Hepatotoxicity of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors: clinical practice and evidence

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the growth of tumor cells, and in their invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Kinase inhibitors (which are taken orally, work intracellularly, and can inhibit one or more kinases) constitute a rapidly growing and important part of the oncology armamentarium. Although these treatments have dramatically changed the natural course of many cancers, they may result in hepatic complications, which can be manifested during the course of therapy. More effort must be devoted to manipulating the dose and schedule of kinase inhibitor therapy to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity. When these agents are used, judicious management of adverse effects should be carried out in the early phases of treatment. This article focuses on the hepatocellular toxic effects that may be associated with these new targeted cancer therapies and provides a broad overview of this emerging field. © 2017, Springer International Publishing AG Switzerland.