Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are nowadays widely used in clinical oncology treatment, and significantly improve the prognosis of cancer patients. However, overactivation of T cells and related signaling pathways caused by ICIs can also induce immune-related adverse effects (irAEs). Renal immune side-effects are relatively rare, but some are serious and fatal. Acute kidney injury (AKI), diagnosed mainly by percentage increases in serum creatinine (sCr), is the most common clinical manifestation, while acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN) is the main cause of ICI-related AKI. Urinalysis analysis and sediment evaluation, 24 hour urine protein and sCr are helpful in screening and monitoring renal irAEs. Multiple potential causes for AKI are involved during cancer therapy, and should be differentiated from the immune mechanisms of ICIs. Under these circumstances, a renal biopsy should be considered which is essential for clinical decision-making. Steroids are an effective treatment option for renal irAEs. Most patients who experience ICI-related ATIN achieve a partial or complete renal recovery with prompt diagnosis and treatment. Multidisciplinary collaborations of different specialists will improve the effectiveness and outcome in the management of ICI irAEs.
Keywords: Acute kidney injury; acute tubulointerstitial nephritis; immune checkpoint inhibitors; immune-related adverse events.
© 2020 The Authors. Thoracic Cancer published by China Lung Oncology Group and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.