Introduction Systemic amyloidoses encompass a group of diseases characterized by deposition of abnormal, insoluble, misfolded, β-pleated protein fibrils in different organs. Amyloid protein positively stains with Congo red and demonstrates apple-green birefringence under polarized light. The deposition of the β-pleated…
Introduction Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a common presentation of multiple myeloma (MM). Depending on the definition of AKI used, between 18% and 56% of patients with MM are affected. It is not infrequent that myeloma is first identified during…
Introduction This section of the book focuses on paraprotein-related kidney disorders. In this chapter, we describe a general overview of paraproteins and their adverse effects on the kidneys with emphasis on proximal tubule disorders. In the following chapters, detailed discussions…
Introduction Volume disorders are common in patients with cancer, given the vast array of organ dysfunction that occurs in these patients, as well as the frequent toxicities associated with many of the chemotherapeutics and biologics used for treatment. In healthy…
Introduction Disturbances in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis are commonly encountered when caring for cancer patients. These may result from the malignancy itself or as a complication of the treatment process. A thorough understanding of the pathophysiologic processes, whereby the tumor…
Introduction Potassium abnormalities, both hypo- and hyperkalemia, can occur with significant consequences in patients with malignancies. In addition to typical causes of disturbances in potassium homeostasis, there are unique etiologies within this special cohort including anticancer agent-induced disturbances on potassium…
Hyponatremia Hyponatremia and cancer relationship Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality observed in cancer patients. In a retrospective cohort study from a comprehensive cancer center, hyponatremia (serum Na + < 137 mEq/L) was noted in 47% of hospitalized cancer…
Introduction Kidney function in oncologic patients is an important parameter for several reasons. In some specific cases, like urologic cancers, the tumor itself can cause acute or chronic kidney dysfunction. However, the renal function parameter is more frequently followed in…