Imatinib treatment duration is related to decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate in chronic myeloid leukemia patients.

BACKGROUND

We analyzed the incidence of acute kidney injury and chronic renal failure in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients using imatinib and investigated whether there is a relation between duration of imatinib therapy and decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

One hundred five CML patients on imatinib therapy were enrolled. Creatinine, urea, uric acid, and potassium measurements from imatinib treatment onset until the end of follow-up (median 4.5 years) were included in the analysis. GFR was estimated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 7% of patients developed acute kidney injury; creatinine levels returned to baseline in only one of them. According to the regression equation, the mean baseline value of the estimated GFR was 88.9 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Estimated GFR decreased significantly with imatinib treatment duration; the mean decrease per year was 2.77 ml/min/1.73 m(2) (P < 0.001); 12% of patients developed chronic renal failure. Age, hypertension, and a history of chronic renal failure or interferon usage were not significantly related to the mean decrease in the estimated GFR over time.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of imatinib therapy in nonclinical trial CML patients is associated with potentially irreversible acute renal injury, and the long-term treatment may cause a clinically relevant decrease in the estimated GFR.