Cancer In Organ Transplant Recipients Research Articles

Assessing the Skin and UV Neoplasia Transplant Risk Assessment Calculator in an Irish cohort of thoracic organ transplant recipients.

The Skin and UV Neoplasia Transplant Risk Assessment Calculator (SUNTRAC) is a tool that can be used to decide when to first screen for skin cancer in organ transplant recipients (OTRs). The objective of this study was to assess the applicability of this tool in thoracic OTRs. Based on data from patient files, the OTRs were categorized into four risk groups according to the SUNTRAC tool. The time of the first post-transplant skin cancer in each OTR was recorded. The proportion of OTRs with post-transplant skin cancer in the low-, medium-, high- and very high-risk groups was 0%, 28.3%, 58.3% and 100%, respectively. This positive correlation suggests that SUNTRAC can be used to determine when to first screen for skin cancer in heart and lung OTRs.

Characterizing Skin Cancer in Transplant Recipients by Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype.

Nearly half of organ transplants occur annually in patients with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes (Fitz type) III-VI. Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) are at risk for sequelae of chronic immunosuppression, of which skin cancer is common. As literature regarding skin cancer risk is largely conducted in OTRs with Fitz types I and II, we aimed to further characterize the incidence and risk factors for skin cancer in OTRs with higher Fitz types. We conducted a retrospective review of OTRs with Fitz types III-VI evaluated by dermatology between 1 January 2012 and 1 June 2022. The primary outcome of this study was development of skin cancer post-transplant. Secondary outcomes included risk factors for skin cancer development. Data were analyzed using two-sample t-tests and Pearson's chi-squared. Of 530 OTRs, 193 had Fitz type III or higher. Ten patients (5.18%) developed 87 skin cancers and one recurrence at a mean of 5.17years posttransplant. Patients with skin cancer self-identified as Black (70%, p-value ≤ 0.001), male (70%, p-value ≤ 0.001), and kidney transplant recipients (70%, p-value ≤ 0.001), with a mean age of 58.20years at transplant (p-value ≤ 0.001). Subjects with skin cancer were more likely to be former smokers (60%) and prescribed tacrolimus (p-value ≤ 0.001 each). Development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (66, 75.86%) was most common, followed by basal cell carcinoma (17, 19.54%), and malignant melanoma (3, 3.45%). Skin cancer most often occurred on the face or scalp (60%, p-value = 0.027), though also developed in sun-protected sites (30%, p-value = 0.002). Verruca vulgaris was present in 10% of patients (p-value = 0.028). Risk factors for skin cancer post-transplant differ in OTRs with higher Fitz types. Our results suggest that among OTRs who self-identified as Black, kidney recipients are at increased risk for skin cancer in non-sun-exposed regions. These cancers may be associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). Education is key for preventing morbidity and mortality secondary to skin cancer.

Differences in Skin Cancer Rates by Transplanted Organ Type and Patient Age After Organ Transplant in White Patients

Although it is known that patients with thoracic organ transplants develop skin cancer more frequently than those who receive nonthoracic organ transplants, patterns of risk for subsequent skin cancers are unknown. To further characterize organ transplant recipients who develop multiple skin cancers and assess for patterns of development of additional skin cancers beyond the first skin cancer diagnosis by patient age and transplanted organ type. This cohort study used validated electronic health record-based data from a single tertiary care academic medical center to identify 5129 solid organ transplant recipients who underwent transplant surgery between 1992 and 2017 and were older than 18 years at the time of transplant. The cohort was limited to White patients because they have the highest skin cancer risk based on phenotype. The mean follow-up was 6.6 years. Data were analyzed June 9, 2021, to May 31, 2022. Differences in rates of skin cancer development for first and subsequent skin cancers were measured using t test or analysis of variance and χ2 tests for continuous and categorical variables. Rates of skin cancer development were compared based on organ type and patient age at transplant using Fine-Gray tests and cumulative incidence plots. A total of 5129 organ transplant recipients (mean [SD] age, 51.3 [12.9] years; 3287 men [64.1%]) were included. Of these, 695 patients (13.6%) had development of at least 1 skin cancer, with 6842 skin cancers identified in the cohort overall. Compared with liver transplant recipients, heart, lung, or kidney recipients were more likely to develop at least 1 skin cancer (χ2 test, 25.6; df, 4; P < .001). There was no significant difference by transplanted organ type in the rate of developing a second or third skin cancer; however, the age at transplant was associated with the time to developing a second (χ2 test, 20.4; df, 4; P < .001) or third (χ2 test, 10.9; df, 4; P < .02) skin cancer. This cohort study found that there was no difference by organ type for development of subsequent skin cancers in organ transplant recipients, and recipients of all organ types developed additional skin cancers at high rates after the initial skin cancer.

Is 5-fluorouracil the best candidate for topical chemoprevention of skin cancers in organ transplant recipients?

Abstract Linked Article: Hasan et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:324–337.

Quarterly photodynamic therapy for prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer in organ transplant recipients: An observational prospective cohort study

To the Editor: Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) have a 65- to 250-fold higher risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and a 10-fold higher risk of basal cell carcinoma than the immunocompetent population.1

Factors Affecting Knowledge Levels and Protective Behaviors to Prevent the Development of Skin Cancer in Organ Transplant Recipients as a High-Risk Group.

Organ transplantrecipients are at high risk of skin cancer due to immunosuppressant therapy. This study investigated the factors affecting organ transplant recipients' knowledge and protective behaviors to prevent the development of skin cancer. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of kidney (n = 82) and liver (n = 31) transplant recipients seen at our hospitals in Turkey from June 2019 to February 2020. A sociodemographic and clinical characteristics form, the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge scale, the Sun Protection Behavior questionnaire, and the General Self-Efficacy scale were used to collect data. The mean age of organ transplant recipients was 46.63 ± 13.24 years. Self-efficacy and awareness that transplant increases the risk of skin cancer are 2 characteristics that affected the participants' knowledge level. The type of graft (kidney) affected participants' behavior in avoiding outdoor exposure between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Green/blue eye color and self-efficacy affected the participants' hatwearing behavior. These details showed that, as the patients' sensitivity and self-efficacy increased, their levels of knowledge and sun protection behaviors were positively affected. The knowledge level of patients was affected by (1) awareness that transplant is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer and (2) high levels of self-efficacy. We observed that (1) organ transplant recipients with high self-efficacy and kidney transplant recipients were more likely to avoid outdoor exposure between 10 am and 4 pm and that (2) organ transplant recipients with green/blue eyes and high levels of selfefficacy were more likely to wear a hat when outdoors. Organ transplant teams should provide education and counseling about skin cancer and sun protection in the follow-up care of transplant recipients.

Risks of Multiple Skin Cancers in Organ Transplant Recipients

There are limited reports on the risks of multiple primary skin cancers in organ transplant recipients (OTRs). To determine the risks over time and risk factors for OTRs developing (1) any skin cancer posttransplant, (2) a subsequent skin cancer after the first posttransplant skin cancer in the data sets used in the study, and (3) 10 or more skin cancers. This retrospective cohort study used data from Optum deidentified electronic health record data set (7.7 million patients) and Truven Health MarketScan insurance claims data set (161 million patients) from 2007 to 2017. Skin cancers were identified using diagnosis plus treatment codes for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma; OTRs were identified using 4 or more diagnosis codes for organ transplant. Data analysis took place from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2017. Cumulative risks of (1) any skin cancer treatment posttransplant, (2) a subsequent skin cancer treatment after the first posttransplant skin cancer treatment in our data, and (3) 10 or more skin cancer treatments in OTRs. A Wei-Lin-Weissfeld marginal model was used to evaluate risk factors for any skin cancer. A total of 7390 OTRs in Optum and 133 651 in MarketScan were identified, 4.5% and 13.3% of which had had at least 1 skin cancer treatment, respectively. At 2 years after the initial posttransplant skin cancer in the data sets, OTRs had a 44.0% to 57.0% risk of a subsequent skin cancer treatment and a 3.7% to 6.6% risk of having 10 or more skin cancer treatments. Statistically significant risk factors for any skin cancer included age, history of skin cancer, and history of actinic keratosis in both data sets, and male sex and thoracic transplant in MarketScan. In this retrospective cohort study, approximately half of the OTRs who developed at least 1 posttransplant skin cancer developed a subsequent skin cancer within 2 years, and approximately 1 in 20 developed 10 or more skin cancers. Identifying OTRs at highest risk for multiple primary skin cancers may help target strategies for prevention and early detection.

Tre-O1-01 - Characteristics, management and course of mycosis fungoides in solid organ transplant recipients: a retrospective cohort from two cutaneous lymphoma outpatient clinics

<h3>Background:</h3> Primary cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders in solid organ recipients are rare. Reports of mycosis fungoides (MF) diagnosed in these patients are limited to less than 30 cases, with a heterogeneous disease course. Furthermore, management in terms of type and modulation of the preceding immunosuppressive treatments after MF diagnosis was not uniform. <h3>Objective:</h3> To report the characteristics of MF, treatment response, disease course, and status of immunosuppressive therapy in patients who are solid organ recipients, or under similar immunosuppression. <h3>Methods:</h3> The medical files were retrospectively reviewed for all solid organ transplant patients/patients who are under similar immunosuppression for other indications, who were also diagnosed with MF, and were followed at the cutaneous lymphoma outpatient clinics of 2 tertiary medical centers from 1/2010 to 12/2020. <h3>Results:</h3> The cohort included 11 patients (8 male; median age at organ transplantation/immunosuppressive state, 33 years). Transplanted organs involved the liver (n=5), kidney (n=3), liver and kidney (n=1), or heart (n=1). Patients were treated with mycophenolic acid, tacrolimus, and prednisone (n=5) or tacrolimus (n=5). One patient with nephrotic syndrome received cyclosporine. Median age at diagnosis of MF was 48 years, 45% were diagnosed before the age of 18 years, median time from organ transplantation/immunosuppressive state to diagnosis of MF was 8 years (range 0.5–22 years). Ten patients had early stage, (IA, 5; IB, 5), 50% of whom had early folliculotropic MF (FMF), (in some combined with classic/hypopigmented MF). One patient had advanced MF (IIIA) with folliculotropic erythroderma. Early-stage patients were treated mainly with skin-directed therapies, achieving either partial (50%) or complete response (50%). The erythrodermic patient achieved partial response after being treated with ultraviolet A and narrow-band ultraviolet B with acitretin. Immunosuppressive treatment was modulated in 4/11 patients, (cyclosporine switched to mycophenolic acid, 1; mycophenolic acid stopped and tacrolimus continued, 1; tacrolimus continued at a lower dose, combined with mycophenolic acid and prednisone, 1; tacrolimus stopped, 1). Median time of follow-up was 4 years (range 1–8 years), with no stage progression noted. At the last visit, 6 had no evidence of disease, and 5 had active disease (IA, 4; III, 1). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Most solid organ recipient MF patients present with early-stage disease, similar to MF in the general population, with over representation of FMF, and over representation among children. Treatment is challenging due to the notorious higher risk of non-melanoma skin cancer in organ transplant recipients. Furthermore, immunosuppressive therapy modifications to improve MF should be balanced against the risk of solid organ rejection. Response to treatment and course do not seem to differ from MF in the general population, although longer follow-up is needed.

Mus musculus papillomavirus 1 is a key driver of skin cancer development upon immunosuppression.

Epidemiological and experimental data implicate cutaneous human papillomavirus infection as co‐factor in the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs), particularly in immunocompromised organ transplant recipients (OTRs). Herein, we established and characterized a skin cancer model, in which Mus musculus papillomavirus 1 (MmuPV1) infection caused cSCCs in cyclosporine A (CsA)‐treated mice, even in the absence of UV light. Development of cSCCs and their precursors were observed in 70% of MmuPV1‐infected, CsA‐treated mice on back as well as on tail skin. Immunosuppression by systemic CsA, but not UV‐B irradiation, was a prerequisite, as immunocompetent or UV‐B–irradiated mice did not develop skin malignancies after infection. In the virus‐driven cSCCs the MmuPV1‐E6/E7 oncogenes were abundantly expressed, and transcriptional activity and productive infection demonstrated. MmuPV1 infection induced the expression of phosphorylated H2AX, but not degradation of proapoptotic BAK in the cSCCs. Transfer of primary cells, established from a MmuPV1‐induced cSCC from back skin, into athymic nude mice gave rise to secondary cSCCs, which lacked viral DNA, demonstrating that maintenance of the malignant phenotype was virus independent. This papillomavirus‐induced skin cancer model opens future investigations into viral involvement, pathogenesis, and cancer surveillance, aiming at understanding and controlling the high incidence of skin cancer in OTRs.

Omega-3 fatty acid intake and decreased risk of skin cancer in organ transplant recipients.

Organ transplant recipients have over 100-fold higher risk of developing skin cancer than the general population and are in need of further preventive strategies. We assessed the possible preventive effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake from food on the two main skin cancers, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in kidney and liver transplant recipients. Adult kidney or liver transplant recipients transplanted for at least 1year and at high risk of skin cancer were recruited from the main transplant hospital in Queensland, 2012-2014 and followed until mid-2016. We estimated their dietary total long-chain omega-3 PUFAs and α-linolenic acid intakes at baseline using a food frequency questionnaire and ranked PUFA intakes as low, medium, or high. Relative risks (RRsadj) of skin cancer adjusted for confounding factors with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. There were 449 transplant recipients (mean age, 55years; 286 (64%) male). During follow-up, 149 (33%) patients developed SCC (median 2/person; range 1-40) and 134 (30%), BCC. Transplant recipients with high total long-chain omega-3 PUFA compared with low intakes showed substantially reduced SCC tumour risk (RRadj 0.33, 95% CI 0.18-0.60), and those with high α-linolenic acid intakes experienced significantly fewer BCCs (RRadj 0.40, 95% CI 0.22-0.74). No other significant associations were seen. Among organ transplant recipients, relatively high intakes of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs and of α-linolenic acid may reduce risks of SCC and BCC, respectively.

Twenty-eight-year incidence and characteristics of post-transplant skin cancers: Comparative analysis of past and recent 10-year experience.

Because primary skin cancers in organ transplant recipients are rare, little is known about the characteristics and risk factors for skin cancers in organ transplant recipients. We searched the Asan Medical Center database of 13469 organ transplant recipients for cases of all skin cancers from January 1990 to December 2018. Characteristics of and risk factors for skin cancers were analyzed and compared according to the period of transplantation. Of the identified 113 patients with skin cancers, squamous cell carcinoma was the most common cancer followed by basal cell carcinoma and Kaposi sarcoma. The cumulative incidence of skin cancers at 28years was 5.3%. Over the 10-year period from January 2009 to December 2018, the standardized incidence ratio for premalignant in situ skin lesions increased, whereas the standardized incidence ratio for skin cancers decreased. Age at transplantation and treatment with more than two immunosuppressive agents were risk factors for the development of new skin cancers in organ transplant recipients. Over the most recent 10-year period, post-transplant skin cancers have been found earlier and diversified compared with in the previous period.

Polygenic Risk Scores Allow Risk Stratification for Keratinocyte Cancer in Organ-Transplant Recipients

Organ-transplant recipients have an elevated risk of keratinocyte cancers: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma. We assessed whether polygenic risk scores (PRSs) generated in nontransplantees from the UK Biobank and 23andMe (13,981 squamous cell carcinoma, 33,736 BCC, and >560,000 controls) can predict keratinocyte cancer risk in an independent organ-transplant recipient cohort. After adjusting for traditional risk factors, compared with the bottom 20%, organ-transplant recipients in the top 20% PRS had an increased risk of BCC (OR= 3.25, 95% confidence interval= 1.44-7.31, P= 4.4× 10-3) and squamous cell carcinoma (OR= 2.11, 95% confidence interval= 0.98-4.53, P= 0.055). For BCC, the top 20% PRS individuals had an absolute risk of 23%, whereas the risk in the bottom 20% was similar to that in the general nontransplantee population. Adding PRS to a model containing traditional skin cancer risk factors yielded a 3% increase in the area under the curve for receiver operating characteristic curve for BCC (0.73 vs. 0.70); adding the PRS did not significantly increase the area under the curve for receiver operating characteristic curve for squamous cell carcinoma. Organ-transplant recipients in the highest genetic risk quintile could benefit from more intense keratinocyte cancer screening and preventive strategies compared with their counterparts. The BCC PRS improves prediction over and above the traditional skin cancer risk factors by 3%.

Predicting skin cancer in organ transplant recipients: development of the SUNTRAC screening tool using data from a multicenter cohort study

Skin cancer is a common post-transplant complication. In this study, the Skin and Ultraviolet Neoplasia Transplant Risk Assessment Calculator (SUNTRAC) was developed to stratify patients into risk groups for post-transplant skin cancer. Data for this study were obtained from the Transplant Skin Cancer Network (TSCN), which conducted a multicenter study across 26 transplant centers in the United States. In total, 6340 patients, transplanted from 2003 and 2008, were included. Weighted point values were assigned for each risk factor based on beta coefficients from multivariable modeling: white race (9 points), pretransplant history of skin cancer (6 points), age≥50years (4 points), male sex (2 points), and thoracic transplant (1 point). Good prognostic discrimination (optimism-corrected c statistic of 0.74) occurred with a 4-tier system: 0-6 points indicating low risk, 7-13 points indicating medium risk, 14-17 points indicating high risk, and 18-22 points indicating very high risk. The 5-year cumulative incidence of development of skin cancer was 1.01%, 6.15%, 15.14%, and 44.75%, for Low, Medium, High, and Very High SUNTRAC categories, respectively. Based on the skin cancer risk in different groups, the authors propose skin cancer screening guidelines based on this risk model.

Skin cancer in organ transplant recipients: dynamics in the incidence and clinical predictors for the first and subsequent post-transplant non-melanoma skin cancer.

Risk factors for primary non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in organ transplant recipients (OTR) have been well described. Data for subsequent NMSC and dynamics in their occurrence in OTR are limited. To study long-term risks of primary and subsequent NMSC and associated risk factors in OTR. A retrospective single-centre cohort study analysing medical records from a dermato-oncological specialty clinic. Of 464 OTR 110 (23.7%) developed at least one, 73 (15.7%) two and 51 (11%) three NMSC during a median follow-up of 9.6 years. Cumulative incidences at 5, 10 and 15 years were 14.7%, 23.5% and 34.5% for the first and 75.8%, 86.5% and 93.3% for the second. Median time-to-diagnosis declined from 22 years (95% CI 19-25) to 2 years (1-3) and about 1 year (0-2) for the first, second and third NMSC. Risk for subsequent NMSC only partially related to risk factors for the primary NMSC. Histologic type of the first NMSC predicted subtype and time-to-diagnosis of the subsequent NMSC. A first post-transplant NMSC, particularly a SCC, confers a high risk for subsequent NMSC arising with accelerated dynamics. Risk-adapted dermato-oncologic surveillance is advisable for all OTR.

Management of OTRs in a dermatological surgical clinic

People who undergo organ transplantation are more likely to develop skin cancers, due to long‐term immunosuppressive therapy. This is especially concerning for organ transplant recipients (OTRs) living in Queensland, Australia, where skin cancer is more common than elsewhere. In an attempt to address the extreme skin cancer problem in OTRs living in Queensland, a dedicated Transplant Skin Clinic was established in Brisbane. This study aimed to describe the performance of this new clinic, the first of its kind in Queensland, Australia. Clinic attendees were invited to complete two surveys, supplied three months apart, about their health and personal characteristics, and permission was obtained to access participating attendees’ hospital records for details on detected and treated skin cancers over the same three‐month period. In total, the authors recruited 101 clinic patients into the study. Over the three months, the authors found that 615 skin lesions were detected in the clinic. Of these, 55 were referred for treatment outside the clinic and 478 were treated in clinic, mostly (78%) with surgery. Of the lesions treated in clinic, 268 were confirmed to be skin cancers, equivalent to nearly 3 skin cancers per patient over the three months. On average, the clinic staff successfully treated one skin cancer for every 1.4 skin lesions they surgically removed. In conclusion, this study found that the clinic is detecting, and efficiently treating, a large number of skin cancers in OTRs and thus effectively contributing to the control of the skin cancer burden in OTRs living in Queensland.

Management of organ transplant recipients attending a high‐throughput skin cancer surgery and surveillance clinic in Queensland

The incidence of skin cancer in organ transplant recipients (OTRs) is very high, due mainly to long-term immunosuppressive therapy. The problem is particularly severe for OTRs living in Queensland, Australia, and results in significant mortality. To describe the experience of the first dedicated outpatient high-throughput transplant skin clinic in Queensland. This prospective evaluation study was conducted at a newly established, outpatient transplant skin cancer surgery and surveillance clinic. Participants (89 OTRs and 12 non-OTRs) were referred to the Princess Alexandra Hospital Transplant Skin Clinic during December 2016 to May 2017, and were each followed for 3 months. Self-completed questionnaires were administered at baseline and the end of follow-up (n = 94), and details of any skin cancers occurring in that period were extracted from hospital records. In the 3-month follow-up of 101 participants, a total of 615 skin lesions were detected in the 3-month follow-up of 101 participants, of which 478 (78%) were treated in the clinic and 55 (9%) were referred to another specialist. Of the 478 treated lesions, 268 were histopathologically confirmed skin cancers, equivalent to 2·7 (95% confidence interval 2·5-2·8) skin cancers per participant per 3 months. The overall number needed to treat for any skin cancer was 1·4 (95% confidence interval 1·3-1·5). Three-quarters (374) of in-clinic treatments were surgical, and most (90%) were complete excisions. The median time from detection of skin cancer to excision was 7 days. This high-volume surgical outpatient transplant skin clinic enables efficient treatment of skin cancers in very-high-risk OTRs.

Behavioral and demographic factors associated with occurrence of non-melanoma skin cancer in organ transplant recipients.

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are the most common epithelial malignancies in organ transplantation recipients (OTRs). In Italy, incidence rates of post-transplantation NMSC are approximately 5% after 5 years and 10% after 10 years since organ transplantation. The objective was to describe risk factors associated with NMSC in a cohort of renal and liver transplant recipients, in a single-center longitudinal study. Renal and liver transplant patients, who underwent transplantation between June 1985 and December 2015, were visited for the first time or followed-up in a dedicated outpatient clinic every six months until July 2016. We included 356 renal and 76 liver transplant patients. 108 OTRs (25.6%) presented 299 NMSC. 74 patients developed actinic keratosis (17.1%), 36 patients squamous cell carcinoma (8.5%), and 52 patients basal cell carcinoma (12.3%). Time from transplantation and kidney transplant were the main risk factors for NMSC. Higher incidences of all NMSC were observed in patients >60 years, males and smokers, while decreased incidences were detected in individuals with higher educational levels. Multiple logistic regression models confirmed that male gender (RR 3.3, P=0.001), cigarette smoking (RR 2.0, P=0.026), light eye color (RR 2.9, P=0.001) and family history of cancer (RR 1.8, P=0.042) were independently associated with NMSC. Dermatological follow-up is important in OTRs, due to the higher risk of tumors and mainly NMSC. Clinical and environmental factors, including cigarette smoking, are useful in characterizing OTR with higher risk of NMSC.

Skin Cancers in Organ Transplant Recipients.

Long-term utilization of immunosuppression in organ transplant recipients (OTRs) leads to decreased immune-mediated tumor surveillance and development of malignant tumors. A delicate balance needs to be maintained in the intensity of immunosuppression to keep the risk of malignancy low without jeopardizing life-saving graft function. OTRs are prone to developing skin cancers that exhibit unique epidemiologic, pathophysiologic, and prognostic characteristics. In this review, we discuss the most commonly reported skin cancers in OTRs: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Kaposi sarcoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma (MM). Tumors in this high-risk population are aggressive and may respond poorly to standard therapies; however, new targeted therapies are promising. Checkpoint inhibitor antibodies have been used for treatment of cutaneous SCC, Merkel cell carcinoma, and MM; epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors have been used for cutaneous SCC; hedgehog pathway inhibitors have been used for BCC; and BRAF and MEK inhibitors are being used increasingly in the management of MM. Guidelines for dermatologic screening are variable and primarily based on expert opinion. Prospective evidence-based trials by multidisciplinary groups are needed to better define surveillance schedules for pre- and posttransplant cutaneous malignancies.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Skin Cancer in Organ Transplant Recipients in the United States

ImportanceSkin cancer is the most common malignancy occurring after organ transplantation. Although previous research has reported an increased risk of skin cancer in solid organ transplant recipients (OTRs), no study has estimated the posttransplant population–based incidence in the United States.ObjectiveTo determine the incidence and evaluate the risk factors for posttransplant skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma (MM), and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in a cohort of US OTRs receiving a primary organ transplant in 2003 or 2008.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis multicenter retrospective cohort study examined 10 649 adult recipients of a primary transplant performed at 26 centers across the United States in the Transplant Skin Cancer Network during 1 of 2 calendar years (either 2003 or 2008) identified through the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) database. Recipients of all organs except intestine were included, and the follow-up periods were 5 and 10 years.Main Outcomes and MeasuresIncident skin cancer was determined through detailed medical record review. Data on predictors were obtained from the OPTN database. The incidence rates for posttransplant skin cancer overall and for SCC, MM, and MCC were calculated per 100 000 person-years. Potential risk factors for posttransplant skin cancer were tested using multivariate Cox regression analysis to yield adjusted hazard ratios (HR).ResultsOverall, 10 649 organ transplant recipients (mean [SD] age, 51 [12] years; 3873 women [36%] and 6776 men [64%]) contributed 59 923 years of follow-up. The incidence rates for posttransplant skin cancer was 1437 per 100 000 person-years. Specific subtype rates for SCC, MM, and MCC were 812, 75, and 2 per 100 000 person-years, respectively. Statistically significant risk factors for posttransplant skin cancer included pretransplant skin cancer (HR, 4.69; 95% CI, 3.26-6.73), male sex (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.34-1.81), white race (HR, 9.04; 95% CI, 6.20-13.18), age at transplant 50 years or older (HR, 2.77; 95% CI, 2.20-3.48), and being transplanted in 2008 vs 2003 (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.22-1.94).Conclusions and RelevancePosttransplant skin cancer is common, with elevated risk imparted by increased age, white race, male sex, and thoracic organ transplantation. A temporal cohort effect was present. Understanding the risk factors and trends in posttransplant skin cancer is fundamental to targeted screening and prevention in this population.

P1.06-039 Retrospective Study of the Incidence and Outcomes from Lung Cancer That Developed Following a Solid Organ Transplant

Organ transplant recipients (OTR) have an increased risk of developing post-transplant malignancies with lung cancer being one of the most common. We investigated incidence and outcomes of lung cancer in OTR managed at the University Health Network. The study population, patient characteristics, treatments and outcomes were summarized from solid OTR databases, our cancer registry and patient charts from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2015. Univariate Kaplan-Meyer curves estimated overall survival (OS) by histology, stage and chemotherapy. Amongst 7994 OTR (heart [N=765], lung [n=1668], liver [n=238], kidney [n=3273]), 123 developed lung cancer (1.54%) of which (55) 44.7% occurred in lung OTR; 108 (1.35%) patients had sufficient data for subsequent analyses. Median age: 62 years (29 - 85); male: 66%; smoking status at time of transplant - former/current/never/unknown: 62%/10%/15%/8%. Histologies included non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): 81%; small cell lung cancer (SCLC): 10%; neuro-endocrine tumors: 9%. NSCLC: Adjuvant chemotherapy, after it became standard of care (SOC), was given to 16% of eligible NSCLC patients. At recurrence, 28% received chemotherapy while 28% received a TKI. In patients initially presenting with stage IV NSCLC, 18% received chemotherapy and 3% received a TKI. SCLC: For limited and extensive stage SCLC patients, 83% and 60% received SOC chemotherapy, respectively. All: Where chemotherapy dosing was known (n=23), 42% of patients received initial dose reductions. For early stage patients, 22% required dose reduction and 11% had chemotherapy discontinuation due to toxicity. For stage IV patients, 42% required dose reductions and 50% required discontinuations.Tabled 1Median OS by SubgroupPatients by Histology, Stage at Diagnosis & Systemic Treatmentnmedian OS (months)95% C.I.NSCLC: Stage I/II•Systemic Treatment•No treatment48 11 3724.9 25.7 24.9(17.3-36.6) (14-51.6) (16.2-72.9)NSCLC: Stage III•Systemic Treatment•No treatment7 1 624.6 84.0 24.6(4.5-NA) NA (4.5-NA)NSCLC: Stage IV•Systemic Treatment•No treatment33 7 263.2 8.7 2.3(2-4) (4.7-52.4) (1.5-3.5)SCLC: Limited Stage•Systemic Treatment•No treatment6 5 19.6 14.3 2.0(2-NA) (8.4-NA) NASCLC: Extensive Stage•Systemic Treatment•No treatment5 3 21.7 5.5 0.2(0.2-NA) (1.7-NA) (0.2-NA) Open table in a new tab Survival was poor in our OTR population compared to historical norms in non-transplant patients. A minority of NSCLC patients received adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy, while most SCLC patients were treated. Both often had sub-standard dosing. Chemotherapy appeared better tolerated in early stage disease.