Value of dedicated program for quantitative evaluation of GFR using Tc99m DTPA in qualitative renal assessment for cancer patients prior to nephrotoxic chemotherapy

Objectives The aim of the current study is to assess the value of a 10 min. dedicated program for measurement of global and split GFR for cancer patients referred for GFR assessment prior to chemotherapy and whether it satisfies the need for qualitative renal assessment in addition to quantitative data or a full study may be required for further renal evaluation.

Methods Retrospective analysis of data of renal scanning using 10 min. protocol for assessment of global GFR was done for the last 2years .183 patients with different types of cancer going to receive cispltatinum based chemotherapy were included. The studies were evaluated for the value of the study in qualitative renal assessment and whether a full study is needed for further renal evaluation.

Results The need for full study was reported only in 13 (7.1%) patients out of the whole group. 2 have significantly smaller one kidney with stasis , one patient has horseshoe kidney, 4 patients have hydronephrtic kidney with central photopenia and 6 patients have persistent tracer stasis.. Despite measurement of GFR for the whole group,a need to do full study for further qualitative renal assessment was reported in those 13 patients. The results of the remaining 170 (92.9%) patients were satisfactory and the oncologist was satisfied by quantitative data and qualitative data wew adequate.

Conclusions dedicated 10 min program for measurement of GFR in cancer patients candidates for nephrotoxic chemotherapy is useful in all patients quantitatively and qualitatively in around 93% of patients. The remaining 7 % patients are recommended to perform full 30 min study with lasix for better qualitative renal assessment.