On behalf of the Cancer Institute NSW, eviQ is pleased to advise that all treatment protocols on eviQ have been updated with the International Guideline for Anticancer Drug Dosing in Kidney Dysfunction (ADDIKD) recommendations. The ADDIKD guideline can be found below.
ADDIKD Frequently asked questions
The eviQ protocols and content have been updated to incorporate the ADDIKD guideline recommendations. This FAQ page aims to provide comprehensive guidance on common questions, including assessing kidney function, utilizing eviQ calculators, understanding the changes made to eviQ protocols and content, and ensuring appropriate dosing of carboplatin.
Phase 3: Update to eviQ protocols with the ADDIKD guideline recommendations
The eviQ treatment protocols and content have been updated with the recommendations from the ADDIKD guideline into eviQ protocols.
Watch our newest video, on how the eviQ protocols incorporated the ADDIKD guideline recommendations. This informative video provides an overview of the key updates that users can see in our protocols.
Take a look at our summarised Cheat Sheet, which highlights the key updates regarding anticancer drug kidney dosing, all derived from the ADDIKD guideline.
Timeline for updates to eviQ protocols
- Protocols were reviewed, discussed and approved by clinicians at dedicated ADDIKD reference committee meetings.
- eviQ updated protocols in a sequential manner - one tumour stream at a time - starting July 2023.
- Over 700+ protocols and content across the eviQ website were updated over the 12-18 months of the project timeline.
- To facilitate the transition and support eviQ users, comprehensive communication and education was provided.
Dedicated ADDIKD Reference Committee Meetings
If you are a clinician practising in one of these speciality areas and would like to be involved in an ADDIKD reference committee meeting, please contact
Liesel Byrne.
Watch the following short video to understand how the ADDIKD guideline recommendations are being implemented into the eviQ treatment protocols with the expertise of our reference committee members
Phases of the ADDIKD guideline development and implementation into eviQ
Phase 1: ADDIKD guideline development - COMPLETE
Phase 2: Publication of the ADDIKD guideline on the eviQ website - COMPLETE
During this interim phase the eviQ protocols and content have not yet been updated to align with the ADDIKD guideline recommendations. A link to the published ADDIKD guideline is included in every eviQ protocol and two new online calculators have been developed to support users: Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) Calculator (with the option for BSA-adjusted eGFRCKD-EPI) and a Carboplatin Dose Calculator.
The Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) of NSW issued a Safety Notice for the interim phase when the ADDIKD guideline is published, but the content on eviQ has not been updated to reflect the recommendations from the guideline.
It is recommended that clinicians refer to the ADDIKD guideline prior to prescribing in kidney dysfunction.
Phase 3: Implementation of the ADDIKD recommendations into eviQ protocols and content – COMPLETE
The implementation of the ADDIKD drug recommendations into eviQ was a significant undertaking with 700+ protocols and content across the eviQ website updated. It required significant clinical input to ensure rigor and accuracy so that the information is correct and safe to follow. The timeline for the project was 12-18 months, with updated protocols published sequentially during this time period and extensive communication to eviQ users.
Resources to support you
eviQ have developed several resources to support users in understanding and adopting the ADDIKD guideline recommendations:
Key update on anticancer drug dosing
Take a look at our summarised Cheat Sheet, which highlights the key updates regarding anticancer drug kidney dosing, all derived from the ADDIKD guideline.
ADDIKD fact sheet
Summary of the key changes to clinical practice including using eGFRCKD-EPI and carboplatin dosing recommendations.
Quick reference tool
A quick reference tool and summary of the key recommendations for the 59 drugs contained in the ADDIKD guideline.
Carboplatin case study rapid learning module
Understand the ADDIKD recommendations for the dosing of carboplatin by completing this Carboplatin case study rapid learning. The rapid learning will work through an example using body surface area (BSA) adjusted eGFR in the Calvert formula to calculate a carboplatin dose.
Anticancer drug dosing in kidney dysfunction rapid learning module
Understand the purpose of the ADDIKD guideline, methods of assessing kidney function in cancer patients, why eGFR (via CKD-EPI) is the preferred method of estimating kidney function, and kidney function categories for dosing and monitoring.
Interactive mini-quiz
Do you know the best method of assessing kidney function in your cancer patients?
There are many available methods to assess kidney function in clinical practice, but do you know the best method?
Measured glomerular filtration rate (i.e. direct measurement via iohexol, iothalamate, 51Cr-EDTA or 99Tc-DTPA) is the gold standard in determining kidney function and informing drug dosing decisions, however it is not always practically available.
In its absence estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated via the Chronic Kidney Disease – Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation (eGFR CKD-EPI), provides a suitable alternative in most clinical scenarios. eGFRCKD-EPI is routinely reported in laboratory blood test reports and is more precise than other methods for estimating kidney function.
Why is eviQ standardising the dose modifications section within treatment protocols to the recommendations from the ADDIKD guideline?
Currently, for anticancer drug dosing there are:
- inconsistencies in assessing and defining kidney function
- a lack of definitive guidance on which kidney function estimate to use
- large variations in dosing adjustment approaches
- limited evidence on older drugs in kidney dysfunction.
With over 75% of eviQ users either frequently or always use eviQ’s dose modification recommendations for kidney dysfunction to inform dose adjustments, it is important that this information in the eviQ treatment protocols is practical, evidence based and safe. The ADDIKD guideline was specifically developed for this purpose.
Aim of the guideline
Anticancer drug dosing recommendations in kidney dysfunction are often empirical, dependent on kidney function calculations based on non-standardised creatinine assays and lack applicability to globally accepted kidney dysfunction classifications.
This guideline aims to be a supportive decision-making tool by providing an accepted practical, transparent and standardised approach for the management of anticancer drug dosing in kidney dysfunction based on current evidence and clinical consensus. The final guideline will include recommendations for 59 anticancer drugs.
Guideline development
The working party includes multidisciplinary experts in oncology, haematology, nephrology, pharmacology and geriatrics, with participation from Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO), International Society of Geriatric Oncology, British Oncology Pharmacy Association, International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners, Cancer and the Kidney International Network, National Cancer Institute’s Organ Dysfunction Working Group.
Consensus recommendations on a standardised approach to assessing kidney function in cancer patients
Three draft recommendations for a standardised approach to assessing kidney function in cancer patients and subsequent dose adjustments in kidney dysfunction achieved consensus at a national workshop on 14 December 2020. This workshop involved 56 participants from around the world including leading experts in nephrology, oncology, haematology, clinical pharmacology, geriatrics and chemical pathology, as well as key national stakeholders representing medical groups and regulatory bodies.
Why eGFR CKD-EPI is the preferred method of assessing kidney function
Following publication of the guideline in 2022, eGFRCKD-EPI will be the preferred method of assessing kidney function throughout the eviQ website including for the guidance of anticancer drug dosing in kidney dysfunction, for the following reasons:3-9
Professor David Johnson talks about the guideline
Listen to Professor David Johnson, Director of the Metro South Integrated Nephrology and Transplant Service and Medical Director of the Queensland Kidney Transplant Service at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, discuss the reasons why eGFR CKD-EPI is the preferred method to assess kidney function in cancer patients.
Senior Cancer Pharmacist Jim Siderov talks about the importance of evidence based guidance and a uniform approach
Listen to Jim Siderov AM, senior cancer pharmacist at the Austin Hospital, Melbourne talk about the importance of evidence based guidance to assist cancer practitioners in the dosing of anticancer drugs in kidney dysfunction. He also highlights how a uniformed approach to dose modification promotes safety and reduces variability in care.
ADDIKD launch video - October 2022
Watch the ADDIKD launch video to hear insights from key members of the ADDIKD working group and guideline development team on this significant piece of work.
Publications and presentations: