Cisplatin and AKI: an ongoing battle with new perspectives-a narrative review

Int Urol Nephrol. 2023 May;55(5):1205-1209. doi: 10.1007/s11255-022-03418-8. Epub 2022 Dec 12.

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a growing global health problem with increased mortality and morbidity. Cisplatin is achemotherapy drug first introduced in 1978, and since then, it became one of the most widely used and successful anti-cancer medication. However, there are risks associated with cisplatin administration, such as nephrotoxicity. Mechanisms of nephrotoxicity include proximal tubular injury, DNA damage, apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular injury. Although various protocols are being used in clinical practice in nephrotoxicity prevention due to cisplatin, there are no clear guidelines regarding this approach. Most recommendations include hydration and avoiding additional nephrotoxic drugs. To prevent nephrotoxicity, future perspectives could rely on natural products, such as flavonoids or saponins or pharmacological products, such as aprepitant, but data are scarce in this direction. Repetitive administration of cisplatin could cause subclinical kidney injury, which over time, leads to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, more studies are needed to determine possible ways to prevent nephrotoxicity and avoid the burden of CKD worldwide.

Keywords: AKI and cisplatin; CKD and cisplatin; Cisplatin nephrotoxicity; Cisplatin-related AKI.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury* / chemically induced
  • Acute Kidney Injury* / drug therapy
  • Acute Kidney Injury* / prevention & control
  • Apoptosis
  • Cisplatin / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Kidney
  • Neoplasms*
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Cisplatin