Pseudo-AKI associated with targeted anti-cancer agents—the truth is in the eye of the filtration marker

Abstract

Besides true acute kidney injury (AKI), the occurrence of pseudo-AKI has been associated with several targeted agents. To improve the management of cancer patients treated with targeted agents, we need to be aware of this and use diagnostic approaches to differentiate between pseudo-AKI and AKI. In an article by Wijtvliet et al. in this issue of CKJ, tepotinib is added to the list of targeted agents associated with pseudo-AKI. In this editorial we discuss the current literature regarding pseudo-AKI and true AKI associated with targeted agents, and subsequently propose a management strategy to monitor kidney function in patients treated with targeted agents.