Cancer In Kidney Transplant Recipients Research Articles

Increased risk of genitourinary cancer in kidney transplant recipients: a large-scale national cohort study and its clinical implications.

To investigate the risk of genitourinary (GU) cancer in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) compared to that in the general population, focusing on potential risk factors and clinical implications. Using a national cohort of approximately 360,000 individuals, including 31,542 KTRs, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the data from 2007 to 2018. Propensity score matching was used to compare KTRs with a healthy population, adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. We identified a significantly increased risk of GU cancers, particularly bladder and kidney cancers, in KTRs. Multivariate analysis revealed a higher risk of GU cancer associated with kidney transplantation [hazard ratio (HR) 2.133, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.641-2.772] and hypercholesterolemia (HR 1.725, 95% CI 1.227-2.425), with older age and male sex also being significant risk factors. Conversely, no significant increase in prostate cancer risk was observed in KTRs compared to the general population. This national cohort-based study indicated an increased risk of GU cancer in KTRs, underscoring the need for targeted cancer surveillance and pre- and post-transplant counseling. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of cancer surveillance programs for KTRs and highlight the necessity for further research in this field.

Immunotherapy for Advanced Skin Cancer in Kidney Transplant Recipients—The High-Risk Balancing Act

This Viewpoint compares 2 clinical trials involving immune checkpoint inhibitors in kidney transplant recipients.

#2918 Genetic background of kidney graft cancer

Abstract Background and Aims Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most prevalent cancer in kidney transplant recipient (KTR). Majority of RCC occurs in native kidney as opposed to kidney graft. The genetic background of RCC in native kidneys has been determined implicating the clinical importance. Method This single-center cohort study aimed to identify genetic background of kidney graft RCC and outcome in KTR who underwent single kidney transplantation between January 2000 and December 2020 and manifested kidney graft RCC. Genetic analysis (NGS) from peripheral blood-derived genomic DNA (gDNA) was performed in both the recipient and donor using cancer-predisposition panel CZECANCA (CZEch CAncer paNel for Clinical Application). Results The calculated incidence of kidney graft RCC was 0.43%. Of the eighteen KTR with manifested kidney graft RCC, fifteen KTR and donors underwent NGS. The average patient age at transplantation was 50.3 years (median 54; 5-67 years) and 66 years (median 66; 24-79 years) at the diagnosis of kidney graft RCC. The mean donor age at transplantation was 39.7 years (median 42; 7-68 years) and graft age at kidney graft RCC diagnosis 50.2 years (median 46; 20-83 years). The mean follow-up after RCC diagnosis was 47 months (median 39.1; 0-112 months). The most prevalent was papillary RCC (n=8) followed by clear cell RCC (n=6) and renal pelvis urothelial RCC (n=1). Thirteen RCC were low stage (pT1a/b) disease, one was pT3 and one was unknown stage. Majority of RCC were higher graded. No cancer-predisposition gene was found in KTR or his donor. Conclusion Kidney graft RCC is very rare. NGS cancer-predisposition panel CZECANCA has not detected any genetic predisposition for kidney graft RCC. Further research is needed to assess clinical relevance of genetic testing for cancer risk in KTR.

The association between hydrochlorothiazide use and non-melanoma skin cancer in kidney transplant recipients.

hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) diuretics were correlated with an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and melanoma in the general population. Information is a scarce regarding this effect in kidney transplant recipients who are at increased risk of skin malignancies under immunosuppression. Single-center retrospective analysis of adult kidney transplant recipients between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015. The primary outcome of the study was the first diagnosis of skin cancer that was removed and pathologically analyzed. Exposure to thiazides was defined as HCTZ use daily for at least one year at a dose of 12.5mg. Among 520 kidney transplant recipients, 50 (9.4%) were treated with HCTZ. During a median follow-up of 9.8years, 67patients underwent surgical removal and pathological analysis of at least one skin cancer. Exposure to HCTZ during the 3 years following transplantation was associated with an increased risk of skin cancer (P=0.004). In a multivariate model, there was a significant association between HCTZ exposure and NMSC (HR 2.54, 95%CI 1.26-5.15, P=0.007). There was a higher rate of basal cell carcinoma with HCTZ exposure, according to both univariate and multivariate analyses (HR 2.61, 95%CI 1.06-6.43, P=0.037) and (HR 3.03, 95%CI 1.22-7.55, P=0.017, respectively). However, no significant association was observed between HCTZ exposure and squamous cell carcinoma. These findings suggest a benefit of increased frequency of dermatologist inspection in kidney transplant recipients receiving HCTZ especially in increased ultraviolet exposure area.

MANAGEMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS.

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice in eligible patients with end-stage kidney disease. Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease worldwide is 13.4%. The management of localized PC in these patients is challenging due to immunosuppressive therapy and pelvic graft localization. High graft and recipient survival rates have resulted in higher numbers of these patients in our everyday practice. A retrospective analysis of male patients who had undergone kidney transplantation at our center between 2002 and 2022 and were diagnosed and treated for PC was performed. We analyzed the incidence, treatment methods, and follow-up of PC patients in this population. A total of 1079 male patients were transplanted. PC was diagnosed in 12 patients (8 after and 4 before transplantation). The incidence of PC was 1.11%. Radical prostatectomy was performed in 11 patients, and one patient was treated with radical radiotherapy. Eleven patients had stable graft function; 1 graftectomy was performed, unrelated to PC. Three patients were indicated for salvage radiotherapy, one is in process for prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA PET CT), and 7 patients are in follow-up and without recurrence. Radical prostatectomy is a safe treatment method for localized PC in kidney transplant recipients, which does not impair graft function and survival.

Cancer in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Latest Findings

Acute renal failure in cancer patients may be due to the existence of tumor cell lysis, in which large amounts of potassium, phosphate, and nucleic acids are released into the bloodstream and cause a cancerous emergency [1]. In addition, it causes metabolic abnormalities that lead to the formation of calcium phosphate, which precipitates into the tissues and some into the kidneys. Metabolic abnormalities increase levels of uric acid, which precipitates in the kidneys. Both situations can lead to End-Stage Renal Failure (ESRF) [2]. The medical solution at this stage is for patients on dialysis or solid organ kidney transplantation.

Treating cancer in kidney transplant recipients.

Treating cancer in kidney transplant recipients.

Pathways from Diagnosis to Death from Keratinocyte Cancer in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background: Kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk of developing and dying from keratinocyte cancer. We aimed to describe the clinical course of keratinocyte cancer-related deaths in a cohort of kidney transplant recipients. Methods: In kidney transplant recipients transplanted between 1995 and 2014 in Queensland, Australia, we ascertained keratinocyte cancer deaths by searching national transplant and state death registries to March 2020. Deceased transplant recipients’ medical records were reviewed to assess features of the primary lesion of the fatal keratinocyte cancer, metastases, and clinical information before death. Results: Of 658 kidney transplant recipient deaths, 49 (7%) were due to keratinocyte cancer, and medical records were available for 36 (73%). One death was due to basal cell carcinoma, and 35 were from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), primarily from the head and neck (24; 69%). The most common site of metastasis was the lungs (21; 58%). Median time (minimum, maximum) from the diagnosis of primary SCC to metastasis was 5 months (0, 29). After this, the median time to death was 9 months (1, 50). Conclusion: Fatal keratinocyte cancers overwhelmingly arise on the head and neck, with lungs the most common metastasis site. The short time from diagnosis of primary to death indicates the aggressive nature of these keratinocyte cancers.

SC142 - Prostate cancer in kidney transplant recipients: large contemporary multicenter cohort study

SC142 - Prostate cancer in kidney transplant recipients: large contemporary multicenter cohort study

Colorectal Cancer after Kidney Transplantation: A Screening Colonoscopy Case-Control Study.

The incidence of colorectal cancer in kidney transplant recipients has been previously reported with conflicting results. In this study, we investigated if the incidence of colorectal advanced neoplasms in kidney transplant recipients, evaluated with screening colonoscopy, was higher than in healthy individuals. One-hundred sixty kidney transplant recipients undergoing screening colonoscopy were compared with 594 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Advanced colorectal neoplasia was found in 22 patients (13.7%), including four patients (2.5%) with colorectal cancer. Compared with the healthy population, kidney transplant recipients did not have an increased risk of developing a colorectal cancer (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.236–2.063, p = 0.688) although it developed at a younger age. In contrast, kidney transplant recipients had a higher risk of developing an advanced adenoma compared with the control group (OR 1.65; 95% CI 0.930–2.981, p = 0.04). In conclusion, kidney transplant recipients did not have an increased incidence of colorectal cancer compared with healthy population. However, transplant patients displayed a higher incidence of colorectal adenomas, suggesting that screening colonoscopy in kidney transplant recipients should be expanded to include even younger recipients (<50 years old).

POS-690 Outcomes of Malignancy in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Malignancy, cardiovascular events, and infections are the leading causes of death among kidney transplant (KT) recipients. The risk of cancer in KT recipient is two to 4 folds increased than general population with reported higher mortality rates. Post-transplant malignancies can be related to de novo development, donor-related transmission, and recurrence of a recipient’s pre-transplant malignancy. Common malignancies post kidney transplantation are non-melanotic skin cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, post-transplant lym­phoproliferative disorder (PTLD), renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and anogenital cancer.

Oncological and Functional Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Objective:Management of prostate cancer in kidney transplant recipients presents a unique surgical challenge due to the risk of direct or indirect injury to the transplanted kidney. Herein, we report the largest single center study of Robot-assisted Radical prostatectomy (RARP) in kidney transplant recipients.Methods:Between Jan 2014–2019, 14 kidney transplant recipients with prostate cancer underwent RARP. Clinical and pathological features, perioperative and postoperative complications were retrospectively evaluated. Continence was defined as by patient utilization of zero urinary pads postoperatively.Results:The median (IQR) age at RARP was 60.2 (57.8–61.3) years, the interval between kidney transplant and RARP was 8.1 ± 7.5 years. The median (IQR) PSA was 6.9 (4–8.6); 10 of 14 patients had intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer. The median ASA score was 3, the mean (SD) operative time was 129.7 (26.3) minutes, and mean (SD) blood loss was 110 (44.6) ml. All cases were completed robotically, there was no graft loss or injury to transplanted ureter, and the mean length of stay was 1 (0.26) day.Final pathology demonstrated that 42.8% (6/14) of the patients had nonorgan confined disease (pT3a/T3b). 50% (7/14) of the patients were upgraded to higher risk Gleason disease on final surgical pathology. Post-RARP continence rate at 3 months, and 12 months were 45.5% (5/11) and 87.5% (7/8), respectively.Conclusion:RARP following kidney transplantation represents a safe and feasible operation which does not appear to compromise oncological or transplant outcomes.

Association between Use of Hydrochlorothiazide and Risk of Keratinocyte Cancers in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Keratinocyte cancers, which primarily comprise squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas, represent a major concern and potential risk for kidney transplant recipients. Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic widely used to treat hypertension, has been implicated in skin photosensitivity reaction. Recent studies conducted in the general population have found that hydrochlorothiazide use is associated with a higher risk of keratinocyte cancer, especially squamous cell carcinomas. High-risk groups, however, including transplant recipients were excluded from these. Our aim was to investigate whether hydrochlorothiazide use was associated with keratinocyte cancer in kidney transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy. In a single-center cohort of kidney (n=2155), combined kidney-pancreas (n=282), and pancreas (n=59) transplant recipients from the Données Informatisées VAlidées Transplantation (DIVAT) database transplanted between 2000 and 2017 in Nantes, France, we evaluated the association between hydrochlorothiazide exposure and keratinocyte cancers. Multivariable cause-specific, time-varying Cox models were used to estimate the relationship between hydrochlorothiazide exposure and the hazard of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, with hydrochlorothiazide designated as the time-dependent variable. Among the participants, 279 of 2496 (11%) were exposed to hydrochlorothiazide after the transplantation. Cumulative incidence rates of keratinocyte cancer by 10 and 15 years were 7% and 9% for squamous cell carcinomas, respectively, and 8% and 11% for basal cell carcinomas, respectively. We found a relationship between exposure to hydrochlorothiazide and the risk of squamous cell carcinomas (hazard ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.27 to 3.28). In contrast, we found no association between hydrochlorothiazide exposure and basal cell carcinomas (hazard ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.35 to 1.15). In a single-center cohort of kidney, combined kidney-pancreas, and pancreas transplant recipients, exposure to hydrochlorothiazide was associated with a two-fold higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma and no higher risk of basal cell carcinoma.

Donor-transmitted cancer in kidney transplant recipients: a systematic review

The transmission of cancer from a donor organ is a rare event but has important consequences. Aim of this systematic review was to summarize all the published evidence on cancer transmission in kidney recipients. We reviewed published case reports and series describing the outcome of recipients with donor-transmitted cancer until August 2019. A total of 128 papers were included, representing 234 recipients. The most common transmitted cancers were lymphoma (n = 48, 20.5%), renal cancer (42, 17.9%), melanoma (40, 17.1%), non-small cell lung cancer (n = 13, 5.6%), neuroendocrine cancers comprising small cell lung cancer (n = 11, 4.7%) and choriocarcinoma (n = 10, 4.3%). There was a relative lack of glioblastoma and gastrointestinal cancers with only 6 and 5 cases, respectively. Melanoma and lung cancer had the worst prognosis, with 5-years overall survival of 43% and 19%, respectively; while renal cell cancer and lymphomas had a favorable prognosis with 5-years overall survival of 93 and 63%, respectively. Metastasis of cancer outside the graft was the most important adverse prognostic factor. Overall reporting was good, but information on donors’ cause of death and investigations at procurement was often lacking. Epidemiology of transmitted cancer has evolved, thanks to screening with imaging and blood tests, as choriocarcinoma transmission have almost abolished, while melanoma and lymphoma are still difficult to detect and prevent.

Prostate cancer in kidney transplant recipients - a nationwide register study.

To investigate whether post-transplantation immunosuppression negatively affects prostate cancer outcomes in male kidney transplant recipients. We used the Swedish Renal Register and the National Prostate Cancer Register to identify all kidney transplantation recipients diagnosed with prostate cancer in Sweden 1998-2016. After linking these registers with Prostate Cancer Database Sweden (PCBaSe), a case-control study was designed to compare time period and risk category-specific probabilities of a prostate cancer diagnosis amongst kidney transplantation recipients versus the male general population. The registers did not include information about the specific immunosuppression agent used in all transplantation recipients. Data from PCBaSe were used to compare prostate cancer characteristics at diagnosis and survival for patients with prostate cancer with versus without a kidney transplant. Propensity score matching, Cox regression analysis and Fisher's exact test were used and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated. Almost half of the 133 kidney transplantation recipients were transplanted before the mid-1990s, when PSA testing became common. The transplant recipients were not more likely than age-matched control men to be diagnosed with any (odds ratio [OR] 0.84, 95% CI 0.70-0.99) or high-risk or metastatic prostate cancer (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.62-1.13). None of the ORs for the different categories of prostate cancer increased with time since transplantation. Cancer characteristics at the time of diagnosis and cancer-specific survival were similar amongst transplant recipients and the control group of 665 men diagnosed with prostate cancer without a kidney transplant. This Swedish nationwide, register-based study gave no indication that immunosuppression after kidney transplantation increases the risk of prostate cancer or adversely affects prostate cancer outcomes. The study suggests that men with untreated low-grade prostate cancer can be accepted for transplantation.

Morbidity, perioperative outcomes and complications of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in kidney transplant patients: A French multicentre study

ObjectiveEvaluate the safety, feasibility and efficiency of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in kidney transplant recipients, performed in high-volume French referral centres, and describe intra- and postoperative, oncological and functional outcomes. Materials and methodsA multicentre study was conducted on prospective RARP databases from 5 centres between 2008 and 2017. We retrospectively identified a first group (G1) of transplant patients. The following data were collected: age, body mass index, prostate-specific antigen, ISUP score, TNM stage, stratification according to d'Amico, renal function, renal disease, time between renal transplant and prostate cancer (PCa), operating time, bleeding, pre- and postoperative complications (according to Clavien). Group 1 data were matched with a second group (G2) of nontransplanted PTRA patients. ResultsA total of 321 patients were included (G1 N = 39 and G2 N = 282). The median operating time was 180 minutes (interquartile range 125–227) for G1 and 150 minutes (120–180) in G2 (P = 0.0623) and the median bleeding volume was 150 mL (150–400) and 250 mL (175–400), respectively (P = 0.1826). No grafts were damaged by RARP. Postoperative complication rate was significantly higher in G1: 51.2% vs. G2: 8.2% with a majority of minor complications (41%) according to Clavien Dindo (P < 0.001). Pathological assessment was as follows in G1: T2 = 28 (71.8%), T3 = 11 (28.2%), and G2: T2 = 206 (73.3%), T3 = 75 (26.7%) (P = 0.77). Postoperative ISUP scores were mainly grade 1: G1 = 14 (35.9%) vs. 99 (35.2%) in G2 and grade 2: respectively 18 (46.1%) 94 (33.5%). The rate of positive surgical margins was comparable in both groups: 13.2% for transplant patients vs. 18.1% (P = 0.65). Renal function was not significantly different at one year (P = 0.07). The median follow-up was 47.9 months (42.3; 52.5). ConclusionRARP is conceivable to treat localized prostate cancer in kidney transplant recipients. This procedure does not appear to have any negative impact on graft renal function and cancer prognosis.

No Significant Difference in Outcomes for Surgical Treatment of Thyroid Cancer in Kidney Transplant Recipients - Analysis of the HCUP NIS Data

Solid organ transplant recipients, and in particular Kidney Transplant (KTx) patients, are at increased risk for developing thyroid cancers due to immunosuppression and improved long-term survival post-transplant. Using the HCUP NIS database, we compared mortality rate, disposition, LOS, and total hospital charge between KTx and Non-KTx patients following thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer during 2008-2014.

Renal cell carcinoma in kidney transplant recipients at Guy’s and King’s College Hospital (UK) between 1987-2018.

e16066 Background: The increased incidence of cancer after renal transplantation is well recognised. Differences in cancer risk depend on the type of cancer but overall the incidence of solid cancer in kidney transplant recipient is at least twofold. Long term immunosuppression, oncogenic viruses and changes in immune surveillance are contributing factors. The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is approximately six-fold greater than in the general population. Screening for RCC in the post-transplantation setting is not routine. Methods: Retrospective case series of kidney transplant recipients who underwent transplantation between 1987 and 2018 at Guy’s Hospital (London, UK). Collected data on patients who developed RCC post-transplant included: baseline demographics, renal disease, transplant survival, tumour characteristics, cancer treatment and survival. Results: 2968 patients underwent kidney transplantation between 1987 and 2018 at our Centre. 52 patients (1.8%) developed RCC. 40 (74%) were male with a median age of 51 years. 37% (71%) were white and 12 (23%) were black. The causes of end stage kidney disease included IgA nephropathy, hypertension and polycystic kidney disease. Median time to RCC diagnosis after transplant was 9 years (range 0-27). 86% of patients presented with stage 1/2 tumours, with the majority (72%) occurring in native kidneys. Most underwent radical nephrectomy although 5 patients were managed with radiofrequency-ablation (RFA) or surveillance (donor kidneys). Of 6 patients with metastatic disease, 5 received pazopanib and 1 everolimus. 4 patients continued systemic therapy for over 3 months and all derived clinical benefit with a median drug exposure of 19 months .15 patients required further kidney transplant or dialysis. Overall only 2 patients died from RCC. Conclusions: This retrospective study is the largest single-centre UK study to our knowledge. Kidney transplant recipients experience a marked increased risk of developing RCC. Most diagnosed RCCs are small and disease-specific mortality is low. With a third of tumours arising in donor organs, questions around optimum loco-regional approach and screening of high-risk population remain unanswered.

1230 - Incidence, management and clinical outcomes of prostate cancer in kidney transplant recipients

1230 - Incidence, management and clinical outcomes of prostate cancer in kidney transplant recipients

Antitumor pharmacotherapy of colorectal cancer in kidney transplant recipients.

Renal transplantation has become the sole most preferred therapy modality for end-stage renal disease patients. The growing tendency for renal transplants, and prolonged survival of renal recipients, have resulted in a certain number of post-transplant colorectal cancer patients. Antitumor pharmacotherapy in these patients is a dilemma. Substantial impediments such as carcinogenesis of immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs), drug interaction between ISDs and anticancer drugs, and toxicity of anticancer drugs exist. However, experience of antitumor pharmacotherapy in these patients is limited, and the potential risks and benefits have not been reviewed systematically. This review evaluates the potential impediments, summarizes current experience, and provides potential antitumor strategies, including adjuvant, palliative, and subsequent regimens. Moreover, special pharmaceutical care, such as ISDs therapeutic drug monitoring, metabolic enzymes genotype, and drug interaction, are also highlighted.