Managing Cancer Treatment in Patients with Renal Dysfunction: The Role of Chemotherapy

Abstract

Malignancy is characterized by damage to several vital organs, and utilizing chemotherapy as a treatment option can have toxic effects on healthy body tissues. Kidney function is commonly compromised by cancer and chemotherapy. These effects can be pre-renal, intrarenal, or postrenal. Tumor lysis syndrome and electrolyte disturbances are also common in this group of patients. Etiologies of this dysfunction are poorly understood; therefore, careful monitoring and management of renal function are required in such cases. This narrative review aimed to highlight some of the common renal abnormalities among patients receiving cancer and chemotherapy.

Keywords: Malignancy; cancer; chemotherapy; dysfunction; kidney; tumor.