GFR meets mTOR: value of different methods to measure and estimate GFR & (side) effects of mTOR inhibition in renal transplantation

The subject of this thesis is twofold: where GFR and mTOR meet. Precise measurement of kidney function is difficult and cumbersome and many, simpler alternatives have been developed to determine GFR. Determination of GFR remains an approximation since the GFR itself is not a static phenomenon. This should be kept in mind when interpreting GFR results. mTOR inhibitors are a new class of immunosuppressive drugs and increasingly used in renal transplantation. They seem to be most promising due to their lack of nephrotoxicity, their potential anti-atherosclerotic effects and their anti-oncogenic effects. However, with the increased use side effects are becoming more clear. Individual tailoring of the immunosuppressive regimen will be the answer to decrease adverse effects and to benefit the most from the advantages of inhibition of the mTOR pathway.