Onco-nephrology: A decalogue

Abstract

Onco-nephrology is an evolving subspecialty that focuses on the complex relationships existing between kidney and cancer. In this opinion piece, we propose a 'decalogue of onco-nephrology', in order to highlight the areas where the nephrologist and oncologist should work closely over the ensuing years to provide cutting-edge care for patients afflicted with cancer and kidney disease. The 10 points we have highlighted include (1) acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease in cancer patients; (2) nephrotoxic effects of anticancer therapy, either traditional chemotherapeutics or novel molecularly targeted agents; (3) paraneoplastic renal manifestations; (4) management of patients nephrectomized for a kidney cancer; (5) renal replacement therapy and active oncological treatments; (6) kidney transplantation in cancer survivors and cancer risk in ESRD patients; (7) oncological treatment in kidney transplant patients; (8) pain management in patients with cancer and kidney disease, (9) development of integrated guidelines for onco-nephrology patients and (10) clinical trials designed specifically for onco-nephrology. Following these points, a multidisciplinary onco-nephrology team will be key to providing outstanding, cutting-edge care in both the acute and chronic setting to these patients.