RENAL INJURIES IN CANCER PATIENTS ARE VERY COMMON AND TREATABLE

Three to four decades ago when someone was diagnosed with cancer, it was very common to hear that much treatment cannot be offered if the malignancy leads to any sort of renal injury. However, currently with much understanding about the pattern of renal injury in patients with malignancy, it can be prevented / treated or renal replacement therapy of any modality like hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis can be offered says Dr. Mahesh Kota, MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DNB - Nephrology, Consultant Nephrologist / Renal Specialist, Star Hospitals, Hyderabad

Currently it is very common to see renal injury in patients with any malignancy, secondary to volume depletion, chemotherapy or malignancy itself. These patients can be treated by giving adequate IV fluids, temporary withholding of chemotherapy etc. If the renal injury persists, renal biopsy can be done to diagnose the cause of renal dysfunction and appropriate treatment can be offered.

In case of unhealed malignancy or complete renal shutdown, permanent hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or renal replacement therapy can be offered. Hence, cancer patients with renal injuries should not believe the myths and be hopeful. However, all the above things mentioned need to be well understood by patient, patient relatives, treating Oncologist before any intervention planned by the Nephrologist.