n = 824,365) or without (n = 1,648,730) cancer registered in the Korean National Health Insurance Service database.

PREDICTORS

Cancer and cancer subtypes defined using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification, codes.

OUTCOMES

Primary outcome was KFRT defined as the initiation of hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis or kidney transplantation.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

For each patient with cancer, 2 controls matched for age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate, diabetes, and hypertension were included. To address the competing risk of death, a competing risk survival analysis was conducted using the Fine and Gray method.

RESULTS

Occurrence of KFRT was higher in patients with cancer than in controls without cancer (incidence rates of 1.07 vs 0.51 cases per 1,000 person-years). Competing risk analysis showed that cancer was significantly associated with an increased risk of KFRT after adjusting for other potential predictors (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.29 [95% CI, 2.20-2.39]). Multiple myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma, and kidney, ovarian, and liver cancer were most significantly associated with an increased KFRT risk, with multiple myeloma conferring the highest risk across age and sex groups. All subgroups of patients with cancer (based on age, sex, smoking, alcohol, exercise, obesity, and comorbid conditions) exhibited a higher risk of KFRT.

LIMITATIONS

Causal association between cancer and kidney outcomes could not be confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cancer, particularly those with multiple myeloma, exhibited an increased risk of KFRT after accounting for the competing risk of death.

Kidney function and cancer risk: An analysis using creatinine and cystatin C in a cohort study

BACKGROUND

We examined whether an increased risk of cancer incidence and death is associated with kidney function and albuminuria and whether the risk is more readily identified when kidney function is estimated using cystatin C.

METHODS

Participants were from UK Biobank (recruitment spanning 2007-2010), excluding those with a prior diagnosis of cancer. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (ml/min/1.73m2) was calculated using creatinine (eGFRcr), cystatin C (eGFRcys) and creatinine-cystatin C (eGFRcr-cys). Cox proportional hazards models tested associations between eGFR, urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (uACR) and cancer incidence and death.

FINDINGS

In 431,263 participants over median follow-up of 11.3 (IQR 10.6-12.0) years, there were 41,745 incident cancers and 11,764 cancer deaths. eGFRcys was most strongly associated with cancer incidence and death (HR 1.04 (95% CI 1.03-1.04) and 1.06 (1.05-1.07) per 10 ml/min/1.73m2 decline, respectively). eGFRcr was not associated with either outcome (incidence: HR 1.00 (1.00-1.01); death: HR 0.99 (0.98-1.01) per 10 ml/min/1.73m2 decline). Relative to eGFRcys>90 or uACR<3 mg/mmol, eGFRcys60-89 (HR 1.04 (95% CI 1.02-1.07)), eGFRcys<60 (HR 1.19 (1.14-1.24)) and uACR≥3 mg/mmol (HR 1.09 (1.06-1.12)) were associated with higher risk of incident cancer. eGFRcys60-89 (HR 1.15 (1.10-1.21)); eGFRcys<60 (HR 1.48 (1.38-1.59)) and uACR≥3 mg/mmol (HR 1.17 (1.11-1.24)) were associated with cancer death.

INTERPRETATION

Excess risk of cancer incidence and cancer death is more readily captured in early chronic kidney disease by eGFRcys than by current measures. The association between kidney function, uACR and cancer death in particular is concerning and warrants further scrutiny.

FUNDING

Chief Scientist Office; ANID Becas Chile; Medical Research Council; British Medical Association; British Heart Foundation.

An Update on Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Kidney Disease

Simple Summary

Chronic kidney disease is a major public health issue globally and the risk of hepatocellular cancer appears greater in patients with chronic kidney disease compared with the general population. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a liver disorder ranging from simple fatty infiltration to advanced fibrosis plus inflammation; it plays a role in developing liver-related and extra liver-related diseases including HCC and CKD, respectively. Approximately 90% of HCCs are associated with a known underlying etiology; viral hepatitis is a well-known cause of HCC, particularly in CKD population. Antiviral therapy of HBV and HCV is important in the management of HCC in CKD patients. Therapy of HCC in CKD patients includes liver transplant (in selected patients), local approach (surgery or interventional radiology), and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (advanced HCC).

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease is a major public health issue globally and the risk of cancer (including HCC) is greater in patients on long-term dialysis and kidney transplant compared with the general population. According to an international study on 831,804 patients on long-term dialysis, the standardized incidence ratio for liver cancer was 1.2 (95% CI, 1.0–1.4) and 1.5 (95% CI, 1.3–1.7) in European and USA cohorts, respectively. It appears that important predictors of HCC in dialysis population are hepatotropic viruses (HBV and HCV) and cirrhosis. 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates are lower in HCC patients on long-term dialysis than those with HCC and intact kidneys. NAFLD is a metabolic disease with increasing prevalence worldwide and recent evidence shows that it is an important cause of liver-related and extra liver-related diseases (including HCC and CKD, respectively). Some longitudinal studies have shown that patients with chronic hepatitis B are aging and the frequency of comorbidities (such as HCC and CKD) is increasing over time in these patients; it has been suggested to connect these patients to an appropriate care earlier. Antiviral therapy of HBV and HCV plays a pivotal role in the management of HCC in CKD and some combinations of DAAs (elbasvir/grazoprevir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, sofosbuvir-based regimens) are now available for HCV positive patients and advanced chronic kidney disease. The interventional management of HCC includes liver resection. Some ablative techniques have been suggested for HCC in CKD patients who are not appropriate candidates to surgery. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization has been proposed for HCC in patients who are not candidates to liver surgery due to comorbidities. The gold standard for early-stage HCC in patients with chronic liver disease and/or cirrhosis is still liver transplant.

Epidemiological characteristics of cancers in patients with end-stage kidney disease: a Korean nationwide study

Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) have been reported to have an increased risk of cancer. However, the epidemiological characteristics of cancer in ESKD patients remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of cancer in ESKD patients and the differences based on the renal replacement therapy provided. Data on ESKD patients were obtained from the South Korean nationwide cohort Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database. This study included 58,831 eligible patients of the total 813,907 patients diagnosed with ESKD between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2017. Of the 58,831 ESKD patients, 3292 (5.6%) were newly diagnosed with cancer. The average duration between the diagnosis of ESKD and cancer was 3.3 ± 1.9 years (mean ± standard deviation), with no differences between hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplant groups. The most commonly observed cancer sites in ESKD patients were the colorectum, lung, and liver. The incidence of cancer increased progressively among patients undergoing kidney transplant, peritoneal dialysis, and hemodialysis in that order. Hemodialysis patients were found to have an increased risk of digestive tract cancer compared with kidney transplant patients (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.31-2.81; P < 0.001). The study findings may be a useful reference for cancer-screening guidelines.

Clinical Significance of Acute Kidney Injury in Lung Cancer Patients

Purpose

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in cancer patients is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The incidence of AKI in lung cancer seems to be relatively higher compared with other solid organ malignancies, although its impact on patient outcomes remains unclear.

Materials and Methods

The patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer from 2004 to 2013 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. The patients were categorized according to the presence and severity of AKI. We compared all-cause mortality and long-term renal outcome according to AKI stage.

Results

A total of 3,202 patients were included in the final analysis. AKI occurred in 1,783 (55.7%) patients during the follow-up period, with the majority having mild AKI stage 1 (75.8%). During the follow-up of 2.6±2.2 years, total 1,251 patients (53.7%) were died and 5-year survival rate was 46.9%. We found that both AKI development and severity were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality in lung cancer patients, even after adjustment for lung cancer-specific variables including the stage or pathological type. In addition, patients suffered from more severe AKI tend to encounter de novo chronic kidney disease development, worsening kidney function, and end-stage kidney disease progression.

Conclusion

In this study, more than half of the lung cancer patients experienced AKI during their diagnosis and treatment period. Moreover, AKI occurrence and more advanced AKI were associated with a higher mortality risk and adverse kidney outcomes.

Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) and αKlotho in Cancer

Together with fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) 19 and 21, FGF23 is an endocrine member of the family of FGFs. Mainly secreted by bone cells, FGF23 acts as a hormone on the kidney, stimulating phosphate excretion and suppressing formation of 1,25(OH)₂D₃, active vitamin D. These effects are dependent on transmembrane protein αKlotho, which enhances the binding affinity of FGF23 for FGF receptors (FGFR). Locally produced FGF23 in other tissues including liver or heart exerts further paracrine effects without involvement of αKlotho. Soluble Klotho (sKL) is an endocrine factor that is cleaved off of transmembrane Klotho or generated by alternative splicing and regulates membrane channels, transporters, and intracellular signaling including insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and Wnt pathways, signaling cascades highly relevant for tumor progression. In mice, lack of FGF23 or αKlotho results in derangement of phosphate metabolism and a syndrome of rapid aging with abnormalities affecting most organs and a very short life span. Conversely, overexpression of anti-aging factor αKlotho results in a profound elongation of life span. Accumulating evidence suggests a major role of αKlotho as a tumor suppressor, at least in part by inhibiting IGF-1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Hence, in many malignancies, higher αKlotho expression or activity is associated with a more favorable outcome. Moreover, also FGF23 and phosphate have been revealed to be factors relevant in cancer. FGF23 is particularly significant for those forms of cancer primarily affecting bone (e.g., multiple myeloma) or characterized by bone metastasis. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the significance of FGF23 and αKlotho for tumor cell signaling, biology, and clinically relevant parameters in different forms of cancer.

The minimum-mortality estimated glomerular filtration rate percentile shifts upward in the aged population: a nationwide population-based study

Background

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a biomarker not only for kidney function, but also for major clinical outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the patterns of mortality across the entire eGFR percentile spectrum using a population-based dataset.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database for people who received nationwide health check-ups from 2009 to 2012. Subjects who were ≥45 years old and had one or more serum creatinine values available were included in the study. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality as a function of eGFR percentile.

Results

The middle-aged group (45–64 years) showed a U-shaped pattern of association between eGFR percentile and all-cause mortality. The minimum-mortality eGFR percentile was shifted upward in the elderly group (≥65 years). Specifically, the minimum-mortality eGFR percentiles were the 28th percentile (83.8 mL/min/1.73 m²) for middle-aged males, the 63rd percentile (86.2 mL/min/1.73 m²) for elderly males, the 42nd percentile (102.8 mL/min/1.73 m²) for middle-aged females and the 75th percentile (90.1 mL/min/1.73 m²) for elderly females. Diabetes and hypertension shifted the minimum-mortality eGFR percentile upward in the middle-aged group. This pattern was attenuated in the elderly group.

Conclusions

The eGFR percentile showing minimum mortality moves upward in the aged population as well as patients with diabetes and hypertension, which might reduce the clinical significance of hyperfiltration. Risk stratification for mortality should be approached differently according to the specific conditions of the patient group.

Decreased Preoperative Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Was Related With Poor Prognosis of NSCLC Patients

(1) Background:

The coexistence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cancer is common due to the increased incidence of cancer in patients with CKD. Glomerular filtration rate is the optimal way to measure kidney function. To date, little is known about the role preoperative renal function plays in the prognosis of NSCLC patients.

(2) Methods:

The study enrolled 140 patients who had been newly diagnosed NSCLC and received potential radical surgery for treatment from 2009 January to 2012 December. The detailed characteristics were collected including gender, age, smoking and drinking habits, KPS score, hemoglobin levels, tumor size, pathology type, differentiation, pTNM stage and serum creatinine before surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were performed using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox model.

(3) Results:

The univariate analysis identified that the pTNM stage (p < 0.001), eGFR level (p = 0.006), and adjuvant treatment (p = 0.007) were prognostic factors for OS, while drinking habit (p = 0.032), pTNM stage (p = 0.002) and eGFR level (p = 0.006) were the prognostic factors for DFS. Further multivariate analysis found that pTNM stage (HR = 2.091, 95% CI 1.424-3.071; p < 0.001) and eGFR level (HR = 1.890, 95% CI 1.424-3.071; p = 0.004) were independent factors associated with OS. The pTNM stage (HR = 1.735, CI 1.215-2.479; p = 0.002) and eGFR (HR = 1.793, CI 1.193-2.696; p = 0.005) were independent factors associated with DFS. Further subgroup analyses found that in female patients/ no smoking patients/ patients younger than 60 years, better eGFR level was significantly associated with better OS and DFS.

(4) Conclusions:

Decreased preoperative eGFR was associated with poor clinical outcome of NSCLC patients.

Risk of fracture according to glucocorticoid use after renal biopsy: a nationwide population-based study

Few data are available regarding fracture risk in patients treated with glucocorticoids, including patients with kidney disease. A population-based retrospective cohort study was performed using Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database, a South Korean nationwide cohort set. This study identified 44,702 patients with diagnosis code of kidney diseases who received a renal biopsy between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2017. A total of 8,624 patients met all study inclusion criteria. A total of 1,406 fractures of any site were observed in the study period. The glucocorticoid-exposed group had more fractures than the unexposed (14.4% vs 8.8%, P < 0.0001). Vertebral fractures were the most common, followed by upper limb, and lower limb fractures. The exposed group showed a remarkably higher hazard ratio of fracture risk (HR 6.0, 95% CI 5.01-7.23) than the unexposed group, indicating systemic glucocorticoid exposure was highly associated with fracture risk. Although HR increased at doses even less than 5 mg/day, it was independent of dose. Older age showed a significant effect on fracture risk (HR 1.2, 95% CI 1.05-1.44), even after adjusting for systemic glucocorticoid exposure. Glucocorticoids was associated with higher risk of fracture even at a low daily dose and short term exposure.

Glomerular Hyperfiltration and Cancer: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Glomerular hyperfiltration is associated with all-cause mortality. Herein, we evaluated the association between glomerular hyperfiltration and the development of cancer, the most common cause of death, in an Asian population.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the National Health Insurance Service database of Korea for people who received national health screenings from 2012 to 2013. Glomerular hyperfiltration was defined as the 95th percentile and greater after stratification by sex and age decile. We performed a multivariate Cox regression analysis using glomerular hyperfiltration at the first health screening as the exposure variable and cancer development as the outcome variable to evaluate the impact of glomerular hyperfiltration on the development of cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 1,953,123 examinations for patients with a median follow-up time of 4.4 years were included in this study. Among the 8 different site-specific cancer categories, digestive organs showed significant associations between glomerular hyperfiltration and cancer. The population with glomerular hyperfiltration showed an increased risk for stomach cancer [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.22], colorectal cancer (aHR = 1.16), and liver or intrahepatic malignancy (aHR = 1.35).

CONCLUSIONS

Glomerular hyperfiltration was associated with an increased risk for the development of cancer in specific organs, such as the stomach, colorectum, and liver and intrahepatic organ.

IMPACT

Glomerular hyperfiltration needs to be considered a significant sign of the need to evaluate the possibility of hidden adverse health conditions, including malignancies.

The Combined Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes on the Risk of Colorectal Cancer Depends on Sex: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

PURPOSE

Although both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are considered factors increasing the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), their impact on CRC is not fully understood. This study was aimed to investigate the impact of CKD, DM, or both diseases on the risk of CRC and to evaluate sex differences therein.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using data from the National Health Insurance Service-Health Examination Cohort in Korea, we conducted a 1:2 matched case-control study. The disease groups consisted of CKD-/DM+ (n=17700), CKD+/DM- (n=22643), and CKD+/DM+ groups (n=8506). After 1:2 matching by age, sex, and health examination year and month, the healthy control group consisted of 97698 individuals.

RESULTS

Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the CKD-/DM+, CKD+/DM-, and CKD+/DM+ groups were independently associated with an increased incidence of CRC, compared with controls [hazard ratio (HR), 1.34, 1.31, and 1.63, respectively; all p<0.001]. Compared to the controls, adjusted HRs for the cumulative incidence of CRC in the CKD-/DM+, CKD+/DM-, and CKD+/DM+ groups were, respectively, 1.32, 1.26, and 1.43 in male and 1.38, 1.39, and 2.00 in female. The HR for CRC incidence was significantly higher for the CKD+/DM+ group than for the CKD-/DM+ or CKD+/DM- group in female; however, this significant difference was not observed in male.

CONCLUSION

In female, having both CKD and DM significantly increases the risk of CRC, compared with having CKD or DM alone. This study suggests a significant difference in the effect of CKD or DM on the risk of CRC according to sex.

Risk of cancer in patients with glaucoma: A nationwide population-based cohort study

To compare the risk of cancer development between patients with glaucoma and those without, we conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance Database. Individuals with diagnosis of glaucoma between 2007 and 2016 were identified, and controls were 1:1 matched based on age and sex. We calculated the incidence rates(IR) and hazard ratios(HR) before and after adjusting for age, gender, diabetes, smoking history, and body mass index. A total of 107,536 individuals with glaucoma and the same number of individuals without glaucoma were included. The IR of overall cancer were 12.23 and 11.62 per 1,000 individuals in the glaucoma and control groups, respectively. The HR of overall cancer was significantly higher in the glaucoma group before(HR: 1.053) and after adjusting for confounding factors(adjusted HR: 1.049) compared to that in the control group. The risk of overall cancer and specific cancers varied depending on gender and age groups, and the association was stronger in women and those under 65 years of age. Our study revealed that individuals with glaucoma showed higher risk of overall cancer and higher risk of specific cancers than those without glaucoma.

Changing pattern and safety of pretransplant malignancy in kidney transplant recipients

Background

Cancer rates are increasing not only in the general population but also in patients with end-stage renal disease. We investigated the changing pattern of pretransplant malignancy in kidney transplant recipients over 5 decades.

Methods

We reviewed 3,748 kidney transplant recipients between 1969 and 2016. We divided patients into three groups (1969-1998, 1999-2006, 2007-2016) based on the era of the cancer screening system used throughout the nation. We analyzed the incidence and pattern of pretransplant malignancy among the three groups. We also evaluated recurrent and de novo malignancy in these patients compared to patients without pretransplant malignancy.

Results

A total of 72 patients exhibited pretransplant malignancy (1.9%). There were no cases of pretransplant cancer until 1998, but the rate of pretransplant malignancy gradually increased to 1.1% during 1999-2006 and further increased to 4.3% thereafter. The most frequent types of pretransplant malignancy changed from the bladder, liver, and stomach cancers to thyroid cancer and renal cell carcinoma. There were no de novo cases, but there were three cases of recurrent cancer in patients with pretransplant malignancy; the recurrence rate among kidney transplant recipients with pretransplant malignancy was not significantly different from the incidence rate of de novo malignancy among kidney transplant recipients without pretransplant malignancy (4.2% vs. 6.9%, P = 0.48).

Conclusion

The incidence of pretransplant malignancy in kidney transplantation candidates is gradually increasing, and recent increases were accompanied by changes in cancer types. Pretransplant malignancy may not be a hindrance to kidney transplantation because of the low incidence of posttransplant recurrence and de novo malignancy.

Altered Risk for Cardiovascular Events With Changes in the Metabolic Syndrome Status: A Nationwide Population-Based Study of Approximately 10 Million Persons

BACKGROUND

Population-scale evidence for the association between dynamic changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) status and alterations in the risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether recovery from or development of MetS in a population is associated with an altered risk for MACE.

DESIGN

Nationwide cohort study.

SETTING

An analysis based on the National Health Insurance Database of Korea.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 27 161 051 persons who received national health screenings from 2009 to 2014 were screened. Those with a history of MACE were excluded. We determined the MetS status of 9 553 042 persons using the following harmonizing criteria: MetS-chronic (n = 1 486 485), MetS-developed (n = 587 088), MetS-recovery (n = 538 806), and MetS-free (n = 6 940 663).

MEASUREMENTS

The outcome was the occurrence of MACE, including acute myocardial infarction, revascularization, and acute ischemic stroke, identified from the claims database. The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated with adjustments for body mass index, comorbidity scores, previous metabolic variables, and other clinical or demographic variables.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 3.54 years, the MetS-recovery group (incidence rate, 4.55 per 1000 person-years) had a significantly lower MACE risk (adjusted IRR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.83 to 0.87]) than that of the MetS-chronic group (incidence rate, 8.52 per 1000 person-years). The MetS-developed group (incidence rate, 6.05 per 1000 person-years) had a significantly higher MACE risk (adjusted IRR, 1.36 [CI, 1.33 to 1.39]) than that of the MetS-free group (incidence rate, 1.92 per 1000 person-years). Among the MetS components, change in hypertension was associated with the largest difference in MACE risk.

LIMITATION

Limited assessment of mortality and short follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Recovery from MetS was significantly associated with decreased risk for MACE, whereas development of MetS was associated with increased risk.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

Korea Healthcare Technology R&D Project, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea.

Cancer patterns and association with mortality and renal outcomes in non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease: a matched cohort study

Background

Cancer in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an added burden to their overall morbidity and mortality. Cancer can be a cause or an effect of CKD. In CKD patients, a better understanding of cancer distribution and associations can aid in the proper planning of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and in the choice of chemotherapeutic agents, many of which are precluded in more advanced CKD. This study aims to investigate the distribution and the association of cancer with mortality, renal progression and RRT assignment in a non-dialysis dependent CKD cohort, few studies have investigated this in the past.

Methods

The study was carried out on 2952 patients registered in the Salford Kidney Study (SKS) between October 2002 and December 2016. A comparative analysis was performed between 339 patients with a history of cancer (previous and current) and 2613 patients without cancer at recruitment. A propensity score matched cohort of 337 patients was derived from each group and used for analysis. Cox-regression models and Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to compare the association of cancer with mortality and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) outcomes. Linear regression analysis was applied to generate the annual rate of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (delta eGFR).

Results

Of our cohort, 13.3% had a history of cancer at recruitment and the annual rate of de novo cancers in the non-cancer patients was 1.6%. Urogenital cancers including kidney and bladder, and prostate and testicle in males, ovary and uterus in females, were the most prevalent cancers (46%), as expected from the anatomical or physiological roles of these organs and relationship to nephrology. Over a median follow-up of 48 months, 1084 (36.7%) of patients died. All-cause mortality was higher in the previous and current cancer group (49.6% vs 35%, p < 0.001), primarily because of cancer-specific mortality. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed a strong association of cancer with all-cause mortality (HR:1.41; 95%CI: 1.12–1.78; p = 0.004). There was no difference between the groups regarding reaching end-stage renal disease (26% in both groups) or the rate of decline in eGFR (− 0.97 for cancer vs − 0.93 mL/min/year for non-cancer, p = 0.93). RRT uptake was similar between the groups (17.2% vs 19.3%, p = 0.49).

Conclusions

Cancer status proved to be an added burden and an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality but not for renal progression. CKD patients with a previous or current history of cancer should be assessed on a case by case basis in planning for renal replacement therapy options, and the presence of cancer should not be a limitation for RRT provision including transplantation.

Association of CKD with Incident Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The incidence and risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in people with predialysis CKD has rarely been studied, although CKD prevalence is increasing in certain countries where Mycobacterium tuberculosis is endemic. We aimed to investigate the association between predialysis CKD and active Mycobacterium tuberculosis risks in a nation with moderate Mycobacterium tuberculosis risk.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

In this nationwide retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the National Health Insurance Database of Korea, screening 17,020,339 people who received a national health screening two or more times from 2012 to 2016. Predialysis CKD was identified with consecutive laboratory results indicative of CKD (e.g., persistent eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m² or dipstick albuminuria). People with preexisting active Mycobacterium tuberculosis or kidney replacement therapy were excluded. A 1:1 matched control group without CKD was included with matching for age, sex, low-income status, and smoking history. The risk of incident active Mycobacterium tuberculosis, identified in the claims database, was assessed by the multivariable Cox regression model, which included both matched and unmatched variables (e.g., body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, places of residence, and other comorbidities).

RESULTS

We included 408,873 people with predialysis CKD and the same number of controls. We identified 1704 patients with active Mycobacterium tuberculosis (incidence rate =137.5/100,000 person-years) in the predialysis CKD group and 1518 patients with active Mycobacterium tuberculosis (incidence rate =121.9/100,000 person-years) in the matched controls. The active Mycobacterium tuberculosis risk was significantly higher in the predialysis CKD group (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.13 to 1.30). The risk factors for active Mycobacterium tuberculosis among the predialysis CKD group were old age, men, current smoking, low income, underlying diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes CKD stage 1 (eGFR≥90 ml/min per 1.73 m² with persistent albuminuria) or stage 4/5 without dialysis (eGFR<30 ml/min per 1.73 m²).

CONCLUSIONS

In the Korean population, the incidence of active Mycobacterium tuberculosis was higher in people with versus without predialysis CKD.