11 replies to this topic

[Susan61]

Hi:  I have somebody who's daughter has been on Gleevec for a little over a year, and her kidney functions are bottoming out.  Her Oncologist does not seem concerned.  Her EFGR is down to 40 right now.

       I have had kidney issues from way back before my Gleevec, and I still run low on my EFGR rate.  Its holding for me, and I do not think its the Gleevec for me.

      Being on Gleevec for 10 years, I think my problem is related to something else.  I was diagnosed as Stage 2 kidney disease for a few years nw with a EFGR of 51, but with normal bun and creatnine.  Her daughter has been on the 400mg. since day 1

      All I can remember is being told that Gleevec does not interfere with our organs in our body.  My liver functions etc. are always normal.

     I told her I would check to see if anyone has had this problem.

     Guess I am looking for Trey's input on this.

Susan

[Trey]

Gleevec and all TKI drugs can very rarely cause kidney problems.  This is usually reversible after a Gleevec break, so should not be permanent damage.  It can go along with excreting high levels of potassium and phosphates, which should be checked.  Maybe potassium and phosphate supplements could help, if low.

Is she a child or adult?  If child, reduced dosage might be a good idea.  Children are sometimes treated like adults for dosage purposes, but that is not always a good idea.

http://ndtplus.oxfor...ent/2/1/27.full

[Susan61]

Thanks Trey:  She is a young girl in her 30's, and I have never spoken to her.  Her mother found me over a year ago, and we became friends.  She confides in me and asks me lots of questions.  This I could not answer without  checking with somone more knowledgeable like you.

I will tell her what you said.  They have been so upset all weekend.  I told her to get on our discussion board.  Maybe she will.

Susan

[Sneezy12]

Diuretics, such as Dyazide, etc. can cause an increase in serum Creatinine. This is almost always reversible with discontinuation of the diuretic. Frank

[TomL]

As a matter of curiosity and my own purposes, was this "child"'s father a Vietnam veteran? 

[Pin]

Hi Trey,

I have finally been able to have a look at my blood results, and what I have found is that my kidney function (est of GFR) has been low-ish since I started treatment 2 months ago (83, 82, 82, 82, 73: ref >90).

I also have a few other things that point to reduced kidney function (high magnesium, low urate, low bircarbonate, and then moderately high creatinine, moderately low calcium and phosphate).

My doctor hasn't told me about this, I assume because they aren't worried. But I am.

What should I be asking for when I next see my doctor? You recommended a drug break, which scares me a bit. Could I be on too high a dose for me? I am on 400mg Gleevec. My liver is fine, I think (LDH = 200, 183, 166, 182; ref 125-240).

Can the kidneys restore function on their own  - or is it normally necessary to take a break for something like this? I know that this is very uncommon, so any knowledge that you (or anyone else!) have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Pin.

[Trey]

Woody,

Most docs would not worry at that level.  Below 60% would start to be a more significant concern.  Often these things sort themselves out over time.  But you should keep an eye on it.

http://www.kidneysco...kidneyscore.php

[Pin]

Thanks for this Trey, I guess I was also worried as my urinalysis also showed trace red blood cells. thanks again (also, Woody?)

[GerryL]

"The Adventures of Pinocchio" Quote

"Lampwick: [to Pinocchio] Hey, Woody, you ever get termites?
Pinocchio: What are termites?
Saleo: They're bugs.
Pinocchio: I like bugs.
Lampwick: Not these kind, you don't.
Saleo: They eat wood like you.

[Trey]

You did say that "Pin" is short for Pinocchio, didn't you?

http://www.fpx.de/fp.../Pinocchio.html

Anyway, trace levels of RBCs in the urine are not unusual.

Thanks, Gerry.

[GerryL]

"Pepe: [to Pinocchio] Say, do you always squish someone before being formally introduced?
Pinocchio: Are... Are you a termite?
Pepe: Oh, puh-lease!
Pinocchio: So you're not gonna eat me?
Pepe: Thanks for the offer, but I'm on a low-wood diet. Let me introduce myself. The name is... Pugnacio Elecuzio P. Elegante. Gimme a "P", an "E", a "P", an "E", put 'em all together and call me... Pepe!
Pinocchio: Pepe?
Pepe: You don't like it?
Pinocchio: It's okay.
Pepe: I'm very sensitive, you know.
Pinocchio: No, it's... it's fine.
Pepe: We can't all be called Pinocchio."

[Pin]

Oh, ohhhhhhh! I get it

Boy am I slow these days - I did say that! It's my cat's name. Sometimes I can't even remember what day it is...also thanks to Gerry (glad you are on the ball!!).

The origins of Pinichio: http://www.youtube.c...h?v=7ejCY7EGqZo

He is currently enjoying sitting in front of a heater...

Also, Trey I saw my doctor today and she said not to worry (just like you said...) interestingly enough, my kidney function estimate was low 2.5 years ago as well (before CML and Gleevec) so go figure? Guess the estimate is sometimes off (or I don't drink enough water on test days??).

Anyway, thanks for the info, it was much appreciated. I didn't sleep well last night, I'm a bit of a worrier so I'm looking forward to not stressing so much if and when all this settles (fingers crossed). Also I had my first PCR test today, so will be interested to see what they find...