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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + chronic kidney disease

The kidneys clear many medicines, so in chronic kidney disease the choice of medicines and doses is adjusted.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Kidneys filter the blood
Figure 1.Kidneys filter the blood.

01Short answer

Kidney function is measured with blood tests (creatinine, eGFR). Some leukaemia medicines, antibiotics, contrast dyes and some painkillers add load to the kidneys. Early in treatment, rapid breakdown of cells can also affect the kidneys, so tests are frequent.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your kidney doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

eGFR: an estimate of kidney filtering; doses may be calculated from it.

Tumour lysis: rapid cell breakdown loads the kidneys; the team works to prevent it.

04What happens in the body?

Chronic kidney disease and leukaemia

People with chronic kidney disease can receive leukaemia treatment; the plan is simply adjusted.

What may change

Treatment and chronic kidney disease can affect each other, so check-ups may be more frequent.

A kidney blood test
Figure 2.A kidney blood test.

Two teams together

When your haematologist and kidney doctor share information, treatment is safer.

A glass of water
Figure 3.A glass of water — Leukemia + chronic kidney disease

05Treatment with chronic kidney disease

Four steps.

Tell — Both doctors.1TellBoth doctors.
List — Medicines.2ListMedicines.
Checks — As planned.3ChecksAs planned.
Symptoms — Report early.4SymptomsReport early.

06What to watch for

SignWhat it may beWhat to do
Less urineKidney strainCall your team
Swollen legsFluid build-upTell your team
Vomiting, diarrhoeaDehydrationTell your team

07Key terms

Creatinine
A blood test reflecting kidney function.
eGFR
Kidney filtering rate.
Haematologist
Doctor for blood diseases.
Medicine list
All medicines and supplements.

08Key points

  • Inform both doctors.
  • Keep your medicine list updated.
  • Do not stop your own medicines yourself.
  • Ask before any new medicine.
  • For food, see the general rules (“Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”).
  • Keep your check-ups.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I take a painkiller?

Some harm the kidneys; ask first.

Is leukaemia treatment possible?

Often yes; the plan may be adjusted.

Should I keep my own medicines?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I take a painkiller?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Chronic Kidney Disease
  2. NIDDK (NIH). Kidney Disease
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  4. NHS. Acute kidney injury
  5. MedlinePlus. Therapeutic drug levels
  6. Canadian Cancer Society. Liver problems
  7. MedlinePlus. Bilirubin Blood Test
  8. MedlinePlus. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) blood test
  9. Canadian Cancer Society. Heart problems
  10. MedlinePlus. Electrocardiogram
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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