Nephrotoxicity of Anti-Angiogenic Therapies

Abstract

The use of inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling for the treatment of cancer has increased over the last decade. This signaling pathway plays a fundamental role in angiogenesis and also in kidney physiology. The emergence of anti-angiogenic therapies has led to adverse nephrotoxic effects, despite improving the outcomes of patients. In this review, we will present the different anti-angiogenic therapies targeting the VEGFR pathway in association with the incidence of renal manifestations during their use. In addition, we will discuss, in detail, the pathophysiological mechanisms of frequent renal diseases such as hypertension, proteinuria, renal dysfunction, and electrolyte disorders. Finally, we will outline the cellular damage described following these therapies.

Keywords: VEGF signaling; kidney; toxicity.

Figure 1

Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) signaling. Numerous strategies exist to inhibit VEGF/VEGFR signaling. VEGF can be blocked by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (bevacizumab) or by fusion proteins (aflibercept). Its receptor, VEGFR, can be targeted by fully humanized monoclonal antibodies (ramucirumab). The receptor can also be targeted for its intracellular tyrosine kinase activity (tyrosine kinase inhibitors, TKIs). Finally, one strategy consists of inhibiting the downstream signaling pathways of VEGFR by targeting either the Raf (Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK (Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase) pathway with B-Raf inhibitors (dabrafenib, vemurafenib), or the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) pathway (dasatinib, ponatinib) or the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway (everolimus, temsirolimus, ridaforolimus).

Figure 2

Adverse effects of anti-angiogenic therapy (TKI or anti-VEGF) on glomerular cells and vessels. CFH: Complement Factor H; CMIP: C-Maf-inducing protein; ET-1: endothelin-1; FSGS: focal segmental glomerulosclerosis; MCNS: minimal change nephropathy; NO: nitric oxide; TMA: thrombotic microangiopathy; TKI: tyrosine kinase inhibitors; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor.