Comparison of measured glomerular filtration rates with isotope infusion and with the modification of diet in renal disease equation in cancer patients with raised serum creatinine

To compare the measured glomerular filtration rate (rGFR) using [99mTc] diethylene triamine pentacetic acid (DTPA) clearance or estimated GFR (eGFR) by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation in cancer patients with raised serum creatinine level, we studied 100 cancer patients ; 50 patients with normal serum creatinine (control group) and 50 patients with abnormal serum creatinine (study group). History of patients, including site of cancer, chemotherapy regime and dose of chemotherapy, was recorded. The rGFR and eGFR were increased in the study group as compared with the control group, but the GFR recorded by the MDRD formula or DTPA revealed similar values. It is therefore concluded that the MDRD equation may be recommended for eGFR estimation even with abnormal creatinine, without the need for exposure to radiation.