BelSU Scientists Unlock a Way to Block Chemotherapy’s Toxic Side Effects

Scientists at the Research Institute of Pharmacology of Living Systems at Belgorod National Research University have developed a promising method to prevent acute kidney injury caused by cisplatin, one of the most effective chemotherapy drugs available. The breakthrough could help patients who are currently forced to abandon treatment due to kidney damage.

Cisplatin works by blocking DNA synthesis in cancer cells, but up to a third of patients experience nephropathy – kidney tissue damage that can lead to acute renal failure.

Alexander Netrebenko, Assistant Professor in the BelSU Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology and a practicing oncologist, explains the dilemma: the hormone erythropoietin has a powerful protective effect on tissues, but its classical form stimulates red blood cell production, dramatically increasing thrombosis risk in cancer patients.

The BelSU team was the first to rigorously test a hypothesis that had long remained theoretical. They demonstrated that pHBSP, an 11-membered peptide fragment of the larger erythropoietin molecule, protects kidneys without interfering with blood cell production or increasing blood viscosity.

In experiments on laboratory animals, rats received cisplatin for two weeks, closely simulating clinical conditions. Some were pre-treated with pHBSP at an ultra-low dose of 25 μg/kg, administered 30 minutes before cisplatin injections. The results were striking. In unprotected animals, microcirculation in the renal cortex dropped nearly by half. In animals receiving pHBSP, blood flow remained significantly more intact.

“Imagine the kidney as a large filter, and the nephron as its individual cells. Cisplatin destroys these microscopic cells, the lumen closes, and the blood stops being purified. Our method allows us to preserve more working cells. Blood passes effectively through the filter, and toxicity does not occur,” Netrebenko explains.

The study was conducted under the supervision of Professor Mikhail Pokrovsky, Director of the Research Institute of Pharmacology of Living Systems. The team notes that pHBSP shows promise beyond kidney protection – laboratories are already studying its potential to accelerate nerve regeneration, prevent preeclampsia, and mitigate ischemic intestinal damage.

“Many patients prescribed platinum-containing chemotherapy already have kidney problems due to hypertension, diabetes, and chronic toxicity. Today, doctors are forced to prescribe alternative medications, which may be less effective. Our study shows that in the future, these patients may not have to abandon cancer treatment due to impaired kidney function,” Netrebenko emphasizes.

While extensive clinical testing remains before the peptide enters practice, the oncologist is optimistic: "I believe that in the future, we will be able to administer powerful cisplatin therapy even to patients with significant renal impairment, without the risk of acute renal failure. We must do everything possible to give people a chance to be cured of cancer."

The method is protected by a Russian patent.