CRUK Cambridge Centre scientists have developed a new statistical model which estimates kidney function in patients with cancer. The filtration function of the kidneys is measured by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, lead authors Tobias Janowitz and Edward Williams (Department of Oncology and CRUK Cambridge Institute) describe a new and better way to estimate the GFR, which has been developed using data from a large dataset of over 2,500 patients. They used accurate measurements of GFR to provide a gold standard and then statistical modelling methods to find the best mathematical model to estimate GFR. The new model also provides a measure of the uncertainty for this estimate.

“Almost every patient with cancer gets a measurement of their kidney function, reported as estimated GFR, and this value influences many treatment decisions, but until now, we did not know the best way to provide this value for patients with cancer,” says Tobias Janowitz, joint first author. “Given how important this measure is in day-to-day clinical practice, we felt that we should provide an evidence-based model for its calculation in this context.”

This is the most accurate model for estimating GRF yet developed and should help cancer specialists treat their patients more safely and improve the accuracy of chemotherapy dosing. The tool is freely accessible here. Read more…