What has the kidney biopsy experience been like for people with leukemia or CML?
Kidney health is something that often comes up for people managing leukemia, including CML. While a kidney biopsy specifically isn't widely discussed in leukemia literature, kidney monitoring and complications are very relevant topics.
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What has the kidney biopsy experience been like for people with leukemia or CML?
Kidney health is something that often comes up for people managing leukemia, including CML. While a kidney biopsy specifically isn't widely discussed in leukemia literature, kidney monitoring and complications are very relevant topics.
Here's why kidneys can be affected with leukemia or CML:
- Leukemia can increase the kidneys' workload by overproducing abnormal cells that need filtering
- CML treatments like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) can affect kidney function in some people
- During treatment, rapidly destroyed cancer cells flood the bloodstream and can overload the kidneys — this is called tumor lysis syndrome
- Kidney issues can sometimes develop years after treatment, especially following bone marrow transplants One MyLeukemiaTeam member with CLL shared that their kidney function declined during treatment, noting their creatinine levels rose significantly over several months. Another member advised, "Make sure your oncologist is watching this."
If a kidney biopsy has been recommended, it's worth making sure your oncologist and nephrologist are communicating closely. Having all your specialists on the same page is really important when managing leukemia alongside kidney concerns.
August 25
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