Risks of Multiple Skin Cancers in Organ Transplant Recipients: A Cohort Study in 2 Administrative Data Sets

Toward personalized skin cancer care: multiple skin cancer development in five cohorts

Importance

Many patients will develop more than one skin cancer, however most research to date has examined only case status.

Objective

Describe the frequency and timing of the treatment of multiple skin cancers in individual patients over time.

Design

Longitudinal claims and electronic health record-based cohort study.

Setting

Vanderbilt University Medical Center database called the Synthetic Derivative, VA, Medicare, Optum Clinformatics® Data Mart Database, IBM Marketscan.

Participants

All patients with a Current Procedural Terminology code for the surgical management of a skin cancer in each of five cohorts.

Exposures

None.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The number of CPT codes for skin cancer treatment in each individual occurring on the same day as an ICD code for skin cancer over time.

Results

Our cohort included 5,508,374 patients and 13,102,123 total skin cancers treated.

Conclusions and Relevance

Nearly half of patients treated for skin cancer were treated for more than one skin cancer. Patients who have not developed a second skin cancer by 2 years after the first are unlikely to develop multiple skin cancers within the following 5 years. Better data formatting will allow for improved granularity in identifying individuals at high risk for multiple skin cancers and those unlikely to benefit from continued annual surveillance. Resource planning should take into account not just the number of skin cancer cases, but the individual burden of disease.

Actinic Keratosis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Medical Literature Review

Pharmacological immunosuppression in solid organ transplant recipients is a significant risk factor in the occurrence of actinic keratosis (AK) and later progression into squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Treating clinical and preclinical lesions is mandatory in this group of patients due to the high changes of progression into SCC. On the other hand, prevention of AK should be considered because it plays a crucial role. Several studies have been published on immunocompetent patients, as well as on the management and prevention of AK, but not on immunosuppressed patients. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the management and prevention measures of AK in solid organ transplant recipients.

[Translated article] Actinic Keratosis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Medical Literature Review

Pharmacological immunosuppression in solid organ transplant recipients is a significant risk factor in the occurrence of actinic keratosis (AK) and later progression into squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Treating clinical and preclinical lesions is mandatory in this group of patients due to the high changes of progression into SCC. On the other hand, prevention of AK should be considered because it plays a crucial role. Several studies have been published on immunocompetent patients, as well as on the management and prevention of AK, but not on immunosuppressed patients. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the management and prevention measures of AK in solid organ transplant recipients.

Cumulative incidence and timing of subsequent cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas stratified for patients with organ transplantation and hematologic malignancies: A nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

There is lack of nationwide data on the cumulative incidence and timing of subsequent cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) among patients with a first cSCC.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cumulative incidence and timing of subsequent cSCCs.

METHODS

Patients with a first cSCC in 2007/2008 from the Netherlands Cancer Registry were linked to the Netherlands Pathology Registry for subsequent cSCCs and the Netherlands Organ Transplant Registry. Cumulative incidence function curves were calculated for subsequent cSCCs and stratified for immune status.

RESULTS

Among the 12,345 patients, second to sixth cSCC occurred in 4325, 2010, 1138, 739, and 501 patients, with median time intervals of 1.4, 1.2, 0.9, 0.6, and 0.5 years after the previous cSCC, respectively. The cumulative incidence of a subsequent cSCC at 5 years increased from 28% to 67% for the second to sixth cSCC. For solid organ transplant recipients, the cumulative incidences increased from 74% to 92% and from 41% to 64% for patients with hematologic malignancy.

LIMITATIONS

Only histopathologically confirmed cSCCs were included.

CONCLUSION

The risk of a subsequent cSCC steeply rises with the number of prior cSCCs and immune status, while the time interval decreases. This can support more informed decisions about follow-up management.

A combined opposite targeting of p110δ PI3K and RhoA abrogates skin cancer

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly skin cancer with an increasing incidence worldwide whereas SCC is the second most common non-melanoma human skin cancer with limited treatment options. Here we show that the development and metastasis of melanoma and SCC cancers can be blocked by a combined opposite targeting of RhoA and p110δ PI3K. We found that a targeted induction of RhoA activity into tumours by deletion of p190RhoGAP-a potent inhibitor of RhoA GTPase-in tumour cells together with adoptive macrophages transfer from δD910A/D910A mice in mice bearing tumours with active RhoA abrogated growth progression of melanoma and SCC tumours. Τhe efficacy of this combined treatment is the same in tumours lacking activating mutations in BRAF and in tumours harbouring the most frequent BRAF(V600E) mutation. Furthermore, the efficiency of this combined treatment is associated with decreased ATX expression in tumour cells and tumour stroma bypassing a positive feedback expression of ATX induced by direct ATX pharmacological inactivation. Together, our findings highlight the importance of targeting cancer cells and macrophages for skin cancer therapy, emerge a reverse link between ATX and RhoA and illustrate the benefit of p110δ PI3K inhibition as a combinatorial regimen for the treatment of skin cancers.

Epidemiology and risk factors for multiple squamous cell carcinomas in a cohort of organ transplant recipients from northern Italy: a single center study

BACKGROUND

Keratinocyte cancers account for the most frequent oncological complication in organ transplant recipients. To date, many different risk factors have been reported, unless variability among the studies exist. We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for keratinocyte neoplasms in a cohort of kidney transplant and liver transplant recipients.

METHODS

A cohort of 338 patients were included in this retrospective study and followed-up from transplantation until the end of December 2021, with a 2-year minimum transplant time. Each skin cancer was collected in a specific database, together with all the demographic data and dermatological history and feature of patients.

RESULTS

In our cohort, liver transplant patients presented a higher keratinocyte cancer incidence compared to kidney transplant recipients. Regarding the risk factors for skin cancer in the entire group of patients, we observed a significant association with the detection of actinic keratosis and solar lentigo, and such relation was stronger when considering patients developing multiple skin cancers, in which fair skin types and occupational sun exposure were also associated. Furthermore, while actinic keratosis and a history of previous dialysis were significantly associated with the development of a least one squamous cell carcinoma, the presence of keratotic lesions and azathioprine intake resulted connected with the appearance of multiple squamous neoplasms.

CONCLUSIONS

We report here that, in our cohort, factors potentially leading to immune dysfunction were found to play a causative role in the development of the more aggressive histotype of keratinocyte tumors, and such association seemed more convincing in case of multiple squamous cell carcinomas.

Local blockade of tacrolimus promotes T-cell-mediated tumor regression in systemically immunosuppressed hosts

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppressive drugs such as tacrolimus have revolutionized our ability to transplant organs between individuals. Tacrolimus acts systemically to suppress the activity of T-cells within and around transplanted organs. However, tacrolimus also suppresses T-cell function in the skin, contributing to a high incidence of skin cancer and associated mortality and morbidity in solid organ transplant recipients. Here, we aimed to identify a compound capable of re-establishing antitumor T-cell control in the skin despite the presence of tacrolimus.

METHODS

In this study, we performed time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer to identify molecules capable of antagonizing the interaction between tacrolimus and FKBP12. The capacity of these molecules to rescue mouse and human T-cell function in the presence of tacrolimus was determined in vitro, and the antitumor effect of the lead compound, Q-2361, was assessed in "regressor" models of skin cancer in immunosuppressed mice. Systemic CD8 T-cell depletion and analyses of intratumoral T-cell activation markers and effector molecule production were performed to determine the mechanism of tumor rejection. Pharmacokinetic studies of topically applied Q-2361 were performed to assess skin and systemic drug exposure.

RESULTS

Q-2361 potently blocked the interaction between tacrolimus and FKBP12 and reversed the inhibition of the nuclear factor of activated T cells activation by tacrolimus following T-cell receptor engagement in human Jurkat cells. Q-2361 rescued T-cell function in the presence of tacrolimus, rapamycin, and everolimus. Intratumoral injection of Q-2361-induced tumor regression in mice systemically immune suppressed with tacrolimus. Mechanistically, Q-2361 treatment permitted T-cell activation, proliferation, and effector function within tumors. When CD8 T cells were depleted, Q-2361 could not induce tumor regression. A simple solution-based Q-2361 topical formulation achieved high and sustained residence in the skin with negligible drug in the blood.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that the local application of Q-2361 permits T-cells to become activated driving tumor rejection in the presence of tacrolimus. The data presented here suggests that topically applied Q-2361 has great potential for the reactivation of T-cells in the skin but not systemically, and therefore represents a promising strategy to prevent or treat skin malignancies in immunosuppressed organ transplant recipients.

Rates of Second Tumor, Metastasis, and Death From Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Patients With and Without Transplant-Associated Immunosuppression

Importance

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) may occur with multiple primary tumors, metastasize, and cause death both in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients.

Objective

To study the rates of second cSCC, metastasis, and death from cSCC in patients with and without organ transplant-associated immunosuppressive treatment.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based, nationwide cohort study used Cancer Registry of Norway data from 47 992 individuals diagnosed with cSCC at 18 years or older between January 1, 1968, and December 31, 2020. Data were analyzed between November 24, 2021, and November 15, 2022.

Exposures

Receipt of a solid organ transplant at Oslo University Hospital between 1968 and 2012 followed by long-term immunosuppressive treatment.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Absolute rates of second cSCC, metastasis, and death from cSCC were calculated per 1000 person-years with 95% CIs. Hazard ratios (HRs) estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression were adjusted for age, sex, and year of first cSCC diagnosis.

Results

The study cohort comprised 1208 organ transplant recipients (OTRs) (median age, 66 years [range, 27-89 years]; 882 men [73.0%] and 326 women [27.0%]) and 46 784 non-OTRs (median age, 79 years [range, 18-106 years]; 25 406 men [54.3%] and 21 378 women [45.7%]). The rate of a second cSCC per 1000 person-years was 30.9 (95% CI, 30.2-31.6) in non-OTRs and 250.6 (95% CI, 232.2-270.1) in OTRs, with OTRs having a 4.3-fold increased rate in the adjusted analysis. The metastasis rate per 1000 person-years was 2.8 (95% CI, 2.6-3.0) in non-OTRs and 4.8 (95% CI, 3.4-6.7) in OTRs, with OTRs having a 1.5-fold increased rate in the adjusted analysis. A total of 30 451 deaths were observed, of which 29 895 (98.2%) were from causes other than cSCC. Death from cSCC was observed in 516 non-OTRs (1.1%) and 40 OTRs (3.3%). The rate of death from cSCC per 1000 person-years was 1.7 (95% CI, 1.5-1.8) in non-OTRs and 5.4 (95% CI, 3.9-7.4) in OTRs, with OTRs having a 5.5-fold increased rate in the adjusted analysis.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, OTRs with cSCC had significantly higher rates of second cSCC, metastasis, and death from cSCC than non-OTRs with cSCC, although most patients with cSCC in both groups died from causes other than cSCC. These findings are relevant for the planning of follow-up of patients with cSCC and for skin cancer services.

The Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising in Organ Transplant Recipients

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common malignancy in immune-suppressed organ transplant recipients (OTRs). Whilst rates of other malignancies (both cutaneous and non-cutaneous) are elevated in this population, the increase is far less striking. This suggests that cSCC must be a highly immunogenic tumor. The tumor immune microenvironment is altered in cSCC from OTRs. It has reduced anti-tumor properties and instead provides an environment that facilitates tumor growth and survival. Understanding the composition and function of the tumor immune microenvironment in cSCC from OTRs is useful for prognostication and therapeutic decisions.

Interventions After First Post-Transplant Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Proposed Decision Framework

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after organ transplant. Many patients subsequently develop multiple CSCC following a first CSCC, and the risk of metastasis and death is significantly increased compared to the general population. Post-transplant CSCC represents a disease at the interface of dermatology and transplant medicine. Both systemic chemoprevention and modulation of immunosuppression are frequently employed in patients with multiple CSCC, yet there is little consensus on their use after first CSCC to reduce risk of subsequent tumors. While relatively few controlled trials have been undertaken, extrapolation of observational data suggests the most effective interventions may be at the time of first CSCC. We review the need for intervention after a first post-transplant CSCC and evidence for use of various approaches as secondary prevention, before discussing barriers preventing engagement with this approach and finally highlight areas for future research. Close collaboration between specialties to ensure prompt deployment of these interventions after a first CSCC may improve patient outcomes.

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

Importance

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.

Objective

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.

Design, Setting, and Participants

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.

Main Outcomes and Measures

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.

Results

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.

Conclusions and Relevance

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.

A Review of Cutaneous Diseases Observed in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for numerous cutaneous conditions that fall within four categories: pre-neoplastic, neoplastic, infectious, or idiopathic. Many of these diseases can be attributed to immunosuppressive medications, including mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, azathioprine, tacrolimus, or glucocorticoids. Iatrogenic lessening of the immune system places the patient at risk of malignancies, opportunistic infections, immune-mediated dermatoses, and adverse effects of medications. As the life expectancy of patients with solid organ transplants continues to increase, dermatologists and transplant physicians must stay abreast of this spectrum of dermatologic conditions, their respective prognoses, prevention, mitigation, and treatment.