Blood Res 2017; 52(3):
Published online September 25, 2017
https://doi.org/10.5045/br.2017.52.3.218
© The Korean Society of Hematology
1Hematology Unit, Department of Medical Specialties S. Eugenio Hospital (ASL Roma 2), Rome, Italy.
2Nephrology Unit, Department of Medical Specialties S. Eugenio Hospital (ASL Roma 2), Rome, Italy.
Correspondence to : Pasquale Niscola. Hematology Unit, S. Eugenio Hospital, Rome 00144, Italy. pniscola@gmail.com
The coexistence of HM and renal disorders interrupt the optimal antineoplastic treatments because the pharmacological behavior of administered drugs and their active compounds may be influenced by the renal function. In order to unintended toxic effects due to an altered metabolism or a compromised renal excretion, it is important that physician fully understand the characteristics of drugs. Although our knowledge on this issue has improved in recent years, the management of patients with HM accompanying RI is challenging due to the lack of organizational structures and collaborative models between nephrologists and hematologists. Additionally, patients with RI are commonly excluded from preclinical development or phase I trials [8] because they are considered to be at high risk of complications. Therefore, a comprehensive team approach such as ‘hematonephrology’ or ‘nephrohematology’ is required to appropriately manage these vulnerable patients [9].
Would now be the time to think about reorganizing the hospital wards and providing integrated services for patients with HM by clinical teams composed of hematologists and nephrologists? In our opinion, this question should be addressed by operational trials involving nephrologists and hematologists working in the same team developed for patients with HM. In this comprehensive team, patients with HM could receive more specialized and constant nephrologic management throughout the course of the disease. Prospective studies could demonstrate the evidence for the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of early referral strategies for the management of these patients with or without evident markers of renal disease. This would optimize the treatment and prevent the progression of RI to more advanced stages through the use of chemotherapeutic agents and/or other antineoplastic agents, which may potentially induce further kidney damage and aggravate an already compromised renal function.
In conclusion, we recommend the development of new departments and clinics where hematologists and nephrologists could manage HM patients together. Thus, we advocate the development of a new and modern medical specialization such as hematonephrology, to improve our knowledge and outcomes of patients with HM and RI.
Blood Res 2017; 52(3): 218-219
Published online September 25, 2017 https://doi.org/10.5045/br.2017.52.3.218
Copyright © The Korean Society of Hematology.
Pasquale Niscola1*, Tommaso Caravita1, Paola Tatangelo2, Agostina Siniscalchi1, Paolo de Fabritiis1, and Roberto Palumbo2
1Hematology Unit, Department of Medical Specialties S. Eugenio Hospital (ASL Roma 2), Rome, Italy.
2Nephrology Unit, Department of Medical Specialties S. Eugenio Hospital (ASL Roma 2), Rome, Italy.
Correspondence to:Pasquale Niscola. Hematology Unit, S. Eugenio Hospital, Rome 00144, Italy. pniscola@gmail.com
The coexistence of HM and renal disorders interrupt the optimal antineoplastic treatments because the pharmacological behavior of administered drugs and their active compounds may be influenced by the renal function. In order to unintended toxic effects due to an altered metabolism or a compromised renal excretion, it is important that physician fully understand the characteristics of drugs. Although our knowledge on this issue has improved in recent years, the management of patients with HM accompanying RI is challenging due to the lack of organizational structures and collaborative models between nephrologists and hematologists. Additionally, patients with RI are commonly excluded from preclinical development or phase I trials [8] because they are considered to be at high risk of complications. Therefore, a comprehensive team approach such as ‘hematonephrology’ or ‘nephrohematology’ is required to appropriately manage these vulnerable patients [9].
Would now be the time to think about reorganizing the hospital wards and providing integrated services for patients with HM by clinical teams composed of hematologists and nephrologists? In our opinion, this question should be addressed by operational trials involving nephrologists and hematologists working in the same team developed for patients with HM. In this comprehensive team, patients with HM could receive more specialized and constant nephrologic management throughout the course of the disease. Prospective studies could demonstrate the evidence for the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of early referral strategies for the management of these patients with or without evident markers of renal disease. This would optimize the treatment and prevent the progression of RI to more advanced stages through the use of chemotherapeutic agents and/or other antineoplastic agents, which may potentially induce further kidney damage and aggravate an already compromised renal function.
In conclusion, we recommend the development of new departments and clinics where hematologists and nephrologists could manage HM patients together. Thus, we advocate the development of a new and modern medical specialization such as hematonephrology, to improve our knowledge and outcomes of patients with HM and RI.