New Study Finds Higher Cancer Risk in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects millions of people worldwide and is associated with a higher risk of various health complications. A recent study, reported in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, found that patients with CKD face an increased risk of cancer, particularly urologic cancers and multiple myeloma. The study also showed that cancer-related mortality was significantly higher among patients with CKD, particularly those with mild to moderate disease and kidney transplant recipients.

Study Design and Results

The study included over 5.8 million individuals from Ontario, Canada, with data on serum creatinine levels, kidney replacement therapy, and cancer diagnoses. Patients were categorized based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and kidney disease severity. During a median follow-up of 5.33 years, there were 325,895 cancer diagnoses and 72,143 cancer-related deaths.

Compared to patients with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, cancer risk was increased in patients with CKD G3a to G5 and kidney transplant recipients, but not in patients with advanced kidney disease. Kidney and bladder cancers and multiple myeloma were more frequent in patients with kidney disease, and cancer-related mortality was significantly higher in patients with mild to moderate CKD and kidney transplant recipients.

Limitations and Conclusion

The study has several limitations, including the possibility of residual confounding and the inability to generalize the findings to other jurisdictions. However, the study highlights the need for improved cancer treatment strategies in patients with CKD, particularly for urologic cancers and multiple myeloma.

In conclusion, the study provides important insights into the relationship between kidney disease and cancer risk, and underscores the importance of regular cancer screening and management in patients with CKD.

Related Articles

Creatinine and eGFR; What Are They and Why Are They Important?

What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

References

Cancer Risk and Mortality in Patients With Kidney Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study

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‍About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.