Cancer In Renal Transplant Recipients Research Articles

Native Renal Cysts and Dialysis Duration Are Risk Factors for Renal Cell Carcinoma in Renal Transplant Recipients

Urinary tract cancers are the third most common cancers in renal transplant recipients (RTX). This study examined the impact of dialysis duration and native renal cyst(s) (NRC) on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) occurrence among 1036 RTX followed-up from 1995 to July 2007. Abdominal ultrasonography was planned within 1-month of transplant, then every 5 years, or 2 years if renal cysts developed. Based on presence and time of development of NRC, RTX were grouped into those with no (No-NRC), new (New-NRC), preexisting (Pre-NRC) and time-indeterminate NRC (TI-NRC). Ten asymptomatic RTX were diagnosed with RCC at a median of 5.8 years posttransplant and had 5-year graft and patient survivals of 90% and 100%, respectively, following appropriate therapy. RCC occurred only in Pre-NRC and TI-NRC who had significantly longer dialysis duration than No- or New-NRC (6.7 ± 3.9 and 3.3 ± 3.2 vs. 2.7 ± 3.1 and 2.6 ± 2.4 years, respectively). These results suggest that NRC and increased dialysis duration are risk factors for RCC posttransplant. Since early treatment of RCC gives excellent outcomes, regular ultrasonography performed within a month of transplantation, then every 5 years for those without cysts and every 2 years for those with cysts for early detection of RCC is recommended.

Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of colorectal cancer in renal transplant recipients in Korea.

PurposeTransplant recipients in Asia appear to be at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC). This study was performed to identify the clinicopathological features and oncologic outcomes of CRC in post-renal transplants in Korea.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of 17 patients with CRC out of 2,630 recipients who underwent renal transplantation between 1994 and 2007. These patients (transplant group) were compared with general CRC patients (n=170, control group) matched, based on the closest date of surgery to the transplant group.ResultsDuring 29.7 months of the median follow-up period, the recurrent and survival rates from recurrence were worse in the transplant group than in the control group (35.2% versus 15.2%; p=0.048 and p=0.025). The 2-year patient survival rate of the transplant group was significantly worse than the control group in advanced cancer (stages III-IV; 45.7% versus 71.6%; p=0.023). In early cancer (stages 0-I), there was no significant difference in 5-year patient survival rate between the two groups (100% versus 92.6%, respectively; p=0.406).ConclusionIn spite of a poor prognosis of advanced CRC in the transplant group, the early stage CRC of the transplant group showed a comparable oncologic outcome compared with the control group. Regular screening and early detection of CRC are essential in the post-transplant setting.

Patient Survival After the Diagnosis of Cancer in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Nested Case-Control Study

Malignancy is a well-known complication after renal transplantation. We studied the influence of cancer on patient survival in the Dutch renal transplant population in a nested case-controlled analysis. Between March 1966 and May 2008, 15,227 renal transplantations in 12,805 recipients were registered in the Netherlands Organ Transplant Registry database. Total follow-up was 89,651 person years. We performed an analysis of patient and graft survival both from the day of transplantation and the diagnosis of cancer in recipients with invasive cancer. Recipients without invasive cancer, matched for gender, age, and year of transplantation, served as a control group. For the survival analysis after the diagnosis of cancer, the matched control group consisted of patients with a functioning graft at the moment the index patient was diagnosed with cancer. Cancer had been registered in 908 (7.1%) patients, 630 (69%) of them died with functioning kidney, 510 (81%) because of their malignancy (at 8.2 years after transplantation, median). The median patient survival after transplantation was 11.9 vs. 16.8 years in the study and control group, respectively (P<0.001). The median patient and graft survival after the diagnosis of cancer was 2.1 vs. 8.3 (P<0.001) and 25 vs. 22.4 (P<0.001) years in the study and control group, respectively. Mortality because of cancer is observed at a significantly later time after transplantation compared with mortality because of the other main lethal complications. It significantly affects life expectancy and carries a poor prognosis with a limited survival after diagnosis.

Skin cancers in renal transplant recipients: A description of the renal transplant cohort in Bern

Skin tumours, in particular squamous-cell carcinomas (SCC), are the most common malignant conditions developing in transplant recipients. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency and type of skin cancer in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on data of 243 renal transplant patients who attended the dermatology outpatient clinic for the first time after transplantation in the period January 2002-October 2005. We found an increased risk of actinic keratosis (AK) and SCC in renal transplant recipients with a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) / SCC ratio of 1:7. Older patients had AK more frequently (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.15; p <0.0001) and SCC (OR 1.14, CI 1.07-1.22; p <0.0001) than younger patients. Men had AK (OR 0.19, CI 0.08-0.45; p = 0.0002) and SCC (OR 0.25, CI 0.07-0.89; p = 0.0332) more frequently than women. The duration of immunosuppressive therapy correlated significantly with the numbers of AKs (OR 1.15, CI 1.08-1.24; p <0.0001) and SCCs (OR 1.16, CI 1.05-1.28; p = 0.0025), and patients with fair skin had more AKs (OR 0.31, CI 0.14-1.24; p <0.0001) and SCCs (OR 0.11, CI 0.02-0.52; p = 0.0054) than darker skinned patients. We could not identify any specific immunosuppressive drug as a distinct risk factor for AK or non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Skin cancers are increased in the renal transplant population. Main risk factors for skin cancers are fair skin type and long duration of immunosuppressive therapy. A follow-up programme is necessary for early detection of skin cancer and precancerous conditions. Preventive strategies should include specialist dermatological monitoring and self-examination.

Development of urological cancers in renal transplant recipients: 30‐year experience at the Frankfurt Transplant Center

Fatal post-transplant malignancies with a high proportion of genitourinary neoplasms represent a serious long-term challenge. With continuous improvement of the allograft and patient survival, cancer development after renal transplantation may soon turn to the leading morbidity cause. In a retrospective single-center study of 1990 renal transplant recipients between November 1979 and November 2009, records of patients with urological neoplasms including epidemiological, clinical and survival parameters were accessed. Sixty-six de novo urological malignancies in 58 recipients were recorded in the study period, being most common after skin cancers (15.6% of enregistered tumors). From these, 29 were renal cell cancers, including five neoplasms of transplanted kidney, 24 transitional cell carcinomas, 11 prostate carcinomas, and two germ cell carcinomas with incidence rates of 1.5%, 1.2%, 0.9% and 0.2%, respectively. The patient follow up was virtually complete. Tumor-related death was found in 44% of cases. By multivariate analysis, no influence of either duration of dialysis, mode or duration of immunosuppression, gender or age at transplantation on overall patient survival could be demonstrated. This study, documenting a 30-year single center experience, emphasizes the increased risk for urological neoplasms occuring after renal transplantation. Screening strategies for urological cancers should be optimized.

Management of localized prostate cancer by retropubic radical prostatectomy in patients after renal transplantation

The study aimed to report our experience with retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) for treatment of localized prostate cancer in renal transplant recipients (RTR). Data of 16 RTR who had an RRP between 2001 and 2007 were retrospectively analysed and compared to the data of 294 non-transplanted patients who were operated for RRP during the same period. Diagnostic work-up consisted of digital rectal examination, serum prostate specific antigene levels, as well as Transrectal Ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy. Follow-up was obtained in all patients with a mean follow-up time of 2.1 years in RTR. Mean time distance to the renal transplantation at the time of RRP was 81.2 ± 19.1 months. RRP was successfully performed and tolerated in all RTR without pelvic lymph node dissection. No major complications occurred during or after the operation. There were two minor complications in transplant group (prolonged haematuria and urinary leakage). Mean operative time was 108.3 ± 3.9 min in transplant group, which was significantly longer as in non-transplanted group (89.1 ± 4.1, P < 0.05). Mean estimated intra-operative blood loss was significantly lower in transplant group (P < 0.05). In RTR, one case of positive surgical margins was present (R(1): 6.2 vs. 12.3% in non-transplanted group, P < 0.05). None of the RTR had impairment of graft function. At follow-up, no case of biochemical recurrence was observed in RTR. RRP is safe and feasible for management of localized prostate cancer in patients with kidney allograft being under immunosuppression. However, concern about impairment of graft function, infection and wound healing remains important.

Skin cancers in renal transplant recipients: a description of the renal transplant cohort in Bern

Skin cancers in renal transplant recipients: a description of the renal transplant cohort in Bern

2075 PROSTATE CANCER IN RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS: BIOPSY COMPLICATIONS AND ONCOLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS

You have accessJournal of UrologyTransplantation & Vascular Surgery: Renal Transplantation, Vascular Surgery I1 Apr 20102075 PROSTATE CANCER IN RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS: BIOPSY COMPLICATIONS AND ONCOLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS Sergey S. Ananyev, Rizk El-Galley, and J. Erik Busby Sergey S. AnanyevSergey S. Ananyev More articles by this author , Rizk El-GalleyRizk El-Galley More articles by this author , and J. Erik BusbyJ. Erik Busby More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2010.02.2135AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES There are presently no established guidelines for prostate cancer (CaP) screening, detection, and treatment in male renal transplant recipients (RTR). Outcomes for RTR with CaP are varied when compared to non-RTR. Only one previous study has examined the morbidity of biopsy in RTR undergoing evaluation for CaP. We compared a large population of RTR to a non-RTR cohort at a single institution to determine the rate of periprocedural infections from prostate biopsy and subsequent CaP characteristics and outcomes METHODS Of 2,478 RTR from 1993 to 2007, 29 underwent prostate biopsy. Infectious complication was defined as 3 of 4 criteria (T>101F, WBC > 12,000, positive urine culture, positive blood culture), or any criteria coupled with hospitalization. The RTR cohort was compared to 2053 non-RTR men who underwent biopsy in the same period (random sampling of 145 men out of 2053 performed for accurate statistical analysis). Cancer characteristics, treatment, and oncologic outcomes were also compared between the subset of each cohort diagnosed with CaP. RESULTS Of RTR and non-RTR respectively, infectious complication occurred in 10% and 0.7% (p=0.016), and of patients biopsied, CaP was detected in 64% and 46% (p=0.079). Comparing RTR and non-RTR cohorts respectively, mean total Gleason grades were 6.11 and 6.48 (p=0.09), mean primary Gleason grades were 3.06 and 3.18 (p=0.343) and secondary Gleason grades were 3.0 and 3.31 (p=0.042). Treatment for RTR vs non-RTR respectively included active surveillance in 21% and 10%, radiation in 42% and 48%, prostatectomy 32% and 38%, and hormonal ablation 5% and 5%. No difference was seen in the treatment between cohorts (p=0.584). D'Amico risk criteria were low (in 47% versus 48%), intermediate (in 42% versus 36%), and high (in 11% versus 16%) with overall comparable risk distribution (p=0.812) in RTR vs non-RTR. Within African American RTR, there was increased intermediate risk CaP (p=0.003), but otherwise there were no differences among groups. Immunosuppressants did not impact cancer characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Although there is a trend towards increased detection in RTR, the groups have similar CaP risk categories. RTR present with higher secondary Gleason scores and African American RTR have increased intermediate risk CaP. RTR have a significantly increased risk for infectious complications after prostate biopsy, warranting improved measures and patient education. Birmingham, AL© 2010 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 183Issue 4SApril 2010Page: e807 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2010 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Sergey S. Ananyev More articles by this author Rizk El-Galley More articles by this author J. Erik Busby More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Incidence of Thyroid Dysfunction and Thyroid Cancer in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Single Center Experience

Background. The prevalence of thyroid cancer in renal transplant population has not been widely studied, and there is no consensus on the management of thyroid cancer in transplant patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in thyroid hormone levels and investigate the incidence of the thyroid cancer after renal transplantation. Materials and methods. From October 1989 to April 2007, 122 renal allograft recipients that were being followed underwent thyroid ultrasonography to determine nodules together with thyroid hormone levels. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed to the nodules > 10 mm or those with 8–10 mm diameter but with calcifications. Results. One hundred and eight patients (88.5%) had normal thyroid function. None of the patients had overt hypothyroidism, 2 had subclinical hypothyroidism, 10 subclinical thyrotoxicosis, and 2 low T3 syndrome. Mean thyroid volume was 14.2 ± 7.2 ml. In all, 91.8% was diagnosed with goiter (n = 112). Seventy-two thyroid nodules were detected in 49 kidney allograft recipients (single nodule in 30, multiple in 19 patients). Eighty-four biopsy samples were reported as benign (n = 21, 87.5%), 8 as suspicious (n = 2, 8.3%), and 4 as inadequate (n = 1, 4.1%). After surgery, one of the patients (0.8%) with suspicious FNAB was reported as papillary thyroid carcinoma. Conclusion. Because of the high incidence of thyroid dysfunction in transplant patients, screening of thyroid function should be a part of follow-up. Our results suggest that although frequency of nodules is increased in kidney transplant patients, prevalence of thyroid cancer is slightly, but not significantly, higher than that of the normal population.

Laparoscopic transperitoneal radical prostatectomy in renal transplant recipients: a review of the literature

To report our experience with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) for the treatment of localized prostate carcinoma in two renal transplant recipients and a review of the literature. We retrospectively identified all patients who had undergone LRP for clinically localized prostate cancer between 2002 and 2008 at our institution (n = 1150). Of these patients, two were renal transplant recipients (one with donor renal transplant cadaver and the other with prior transplantectomy). We reviewed all available clinicopathological data and the scientific literature. The two patients underwent successful LRP with no major complications. The mean (range) operative time was 200 (180-220) min with a mean estimated blood loss of 300 (200-400) mL. There were no changes in renal graft function as measured by serum creatinine level. At pathology, the surgical margins were negative and disease was organ-confined in each case. The two patients tolerated the procedure well and had a mean (range) hospital stay of 3.5 (3-4) days. The data from our two patients suggest that LRP, as an accepted minimally invasive treatment for a middle-aged man with organ-confined prostate cancer, is a technically feasible and safe treatment of localized prostate cancer in renal transplant recipients.

Association of seborrhoeic warts with skin cancer in renal transplant recipients**

Renal transplant recipients (RTR) have a well recognized increased risk of cutaneous malignancy. A clinical observation that RTR with skin cancer often had multiple seborrhoeic warts prompted an investigation in RTR into the relationship between seborrhoeic warts and skin cancer and an exploration into potential risk factors for seborrhoeic warts in this population, including infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). This was a case control study involving 308 RTR. Clinical examinations identified seborrhoeic warts. Histological records reviewed to look for evidence of prior cutaneous malignancy. Seroprevalence of antibodies to 34 different HPV types tested using multiplex serology. Odds ratios (OR) calculated using unconditional logistic regression analysis to look for associations between skin cancer, HPV infection and seborrhoeic warts, controlling for potential confounding factors of gender, age and time since transplantation. Seborrhoeic warts were associated with non-melanoma skin cancer [OR = 3.7; 95% confidence intervals (CI) ranging from 1.6-8.9; P = 0.002] when confounding factors of gender, age and time since transplantation were controlled for. There was also an association between seborrhoeic warts and viral warts (OR = 3.0, CI: 1.6-5.4; P < 0.0001), but no association between seborrhoeic warts and infection with single or multiple HPV types. Seborrhoeic warts are associated with cutaneous malignancy, but not with any of the HPV types tested. The reasons for this association are unclear. RTR with multiple seborrhoeic warts may require more regular cutaneous examination to monitor for early signs of skin cancer.

Pretransplant Serum Vitamin D Levels and Risk of Cancer After Renal Transplantation

Serum levels of 25-OH-D3 inversely correlate with the incidence of various types of cancers in the general population. Because risk factors and incidence of cancer in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are different from the general population, this study was designed to determine whether pretransplant 25-OH-D3 levels could be predictive of cancer risk in RTRs. Pretransplant 25-OH-D3 levels were reviewed in 363 consecutive RTRs. The impact of 25-OH-D3 levels on the development of cancer was then analyzed with respect to other known risk factors. One hundred twenty-four patients (34.2%) showed vitamin D deficiency, 185 (51%) vitamin D insufficiency, and 54 (14.8%) with normal vitamin D levels. Thirty-two cancers (8.8%) occurred in 32 patients. A higher incidence of cancer was observed in patients with vitamin D deficiency (13.7% vs. 7% for patients with vitamin D insufficiency [P=0.068] and 3.7% for those with normal vitamin D levels [P=0.007]). 25-OH-D3 levels were lower in patients who developed cancer after transplantation (13.7+/-6 vs. 18.3+/-17.8 ng/mL, P=0.022). Age (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.11, for each 1 year increase; P=0.009) and low 25-OH-D3 levels (hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.23, for every 1 ng/mL decrease; P=0.021) were independent risk factors for development of cancer. Pretransplant level of 25-OH-D3 is an important determinant for subsequent development of cancer after transplantation. Future studies should examine whether 25-OH-D3 supplementation can effectively decrease the incidence of cancer in RTRs.

Prostate cancer in renal transplant recipients

We conducted a retrospective multi-centre study to determine the characteristics of prostate cancer in renal transplant recipients (RTR) and to analyse the relation with immunosuppressive maintenance therapies. Patients from 19 French transplant centres diagnosed with prostate cancer at least 1 year after kidney transplantation were included in this study. Data regarding demographics, kidney transplantation, prostate cancer and immunosuppressive treatment were analysed. Sixty-two patients met the eligibility criteria for this study. Thirty-eight patients (61.3%) received calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) and azathioprine (AZA) with or without steroids, twenty received CNI with or without steroids (32.2%) and four received CNI and mycophenolate mofetil (6.5%). Patients with CNI and AZA immunosuppressive therapy presented more high-stage cancer (T3 and T4) when compared to patients receiving CNI alone (47.5% versus 15%, respectively, P = 0.03). A non-significant increase in lymph node invasion was found in patients receiving CNI and AZA compared to patients receiving CNI alone (21% versus 5%, P = 0.16). In the multivariate analysis, the immunosuppressive regimen with CNI and AZA was the only independent risk factor for locally advanced disease (P = 0.007). Our results showed that RTR are at risk for early occurrence and for locally advanced prostate cancer, especially when they received a CNI and AZA maintenance immunosuppressive therapy.

Lymphocyte Subsets in Renal Transplant Recipients with de novo Genitourinary Malignancies

Introduction: The incidence of genitourinary tumors (GUT) in renal transplant recipients (RTR) is higher than in the general population. We previously reported that CD4 lymphocytopenia is associated with a high incidence of skin cancer in RTR. Here, we investigate whether persistent CD4 T cell lymphopenia is associated with GUT occurrence. Patients and Methods: A total of 433 patients were included in this study. All patients underwent annually systematic lymphocyte subset (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19) determination by flow cytometry. Results and Conclusion: During the follow-up period, 13 patients developed GUT: 6 patients a prostate adenocarcinoma (incidence 0.06%/year) and 7 patients a renal cell carcinoma (incidence 0.07%/year). The patients with GUT were older than those without. Both groups did not differ in posttransplant duration, dialysis mode and duration, induction regimen, or acute rejection history. No persistent CD4 lymphopenia was observed in the patients with GUT. Although CD4 T cell lymphopenia is associated with skin cancer in long-term RTR, it did not appear to be a risk factor for GUT. This suggests that other factors encountered in the setting of kidney transplantation (e.g., immunosuppressive drugs, end-stage renal failure, etc.) favor the development of GUT in RTR.

Morbidity of Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer in Renal Transplant Recipients: Multicenter Study from Renal Transplantation Committee of French Urological Association

To evaluate the morbidity and surgical complications of retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and compare these results with the observed morbidity in a control group of nontransplanted patients. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study and reviewed the charts and records of 20 RTRs who had undergone RRP for localized prostate cancer at four French renal transplant centers belonging to the Renal Transplantation Committee of the French Urological Association from April 1996 to April 2007. A total of 40 patients who had undergone RRP at the same centers, by the same surgeons, were analyzed as the case-control population. The mean operating time (163 +/- 41 vs 160 +/- 66 minutes), blood loss (516 +/- 279 vs 566 +/- 449 mL), transfusion rate (20% vs 22.5%), and hospital stay (11.9 +/- 5.44 vs 9.45 +/- 2.8 days) were similar in the RTR and case-control populations. No graft loss or graft injury was reported in the RTRs, except for two ureteral injuries that were immediately repaired during RRP. No decrease in the kidney graft function was observed after RRP. The rate of medical complication (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection) was similar in both groups, except for the rate of bacterial systemic infection, which was significantly greater in the RTRs than in the controls (15% vs 2.5%, P = .01). In our study, RRP was a safe procedure to treat localized prostate cancer in RTRs. RRP resulted in the same morbidity in RTRs as in the case-control population.

Cancers after renal transplantation

For patients with end-stage kidney failure, kidney transplantation improves both their quality of life and overall life expectancy compared with dialysis, but it is not without adverse effects. Cancer is second to cardiovascular disease as one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients. Prolonged use of modern immunosuppression, which leads to alteration of immune function and immune surveillance, is associated with increased cancer risk. There is now convincing evidence from observational studies and registry data to confirm a 3- to 5-fold increase in overall cancer incidence, with viral-related neoplasia incurring the greatest risk when compare with the general population. Despite the increased risk, little is known about the overall cancer prognosis, screening, treatment strategies, and effectiveness in this population. Cancers can recur, occur de novo, and be transmitted from donor organs posttransplantation. Uncertainties exist as to how modern immunosuppressive agents impact on cancer management and outcomes in these patients, with some agents such as calcineurin inhibitors and azathioprine, being more carcinogenic than others. The newer agents, proliferation signal/mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors and mycophenolate mofitil, may have some antiproliferative and antitumor activities demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies, but long-term well-powered trial data are needed to determine whether they are either protective or curative for cancers in renal transplant recipients. In this review, the incidence, etiology, prognosis, and potential approaches to cancer screening and management post-renal transplantation are discussed.

Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Radical Prostatectomy in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Review of Three Cases

To report our experience with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for the treatment of localized prostate carcinoma in 3 renal transplant recipients. We retrospectively identified all patients who had undergone laparoscopic prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer between 1999 and 2006 at our institution (n = 1067). Of these patients, 3 were renal transplant recipients (dual cadaveric renal transplant, simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant, and a cadaveric renal transplant that had failed owing to chronic rejection by the time of surgery). We reviewed all available clinicopathological data. All three patients underwent successful laparoscopic radical prostatectomy without major complications. The average operative time was 237 minutes (range, 180 to 290 minutes) with a mean estimated blood loss of 425 mL (range, 75 to 1000 mL). No changes in renal graft function, measured by serum creatinine, were noted. Pathological outcomes revealed negative surgical margins with organ-confined disease in each case. All three patients tolerated the procedure well and had an average hospital stay of 3.3 days (range, 2 to 5 days). The data from our 3 patients suggest that laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a technically feasible and safe treatment of localized prostate cancer in renal transplant recipients.

Update on the pathogenesis of post-transplant skin cancer in renal transplant recipients

Remarkable advances in the field of transplantation over the last several decades have benefited many thousands of patients. Five-year survival ranges from 90% for a live donor renal transplant to 85% for a cadaveric renal transplant. However, with this success come the complications of chronic immunosuppression. Lifelong immunosuppressive treatment for adequate graft function results in reduction of immunosurveillance, with increased risk of various cancers leading to substantial morbidity and mortality in these patients. This review discusses multifactorial intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to the pathogenesis of skin cancers in renal transplant recipients and reviews potential solutions.

Treatment of Oropharyngeal Cancer in Renal Transplant Recipients Without Cessation of Immunosuppressive Therapy

Introduction Renal transplantation and immunosuppression are associated with an increased incidence of malignancy. Reduction or cessation of immunosuppressive therapy has been advocated in these cases to prevent tumor progression and recurrence. We evaluated the outcome of treatment of oropharyngeal cancer (OC) after renal transplantation without cessation of immunosuppressive therapy. Methods The database of patients with OC after renal transplantation was analyzed with respect to age, sex, type of immunosuppression, interval between transplantation and diagnosis of cancer, as well as method of treatment and survival. Results Thirty one (2.06%) renal transplant recipients developed malignancy including 6 (20%) with OC. Lingual cancer was seen in three, and one each showed an isolated tonsillar lymphoma, a parotid carcinoma, or a carcinoma of the larynx with only the last having had two other malignancies in the past. Three subjects were on immunosuppression with azathioprine and prednisolone, and the others were prescribed cyclosporine and prednisolone. Average time from transplantation to diagnosis of OC was 106 months. The interval was the shortest (2 years) for tonsillar lymphoma in an 18-year-old patient who received cyclosporine and showed features of left follicular tonsillitis. The patient with advanced carcinoma of the larynx did not receive any treatment and succumbed within 3 months. The dose of cyclosporine was reduced in the lymphoma case but immunosuppression was not altered in the other patients. All subjects were treated with a standard protocol. During a mean follow-up of 33 months, one had local recurrence of parotid carcinoma and the others showed well functioning renal grafts. Conclusion Comprehensive treatment of OC after renal transplantation without withdrawing the immunosuppression prolonged the life of these patients with functioning grafts.

Detection of epidermodysplasia verruciformis-like human papillomavirus types in malignant and premalignant skin lesions of renal transplant recipients.

To evaluate the putative role of human papillomaviruses (HPV) in the development of skin cancer in renal transplant recipients, a series of skin biopsies from premalignant and malignant skin lesions was analysed using the polymerase chain reaction. Four different consensus primer pairs were used. HPV DNA was detected in five of 24 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, in one of three cases of Bowen's disease, in none of four basal cell carcinomas, in two of seven cases of actinic keratosis and in one of five cases of keratoacanthoma. Typing by direct sequencing of the amplified HPV DNA was possible in seven of nine cases, and revealed epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV)-associated HPV types, or HPV types related to EV-associated types. Hence, HPV DNA could be detected in a significant proportion of (pre)malignant skin tumours in renal transplant recipients. The finding that some of the detected HPV types were as yet uncharacterized EV-related types, suggests that HPV DNA could be present in a higher percentage of lesions, and might be detected with refinement of the techniques.