Hyperglycemic-Inducing Neoadjuvant Agents Used in Treatment of Solid Tumors: A Review of the Literature

Purpose/Objectives: To review the literature regarding the development of hyperglycemia associated with neoadjuvant agents used in the treatment of solid tumor cancers.

Data Sources: Research articles were obtained from PubMed, CINAHL®, and Cochrane Reviews. The following search terms were used alone and in combination: diabetes, glycemic control, chemotherapy, androgen deprivation therapy, interferon-alpha, immunosuppressants, cancer, neoplasms, and hyperglycemia.

Data Synthesis: Twenty-two studies were identified reporting the development of hyperglycemic events in patients who received a variety of chemotherapeutic agents.

Conclusions: Findings suggest patients are at risk for the development of hyperglycemia from certain chemotherapeutic agents. Docetaxel, everolimus, and temsirolimus alone or in combination with other agents can promote hyperglycemia. Androgen-deprivation therapy commonly used in prostate cancer, increases the risk for the development of hyperglycemia and diabetes.

Implications for Nursing: Oncology nurses play an important role in the identification and treatment of hyperglycemia in patients receiving chemotherapy. Future research is needed that focuses on the association between glycemic control and adverse outcomes in patients with a solid tumor cancer who are at risk for treatment-induced hyperglycemia.