Cisplatin is a commonly used chemotherapy drug in the treatment of various types of cancer, including lung, ovarian, and testicular cancer. However, one of the major side effects of cisplatin is nephrotoxicity, which can lead to kidney damage and dysfunction. Identifying patients who are at a higher risk of developing cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is crucial in order to provide timely interventions and prevent further complications.
A recent study conducted in China aimed to develop and validate a prediction model for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) method. The study, published in BMC Nephrology, utilized a case-control design to identify potential risk factors associated with cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.
The researchers collected data from 150 cancer patients who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy and developed nephrotoxicity, as well as 150 cancer patients who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy but did not develop nephrotoxicity. Various clinical and demographic variables were included in the analysis, such as age, gender, baseline kidney function, cumulative dose of cisplatin, and concomitant use of other nephrotoxic medications.
Using the LASSO method, the researchers were able to identify a set of variables that were most strongly associated with the development of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. These variables were then used to develop a prediction model that could accurately predict the risk of nephrotoxicity in individual patients.
The results of the study showed that the LASSO prediction model had good discriminatory power and calibration, indicating its potential utility in clinical practice. By identifying patients who are at a higher risk of developing cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, healthcare providers can implement preventive measures such as hydration therapy or dose adjustments to minimize the risk of kidney damage.
Overall, this study highlights the importance of developing predictive models for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in order to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of kidney-related complications. Further research is needed to validate the findings of this study in larger patient populations and to explore additional risk factors that may contribute to the development of nephrotoxicity in cancer patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy.