Corneal Donation from Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: Corneas from donors with systemic malignancies are usually accepted for transplantation and represent a major source of donor material for keratoplasty in many Western countries. Since, corneal donation from cancer patients has not been reported in Taiwan, and it is also rare in other Chinese societies, we report our limited experience. Methods: From April/2004 to Dec/2007, health care professionals (HCPs) in our cancer ward tried to approach the cancer patients there about the option of corneal donation. After obtaining patient consent, we consulted our ophthalmologist to evaluate the eligibility of corneas and checked VDRL, anti-HIV, anti-HCV, HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc to exclude infectious diseases. After the consenting patients were deceased, the ophthalmologist obtained their corneas within 12 hours. Results: During the study period, 9 terminally ill cancer patients gave their consent. However, corneal procurement succeeded in only three cases. Among the six cases of unsuccessful procurement, one case was an HBV carrier, two cases were not considered qualified by our ophthalmologist, the families of two cases refused the procurement in spite of the donors' consent, and one case withdrew consent. Conclusions: Corneal donation from cancer patients is a complex decision, not only for donors but also for their family members. According to our limited experience, it is difficult but not impossible to encourage cancer patients for corneal donation. However, there is a long way to go in Taiwan.