Cancer In Transplant Recipients Research Articles

Progression of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas After Liver Transplantation.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are the most commonly identified pancreatic cystic neoplasms. Incidentally detected IPMNs are common among liver transplant recipients. The risk of IPMN progression to pancreatic cancer in transplant recipients and the impact of immunosuppression on the risk of malignant transformation of IPMN are unclear. In this retrospective study of consecutive liver transplant recipients across Mayo Clinic over a 13-year period, patients were assessed for possible IPMN by automated chart review. Pancreatic cystic lesions were characterized as suspected IPMNs based on imaging criteria. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between IPMN progression (the development of cancer or worrisome features) and clinical and immunosuppression regimen characteristics. Of 146 patients with suspected IPMNs, progression occurred in 7 patients (2 cases of IPMN-associated cancer and 5 cases of worrisome features) over an average follow-up of 66.6 months. Immunosuppression type, medication number, and tacrolimus trough levels were not associated with IPMN progression (p >0.05). Combined kidney and liver transplantation (p=0.005) and pretransplant cholangiocarcinoma (p=0.012) were associated with IPMN progression. IPMN progression is rare after liver transplantation even over an extended follow-up period. The findings were notable for the absence of an association between IPMN progression and immunosuppression regimen. Larger studies are needed given the low incidence.

Early Results of a Screening Program for Skin Cancer in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Cohort Study.

(1) Background: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in transplant recipients. Timely and regular screening may reduce advanced disease. The study aimed to determine referral rates to screening, the incidence, and risk factors of skin cancer in a Danish liver transplant recipient cohort. (2) Methods: All first-time liver transplant recipients, >18 years old, attending outpatient care between January 2018 and December 2021 were included. The referral rates and incidence of skin cancer/preneoplastic lesions were calculated. Risk factors were assessed using Cox regression analyses. (3) Results: Of the 246 included recipients, 219 (89.0%) were referred to screening, and 102 skin cancer/preneoplastic lesions were diagnosed in 32 (15.6%) recipients. The IR of any skin cancer/preneoplastic lesion was 103.2 per 1000 person-years. BCC was the most frequent skin cancer followed by SCC, IR: 51.3 vs. 27.1 per 1000 person-years, respectively. No cases of MM were observed. The IR of actinic keratosis and Bowen's Disease were 48.1 vs. 13.2 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Time since transplantation was independently associated with skin cancer/preneoplastic lesions, HR (95%CI) 2.81 (1.64-4.80). (4) Conclusions: The study determined the incidence and risk factors of skin cancer/preneoplastic lesions in liver transplant recipients enrolled in a screening program, while demonstrating a high screening referral rate.

Updates in Skin Cancer in Transplant Recipients and Immunosuppressed Patients: Review of the 2022-2023 Scientific Symposium of the International Immunosuppression and Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative.

The International Immunosuppression and Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative (ITSCC) and its European counterpart, Skin Care in Organ Transplant Patients-Europe (SCOPE) are comprised of physicians, surgeons, and scientist who perform integrative collaborative research focused on cutaneous malignancies that arise in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) and patients with other forms of long-term immunosuppression. In October 2022, ITSCC held its biennial 4-day scientific symposium in Essex, Massachusetts. This meeting was attended by members of both ITSCC and SCOPE and consisted of specialists including Mohs micrographic and dermatologic oncology surgeons, medical dermatologists, transplant dermatologists, transplant surgeons, and transplant physicians. During this symposium scientific workshop groups focusing on consensus standards for case reporting of retrospective series for invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), defining immunosuppressed patient status for cohort reporting, development of multi-institutional registry for reporting rare tumors, and development of a KERACON clinical trial of interventions after a SOTRs' first cutaneous SCC were developed. The majority of the symposium focused on presentation of the most up to date research in cutaneous malignancy in SOTR and immunosuppressed patients with specific focus on chemoprevention, immunosuppression regimens, immunotherapy in SOTRs, spatial transcriptomics, and the development of cutaneous tumor registries. Here, we present a summary of the most impactful scientific updates presented at the 2022 ITSCC symposium.

Skin cancers and their precursors in Finnish liver transplantation recipients: A follow‐up study

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of skin cancers in transplant recipients is known to have increased compared to the general population. Risk factors include age at the time of transplantation, duration and dose of immunosuppressive medication. Research data on the incidence of skin cancer precursors in transplant recipients is limited.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the incidence of skin cancers and their precursors and the factors influencing their development in Finnish liver transplant recipients.MethodsWe recruited 140 volunteers who were over 18 years old at the time of the study and had been transplanted at least 5 years before. Patients were examined by a dermatologist between 2012 and 2016 and, if necessary, followed up based on cutaneous findings. All patients in the study were followed up until May 2021 or until the death of the patient, based on medical records.ResultsThe study found an increased incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), especially of squamous cell carcinoma, in liver transplantation (LT) recipients compared to the general Finnish population (squamous cell carcinoma SIR 21.2, basal cell carcinoma SIR 7.6). Precursors of squamous cell carcinoma were found in 43 patients (30.7%) after transplantation. The study found no statistically significant difference between the drugs used for immunosuppression.ConclusionsOur data showed an increased risk of NMSCs in LT recipients. After LT, patients are at significant risk of SCC and its precursors may be found even in almost third of patients in 17.5 years follow‐up. Given this information, it is considered important to monitor LTRs with adequate frequency to treat precursors as early as possible before the development of SCC.

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.

Prevalence of anal cytological abnormalities and high-risk human papillomavirus prevalence in kidney transplant recipients: A cross-sectional study.

Transplant recipients are at high-risk of anal squamous cell cancer. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and assess characteristics associated with results METHODS: We recruited kidney transplant recipients in a single-center, 2015-2018. Participants completed a clinical questionnaire and received an anal-swab sent for HPV-DNA and cytological testing RESULTS: A total of 97 (74%) of 125 recipients approached consented to participate. Participants were median 47 (IQR 40-55) years, 60% male and median 4.5 (IQR .9-13) months-since-transplant. Of 86 assessable samples, at least one HPV genotype was detected in 15 (17%) participants; 1 (1%) HPV16, 8 (9%) other high-risk HPV. Of 76 assessable cytology samples, 9 (12%) showed evidence of abnormality; 1 (1%) HSIL, 1 (1%) atypical-squamous-cells, cannot exclude HSIL. Both HSIL recipients had high-risk HPV and biopsy confirmed HSIL. High-risk HPV was detected in six (9%) recipients with normal cytology. History of sexually transmitted infection, and abnormal cervical pap smear in women, was associated with high-risk HPV and HSIL CONCLUSIONS: High-risk HPV and HSIL testing may identify kidney transplant recipients at higher risk of anal cancer. Longitudinal studies are needed to describe the natural history of anal cancer in transplant recipients.

THYROID CANCER RECURRENCE RISK AFTER TRANSPLANTATION: SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Background: Organ transplantation is a life saving treatment option for most types of end stage organ failure. Transplant outcomes have improved over time however increased risk of malignancy has been reported in transplant recipients. Thyroid diseases including thyroid cancer may worsen after transplantation mainly due to a consequence of immunosuppression. We aimed to evaluate the risk of recurrence and mortality of thyroid cancer after solid organ transplantation. Patients and Methods: Between 1975 and 2019 total 654 liver and 3052 kidney transplantations were performed in Başkent University. We identified 14 patients with thyroid cancer. Twelve of 14 patients were kidney transplant recipients and 2 were liver transplant recipients. Results: Fourteen patients (7 males / 7 females) with a history of both organ transplantation and thyroid cancer were recruited for this study. Median age of the patients was 42 (31-70) years. All of patients underwent total thyroidectomy. Thirteen of the 14 patients had papillary cancer, one patient had follicular cancer. Nine of the patients (64.3%) had multifocal disease. All patients had stage I disease and also were in low risk group according to ATA classification. Median follow up time was 6.9 (1.3-14.6) years. After initial treatment 13 of 14 patients were fully cured and healthy. During follow up time there were no signs of local recurrence or distant metastasis in the remaining 13 patients. None of the patients died from thyroid cancer. Conclusion: In our study there was not increased recurrence rate and mortality of thyroid cancer in transplant recipients. Our results suggest that solid organ transplantation does not influence prognosis of thyroid cancer especially in low risk patients. There is a concern about progression of previously treated cancer after transplantation.

Cancer survival in kidney transplant recipients in Ireland.

Transplantation is a well-known risk factor for malignancy. However, outcomes of cancer in transplant recipients compared with non-transplant recipients are less well studied. We aim to study the survival in kidney transplant recipients who develop cancer and compare this with cancer outcomes in the general population. We linked data from the National Cancer Registry Ireland with the National Kidney Transplant Database. The period of observation was from 1 January 1994 until 31 December 2014. Transplant recipients were considered at risk from the time of diagnosing cancer. We administratively censored data at 10 years post-cancer diagnosis. Survival was compared with all patients in the general population that had a recorded diagnosis of cancer. There were 907 renal transplant recipients and 426679 individuals in the general population diagnosed with cancer between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 2014. In those with non-melanoma skin cancer, the hazard ratio (HR) for 10-year, all-cause mortality [HR = 3.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.66-3.52] and cancer-specific mortality (HR = 3.91, 95% CI 2.57-5.96) was significantly higher among transplant recipients than the general population. Patients who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma (HR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.96-4.25) and prostate cancer (HR = 4.32, 95% CI 2.39-7.82) had increased all-cause but not cancer-specific mortality. Colorectal, lung, breast and renal cell cancer did not show an increased risk of death in transplant recipients. Cancer-attributable mortality is higher in kidney transplant recipients with non-melanoma skin cancer compared with non-transplant patients. The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging should reflect the increased hazard of death in these immunosuppressed patients.

Skin cancer in transplant recipients: Scientific retreat of the international immunosuppression and transplant skin cancer collaborative and skin care in organ transplant patients-Europe.

The International Immunosuppression and Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative (ITSCC) is an organization of more than 500 physicians and scientists focused on the treatment of cutaneous malignancies following solid organ transplantation and in other forms of immunosuppression. It is well known that solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) have an approximate 100-fold increase in the risk of developing skin cancer with consensus guidelines recommending these patients be managed as high risk for local recurrence and metastasis associated with poor outcomes. In September 2018, ITSCC and its European counterpart, the Skin Care in Organ Transplant Patients-Europe (SCOPE), held their biennial scientific retreat in Essex, MA to discuss novel findings in the pathogenesis of cutaneous malignancy including new treatment and prevention strategies in this at-risk population for significant morbidity and mortality from their cutaneous disease. This meeting report is a summary of the novel findings discussed.

De Novo Cancer Incidence and Prognosis After Kidney Transplantation: A Single Center Analysis

BackgroundMalignancy is an important cause of mortality in renal transplants recipients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, prognosis, and survival of patients developing a de novo post-transplant cancer. MethodsUsing a retrospective cohort design, we evaluated the incidence of de novo cancers among kidney transplants patients in our hospital from January 2000 to December 2012. We also evaluated the patient survival after tumor diagnosis. ResultsWe included 535 kidney transplants recipients with a mean follow-up of 7.8 years; among them, 39 (7.2%) developed malignancies. Median time from transplant to cancer diagnosis was 3 years, with a median age at diagnosis of 60 years. Male patients were significantly older at time of cancer diagnosis (68.5 years) compared with women (38 years, P < .05), and cancer diagnosis occurred significantly earlier in men (3.5 years since transplantation) than in women (8.5 years, P < .05). Among 39 patients affected by a de novo post-transplant cancer, 18 patients (46.2%) died, with an average age at death of 58.5 years. The average time from cancer diagnosis to death was 1.5 years. Among the group of patients who did not develop a post-transplant cancer, 83 patients (16.7%) died, with a median age at time of death of 54.5 years (P < .05). ConclusionsKidney transplant recipients are at higher risk of developing a post-transplant cancer. Prognosis after cancer diagnosis is poor, probably as a consequence of a more aggressive behavior of cancer in transplant recipients. Intensive screening protocols could allow for an earlier diagnosis thereby improving the long-term outcome of these patients.

Management of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Transplant Recipients

Transplant recipients have a significantly higher risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancers compared with the general population and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are the most common post-transplant malignancies. Although in the general population BCC outnumbers SCC 4:1, in transplant patients this ratio is reversed and SCC is more common, with a 65- to 250-fold increased incidence. As patients in immunosuppressed states are living longer after transplants, the incidence of skin cancer in this population continues to increase. The skin cancers in transplant patients also tend to be more aggressive, with higher morbidity and mortality. Preventive strategies play an important role in transplant recipients given their increased frequency of developing both premalignant and malignant skin lesions. Sun protection and regular skin cancer screening are critical. In addition, chemoprophylaxis with systemic retinoids, nicotinamide and capecitabine can significantly reduce the development of new skin cancers. Topical 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, photodynamic therapy and cyclooxygenase inhibitors have all been investigated in transplant patients for the treatment of field cancerisation. Adjusting the immunosuppressive regimen is also an important adjuvant therapeutic strategy for managing skin cancers in transplant recipients and requires integrated multidisciplinary care with the entire transplant team. This article reviews the epidemiology of non-melanoma skin cancer in transplant patients, discusses the prevention strategies and highlights the management and treatment strategies of both field cancerisation and non-melanoma skin cancers.

Elevated incidence of head and neck cancer in solid organ transplant recipients.

Solid organ transplant recipients are known to be at an increased risk of cancer development, but research on head and neck cancer in transplant recipients has been limited and prior risk assessments may not be accurate. A retrospective review using a national Veterans Administration database to query outpatient problem lists for ICD codes indicating solid organ transplant and subsequent diagnosis of head and neck cancer. In a study of 30 939 656 patients (37 969 solid organ transplants and 113 995 head and neck cancers), history of transplant significantly predicted head and neck cancer, with relative risks ranging from 1.85 (thyroid) to 2.91 (salivary gland). Worse overall survival (OS) was seen for head and neck cancer patients with prior transplants. In a large case-control study, prior transplant was a risk factor for head and neck cancer development and worse OS for head and neck cancer patients.

Transplant Recipients and Anal Neoplasia Study: Design, Methods, and Participant Characteristics of a Prevalence Study.

Kidney recipients have anal cancer rates 3 times higher than the general population in Australia and New Zealand. High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes are implicated in the majority of anal cancers. Establishing the epidemiology of anal HPV infection and precursors of anal cancer in transplant recipient populations is 1 consideration in any potential screening program. The Transplant and Anal Neoplasia Study is a cross-sectional study of the prevalence of anal cytological abnormalities and HPV deoxyribonucleic acid in kidney transplant recipients, as well as evaluating the acceptability of an anal cancer screening intervention. The study aims to recruit 100 kidney transplant recipients, older than 18 years, in Australia. Transplant recipients attending for a protocol biopsy at 3 and 12 months and annually posttransplant are approached to participate. Participants undergo an anal swab, which is then analyzed using liquid-based cytological examination and tested for the detection of 37 anogenital HPV deoxyribonucleic acid genotypes. Participants also complete a demographic and behavioral questionnaire that covers sexual behavior, history of anal symptoms, and possible anal cancer risk factors. Associations will be tested using multiple regression analysis. Recruitment for the study began in 2015 and is ongoing. To date, 96 (77%) of 125 kidney transplant recipients approached have consented to the study. The mean age is 48 (median, 47 y; range, 20-76 y), 59% are male, and Northwest European (58%) represented the largest ethnic group. No participants self-identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. High consent rates and positive qualitative results suggest that a larger screening program may be well received by kidney transplant recipients, with increased resources and some modification to the timing of approach. Further results of the study will inform the possible implementation of a larger screening trial for prevention of anal cancers in kidney and other solid organ transplant recipients.

Association of HLA Antigen Mismatch With Risk of Developing Skin Cancer After Solid-Organ Transplant

Risk factors for the development of skin cancer after solid-organ transplant can inform clinical care, but data on these risk factors are limited. To study the association between HLA antigen mismatch and skin cancer incidence after solid-organ transplant. This retrospective cohort study is a secondary analysis of the multicenter Transplant Skin Cancer Network study of 10 649 adults who underwent a primary solid-organ transplant between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2003, or between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2008. These participants were identified through the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients standard analysis files, which contain data collected mostly by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. Participants were matched to skin cancer outcomes by medical record review. This study was conducted from August 1, 2016, to July 31, 2017. The primary outcome was time to diagnosis of posttransplant skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. The HLA antigen mismatch was calculated based on the 2016 Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network guidelines. Risk of skin cancer was analyzed using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. In total, 10 649 organ transplant recipients (6776 men [63.6%], with a mean [SD] age of 51 [12] years) contributed 59 923 years of follow-up. For each additional mismatched allele, a 7% to 8% reduction in skin cancer risk was found (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87-0.99; P = .01). Subgroup analysis found the protective effect of HLA antigen mismatch to be statistically significant in lung (adjusted HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.56-0.87; P = .001) and heart (adjusted HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60-0.93; P = .008) transplant recipients but not for recipients of liver, kidney, or pancreas. The degree of HLA-DR mismatch, but not HLA-A or HLA-B mismatch, was the most statistically significant for skin cancer risk (adjusted HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.97; P = .01). The HLA antigen mismatch appears to be associated with reductions in the risk of skin cancer after solid-organ transplant among heart and lung transplant recipients; this finding suggests that HLA antigen mismatch activates the tumor surveillance mechanisms that protect against skin cancer in transplant recipients and that skin cancer risk may be higher in patients who received a well-matched organ.

Skin cancer in children after organ transplantation.

Skin cancer is the second most common complication of organ transplantation in children. The frequency of skin cancer incidence after organ transplantation is different in paediatric and adult populations. The post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease is the most common group of malignancies after organ transplantation in paediatric population. The majority of researchers who examined children with kidney, liver, heart or lungs grafts observed that the risk of skin cancer was three times higher than in the general population whereas in adults even200 times higher. The occurrence of skin cancer in children after transplantation is extremely rare during childhood. The risk increases in early adulthood. Malignancies occurring after solid organ transplantation result from many different factors. These include the immunological condition of the child, dose and time of immunosuppression, and oncogenic viruses. The increased risk of skin cancer following paediatric transplantation requires prevention and adequate education of children and their parents. These involve avoiding sun exposure and protection such as sunscreens and protective clothing. The early detection of cancer in transplant recipients is very important. Prevention of cancer includes regular dermatological examination.

Posttransplant Malignancies in Adult Renal and Hepatic Transplant Patients.

The risk of some cancer types increases after organ transplant compared with that shown in the general population; this has been well documented in clinical studies. With patients having longer survival and with the higher number of transplant procedures, cancer is an increasing health concern at high-volume transplant centers. Malignancy has an important effect on short- and long-term graft and patient survival. In this study, we evaluated cancer frequency during transplant patient follow-up. This single-center retrospective study included patients who underwent solid-organ transplant at the Baskent University Medical Faculty Hospital from 1997 to 2017. Renal and hepatic transplant patients older than 16 years at the time of transplant and diagnosed with cancer after transplant were included the study. In total, 1176 of 2018 renal transplant recipients and 274 of 548 hepatic transplant recipients met the inclusion criteria. We determined that 52 of 1176 renal transplant (4.5%) and 9 of 274 hepatic transplant patients (3.3%) developed posttransplant cancer during follow-up. Of 61 total patients with cancer posttransplant, 44 were males (72.1%) and 17 were females (27.9%), with median age at transplant of 39.2 years. Overall, the incidence of cancer in transplant recipients was 4.2%. The most frequent cancers were basal and squamous skin cancers, which were seen in 18 patients (29%), and Kaposi sarcoma, which was seen in 11 patients (18%). Of the 61 patients who developed cancer, 43 (70%) were still alive at the time of this study. Despite recent positive developments in the use of immunosuppressive drugs, posttransplant malignancy is still a health problem. Fortunately, most cancers in this patient group have good prognosis and can be cured by surgical resection. Transplant physicians should aim for early detection of these diseases.

Posttransplant Malignancies in Adult Renal and Hepatic Transplant Patients

Introduction The risk of some types of cancer increases after organ transplantation compared to general population and it is well documented in clinical studies. As a result of prolongation of survival and higher number of procedures cancer is a rising health concern in high volume transplantation centers. The occurrence of malignancy has an important impact on short- and long-term graft and patient survival. In this study we evaluate the cancer frequencies in transplant patient’s follow up. Materials and Methods Single center data of patients those were underwent solid organ transplatation in Baskent University Medical Faculty Hospital from 1997 to 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Renal and hepatic transplant patients older than 16 years at the time of transplantation and diagnosed with cancer after transplantation were included the study. In total, 1176 of 2018 renal and 274 of 548 hepatic transplant patients were eligible for the analysis due to age. Results Fifty-three (4.5%) of 1176 renal and 9 (3.3%) of 274 hepatic transplant patients developed post transplant cancer during follow-up. Of the total 62 cancer patients, there were 46 males (74.1%) and 16 females (25.9%), with a median age at transplantation of 42.5 years. Overall, the incidence of cancer in transplant recipients was 4.2%. The most frequent cancers was basal and squamous skin cancers seen in 18 patients (29%) and Kaposi’s sarcoma seen in 11 patients (18%). 47 of 62 (%75.8) patients were still alive at the time of the study. Conclusion Although there are recent developments in the use of immunosuppressive drugs, posttransplant malignancy is still a health problem. Fortunately most seen cancers have good prognosis and can be cured by surgical resections. Transplant physicians must pay attention to early detection of these diseases.

Cancer in kidney transplant recipients.

Cancer is the second most common cause of mortality and morbidity in kidney transplant recipients after cardiovascular disease. Kidney transplant recipients have at least a twofold higher risk of developing or dying from cancer than the general population. The increased risk of de novo and recurrent cancer in transplant recipients is multifactorial and attributed to oncogenic viruses, immunosuppression and altered T cell immunity. Transplant candidates and potential donors should be screened for cancer as part of the assessment process. For potential recipients with a prior history of cancer, waiting periods of 2-5 years after remission - largely depending on the cancer type and stage of initial cancer diagnosis - are recommended. Post-transplantation cancer screening needs to be tailored to the individual patient, considering the cancer risk of the individual, comorbidities, overall prognosis and the screening preferences of the patient. In kidney transplant recipients diagnosed with cancer, treatment includes conventional approaches, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, together with consideration of altering immunosuppression. As the benefits of transplantation compared with dialysis in potential transplant candidates with a history of cancer have not been assessed, current clinical practice relies on evidence from observational studies and registry analyses.

How to Escape the Immune Response: What Tumors Teach to Transplant Physicians/Immunologists.

Recent progress in deciphering the mechanisms underlying the concepts of tumor immunosurveillance and immunoevasion has opened new opportunities for the development of effective antitumor therapies. Transplant physicians and immunologists have much to learn from those direct clinical translations of basic science. The 2016 Beaune Seminar in Transplant research brought together researchers from both fields to explore and discuss significant advances in cancer biology, immunotherapies and their potential impacts for the management of cancer in transplant recipients.

Gene expression in the twilight of death: The increase of thousands of transcripts has implications to transplantation, cancer, and forensic research.

After a vertebrate dies, many of its organ systems, tissues, and cells remain functional while its body no longer works as a whole. We define this state as the "twilight of death" - the transition from a living body to a decomposed corpse. We claim that the study of the twilight of death is important to ethical, legal and medical science. We examined gene expression at the twilight of death in the zebrafish and mouse reaching the conclusion that apparently thousands of transcripts significantly increase in abundance from life to several hours/days postmortem relative to live controls. Transcript dynamics of different genes provided "proof-of-principle" that models accurately predict an individual's elapsed-time-of-death (i.e. postmortem interval). While many transcripts were associated with survival and stress compensation, others were associated with epigenetic factors, developmental control, and cancer. Future studies are needed to determine whether the high incidence of cancer in transplant recipients is due to the postmortem processes in donor organs.