Cancers after renal transplantation

[Urogenital tumors following kidney transplantation-monocentric analysis of incidences and overview of urological preventive measures]

BACKGROUND

Urogenital tumors are among the most common solid malignancies after kidney transplantation (TX).

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed the incidence and mortality of urogenital tumors after kidney TX in our own patient population as well as answered the question of recommended follow-up necessity and frequency in this cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective monocentric data collection of tumor diseases and the most common urogenital tumors after kidney TX at the Transplant Center Dresden between 2010 and 2020 was done. From this, we derived recommendations for a useful follow-up concept.

RESULTS

A total of 13% (93/710) of kidney TX patients developed a neoplasm. Older patients (60.1 ± 10.6 vs. 53.8 ± 12.5; p < 0.001), with higher Charlson scores (≥ 4: 68% vs. 46%; p < 0.001) and a previous tumor history (18% vs. 8%; p < 0.001) were more likely to develop a neoplasm after transplantation. In the multivariate analysis, previous tumor history was found to be an independent predictor of tumor development after renal transplantation (OR 2.2; 95%-KI [1.2-4.1]; p = 0.01). Urogenital tumors accounted for 30% (28/93) of all malignancies. Renal cell carcinoma of the native kidney was the most common (n = 12) neoplasm, followed by prostate cancer (n = 9).

CONCLUSION

Most solid malignancies after kidney TX arise from the urinary tract. Due to their frequency, there is an urgent need for specialized urological therapy and long-term follow-up care. Even before listing for TX, risk factors can be recognized and individual concepts for follow-up care can be developed.

Post-transplant malignancy: Focusing on virus-associated etiologies, pathogenesis, evidence-based management algorithms, present status of adoptive immunotherapy and future directions

Modern immunosuppression has led to a decrease in rejection rates and improved survival rates after solid organ transplantation. Increasing the potency of immunosuppression promotes post-transplant viral infections and associated cancers by impairing immune response against viruses and cancer immunoediting. This review reflects the magnitude, etiology and immunological characteristics of various virus-related post-transplant malignancies, emphasizing the need for future research. A multidisciplinary and strategic approach may serve best but overall literature evidence targeting it is sparse. However, the authors attempted to provide a more detailed update of the literature consensus for the prevention, diagnosis, management and surveillance of post-transplant viral infections and associated malignancies, with a focus on the current role of adoptive immunotherapy and the way forward. In order to achieve long-term patient and graft survival as well as superior post-transplant outcomes, collaborative research on holistic care of organ recipients is imperative.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors in kidney transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The development of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of several cancers. Malignancies are one of the leading causes of death in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs). Although ICI treatment may be an effective option in treating malignancies in SOTRs, concerns about triggering allograft rejection have been raised in this population. Herein, we will review currently available data regarding patients, allograft and malignancy outcomes in SOTRs who received ICI therapy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cancer incidence is three to five-fold higher among SOTRs, compared with the general population. Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer after transplant, followed by kidney cancer, lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma. There are no large prospective studies evaluating ICI therapy's use for treating cancers in SOTRs. However, retrospective studies have shown that ICI treatment may be associated with improved malignancy outcomes and overall survival (OS). However, the risk of allograft rejection is high (around 40%) of whom about half lose their allograft. Maintaining higher levels of immunosuppression may be associated with a lower risk of allograft rejection, but potentially worse malignancy outcomes.

SUMMARY

Although ICI treatment may be associated with improved patient and malignancy outcomes, the risk of allograft rejection and loss are high. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the benefits of ICI therapy in SOTRs and to evaluate the optimal immunosuppression regimen modifications, if any, to improve patient, malignancy and allograft outcomes in transplant recipients.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors for solid organ transplant recipients: clinical updates

Transplant care continues to advance with increasing clinical experience and improvements in immunosuppressive therapy. As the population ages and long-term survival improves, transplant patient care has become more complex due to comorbidities, frailty, and the increased prevalence of cancer posttransplantation. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a standard treatment option for many cancers in non-transplant patients, but the use of ICIs in transplant patients is challenging due to the possibility of disrupting immune tolerance. However, over the past few years, ICIs have gradually started to be used in transplant patients as well. In this study, we review the current use of ICIs after all solid organ transplantation procedures (kidney, liver, heart, and lung). Increasing data suggest that the type and number of immunosuppressants may affect the risk of rejection after immunotherapy. Immunotherapy for cancer in transplant patients may be a feasible option for selected patients; however, prospective trials in specific organ transplant recipients are needed.

Cooling of Cells and Organs Confers Extensive DNA Strand Breaks Through Oxidative Stress and ATP Depletion

Cooling at 4°C is routinely used to lower metabolism and preserve cell and tissue integrity in laboratory and clinical settings, including organ transplantation. However, cooling and rewarming produce cell damage, attributed primarily to a burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon rewarming. While DNA represents a highly vulnerable target of ROS, it is unknown whether cooling and/or rewarming produces DNA damage. Here, we show that cooling alone suffices to produce extensive DNA damage in cultured primary cells and cell lines, including double-strand breaks (DSBs), as shown by comet assay and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Cooling-induced DSB formation is time- and temperature-dependent and coincides with an excess production of ROS, rather than a decrease in ATP levels. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that DNA damage activates the DNA damage response marked by the formation of nuclear foci of proteins involved in DSB repair, γ-H2Ax, and 53BP1. Subsequent rewarming for 24 h fails to recover ATP levels and only marginally lowers DSB amounts and nuclear foci. Precluding ROS formation by dopamine and the hydroxychromanol, Sul-121, dose-dependently reduces DSBs. Finally, a standard clinical kidney transplant procedure, using cold static storage in UW preservation solution up to 24 h in porcine kidney, lowered ATP, increased ROS, and produced increasing amounts of DSBs with recruitment of 53BP1. Given that DNA repair is erroneous by nature, cooling-inflicted DNA damage may affect cell survival, proliferation, and genomic stability, significantly impacting cellular and organ function, with relevance in stem cell and transplantation procedures.

Prostate Cancer Characteristics in Renal Transplant Recipients: A 25-Year Experience From a Single Centre

Objectives: The incidence of prostate cancer in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) is increasing, but few data are available in the literature. In this study, we reviewed the 25-year experience in the management of prostate cancer after kidney transplantation at the Florence Transplant Centre.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data from 617 RTR male patients who underwent renal transplantation at our institute between July 1996 and September 2016. Data regarding demographics, renal transplantation, prostate cancer and immunosuppressive treatment were analyzed. The probability of death was estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method and differences between patients' groups were assessed by the log-rank test.

Results: From July 1991 to September 2016, 617 kidney transplantations of male patients were performed at our institute. Among these, 20 patients were subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer accounting for a cumulative incidence of 3.24%. After a median follow-up of 59 months, 10 patients underwent radical prostatectomy whereas 10 patients underwent primary radiotherapy. A biochemical recurrence was identified in five (25%) patients while a fatal event occurred in 11 (55%) patients. Univariate Cox regression showed that the basal value of PSA >10 ng/ml was the only significant factor negatively affecting the survival of patients.

Conclusions: Standard treatments can be proposed to RTR with satisfactory results on both post-operative and oncological outcomes. Further studies are needed to address the issue of prostate cancer screening based on PSA levels and the optimal management of prostate cancer in RTRs.

Kidney re-transplantation after living donor graft nephrectomy due to de novo chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: A case report

BACKGROUND

There are few reported cases of allograft nephrectomy due to malignancy followed by successful renal re-transplantation two years later. In this paper, we report a patient who underwent kidney re-transplantation after living donor graft nephrectomy due to de novo chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) involving the allograft kidney.

CASE SUMMARY

A 34-year-old man underwent living kidney transplantation at the age of 22 years for end-stage renal disease. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and prednisone. Six years post-transplantation, at another hospital, ultrasonography revealed a small mass involving the upper pole of the graft. The patient declined further examination and treatment at this point. Seven years and three months post-transplantation, the patient experienced decreasing appetite, weight loss, gross hematuria, fatigue, and oliguria. Laboratory tests showed anemia (hemoglobin level was 53 g/L). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a large heterogeneous cystic-solid mass involving the upper pole of the renal allograft. Graft nephrectomy was performed and immunosuppressants were withdrawn. Histological and immunohistochemical features of the tumor were consistent with ChRCC. One year after allograft nephrectomy, low doses of tacrolimus and MMF were administered for preventing allosensitization. Two years after allograft nephrectomy, the patient underwent kidney re-transplantation. Graft function remained stable with no ChRCC recurrence in more than 2-years of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

De novo ChRCC in kidney graft generally has a good prognosis after graft nephrectomy and withdrawal of immunosuppression. Kidney re-transplantation could be a viable treatment. A 2-year malignancy-free period may be sufficient time before re-transplantation.

Sex differences in cancer risk and outcomes after kidney transplantation

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) experience a two- to four-fold increased risk of developing and dying from cancer compared with the general population. High cancer risk results from the interaction of both modifiable and non-modifiable factors. This mapping review explores the impact of sex disparity on cancer's increased incidence and mortality after kidney transplantation (KT). In terms of age, population-based studies indicate that younger recipients of both sexes experience a higher risk of cancer, but this is more pronounced in young women. On the contrary, older men are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, although their increased risk is not statistically significant compared with the general population. Regarding cancer type, studies show an increased risk of Kaposi sarcoma, gynecologic and lung cancer in women, and bladder and kidney cancer in men. Immune-related cancers such as pos-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders and melanoma are increased in both sexes. Mortality also shows differences between sexes. Although cancer is the second cause of death in both male and female KTRs, studies show higher overall mortality in men and elderly recipients. However, the relative risk of cancer mortality compared with the general population is higher at a younger age, with disparate results regarding sex. Female KTRs appear to die at a younger age than males when compared with the general population. Differences in cancer rates by sex after renal transplantation need further studies. A better understanding of sex-specific differences in cancer epidemiology after KT could help nephrologists to better address pre-transplant counseling, to establish early surveillance programs, and to plan modifiable risk factors such as immunosuppression.

Angiosarcoma in arteriovenous fistula after kidney transplantation

Angiosarcoma is a rare complication of both functioning and nonfunctioning fistulas. It is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma arising from vascular or lymphatic endothelial cells. We report a case of angiosarcoma from a nonfunctional fistula in a kidney transplantation patient receiving immunosuppressive drugs. The patient had presented with arm pain mimicking a thrombosed arteriovenous fistula.

Rapamycin Inhibitors for Eye Squamous Cell Carcinoma after Renal Transplantation: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

The immunosuppressive efficiency obtained in the last decades in kidney transplantation significantly improved graft survival. However, there is still a high risk and incidence of cancer in transplant patients strongly and directly related to the type of immunosuppression. An increasing body of evidence suggests that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway may play a pivotal role in the development and progression of several neoplastic diseases.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe a 47-year-old male patient who received a cadaveric primary renal transplant in November 2008 developing a poorly differentiated infiltrating and ulcerated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at the eye level. In this patient, the modification of an immunosuppressive regimen with introduction of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors and withdrawal of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) led to the resolution of this severe condition.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of mTOR inhibitors and withdrawal of CNIs in kidney-transplanted patients with de novo eye SCC should be considered in this clinical setting.

Assessment of Suspected Malignancy or Infection in Immunocompromised Patients After Solid Organ Transplantation by [18F]FDG PET/CT and [18F]FDG PET/MRI

Purpose

To study the value of 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-D-glucose([¹⁸F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and [¹⁸F]FDG positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) in assessing immunocompromised patients with suspected malignancy or infection.

Methods

[¹⁸F]FDG-PET/CT and [¹⁸F]FDG-PET/MRI examinations of patients who were immunocompromised after receiving lung, heart, pancreas, kidney, liver, or combined kidney-liver transplants were analyzed in this retrospective study. Patients underwent whole-body hybrid-imaging because of clinical signs of malignancy and/or infection. Findings were assessed by molecular features ([¹⁸F]FDG-uptake) and morphological changes. The final diagnosis, which was arrived at after review of clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic analyses and follow-up imaging studies, served as the reference standard.

Results

Altogether, (i) 28 contrast-enhanced [¹⁸F]FDG-PET/CT scans (CE-PET/CT), (ii) 33 non-contrast [¹⁸F]FDG-PET/CT scans (NC-PET/CT), and (iii) 18 [¹⁸F]FDG-PET/MRI scans were included. Additionally, 12/62 patients underwent follow-up PET imaging to rule out vital tumor or metabolic active inflammatory processes. CE-PET/CT exhibited 94.4% sensitivity, 80.0% specificity, 89.5% positive predictive value (PPV), 88.9% negative predictive value (NPV), and 89.3% accuracy with regard to the reference standard. NC-PET/CT exhibited 91.3% sensitivity, 80.0% specificity, 91.3% PPV, 80.0% NPV, and 87.9% accuracy. PET/MRI exhibited 88.6% sensitivity, 99.2% specificity, 99.6% PPV, 81.3% NPV, and 94.4% accuracy. Exact McNemar statistical test (one-sided) showed significant difference between the CT-/MR-component alone and the integrated PET/CT and PET/MRI for diagnosis of malignancy or infection (p value < 0.001). Radiation exposure was 4- to 7-fold higher with PET/CT than with PET/MRI.

Conclusion

For immunocompromised patients with clinically unresolved symptoms, to rule out vital tumor manifestations or metabolic active inflammation, [¹⁸F]FDG-PET/MRI, CE-[¹⁸F]FDG-PET/CT, and NC-[¹⁸F]FDG-PET/CT exhibit excellent performance in diagnosing malignancy or infection. The main strength of PET/MRI is its considerably lower level of radiation exposure than that associated with PET/CT.

Oral carcinoma development after 23 years of renal transplantation

Renal transplant patients are treated with immunosuppressive drugs that decrease the effectiveness of the immune system, making them more prone to developing cancer. Skin and lip carcinomas are common malignancies encountered after transplantation, whereas oral carcinomas are rare. We report the case of a 51-year-old female Caucasian patient, with no history of smoking, who presented white lesions on the tongue and an ulcerated lesion on the lower lip beginning 4 months prior. Diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma for both lesions was made following incisional biopsies. Interestingly, the patient reported a renal transplantation 23 years prior, and was maintained on a combination of cyclosporine, mycophenolate sodium and prednisone. The patient also presented a history of several basal and squamous cell carcinomas on sun-exposed areas of the skin. Both lesions were surgically excised. No sign of recurrence or new lesions in the oral cavity have been observed; however, new skin lesions are frequently diagnosed. This case report highlights that oral cancers may occur in transplant patients in the absence of classical risk factors. Thus, clinicians must be aware of the importance of thorough oral examination in transplant patients in routine follow-up.

Risk factors and incidence of malignant neoplasms after kidney transplantation at a single institution in Japan

BACKGROUND

The risk of malignant neoplasms increases in kidney transplantation (KT) recipients (KTRs). However, Japanese registry studies have not been reported since 2000.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 346 patients who underwent KT at Gifu University Hospital, Japan since 2000. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they developed malignancy after KT or not. The incidence, type of malignancy, risk factors, and prognosis for malignancy were examined.

RESULTS

In this study, 22 de novo malignant neoplasms were identified in 20 KTRs (7.3%), with a median follow-up period of 8.2 years. Cumulative incidence of any malignant neoplasms was 1.1% within 1 year and 4.4% within 5 years. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 71.8% in KTRs with malignant neoplasms and 98.6% in KTRs without malignant neoplasms. Uni- and multivariate analysis revealed that age at KT and acute rejection (AR) episode were significant predictors for incidence of malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of malignant neoplasms was associated with poor OS and graft survival. We consider that appropriate screening and investigation of symptoms are important for KTRs, particularly for older KTRs at transplantation and those with AR episode.

Gender differences in cancer risk after kidney transplantation

Kidney transplant (KT) recipients are at greater risk of developing some cancers than the general population. Moreover, cancer is the only cause of death that is currently increasing after kidney transplantation. We analyzed incidence, risk factors and characteristics of post-transplant malignancies (solid organ tumors and lymphoproliferative disorders) at our center in 925 KT recipients (1979-2014). Sex differences were particularly assessed. One hundred and eight patients (11.7%) developed solid organ tumors (76.9%) or lymphoma (23.1%). Twenty-one percent of patients who reached 20 years after KT developed cancer, with a median post-KT time to diagnosis of 7.4 years. Most common solid organs affected were lung (30.1%), prostate (10.8%), bladder (9.6%), and native kidney (7.2%). When analyzing standardized incidence ratios (SIR) by gender compared to the general population, relative risk was increased in women (SIR = 1.81; 95%CI, 1.28-2.45) but not significantly increased in men (SIR = 1.22; 0.95-2.52). Regarding specific types, gynecological (SIR = 11.6; 4.2-22.7) and lung (SIR = 10.0; 4.3-18.2) in women, and bladder (SIR = 16.3; 5.9-32.1) in men were the most affected locations. Thymoglobulin, a polyclonal antibody that has been used as an immunosuppressive agent in kidney transplantation over the last decades, was a significant risk factor for developing cancer in adjusted regression analysis [IRR = 1.62, 1.02-2.57; p = 0.041], and was associated with lower patient survival. Compared with the general population, the incidence of post-KT non-skin cancer is almost two-fold higher in women but not significantly higher in men. Lung is the most common solid organ affected. Thymoglobulin induction therapy is associated with a greater risk.

Causes of late transplant failure in cyclosporine-treated kidney allograft recipients

BACKGROUND

There is little information about very long-term outcomes of kidney allograft recipients exposed to calcineurin inhibitors.

METHODS

In this single-centre retrospective study with 20-year follow-up, we analyzed data from 644 patients who underwent primary renal transplantation between 1983 and 1993. Participants were treated with a cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive scheme and had allograft function at 1 year.

RESULTS

After 20 years, 15.2% patients died, 39.7% experienced allograft loss, 26.8% were alive with a functioning transplant, and 18.2% were lost to follow-up. Cardiovascular disease (30.8%), malignancy (26.6%) and infection (17.0%) were the main causes of death. Age, new-onset proteinuria > 1 g/day, major acute cardiovascular event (MACE), and malignancy were independent predictors of mortality at time-dependent multivariate analysis. Chronic rejection (63.3%), recurrent glomerulonephritis (14.0%), and nonspecific interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (13.2%) were the leading cause of allograft loss. Basal disease, hepatitis C, difference between 1 year and nadir serum creatinine, new-onset proteinuria > 1 g/day, and MACE were independent predictors of transplant failure. Among patients with 20-year allograft function, we recorded the following complications: hypertension (85%), malignancy (13%), diabetes (9%), and cardiovascular disease (9%). Median serum creatinine and proteinuria were 1.4 mg/dL and 0.6 g/day, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged use of cyclosporine may expose to several dose-related adverse events and may contribute to the development of allograft dysfunction but it does not necessarily cause relentless, progressive transplant failure if patients are carefully and consistently monitored during the follow-up.

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors to treat cancers in specific immunocompromised populations: a critical review

INTRODUCTION

Because of their efficacy against numerous cancers, immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4, and anti-programmed cell death monoclonal antibodies are being used ever more often in oncology. However, some patients were excluded from clinical trials because of their comorbidities despite their potentially higher cancer frequencies, as is the case for immunocompromised patients. Areas covered: We analyzed reported preclinical and clinical information and evaluated the risk/benefit ratio for four immunocompromised populations: people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHs), solid-organ transplant recipients, recipients of hematopoietic stem-cell allografts, and patients with autoimmune diseases. Expert commentary: Information available in the literature is fragmentary and scarce, making it difficult to evaluate the risk/benefit ratio. It can, nonetheless, be noted that ICI use in PLHs seems possible. For solid-organ transplant recipients, the risk for the graft seems elevated. For the other two populations, it is difficult to conclude at this time.

Death with graft function after kidney transplantation: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Death with graft function (DWGF) is an important cause of long-term loss of grafts and patients. In this study, we investigated clinical characteristics and causes of DWGF in kidney transplant recipients.

METHODS

We recruited kidney allograft recipients who underwent surgery during 1973-2016 at Seoul National University Hospital in Korea (n = 2137). We divided recipients into four groups: alive with graft function (AWGF), alive with graft loss (AWGL), DWGF, and death with graft loss (DWGL).

RESULTS

Among 455 recipients with graft loss, 88 (19.3%) lost graft function due to death. DWGF was responsible for 38.6% of a total of 228 deaths. Recipients with DWGF were older, more often diabetic, and experienced delayed graft function more often compared to patients with AWGF, AWGL, and DWGL. Additionally, they had fewer episodes of acute rejection than AWGF and AWGL patients. The majority of DWGF developed because of infection (40.9%), malignancy (28.4%), and cardiovascular disease (11.4%). Infection-related mortality was highest within the first year after transplantation. Death due to malignancy was lowest within the first year, but increased thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS

In our center, DWGF was a significant cause of graft loss. Infection and malignancy were the leading causes of DWGF during the overall post-transplantation period. Therefore, close monitoring for infection and malignancy should be instituted to lessen the burden of graft loss.

Imaging and Screening of Kidney Cancer

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) exhibits a diverse and heterogeneous disease spectrum, but insight into its molecular biology has provided an improved understanding of potential risk factors, oncologic behavior, and imaging features. Computed tomography (CT) and MR imaging may allow the identification and preoperative subtyping of RCC and assessment of a response to various therapies. Active surveillance is a viable management option in some patients and has provided further insight into the natural history of RCC, including the favorable prognosis of cystic neoplasms. This article reviews CT and MR imaging in RCC and the role of screening in selected high-risk populations.

Collecting Duct Carcinoma of the Native Kidney in a Renal Transplant Recipient

Collecting duct carcinoma (CDC) is a rare and aggressive form of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) arising from the epithelium of Bellini's duct. It presents earlier in life and has a poorer prognosis than the clear-cell type. Historically, immunosuppressed renal transplant patients are more likely to develop malignancies than the general population. We report a case of CDC of the native kidney in a 59-year-old man who initially underwent kidney transplantation five years before the time of presentation. To our knowledge, CDC in the setting of renal transplant and long-term immunosuppression has not been previously described.

Association of Pretransplant Skin Cancer With Posttransplant Malignancy, Graft Failure and Death in Kidney Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Posttransplant malignancy (PTM) is one of the leading causes of late death in kidney recipients. Those with a cancer history may be more prone to develop a recurrent or a new cancer. We studied the association between pretransplant skin cancer, PTM, death, and graft failure.

METHODS

Primary adult kidney recipients transplanted between 2005 and 2013 were included. Malignancy information was obtained from Organ Procurement Kidney Transplant Network/United Network for Organ Sharing registration and follow-up forms. Posttransplant malignancy was classified into skin cancer, solid tumor, and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Competing risk and survival analysis with adjustment for confounders were used to calculate risk for PTM, death and graft failure in recipients with pretransplant skin cancer compared with those without cancer. Risk was reported in hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

The cohort included 1671 recipients with and 102 961 without pretransplant skin malignancy. The 5-year cumulative incidence of PTM in patients with and without a pretransplant skin cancer history was 31.6% and 7.4%, respectively (P < 0.001). Recipients with pretransplant skin cancer had increased risk of PTM (sub-HR [SHR], 2.60; 95% CI, 2.27-2.98), and posttransplant skin cancer (SHR, 2.92; 95% CI, 2.52-3.39), PTLD (SHR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.01-3.66), solid tumor (SHR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.04-1.99), death (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07-1.34), and graft failure (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.05-1.30) when compared with those without pretransplant malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretransplant skin cancer was associated with an increased risk of posttransplant skin cancer, PTLD, solid organ cancer, death and graft failure.

Neutropenia during the First Cycle of Induction Chemotherapy Is Prognostic for Poor Survival in Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Real-World Study in an Endemic Area

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of neutropenia during the first cycle of induction chemotherapy (IC-1) on survival in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC).

Materials and Methods

Eligible patients (n=545) with LANPC receiving IC+concurrent chemoradiotherapy were included. Based on nadir neutrophil afterIC-1, all patientswere categorized into three groups: no/grade 1-2/grade 3-4 neutropenia. Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between groups and subgroups stratified by IC regimen. We also explored the occurrence of IC-1-induced myelosuppression events and the minimal value of post-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (post-NLRmin). Univariate/multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the effect of IC-1-induced neutropenia, timing of neutropenia, number of myelosuppression events, and high post-NLRmin on OS/DFS.

Results

Grade 1-2/grade 3-4 neutropeniawere associatedwith poorer OS/DFS than no neutropenia (all p &lt; 0.05); OS/DFS were not significantly different between patients experiencing grade 1-2 vs. 3-4 neutropenia. Neutropenia had no significant effect on OS/DFS in patients receiving docetaxel-cisplatin-5-fluorouracil (TPF). Grade 1-2 (grade 3-4) neutropenia negatively influenced OS/DFS in patients receiving cisplatin-5-fluorouracil (PF) (PF and docetaxel-cisplatin [TP]; all p &lt; 0.05). Neutropenia, two/three myelosuppression events, and high post-NLRmin (≥ 1.33) was most frequent on days 5-10, second and third week of IC-1, respectively. After adjustment for covariates, IC-1-induced neutropenia, two/three myelosuppression events, and post-NLRmin ≥ 1.33were validated as negative predictors of OS/DFS (all p &lt; 0.05); timing of neutropenia had no significant effect.

Conclusion

Occurrence of neutropenia, number of myelosuppression events, and high post-NLRmin during PF/TP IC-1 have prognostic value for poor survival in LANPC.

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer in a renal transplantation patient receiving peritoneal dialysis: Case report and literature review

Improved surgical techniques and immunosuppressant medications for organ transplantation have resulted in a significant increase in the number of women undergoing renal transplantation. Peritoneal dialysis (PD), a common supportive therapy for chronic renal failure, is also used in cases of renal transplantation failure. Herein, we report the first case of a rare total conventional laparoscopic gynecologic hysterectomy performed for endometrial cancer in a patient undergoing life-supportive PD as a result of renal transplantation failure. No unusual intraoperative complications were experienced, but post-surgical peritoneal leakage was observed. We reviewed the literature of alternative surgical methods of hysterectomy for endometrial cancer in patients who had undergone renal transplantation and were undergoing PD at the time of the hysterectomy. Laparoscopic hysterectomy could be safe in a renal transplantation patient receiving PD if injury to the transplanted ureter and renal artery is avoided by recognizing the patient's anatomy and PD leakage is averted by careful peritoneum suture and avoiding contact with the PD catheter.

Donor Kidney With Renal Cell Carcinoma Successfully Treated With Radiofrequency Ablation: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

The risk of donor-transmitted cancer is evident.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 69-year-old woman who was transplanted with a kidney from a deceased donor. Four days after transplantation a routine ultrasound scan revealed a 3-cm tumor in the middle-upper pole of the allograft. A biopsy showed the tumor to be papillary renal cell carcinoma. The patient was treated with radiofrequency ablation. This procedure was complicated by the development of a cutaneous fistula and open surgery was done with resection of an area of necrosis in the kidney and of the fistula. The maintenance immunosuppressive regimen was modified with a change in treatment to everolimus in combination with reduced dose mycophenolate and low-dose steroids. The patient was followed for 4.5 years and during that time she remained dialysis independent with an excellent allograft function (serum creatinine, 95 μmol/L [1.04 mg/dL]).

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in which a donor-transmitted tumor was diagnosed in the renal allograft only 4 days after transplantation and subsequently treated successfully with radiofrequency ablation.

Malignancies in a renal transplant population: The St. Michael's Hospital experience

INTRODUCTION

Previous publications have shown an increased incidence of various malignancies amongst renal transplant populations. The objective of this study was to analyze the rate and types of malignancies occurring in the St. Michael's Hospital renal transplant population and to determine whether our results were comparable to those previously published.

METHODS

After approval by the hospital's research ethic board, review of the records and pathology of the 1584 patients in the renal transplant clinic database patients was performed. The reports dated back to the year 1970.

RESULTS

Amongst the 1584 renal transplant patients, 106 patients with 132 dysplastic and malignant posttransplant lesions were identified. The highest incidence amid the malignancies was in nonmelanoma skin malignancies squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma, and Kaposi sarcoma, with a total of 32 patients having 54 separate tumors (2.02% of all patients, 43.2% of tumors). Following skin tumors in incidence were genitourinary (28 tumors), gastrointestinal tract (GIT) lesions (8 adenocarcinomas, 14 dysplastic lesions, 1 low grade neuroendocrine tumor/carcinoid), posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) (10 cases), gynecologic (6 carcinomas), cervical/anal/vulvar dysplasia and invasive (SCCs) (4), and thyroid (3 papillary tumors). Nine patients had tumors of multiple sites/types. With respect to outcome, 14 patients died of malignancy, with the highest mortality being in the GIT malignancies (six patients). Second in mortality were the PTLD and skin tumor groups.

DISCUSSION

Information on the incidence and outcome of various malignancies in renal transplant patients is important in designing guidelines for the follow-up of these patients regarding tumor screening and prevention. The rate of malignancies in our group is comparable to that reported in other centers.

Melatonin rhythms in renal transplant recipients with sleep-wake disturbances

We assessed salivary melatonin levels in renal transplant (RTx) recipients who participated in a randomised, multicentre wait-list controlled trial on the effect of bright light therapy on their sleep and circadian rhythms. A large proportion of RTx recipients in our cohort had unexpectedly low melatonin values, which precluded calculation of the dim-light melatonin onset (DLMO) as a circadian marker. Thus, the aim of this post hoc analysis was to describe the melatonin profile of home-dwelling RTx recipients diagnosed with sleep-wake disturbances (SWDs). The participants were characterised by means of sleep questionnaires, validated psychometric instruments [Pittsburgh sleep quality Index (PSQI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS)] in addition to melatonin assay in saliva. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and group comparisons made with appropriate post hoc tests. RTx recipients [n = 29 (aged 54.83 ± 13.73, transplanted 10.62 ± 6.84 years ago)] were retrospectively grouped into two groups: RTx recipients whose dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) could be calculated (n = 11) and those whose DLMO could not be calculated (n = 18). RTx recipients having a measurable DLMO had a number of differences from those without DLMO: they were younger [46.4 ± 14.9 compared to 60.0 ± 10.3 (p = .007)], had higher haemoglobin values [135.36 ± 12.01 versus 122.82 ± 11.56 (p = .01)], less anxiety [4 (0;8) versus 12 (6.5;14) (p = .021)] and a better overall sense of coherence [SOC Score: 71.09 ± 12.78 versus 56.28 ± 15.48 (p = 0.013)]. These results suggest that RTx recipients whose DLMO could be calculated have less health impairments, underlying the relevance of a stable circadian system.

The risk of cancer in recipients of living-donor, standard and expanded criteria deceased donor kidney transplants: a registry analysis

BACKGROUND

Kidneys from expanded criteria deceased donors may elicit a strong inflammatory response, predisposing recipients to an increased risk of cancer after transplantation. We aimed to determine the association between donor types and cancer risk after kidney transplantation.

METHODS

Using the Australian and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry, we assessed the association between different donor types (living donor, standard, and expanded criteria deceased donors) and the risk of cancer after kidney transplantation using adjusted Cox proportional hazard and competing risk models.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up period of 4.4 years in 7,040 patients (34,684 patient-years), 468 patients (6.6%) developed cancer. The overall risks for cancer were 1,080, 1,444, and 2,018 per 100,000 patient-years for recipients of living donor, standard, and expanded criteria deceased donor kidneys, respectively. Compared to recipients of living-donor kidneys, recipients of expanded criteria deceased donor kidneys were at an increased risk of cancer (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.52; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.15-2.02; P = 0.004), particularly for genitourinary cancer (adjusted HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.03-3.10; P = 0.038) and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (adjusted HR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.38-5.37; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Recipients of expanded criteria deceased donor kidneys are at substantially increased risk of cancer, especially cancers with a viral etiology. Allocation of expanded criteria deceased donor kidneys to potential recipients should balance the harms, such as the excess risk of cancer against the survival gains and quality-of-life benefits associated with transplantation.

Malignancies arising in allograft kidneys, with a first reported translocation RCC post-transplantation: A case series

BACKGROUND

The increased risk of malignancy in the post-renal transplant population has been well documented. Renal carcinoma is more common in this population, usually arising in native kidneys. Rarely, tumors arise in the transplanted kidney. Our case series reports four cases of malignancy in allograft kidneys, one of which is a first reported case of translocation RCC in a transplanted kidney.

METHODS

The renal transplantation database (1584 patients) at St. Michael's Hospital was reviewed for malignancies arising in allograft kidneys: reports and pathology slides were reviewed.

RESULTS

Four cases of malignancies arising in the allograft kidney were identified among our kidney transplant population. One patient developed a high grade urothelial carcinoma in the donor kidney post BK virus infection. The other 3 cases were renal cell carcinomas: one clear cell renal cell carcinoma, one translocation renal cell carcinoma, and one papillary renal cell carcinoma. The translocation renal cell cancer had confirmed TFE3 protein over-expression by immunohistochemistry. Molecular testing of the tumors in all 4 cases identified two separate genetic profiles, favored to represent tumors arising from donor tissues along with infiltrating recipient lymphocytes.

DISCUSSION

Previous reports suggested that epithelial malignancies in allograft kidneys are rare. We identified 4 such tumors in 1584 transplant patients. Further, we identified the first reported case of translocation RCC in an allograft kidney. While the rate of malignancy in allograft kidneys is low, screening of the donor kidneys by ultrasound and/or urine cytology may be of use in detecting these lesions.

Symmetric dimethylarginine as predictor of graft loss and all-cause mortality in renal transplant recipients

Supplemental digital content is available in the text.

Background

Elevated symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) has been shown to predict cardiovascular events and all cause mortality in diverse populations. The potential role of SDMA as a risk marker in renal transplant recipients (RTR) has not been investigated.

Methods

We analyzed SDMA in the placebo arm of the Assessment of Lescol in Renal Transplantation study, a randomized controlled trial of fluvastatin in RTR. Mean follow-up was 5.1 years. Patients were grouped into quartiles based on SDMA levels at study inclusion. Relationships between SDMA and traditional risk factors for graft function and all-cause mortality were analyzed in 925 RTR using univariate and multivariate survival analyses.

Results

In univariate analysis, SDMA was significantly associated with renal graft loss, all-cause death, and major cardiovascular events. After adjustment for established risk factors including estimated glomerular filtration rate, an elevated SDMA-level (4th quartile, >1.38 μmol/L) was associated with renal graft loss; hazard ratio (HR), 5.51; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.95–15.57; P=0.001, compared to the 1st quartile. Similarly, SDMA in the 4th quartile was independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR, 4.56; 95% CI, 2.15–9.71; P<0.001), and there was a strong borderline significant trend for an association with cardiovascular mortality (HR, 2.86; 95% CI, 0.99–8.21; P=0.051).

Conclusion

In stable RTR, an elevated SDMA level is independently associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality and renal graft loss.

Clinical Outcome of Elderly Kidney Transplant Recipients from Spousal Donors

INTRODUCTION

Patients aged 60 years and older stand for the fastest growing group of patients with end-stage renal disease worldwide, and the need for kidney transplants among this population is rising. In Japan, living donor kidney transplantation is mainly performed to deal with the severe shortage of deceased donors, and the number of spousal transplants is currently increasing.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 164 patients with ESRD underwent living donor kidney transplantation at our institution, of whom 21 patients aged 60 years and older had spousal kidney transplantation. ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation was performed in 5 of the 21 cases. We analyzed these recipients.

RESULTS

Patient and graft survival rates were 100%. The incidence of acute rejection was 23.8%. Eight patients experienced cytomegalovirus viremia, two patients experienced Pneumocystis jiroveci infection, and one experienced bacterial pneumonia. Two patients developed cancers and underwent curative operation after transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly kidney transplantation from spousal donors is associated with age-related immune dysfunction, which may develop infections and malignancies and could be immunologically high risk due to the high rate of ABO-incompatibility and poor histocompatibility. An effort to minimize the adverse effect of immunosuppression and to reduce the risk of acute rejection may be needed for an excellent long-term outcome.

Biomarkers of calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity in transplantation

Over 35 years of use has demonstrated the revolutionary therapeutic benefits of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) in not only preventing transplant rejection, but also the renal and nonrenal toxicity of CNI. Acute reversible and insidious irreversible forms of CNI nephrotoxicity have been identified, with ischemia from an imbalance between vasoconstrictors and vasodilators playing an important role. The ongoing search to define toxicity pathways has been enriched by ‘Omics’ studies. Changes in proteins including those involved in activation of pro-inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, ER stress and the unfolded protein response have been identified, and these may serve as biomarkers of toxicity. However, the current standard of CNI toxicity, histology, lacks specificity, which creates challenges for biomarker validation. This review focuses on progress in nephrotoxic pathway identification of CNI and biomarker validation.

Elevated resistin levels are associated with inflammation in hemodialysis patients with failed renal allografts

BACKGROUND

Resistin is an adipocytokine, associated with insulin resistance and inflammation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of serum resistin levels and other markers of inflammation in hemodialysis (HD) patients with failed renal allografts.

METHODS

Sixty-nine HD patients with failed renal allografts and 98 never transplanted (naive) HD patients and also 21 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum levels of various biochemical parameters as well as resistin, IL-6, TNF-α and hs-CRP as biochemical markers of inflammation, were measured.

RESULTS

Serum resistin levels in patients with failed renal allografts (4.80 ± 2.06 ng/mL) were significantly higher than those of the naive HD patients (3.44 ± 1.48 ng/mL) and healthy controls (0.95 ± 0.38 ng/mL; p<0.001). Patients with failed transplants were also characterized by higher TNF-alpha levels (96.8 ± 131.3 pg/mL vs. 40.9 ± 25.4 pg/mL; p<0.001) and IL-6 levels (83.9 ± 150.9 pg/mL vs. 14.6 ± 14.4 pg/mL; p<0.001) as compared to naive HD patients. Serum hs-CRP levels in patients with failed renal allografts (9.33 ± 11.86 mg/L) were significantly higher than those of the naive HD patients (1.26 ± 1.71 mg/L) and healthy controls (2.12 ± 1.82 mg/L; p<0.001). Serum albumin levels in patients with failed transplants (3.84 ± 0.47 g/dL) were lower as compared to never transplanted HD patients (4.13 ± 0.33 g/dL) and healthy controls (4.53 ± 0.40 g/dL; p<0.001). There was a positive correlation between serum resistin and TNF-alpha levels (r = 0.486, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum resistin levels are increased in HD patients with failed renal allografts very probably reflecting an allograft-induced chronic inflammatory state.

Assessment of chimerism in epithelial cancers in transplanted patients

Cancer is now the most severe complication in the long term in transplant recipients. As most solid-organ or hematopoietic stem-cell transplantations are allogeneic, chimerism studies can be performed on cancers occurring in recipients. We summarize here the different methods used to study chimerism in cancers developing in allogeneic-transplant recipients, analyze their respective advantages and report the main results obtained from these studies. Chimerism analyses of cancers in transplant recipients require methods suited to tissue samples. In the case of gender-mismatched transplantation, the XY chromosomes can be explored using fluorescent in situ hybridization on whole-tissue sections or Y-sequence-specific PCR after the laser microdissection of tumor cells. For cancers occurring after gender-matched transplantation, laser microdissection of tumor cells enables studies of microsatellite markers and high-resolution melting analysis of mitochondrial DNA on genes with marked polymorphism, provided these are different in the donor and the recipient. The results of different studies address the cancers that develop in both recipients and in transplants. The presence of chimeric cells in these two types of cancer implies an exchange of progenitor/stem-cells between transplant and recipient, and the plasticity of these progenitor/stem-cells contributes to epithelial cancers. The presence of chimeric cells in concomitant cancers and preneoplastic lesions implies that the oncogenesis of these cancers progresses through a multistep process.

Management of anticancer treatment in patients under chronic dialysis: results of the multicentric CANDY (CANcer and DialYsis) study

BACKGROUND

One million people worldwide benefit from chronic dialysis, with an increased rate in Western countries of 5% yearly. Owing to increased incidence of cancer in dialyzed patients, the management of these patients is challenging for oncologists/nephrologists.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The CANcer and DialYsis (CANDY) retrospective multicenter study included patients under chronic dialysis who subsequently had a cancer (T0). Patients were followed up for 2 years after T0. Prescriptions of anticancer drugs were studied with regard to their renal dosage adjustment/dialysability.

RESULTS

A total of 178 patients from 12 institutions were included. The mean time between initiation of dialysis and T0 was 30.8 months. Fifty patients had received anticancer drug treatment. Among them, 72% and 82% received at least one drug needing dosage and one drug to be administered after dialysis sessions, respectively. Chemotherapy was omitted or prematurely stopped in many cases where systemic treatment was indicated or was often not adequately prescribed.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival in dialysis patients with incident cancer was poor. It is crucial to consider anticancer drug treatment in these patients as for non-dialysis patients and to use current available specific drug management recommendations in order to (i) adjust the dose and (ii) avoid premature elimination of the drug during dialysis sessions.

De novo malignancies in renal transplant recipients: experience at a single center with 1882 transplant patients over 39 yr

PURPOSE

Cancers complicating organ allografts are a major cause of morbidity and mortality after renal transplantation. Different registries have described an overall three to eightfold increase in cancer risk compared with the general population. This retrospective study investigated the incidence and outcome of de novo malignancies following kidney transplantation in a single German kidney transplantation center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1966 and 2005, 1882 patients underwent kidney transplantation at the Erlangen-Nuremberg kidney transplantation center. The incidence and types of post-transplant malignancies were retrospectively analyzed according to the patients' records and the database of the local cancer registry.

RESULTS

We identified 257 malignancies in 231 patients, an overall incidence of 13.7%. The mean follow-up time was 9.9 yr (range, 0.4-25.5 yr). The observed incidence data corresponded to a 12.1-fold increase in the overall risk of developing a malignant nonskin tumor compared with the nontransplanted population. Urinary tract malignancies represented the most frequent malignancies among the nonskin tumors (32.1%), followed by gastrointestinal tract (30.7%) and gynecological (14%) cancers. When we considered the duration from renal transplantation to tumor detection and tumor-specific survival, there was no difference between patients treated with or without a cyclosporine A-based regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the overall risk of developing a post-transplant nonskin malignancy was 12.1-fold higher compared with the age-matched general population. Development of solid organ malignancies is one of the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients; thus, close tumor screening in patients after kidney transplantations is warranted.

Clinical practice guidelines on wait-listing for kidney transplantation: consistent and equitable?

BACKGROUND

Apparent variability in wait-listing criteria globally has raised concern about inequitable access to kidney transplantation. This study aimed to compare the quality, the scope, and the consistency of international guidelines on wait-listing for kidney transplantation.

METHODS

Electronic databases and guideline registries were searched to December 2011. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument and textual synthesis was used to assess and compare recommendations.

RESULTS

Fifteen guidelines published from 2001 to 2011 were included. Methodological rigor and scope were variable. We identified 4 major criteria across guidelines: recipient age and life expectancy, medical criteria, social and lifestyle circumstances, and psychosocial considerations. Whereas some recommendations were consistent, there were differences in age cutoffs, estimated life expectancy (2-5 years), and glomerular filtration rate at listing (15-20 mL/min/1.73 m). Cardiovascular contraindications were broadly defined. Recommended cancer-free periods also varied substantially, and whereas uncontrolled infections were universally contraindicated, human immunodeficiency virus thresholds and adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy were inconsistent. Most guidelines recommended psychological screening but were not augmented with specific clinical assessment tools.

CONCLUSIONS

Wait-listing recommendations in current guidelines are based on life expectancy, comorbidities, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors. Some recommendations are different across guidelines or broadly defined. There is a case for developing comprehensive, methodologically robust, and regularly updated guidelines on wait-listing for kidney transplantation.

Risk of de novo cancers after transplantation: results from a cohort of 7217 kidney transplant recipients, Italy 1997-2009

To assess incidence and risk factors for de novo cancers (DNCs) after kidney transplant (KT), we carried out a cohort investigation in 15 Italian KT centres. Seven thousand two-hundred seventeen KT recipients (64.2% men), transplanted between 1997 and 2007 and followed-up until 2009, represented the study group. Person years (PY) were computed from 30 days after transplant to cancer diagnosis, death, return to dialysis or to study closure. The number of observed DNCs was compared to that expected in the general population of Italy through standardised incidence ratios (SIR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). To identify risk factors, incidence rate ratios (IRR) were computed. Three-hundred ninety five DNCs were diagnosed during 39.598PYs, with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD), particularly non-Hodgkin' lymphoma (NHL), lung, kidney and prostate as the most common types. The overall IR was 9.98/1.000PY, with a 1.7-fold augmented SIR (95% CI: 1.6-1.9). SIRs were particularly elevated for KS (135), lip (9.4), kidney carcinoma (4.9), NHL (4.5) and mesothelioma (4.2). KT recipients born in Southern Italy were at reduced risk of kidney cancer and solid tumors, though at a higher KS risk, than those born in Northern Italy. Use of mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) exerted, for all cancers combined, a 46% significantly reduced risk (95% CI: 0.4-0.7). Our study findings confirmed, in Italy, the increased risks for cancer following KT, and they also suggested a possible protective effect of mTORi in reducing the frequency of post transplant cancers.

Current status of immunotherapy for the treatment of lung cancer

Immunotherapy is a novel approach for the treatment of systemic malignancies. Passive and adaptive immunotherapy have been applied to the treatment of a wide variety of solid tumors such as malignant melanoma (1), renal cell carcinoma (2) and ovarian cancer (3). Several early clinical trials of immune based therapy for both non-small (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) have demonstrated limited or no success (3),(4) but recent trials of antigen-specific cancer immunotherapy have shown early therapeutic potential and are now being rigorously evaluated on a larger scale (5). In this communication we briefly review the historic aspects of immune based therapy for solid cancer, describe therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting lung cancer, and discuss limitations of current therapy and future directions of this field.

Incidence of malignancy after living kidney transplantation: a multicenter study from iran

Malignancy is a common complication after renal transplantation. However, limited data are available on post-transplant malignancy in living kidney transplantation. Therefore, we made a plan to evaluate the incidence and types of malignancies, association with the main risk factors and patient survival in a large population of living kidney transplantation. We conducted a large retrospective multicenter study on 12525 renal recipients, accounting for up to 59% of all kidney transplantation in Iran during 22 years follow up period. All information was collected from observation of individual notes or computerized records for transplant patients. Two hundred and sixty-six biopsy-proven malignancies were collected from 16 Transplant Centers in Iran; 26 different type of malignancy categorized in 5 groups were detected. The mean age of patients was 46.2±12.9 years, mean age at tumor diagnosis was 50.8±13.2 years and average time between transplantation and detection of malignancy was 50.0±48.4 months. Overall tumor incidence in recipients was 2%. Kaposis' sarcoma was the most common type of tumor. The overall mean survival time was 117.1 months (95% CI: 104.9-129.3). In multivariate analysis, the only independent risk factor associated with mortality was type of malignancy. This study revealed the lowest malignancy incidence in living unrelated kidney transplantation.

[Risk of cancer in patients following chronic dialysis and kidney graft]

BACKGROUND

A high prevalence of renal insufficiency has been observed in cancer patients as well as a high incidence of de novo cancer in dialysis or renal transplant patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We aimed to determine the incidence of cancer in patients under dialysis and in kidney transplant recipients through a search of the literature.

RESULTS

Under chronic dialysis, the risk of cancer increases from 1.1 to 1.8 in comparison to the general population. These risks reach 2.5 to 3.9 in renal transplant patients, but depend on the type of tumor.

CONCLUSION

In transplant recipients, the risk of cancer induced by immunosuppressive therapy requires a specific follow-up and a screening for any medical history of cancer in the donor and the recipient.