Association between urothelial carcinoma after renal transplantation and infection by human papillomavirus types 16 and 18

Systematic review on oncologic outcomes on adjuvant endovesical treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in patients with solid organ transplant

PURPOSE

Urothelial carcinoma has a higher incidence in renal transplanted patients according to several registries (relative risk × 3), and the global prognosis is inferior to the general population. The potential impact of immunosuppressive therapy on the feasibility, efficacy, and complications of endovesical treatment, especially Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, has a low level of evidence. We performed a systematic review that aimed to assess the morbidity and oncological outcomes of adjuvant endovesical treatment in solid organ transplanted patients.

METHODS

Medline was searched up to December 2021 for all relevant publications reporting oncologic outcomes of endovesical treatment in solid organ transplanted patients with NMIBC. Data were synthesized in light of methodological and clinical heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Twenty-three retrospective studies enrolling 238 patients were included: 206 (96%) kidney transplants, 5 (2%) liver transplants, and 2 (1%) heart transplants. Concerning staging: 25% were pTa, 62% were pT1, and 22% were CIS. 140/238 (59%) patients did not receive adjuvant treatment, 50/238 (21%) received mitomycin C, 4/238 (2%) received epirubicin, and 46/238 (19%) received BCG. Disease-free survival reached 35% with TURBT only vs. 47% with endovesical treatment (Chi-square test p = 0.08 OR 1.2 [0.98-1.53]). The complication rate of endovesical treatment was 12% and was all minor (Clavien-Dindo I).

CONCLUSION

In solid organ transplanted patients under immunosuppressive treatment, both endovesical chemotherapy and BCG are safe, but the level of evidence concerning efficacy in comparison with the general population is low. According to these results, adjuvant treatment should be proposed for NMIC in transplanted patients as in the general population.

Risk factors, management, and survival of bladder cancer after kidney transplantation

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Kidney transplantation is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer; however guidelines have not been established on the management of bladder cancer after kidney transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review using PubMed was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement to identify studies concerning the prevalence and survival of bladder cancer after kidney transplantation. The risk factors and management of bladder cancer after kidney transplantation were also reviewed and discussed.

RESULTS

A total of 41 studies, published between 1996 and 2018, reporting primary data on bladder cancer after kidney transplantation were identified. Marked heterogeneity in bladder cancer prevalence, time to diagnosis, non-muscle invasive/muscle-invasive bladder cancer prevalence, and survival was noted. Four studies, published between 2003 and 2017, reporting primary data on bladder cancer treated with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) after kidney transplantation were identified. Disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival were similar between BCG studies (75-100%).

CONCLUSIONS

Carcinogen exposure that led to ESRD, BKV, HPV, immunosuppressive agents, and the immunosuppressed state likely contribute to the increased risk of bladder cancer after renal transplantation. Non-muscle invasive disease should be treated with transurethral resection. BCG can be safely used in transplant recipients and likely improves the disease course. Muscle-invasive disease should be treated with radical cystectomy, with special consideration to the dissection and urinary diversion choice. Chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors can be safely used in regionally advanced bladder cancer with potential benefit. mTOR inhibitors may reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer, and immunosuppression medications should be reduced if malignancy develops.

Risk factors, management, and survival of bladder cancer after kidney transplantation

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Kidney transplantation is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer; however guidelines have not been established on the management of bladder cancer after kidney transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review using PubMed was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement to identify studies concerning the prevalence and survival of bladder cancer after kidney transplantation. The risk factors and management of bladder cancer after kidney transplantation were also reviewed and discussed.

RESULTS

A total of 41 studies, published between 1996 and 2018, reporting primary data on bladder cancer after kidney transplantation were identified. Marked heterogeneity in bladder cancer prevalence, time to diagnosis, non-muscle invasive/muscle-invasive bladder cancer prevalence, and survival was noted. Four studies, published between 2003 and 2017, reporting primary data on bladder cancer treated with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) after kidney transplantation were identified. Disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival were similar between BCG studies (75-100%).

CONCLUSIONS

Carcinogen exposure that led to ESRD, BKV, HPV, immunosuppressive agents, and the immunosuppressed state likely contribute to the increased risk of bladder cancer after renal transplantation. Non-muscle invasive disease should be treated with transurethral resection. BCG can be safely used in transplant recipients and likely improves the disease course. Muscle-invasive disease should be treated with radical cystectomy, with special consideration to the dissection and urinary diversion choice. Chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors can be safely used in regionally advanced bladder cancer with potential benefit. mTOR inhibitors may reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer, and immunosuppression medications should be reduced if malignancy develops.

Management of de-novo urothelial carcinoma in transplanted patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this article is to review incidence, risk factors, and optimal management of de-novo urothelial carcinoma in transplant recipients.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a two to three-fold increased risk for de-novo malignant tumors after solid-organ transplantation, but there is currently no consensus regarding optimal management of de-novo urothelial carcinoma in transplanted patients. Known risk factors include polyomavirus BK, aristolochic acid, and smoking. Data suggest a higher rate of high-grade tumors, as well as predominantly higher stage at primary diagnosis, for both NMIBC and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Treatment for NMIBC includes TURB, mitomycin, and Bacille de Calmette-Guérin instillation with special concern to the immunosuppressive regime. Treatment of MIBC or advanced urothelial carcinoma includes radical cystectomy with chemotherapy if the patient is eligible. A screening should be performed in all transplant recipients, to allow early diagnosis.

SUMMARY

De-novo urothelial carcinoma in transplant recipients is more frequent than in the general population and these tumors were more likely to be high-grade tumors and diagnosed at an advanced stage. There is very little information available on the optimal treatment for these patients. However, aggressive treatment and a strict management according the given recommendations are of the utmost importance.

Diagnosis and Management of a De Novo Urothelial Carcinoma in a Kidney Allograft: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Following renal transplantation, the incidence of malignancies is 3-5 times higher than that of healthy individuals. Among other type of cancers, the risk of urological tumors is also elevated. However, only a few cases of de novo transitional cell carcinomas occurring in renal allografts have been reported.

CASE REPORT

A 63-year-old tertiary transplanted male patient was urgently hospitalized for a painless macroscopic hematuria. Ultrasonography revealed pyelectasis and a hematoma in the renal pelvis. A percutaneous nephrostomy tube was inserted. An anterograde pyelography was performed later, where a filling defect was still observable in the location of the previously reported hypoechoic mass. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography showed enhancement of the lesion. An ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy was performed. The histologic evaluation revealed a high-grade transitional cell carcinoma. A whole-body staging computed tomography scan did not show signs of metastatic disease. The renal allograft was surgically removed. No disease progression was observed during the 21-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Painless hematuria and asymptomatic hydronephrosis occurring after kidney transplantation should raise the possibility of urothelial carcinoma in the kidney graft. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound should be considered as a first-line diagnostic modality because it is easily accessible and does not raise concerns about nephrotoxicity or radiation burden.

Metachronous urothelial carcinoma of whole urinary tract in a dialysis-dependent patient: A case report

Numerous studies have reported an association between end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and malignancy. The predominant malignant tumor that occurs in patients with ESRD in Asian countries is urothelial carcinoma (UC). According to recent research, cases of UC in dialysis-dependent patients are associated with higher recurrence rates and more aggressive biological behavior compared with patients without ESRD. The necessity of 1-step total urinary tract exenteration for dialysis-dependent patients with UC is advocated by certain studies. The current study reports a case of metachronous bladder cancer and bilateral upper urinary tract tumor in a dialysis-dependent patient. Three separate surgeries were performed to remove the bladder, and left and right urinary tract, respectively. The question of whether the stepwise strategy or the 1-step surgery should be selected for such special cases remains in debate.

Upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma behaviors in patients with end-stage renal disease after kidney transplantation in Taiwan

PURPOSE

To determine upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UT-UC) behavior in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after kidney transplantation (KT).

METHODS

From 2005 to 2012, 117 ESRD patients with localized UT-UC underwent nephroureterectomy at our institution. We divide these patients into two groups according to having had KT or not. Kaplan-Meier survival plot and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate whether kidney transplantation interfered with the UT-UC outcome.

RESULTS

The mean age was younger in ESRD with KT group (p = 0.001), but there was no difference in gender, smoking, or previous bladder cancer history between these two groups. The pathological features were more aggressive in ESRD with KT group compared to those without KT in regard to incidence of carcinoma in situ (p = 0.025) and multifocality (p = 0.001). Kidney transplantation did not interfere with the oncological outcome of UT-UC in ESRD patients. There were no differences in oncological outcome. Five-year metastasis-free survival rate was comparable.

CONCLUSION

In our sample, for patients with ESRD after kidney transplantation, the postoperative onset of UT-UC was younger and the pathological features were more aggressive. Standard surgical intervention resulted in satisfactory and similar outcome as did ESRD.

Distinguishing characteristics of urothelial carcinoma in kidney transplant recipients between China and Western countries

OBJECTIVE

To identify significant distinctive characteristics of urothelial carcinoma (UC) in kidney transplant recipients between China and Western countries and investigate probable tumor screening and treatment factors contributing to these differences.

METHODS

Renal transplant recipients from 1998 to 2011 in our institution diagnosed with UC were included in this study. Our data on tumor incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were compared with literature reports.

RESULTS

Among 2572 renal transplant recipients identified, 24 (0.93%) experienced UC, including 10 men and 14 women of overall mean age of 49.3 ± 11.6 years at transplantation and 53.5 ± 9.5 years at tumor detection. The Chinese traditional herbal intake mainly focused on 2 preparations: Aristolochic acid and rhubarb (the latter was mainly used in patients with chronic renal impairment) in 20 people. There were 21 (87.5%) cases of upper (UTUC) 5 cases of bilateral, and 13 cases of multifocal urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. Four subjects died owing to tumor progression at 4-63 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

UC in renal transplant recipients shared notable characteristics in China with widespread herb intake: UTUC predominance; multifocal and bilateral organ involvement; high rates of recurrence, progression, and dissemination, in contrast with bladder tumor dominance in Western countries. As a consequence, we suggest that bilateral nephroureterectomy should be performed prophylactically in high-risk patients, especially those with a long history of Chinese herb intake. The relationship of rhubarb consumption to UC in renal transplant recipients should be noted and evaluated.

Transitional cell carcinoma of the kidney graft: an extremely uncommon presentation of tumor in renal transplant recipients

Purpose. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) affecting the graft after renal transplantation is a very infrequent way of presentation of this tumor. Our aim is to present our single institution experience with 2 cases, as well as to perform a review of the literature about this tumor after the transplant. Materials and Methods. TCC of the graft developed in 2 of 1365 patients from 1977 to 2010, both cases in women. Data were analyzed for incidence, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes. Results. Both cases occurred in 2 mid-age women and resulted to be high grade and locally advanced TCCs, representing an incidence of 0,14% (2/1365). Clinical presentation was urinary obstruction for the first case and incidental ultrasound finding for the second. Preoperative staging was made with CT, cytology, pyelography, ureterorenoscopy, and biopsy. Treatment performed was nephroureterectomy of the graft with bladder cuff and regional lymphadenectomy. Pathological examination showed in both cases a locally advanced and high grade urothelial carcinoma of the pelvis allograft. After 24 and 14 months of followup, both patients are disease free. Conclusions. TCC of the kidney graft is an infrequent tumor that has only been reported in a few cases in the literature. It usually appears at a lower age, more often locally advanced, and with poor differentiation. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment should be required in these cases.