Cancer treatments, while becoming more targeted and effective, can sometimes affect the kidneys, leading to conditions like acute kidney injury (AKI), high blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances, which can affect outcomes.
At MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, our goal is to prevent, monitor, and treat kidney disease in cancer patients throughout their treatment and through their survivorship.
Our onconephrologists are important members of our cancer care team. They work closely with our oncologists and other cancer experts to create safe and effective personalized treatment plans for each patient.
What services are available through the Onconephrology Program?
- Care for cancer patients with existing kidney disease: Our team manages conditions such as chronic kidney disease, hypertension, kidney stones, and electrolyte imbalances (such as sodium and potassium) working in close collaboration and communication with each patient's oncology providers.
- Monitoring for renal complications from cancer therapy: Many chemotherapy and immunotherapy agents carry a risk of kidney-related complications. These include hypertension, kidney damage, sodium and potassium derangements, swelling, and protein in the urine. Our onconephrologists closely monitor patients for signs of kidney damage throughout their treatment and work with oncologists to manage any issues that arise.
- Diagnostic studies to better assess kidney function: The appropriate dosing of chemotherapy and immunotherapy agents requires a thorough understanding of kidney function. In certain patients, routine testing of kidney function might not provide the most accurate assessment. Our onconephrologists can help the oncology team with a better assessment of kidney function, ensuring safe and effective cancer treatment
- Management of long-term complications of cancer treatment in cancer survivors: Some patients can develop complications of cancer treatment that continue after treatment is complete, including low magnesium levels, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Patients who have long-term complications require ongoing monitoring and management to ensure that the effects are minimized and progression of any kidney disease is slowed.
At MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, we prioritize close collaboration between our onconephrology and oncology experts to provide personalized, comprehensive care and to optimize kidney health throughout each patient’s cancer journey
Contact Us
To learn more about the Onconephrology Program at MD Anderson at Cooper or to schedule an appointment, please call 855.MDA.COOPER (855.632.2667).