Sirolimus and secondary skin-cancer prevention in kidney transplantation

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid in northern latitudes, a 25-year experience in Finland

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence, clinical features, diagnostic challenges, management and prognosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid (ecSCC) in southern Finland, northern Europe, latitude 62° N.

METHODS

Patients were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry and the Helsinki University Hospital databases during a 25-year period (1998-2022). Age, sex, location, clinical and histopathological diagnosis, treatment and outcome were retrieved.

RESULTS

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid (ecSCC) was diagnosed in 58 patients. The mean age-standardized incidence was 1.03 per 100 000. Median age at the time of histopathological diagnosis was 79 (range 55-93) years; sex ratio was 0.52. Clinical diagnosis in the referral was ecSCC in only three patients. The most frequent misdiagnosis (38%) was basal cell carcinoma (BCC). One or more of the known risk factors (smoking, history of extensive sun exposure, systemic immunosuppression and previous in situ cSCC/cSCC) were documented in 71% of the patients. More than one third (38%) of the patients developed in situ SCC elsewhere on the skin; one third (31%) of the patients had invasive cSCC elsewhere. During the median follow-up time of 24 months, three patients experienced local recurrence, four patients developed metastatic disease (median 19 months) and two patients died of metastatic ecSCC.

CONCLUSION

The estimated incidence of ecSCC in Finland (predominantly white Caucasian) was higher than in a previous study from Europe. Clinical diagnosis of ecSCC is difficult and often misdiagnosed as BCC. Immunosuppression as a risk factor should noticed. Recurrences of ecSCC, which may be lethal, were infrequent.

Skin cancer in renal transplant recipients: outcomes from a safety net hospital in Boston

BACKGROUND

Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are prone to skin cancer due to the immunosuppression required to maintain graft function. Existing studies of skin cancer in RTRs focus on patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-II, with limited documentation of incidence in skin types III-VI. This study seeks to better characterize skin cancers in RTRs with skin types III-VI.

PRIMARY AIMS

Compare the incidence of skin cancer in RTRs of skin types I-II with skin types III-VI.

SECONDARY AIMS

Explore the association between the development of skin cancer and other contributing factors in RTRs of skin types I-VI.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of RTRs at a single institution between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2022. Patients were followed from the date of transplant to the last clinical follow-up or death. 777 RTRs were included in the study, including 245 patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-II and 532 with skin types III-VI. A total of 48 patients developed NMSCs, 2 patients developed melanoma, and 3 patients developed Kaposi sarcoma.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

There is a higher incidence of skin cancer in RTRs with Fitzpatrick skin types III-VI compared to the reported incidence among non-transplant recipients of the same skin types, but the incidence remains considerably lower compared to RTR of skin types I-II.

Immunotherapy for Advanced Skin Cancer in Kidney Transplant Recipients-The High-Risk Balancing Act

This Viewpoint compares 2 clinical trials involving immune checkpoint inhibitors in kidney transplant recipients.

Chemotherapy's effects on autophagy in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Classical Hodgkin Lymphomas (HL) are a unique malignant growth with an excellent initial prognosis. However, 10-30% of patients will still relapse after remission. One primary cellular function that has been the focus of tumor progression is autophagy. This process can preserve cellular homeostasis under stressful conditions. Several studies have shown that autophagy may play a role in developing HL. Therefore, this review aimed to explore chemotherapy's effect on autophagy in HL, and the effects of autophagy on HL.

METHODS

A scoping review in line with the published PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was conducted. A literature search was conducted on the MEDLINE database and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). All results were retrieved and screened, and the resulting articles were synthesized narratively.

RESULTS

The results showed that some cancer chemotherapy also induces autophagic flux. Although the data on HL is limited, since the mechanisms of action of these drugs are similar, we can infer a similar relationship. However, this increased autophagy activity may reflect a mechanism for increasing tumor growth or a cellular compensation to inhibit its growth. Although evidence supports both views, we argued that autophagy allowed cancer cells to resist cell death, mainly due to DNA damage caused by cytotoxic drugs.

CONCLUSION

Autophagy reflects the cell's adaptation to survive and explains why chemotherapy generally induces autophagy functions. However, further research on autophagy inhibition is needed as it presents a viable treatment strategy, especially against drug-resistant populations that may arise from HL chemotherapy regimens.

Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Updated Review

Representing the second most common skin cancer, the incidence and disease burden of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) continues to increase. Surgical excision of the primary site effectively cures the majority of cSCC cases. However, an aggressive subset of cSCC persists with clinicopathological features that are indicative of higher recurrence, metastasis, and mortality risks. Acceleration of these features is driven by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The past several years have seen remarkable progress in shaping the treatment landscape for advanced cSCC. Risk stratification and clinical management is a top priority. This review provides an overview of the current perspectives on cSCC with a focus on staging, treatment, and maintenance strategies, along with future research directions.

Primary prophylaxis with mTOR inhibitor enhances T cell effector function and prevents heart transplant rejection during talimogene laherparepvec therapy of squamous cell carcinoma

The application of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition (mTORi) as primary prophylactic therapy to optimize T cell effector function while preserving allograft tolerance remains challenging. Here, we present a comprehensive two-step therapeutic approach in a male patient with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and heart transplantation followed with concomitant longitudinal analysis of systemic immunologic changes. In the first step, calcineurin inhibitor/ mycophenolic acid is replaced by the mTORi everolimus to achieve an improved effector T cell status with increased cytotoxic activity (perforin, granzyme), enhanced proliferation (Ki67) and upregulated activation markers (CD38, CD69). In the second step, talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) injection further enhances effector function by switching CD4 and CD8 cells from central memory to effector memory profiles, enhancing Th1 responses, and boosting cytotoxic and proliferative activities. In addition, cytokine release (IL-6, IL-18, sCD25, CCL-2, CCL-4) is enhanced and the frequency of circulating regulatory T cells is increased. Notably, no histologic signs of allograft rejection are observed in consecutive end-myocardial biopsies. These findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of T cell activation and differentiation and suggest that timely initiation of mTORi-based primary prophylaxis may provide a dual benefit of revitalizing T cell function while maintaining allograft tolerance.

Cemiplimab for Kidney Transplant Recipients With Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

Cemiplimab is approved for treating locally advanced or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Solid organ transplant recipients have been excluded from immunotherapy trials, given concern for allograft rejection despite their increased risk of skin cancers. Chronic immunosuppression is necessary to prevent organ rejection but may attenuate antitumor response with PD-1 inhibitors.

METHODS

We report a phase I study of cemiplimab for kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with advanced CSCC. After cross-taper to a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor and pulsed dose corticosteroids (prednisone 40 mg once daily, the day before and on days 1-3 of each cycle, followed by 20 mg once daily on days 4-6, then 10 mg once daily until the day before each subsequent cycle), patients received cemiplimab 350 mg intravenously once every 3 weeks for up to 2 years and were assessed for response every 8 weeks. The primary end point was the rate of kidney rejection, with key secondary end points including rate and duration of response, and survival.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were treated. No kidney rejection or loss was observed. A response to cemiplimab was observed in five of 11 evaluable patients (46%; 90% CI, 22 to 73), including two with durable responses beyond a year. Median follow-up was 6.8 months (range, 0.7-29.8). Treatment-related grade 3 or greater adverse events occurred in five patients (42%), including diarrhea, infection, and metabolic disturbances. One patient died of angioedema and anaphylaxis attributed to mTOR inhibitor cross-taper.

CONCLUSION

mTOR inhibitor and corticosteroids represent a favorable immunosuppressive regimen for KTRs with advanced CSCC receiving immunotherapy. This combination resulted in durable antitumor responses with no kidney rejection events (funded by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04339062]).

Predicting Tacrolimus Concentrations in the Skin of Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Feasibility Study

Solid organ transplant recipients are at an increased risk of developing skin cancers due to chronic immunosuppression, particularly with calcineurin inhibitors. Tacrolimus is the most prescribed calcineurin inhibitor in this patient cohort, and understanding tacrolimus concentrations in the skin will facilitate the development of anti-cancer preventive and therapeutic strategies. Here, we show that in mice, tacrolimus blood levels peaked rapidly ∼1 h post last oral dose while skin levels rose more slowly and remained high for at least 6 h. Subsequently, tacrolimus skin and blood concentrations were assessed in 15 kidney transplant recipients. The mean age was 61 years, the average time post-transplant was 7 years (range 0-21 years) and 87% were male. The average skin sampling time post tacrolimus dosing was 6 h 32 min. Skin tacrolimus concentrations ranged from 7.1 ng/g to 71.2 ng/g and correlated with blood concentrations (r = 0.6). Mouse and human mean skin concentrations were in a similar range. Our data suggests that tacrolimus measurements in the blood may be used to approximate tacrolimus concentrations in the skin of kidney transplant recipients, and further exploited for the delivery of anti-cancer therapies designed to antagonize the immunosuppressive effects of tacrolimus in the skin.

Effectiveness and safety of immunosuppressive regimens used as maintenance therapy in kidney transplantation: The CESIT study

Maintenance immunosuppressive therapy used in kidney transplantation typically involves calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine, in combination with mycophenolate or mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTORi) with or without corticosteroids. An Italian retrospective multicentre observational study was conducted to investigate the risk-benefit profile of different immunosuppressive regimens. We identified all subjects who underwent kidney transplant between 2009 and 2019, using healthcare claims data. Patients on cyclosporine and tacrolimus-based therapies were matched 1:1 based on propensity score, and effectiveness and safety outcomes were compared using Cox models (HR; 95%CI). Analyses were also conducted comparing mTORi versus mycophenolate among tacrolimus-treated patients. Patients treated with cyclosporine had a higher risk of rejection or graft loss (HR:1.69; 95%CI:1.16-2.46) and a higher incidence of severe infections (1.25;1.00-1.55), but a lower risk of diabetes (0.66;0.47-0.91) compared to those treated with tacrolimus. Among tacrolimus users, mTORi showed non-inferiority to MMF in terms of mortality (1.01;0.68-1.62), reject/graft loss (0.61;0.36-1.04) and severe infections (0.76;0.56-1.03). In a real-life setting, tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy appeared to be superior to cyclosporine in reducing rejection and severe infections, albeit with an associated increased risk of diabetes. The combination of tacrolimus and mTORi may represent a valid alternative to the combination with mycophenolate, although further studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors: A new-possible approach for in-utero medication therapy

The mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that plays a crucial role in regulating cellular growth, metabolism, and survival. Although there is no absolute contraindication for the use of mTOR inhibitors during pregnancy, the specific fetal effects remain unknown. Available data from the past 2 decades have examined the use of mTOR inhibitors during pregnancy in patients with solid organ transplantation, showing no clear link to fetal complications or structural abnormalities. Recently, a handful of case reports and series have described transplacental therapy of mTOR inhibitors to control symptomatic and complicated pathologies in the fetus. The effect of these agents includes a significant reduction in lesion size in the fetus and a reduced need for mechanical ventilation in neonates. In this context, we delve into the potential of mTOR inhibitors as in-utero therapy for fetal abnormalities, with a primary focus on lymphatic malformation (LM) and cardiac rhabdomyoma (CR). While preliminary reports underscore the efficacy of mTOR inhibitors for the treatment of fetal CR and fetal brain lesions associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, chylothorax, and LMs, additional investigation and clinical trials are essential to comprehensively assess the safety and efficacy of these medications.

Pediatric Kidney Transplantation: Cancer and Cancer Risk

Children with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) face a lifetime of complex medical care, alternating between maintenance chronic dialysis and kidney transplantation. Kidney transplantation has emerged as the optimal treatment of ESKD for children and provides important quality of life and survival advantages. Although transplantation is the preferred therapy, lifetime exposure to immunosuppression among children with ESKD is associated with increased morbidity, including an increased risk of cancer. Following pediatric kidney transplantation, cancer events occurring during childhood or young adulthood can be divided into two broad categories: post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders and non-lymphoproliferative solid tumors. This review provides an overview of cancer incidence, types, outcomes, and preventive strategies in this population.

Prognostic Outcomes of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common cutaneous neoplasm, and its incidence is on the rise. While most cSCCs have an excellent prognosis, certain risk factors, especially immunosuppression, have been associated with higher rates of local recurrence (LR), metastasis, and poor prognosis. This study aims to assess the risk factors for LR and metastasis development in cSCC among solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) and compare these rates with those in immunocompetent patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective observational study included cSCC cases from the University Hospital Reina Sofía in Córdoba, Spain, between 2002 and 2019. Demographic, clinical, and histopathological data were collected. Local recurrence and metastasis rates were analyzed, along with progression-free survival. Univariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors in SOTRs.

RESULTS

Among 849 cSCC cases, we found higher rates of local recurrence and metastasis in tumors developed by SOTRs compared to those in immunocompetent individuals. However, no significant differences in local recurrence, metastasis, or progression-free survival were observed between the two groups. Risk factors for adverse outcomes in SOTRs included tumor size > 2 cm, depth > 4 mm, and a higher Clark level. A total of 34.4% of SOTRs developed a second primary cSCC during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, cSCCs in SOTRs did not exhibit statistically significant differences in the rates of adverse outcomes compared to immunocompetent patients. The prognosis of cSCCs in SOTRs may be more related to other tumor-dependent risk factors than to the immunosuppression status itself. Future studies are needed to refine risk stratification and follow-up protocols to ensure the optimal management of high-risk cSCC cases, particularly among immunosuppressed patients.

European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Part 1: Diagnostics and prevention-Update 2023

Invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common cancers in white populations, accounting for 20% of all cutaneous malignancies. Overall, cSCC mostly has very good prognosis after treatment, with 5-year cure rates greater than 90%. Despite the overall favourable prognosis and the proportionally rare deaths, cSCC is associated with a high total number of deaths due to its high incidence. A collaboration of multidisciplinary experts from the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF), the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) and the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), was formed to update recommendations on cSCC, based on current literature and expert consensus. Part 1 of the guidelines addresses the updates on classification, epidemiology, diagnosis, risk stratification, staging and prevention in immunocompetent as well as immunosuppressed patients.

A review of heart transplant immunosuppressants and nonmelanoma skin cancer

Heart transplant recipients experience high rates of skin cancer, likely due to greater length or dosage of immunosuppression. We review the impact of immunosuppressive medications on development of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in heart transplant recipients. The authors searched keywords "heart transplant" and "nonmelanoma skin cancer" on PubMed in October 2022 for eligible articles available in English. Articles were selected for inclusion based on relevance to heart transplantation and NMSC. If any cited articles within included articles were related to our search they were also included. Of the 29 identified articles, 18 met the inclusion criteria with a total of 11,699 patients. Two studies found that tacrolimus and azathioprine increased the risk of NMSC. Five studies demonstrated that tacrolimus, everolimus, sirolimus, azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil decreased the risk of NMSC. Three studies described that cyclosporine, tacrolimus, everolimus, sirolimus, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone had no significant association with the development in NMSC. Two studies did not specify the correlation between immunosuppressant use and NMSC development. Ten studies did not discuss the association of immunosuppressants use with the development of NMSC. Our review highlights the commonly used immunosuppressive drugs that can impact the development of NMSC in heart transplant recipients. A management strategy in immunosuppression-associated skin cancers may ultimately involve adjusting the immunosuppressive regimen. This review serves as a summary of the most commonly used immunosuppressive drugs in heart transplant patients and their tumorigenic mechanisms to guide recommendations for dermatologic follow-up in heart transplant recipients.

Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in solid organ transplant recipients with advanced cutaneous malignancies

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are standard of care therapy for patients with cutaneous malignancies, the most frequently diagnosed cancers in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. The activity and rate of allograft rejection in SOT recipients with advanced skin cancers treated with ICI is understudied.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of SOT recipients with advanced melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), and merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) who were treated with ICI. Unpublished cases from our institution and published cases from the literature were aggregated. Demographics, type of immunosuppressive therapy, type of ICI(s) administered, prior systemic therapies, tumor response to ICI, and evidence of organ rejection and/or failure were recorded. Objective response rates (ORR) and rates of graft rejection and failure are reported.

Results

Ninety patients were identified; four patients from our institution and 86 unique patients from a literature review. ORR to first-line ICI for the entire cohort was 41.1% (37/90). ORR by tumor type was 31% (18/58), 64.3% (18/28), and 25.0% (1/4) for melanoma, cSCC, and MCC, respectively. The rate of graft rejection was 37.8% (34/90) with 61.8% (21/34) of these cases progressing to graft failure. Number of immunosuppressive agents (0, 1, 2, or 3) was inversely associated with rate of graft failure.

Conclusions

In this retrospective analysis, ICIs demonstrate clinical activity in SOT recipients with cutaneous malignancies; however, the rate of graft rejection is high. Treatment plans should be individualized through thorough interdisciplinary discussion. Immunosuppressive modifications may be considered prior to starting treatment, but when feasible, enrollment on clinical trials is preferred.

Immunity against Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer and the Effect of Immunosuppressive Medication on Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Risk in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) occur frequently in the Caucasian population and are considered a burden for health care. Risk factors include ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ethnicity and immunosuppression. The incidence of NMSC is significantly higher in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) than in immunocompetent individuals, due to immunosuppressive medication use by SOTRs. While the immunosuppressive agents, calcineurin inhibitors and purine analogues increase the incidence of NMSC in transplant recipients, mTOR inhibitors do not. This is most likely due to the different immunological pathways that are inhibited by each class of drug. This review will focus on what is currently known about the immune response against cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), two of the main types of NMSC. Furthermore, we will describe the different classes of immunosuppressants given to SOTRs, which part of the immune system they target and how they can contribute to NMSC development. The risk of developing NMSC in SOTRs is the result of a combination of inhibiting immunological pathways involved in immunosurveillance against NMSC and the direct (pro/anti) tumor effects of immunosuppressants.

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.

Use of sirolimus as an adjuvant therapy for kidney transplant recipients with high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas: a prospective non-randomized controlled study

INTRODUCTION

Previous research demonstrated benefits of late conversion to mTOR inhibitors against cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) in kidney transplant recipients (KTR), despite of poor tolerability. This study investigated whether stepwise conversion to sirolimus monotherapy without an attack dose modified the course of disease with improved tolerability.

METHODS

This prospective exploratory study included non-sensitized KTR with more than 12-months post-transplant, on continuous use of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI)-based therapy, and with poor-prognosis cSCC lesions. Incidence densities of high-risk cSCC over 3-years after conversion to sirolimus-monotherapy were compared to a non-randomized group with high-risk cSCC but unsuitable/not willing for conversion.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were included (83% male, mean age 60 ± 9.7years, 62% with skin type II, mean time after transplantation 9 ± 5.7years). There were 25 patients converted to SRL and 19 individuals kept on CNI. There was a tendency of decreasing density of incidence of all cSCC in the SRL group and increasing in the CNI group (1.49 to 1.00 lesions/patient-year and 1.74 to 2.08 lesions/patient-year, p = 0.141). The density incidence of moderately differentiated decreased significantly in the SRL group while increasing significantly in the CNI group (0.31 to 0.11 lesions/patient-year and 0.25 to 0.62 lesions/patient-year, p = 0.001). In the SRL group, there were no sirolimus discontinuations, no acute rejection episodes, and no de novo DSA formation. Renal function remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that sirolimus monotherapy may be useful as adjuvant therapy of high-risk cSCC in kidney transplant recipients. The conversion strategy used was well tolerated and safe regarding key mid-term transplant outcomes.

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.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With Advanced Skin Cancers-Emerging Strategies for Clinical Management

Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) with advanced skin cancers presents a significant clinical management dilemma. SOTRs and other immunosuppressed patients have been routinely excluded from ICI clinical trials with good reason: immune checkpoints play an important role in self- and allograft-tolerance and risk of acute allograft rejection reported in retrospective studies affects 10% to 65% of cases. These reports also confirm that cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma respond to ICI therapy, although response rates are generally lower than those observed in immunocompetent populations. Prospective trials are now of critical importance in further establishing ICI efficacy and safety. However, based on current knowledge, we recommend that ICIs should be offered to kidney transplant recipients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, or Merkel cell carcinoma if surgery and/or radiotherapy have failed. For kidney transplant recipients, this should be first line ahead of chemotherapy and targeted therapies. In SOTRs, the use of ICIs should be carefully considered with the benefits of ICIs versus risks of allograft rejection weighed up on a case-by-case basis as part of shared decision-making with patients. In all cases, parallel management of immunosuppression may be key to ICI responsiveness. We recommend maintaining immunosuppression before ICI initiation with a dual immunosuppressive regimen combining mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors and either corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. Such modification of immunosuppression must be considered in the context of allograft risk (both rejection and also its subsequent treatment) and risk of tumor progression. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary approach should underpin all clinical decision-making in this challenging scenario.

Real-life use of mTOR inhibitor-based therapy in adults with autoimmune cytopenia highlights strong efficacy in relapsing/refractory multi-lineage autoimmune cytopenia

Data on mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) in autoimmune cytopenia (AIC), in adults are scarce. We retrospectively analysed 30 cases of refractory or relapsing AIC treated with an mTORi-based therapy. Eleven warm autoimmune hemolytic anaemia, 10 autoimmune thrombocytopenia, 6 acquired pure red cell aplasia, 3 autoimmune neutropenia were included. Twenty were multilineage AIC (67%) and 21 were secondary AIC (70%). mTORi were associated with other therapies in 23 AIC (77%). Twenty-two AIC (73%) responded to mTORi-based therapy: 5 reached a partial response (17%) and 17 a complete response (57%). Survival without unfavourable outcome (failure, requirement of a new therapy, or death) was longer in multilineage AIC compared to single-lineage AIC (p = 0.049) with a median event-free survival of 48 versus 12 months. Median event-free survival was 48 months in secondary AIC and 33 months in primary AIC (p = 0.79). mTORi were discontinued in 4 patients (15%) for safety reasons and in 3 patients for patient's choice (12%). In conclusion, mTORi could be considered as an alternative or an add-on therapy in refractory or relapsing AIC in adult patients, especially in multilineage AIC.

Multicenter analysis of immunosuppressive medications on the risk of malignancy following adult solid organ transplantation

Objective

This study aimed to assess the risk of maintenance immunosuppression on the post-transplant risk of malignancy across all solid organ transplant types.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study from a multicenter hospital system in the United States. The electronic health record was queried from 2000 to 2021 for cases of solid organ transplant, immunosuppressive medications, and post-transplant malignancy.

Results

A total of 5,591 patients, 6,142 transplanted organs, and 517 post-transplant malignancies were identified. Skin cancer was the most common type of malignancy at 52.8%, whereas liver cancer was the first malignancy to present at a median time of 351 days post-transplant. Heart and lung transplant recipients had the highest rate of malignancy, but this finding was not significant upon adjusting for immunosuppressive medications (heart HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.72 - 1.3, p = 0.88; lung HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.77 - 1.33, p = 0.94). Random forest variable importance calculations and time-dependent multivariate cox proportional hazard analysis identified an increased risk of cancer in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy with sirolimus (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.05 - 1.9, p = 0.04), azathioprine (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.58 - 2.79, p < 0.001), and cyclosporine (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.17 - 2.17, p = 0.007), while tacrolimus (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.44 - 0.81, p < 0.001) was associated with low rates of post-transplant neoplasia.

Conclusion

Our results show varying risks of immunosuppressive medications associated with the development of post-transplant malignancy, demonstrating the importance of cancer detection and surveillance strategies in solid organ transplant recipients.

Advances in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Human malignancies arise predominantly in tissues of epithelial origin, where the stepwise transformation from healthy epithelium to premalignant dysplasia to invasive neoplasia involves sequential dysregulation of biological networks that govern essential functions of epithelial homeostasis. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a prototype epithelial malignancy, often with a high tumour mutational burden. A plethora of risk genes, dominated by UV-induced sun damage, drive disease progression in conjunction with stromal interactions and local immunomodulation, enabling continuous tumour growth. Recent studies have identified subpopulations of SCC cells that specifically interact with the tumour microenvironment. These advances, along with increased knowledge of the impact of germline genetics and somatic mutations on cSCC development, have led to a greater appreciation of the complexity of skin cancer pathogenesis and have enabled progress in neoadjuvant immunotherapy, which has improved pathological complete response rates. Although measures for the prevention and therapeutic management of cSCC are associated with clinical benefit, the prognosis remains poor for advanced disease. Elucidating how the genetic mechanisms that drive cSCC interact with the tumour microenvironment is a current focus in efforts to understand, prevent and treat cSCC.

A nanotherapeutic strategy that engages cytotoxic and immunosuppressive activities for the treatment of cancer recurrence following organ transplantation

BACKGROUND

Long-term treatment with immunosuppressants is necessary to attenuate allograft rejection following organ transplantation (OT). Consequently, the overall survival of OT recipients with malignancies has been substantially compromised by tumour recurrence. Rapamycin (RAPA) is a clinically approved immunosuppressive agent with antitumour activity that is considered beneficial in preventing posttransplant tumour recurrence. However, the clinical outcome of RAPA is impeded by acquired drug resistance and its poor oral bioavailability.

METHODS

A nanotherapeutic strategy was developed by supramolecular assembly of RAPA into a polymer cytotoxic 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN38) prodrug nanoparticle (termed SRNP) for simultaneous codelivery of cytotoxic/immunosuppressive agents. Cell-based experiments were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of SRNPs against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The therapeutic efficacy of SRNPs was evaluated in multiple preclinical models including an orthotopic HCC mouse model, an orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) rat model and a clinically relevant cancer-transplant model to examine its antitumour and immunosuppressive activity.

FINDINGS

The combination of SN38 with RAPA resulted in synergetic effects against HCC cells and alleviated RAPA resistance by abrogating Akt/mTOR signalling activation. SRNPs exhibited potent antitumour efficiency in the orthotopic HCC model while substantially prolonging the survival of allografts in the OLT model. In the cancer-transplant model that simultaneously bears tumour xenografts and skin allografts, SRNPs not only effectively inhibited tumour growth but also attenuated allograft damage.

INTERPRETATION

The nanotherapy presented here had enhanced efficacy against tumours and maintained satisfactory immunosuppressive activity and thus has great potential to improve the survival outcomes of patients with a high risk of tumour recurrence following OT.

FUNDING

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32171368 and 31671019), the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (LZ21H180001), the Zhejiang Province Preeminence Youth Fund (LR19H160002), and the Jinan Provincial Laboratory Research Project of Microecological Biomedicine (JNL-2022039c).

Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention in Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppressed organ-transplant recipients have an increased incidence of, and mortality from, skin cancer. Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) enhances the repair of ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced DNA damage, reduces the cutaneous immunosuppressive effects of UV radiation, and reduces the incidence of keratinocyte cancers (including squamous-cell and basal-cell carcinomas) and actinic keratoses among high-risk immunocompetent patients. Whether oral nicotinamide is useful for skin-cancer chemoprevention in organ-transplant recipients is unclear.

METHODS

In this phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, organ-transplant recipients who had had at least two keratinocyte cancers in the past 5 years to receive 500 mg of nicotinamide or placebo twice daily for 12 months. Participants were examined for skin lesions by dermatologists at 3-month intervals for 12 months. The primary end point was the number of new keratinocyte cancers during the 12-month intervention period. Secondary end points included the numbers of squamous-cell and basal-cell carcinomas during the 12-month intervention period, the number of actinic keratoses until 6 months after randomization, safety, and quality of life.

RESULTS

A total of 158 participants were enrolled, with 79 assigned to the nicotinamide group and 79 to the placebo group. The trial was stopped early owing to poor recruitment. At 12 months, there were 207 new keratinocyte cancers in the nicotinamide group and 210 in the placebo group (rate ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 1.3; P = 0.96). No significant between-group differences in squamous-cell and basal-cell carcinoma counts, actinic keratosis counts, or quality-of-life scores were observed. Adverse events and changes in blood or urine laboratory variables were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this 12-month, placebo-controlled trial, oral nicotinamide therapy did not lead to lower numbers of keratinocyte cancers or actinic keratoses in immunosuppressed solid-organ transplant recipients. (Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council; ONTRANS Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12617000599370.).

Immunomodulators for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers: Updated Perspectives

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common cancers worldwide and may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in immunosuppressed populations. Successful management of NMSC must take primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies into consideration. In response to an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of NMSC and associated risk factors, multiple systemic and topical immunomodulatory drugs have been developed and integrated into clinical practice. Many of these drugs are efficacious in the prevention and treatment of precursor lesions (actinic keratoses; AKs), low-risk NMSC, and advanced disease. The identification of patients at high risk for the development of NMSC is critical in reducing disease morbidity. Understanding the various treatment options available and their comparative effectiveness is paramount for developing a personalized treatment regimen for such patients. This review article provides an updated overview of the various topical and systemic immunomodulatory drugs available for the prevention and treatment of NMSC, and the published data supporting their use in clinical practice.

Delivery of costimulatory blockade to lymph nodes promotes transplant acceptance in mice

The lymph node (LN) is the primary site of alloimmunity activation and regulation during transplantation. Here, we investigated how fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) facilitate the tolerance induced by anti-CD40L in a murine model of heart transplantation. We found that both the absence of LNs and FRC depletion abrogated the effect of anti-CD40L in prolonging murine heart allograft survival. Depletion of FRCs impaired homing of T cells across the high endothelial venules (HEVs) and promoted formation of alloreactive T cells in the LNs in heart-transplanted mice treated with anti-CD40L. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the LNs showed that anti-CD40L promotes a Madcam1+ FRC subset. FRCs also promoted the formation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in vitro. Nanoparticles (NPs) containing anti-CD40L were selectively delivered to the LNs by coating them with MECA-79, which binds to peripheral node addressin (PNAd) glycoproteins expressed exclusively by HEVs. Treatment with these MECA-79-anti-CD40L-NPs markedly delayed the onset of heart allograft rejection and increased the presence of Tregs. Finally, combined MECA-79-anti-CD40L-NPs and rapamycin treatment resulted in markedly longer allograft survival than soluble anti-CD40L and rapamycin. These data demonstrate that FRCs are critical to facilitating costimulatory blockade. LN-targeted nanodelivery of anti-CD40L could effectively promote heart allograft acceptance.

Acute Kidney Injury in Cancer Immunotherapy Recipients

Cancer immunotherapy has now entered clinical practice and has reshaped the standard of care for many cancer patients. With these new strategies, specific toxicities have emerged, and renal side effects have been described. In this review, we will describe the causes of acute kidney injury in CAR T cell, immune checkpoint inhibitors and other cancer immuno-therapy recipients. CAR T cell therapy and bispecific T cell engaging antibodies can lead to acute kidney injury as a consequence of cytokine release syndrome, tumor lysis syndrome, sepsis or specific CAR T cell infiltration. Immune checkpoint blockade most often results in acute tubular interstitial nephritis, but glomerular diseases have also been described. Although the pathophysiology remains mostly elusive, we will describe the mechanisms of renal damage in these contexts, its prognosis and treatment. As the place of immunotherapy in the anti-cancer armamentarium is exponentially increasing, close collaboration between nephrologists and oncologists is of utmost importance to provide the best standard of care for these patients.

Skin Cancer in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Review for the Nondermatologist

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at increased risk for the development of skin cancer compared with the general population, which requires consistent monitoring and management from a multidisciplinary team. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview for nondermatologist clinicians, outlining skin cancer diagnosis, treatment pearls, and skin cancer prevention strategies as they relate to SOTRs. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted through the MEDLINE database with search terms including organ transplantation, transplant recipient, skin cancer, cutaneous neoplasms, management, and therapies. The search was limited to the English language and dates ranging from January 1, 2011, to December 28, 2021. All studies were reviewed for inclusion. Skin cancer will develop in more than half of SOTRs at some point in their life, most often nonmelanoma skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma and rarer cutaneous malignant neoplasms, such as Merkel cell carcinoma and Kaposi sarcoma, are also more frequent among SOTRs. A multidisciplinary effort at skin cancer screening and patient education is invaluable to prevent skin cancer-related morbidity and mortality in this population of patients. Reduction in immunosuppressive medications and surgical intervention are effective therapeutic approaches, and more novel systemic therapies including G protein-coupled receptor inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors are possible options when traditional treatment approaches are not feasible. Checkpoint inhibitor therapy, however, comes with the risk of allograft rejection. With a growing and aging SOTR population, it is essential that SOTRs have support from dermatologists and nondermatologists alike in skin cancer prevention and treatment.

Melanoma risk during immunomodulating treatment

Immunosuppressive therapy is standard for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and for minimizing rejection in transplant patients. However, immunosuppressant drugs are associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. In particular, melanoma is an immunogenic tumor and as such, is strongly influenced by the immune system. We performed this literature review to summarize the effects of commonly used immunomodulating agents on melanoma development, recurrence and progression. We outline the mechanism of action of each drug and discuss the available evidence on its influence on melanoma. Based on existing literature, we recommend avoiding the following agents in patients with a history of invasive melanoma: cyclosporine, sirolimus, natalizumab, IL-6 inhibitors, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and the tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors infliximab and etanercept. If there are no viable alternative agents, we recommend for these patients to see a dermatologist every 6 months for a thorough skin examination.

New immunosuppressive agents in transplantation

Immunosuppressive agents have enabled the development of allogenic transplantation during the last 40 years, allowing considerable improvement in graft survival. However, several issues remain such as the nephrotoxicity of calcineurin inhibitors, the cornerstone of immunosuppressive regimens and/or the higher risk of opportunistic infections and cancers. Most immunosuppressive agents target T cell activation and may not be efficient enough to prevent allo-immunization in the long term. Finally, antibody mediated rejection due to donor specific antibodies strongly affects allograft survival. Many drugs have been tested in the last decades, but very few have come to clinical use. The most recent one is CTLA4-Ig (belatacept), a costimulation blockade molecule that targets the second signal of T cell activation and is associated with a better long term kidney function than calcineurin inhibitors, despite an increased risk of acute cellular rejection. The research of new maintenance long-term immunosuppressive agents focuses on costimulation blockade. Agents inhibiting CD40-CD40 ligand interaction may enable a good control of both T cells and B cells responses. Anti-CD28 antibodies may promote regulatory T cells. Agents targeting this costimulation pathways are currently evaluated in clinical trials. Immunosuppressive agents for ABMR treatment are scarce since anti-CD20 agent rituximab and proteasome inhibitor bortezomib have failed to demonstrate an interest in ABMR. New drugs focusing on antibodies removal (imlifidase), B cell and plasmablasts (anti-IL-6/IL-6R, anti-CD38…) and complement inhibition are in the pipeline, with the challenge of their evaluation in such a heterogeneous pathology.

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.

Scope and Consistency of Cancer Outcomes Reported in Randomized Trials in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Introduction

Cancer is an important outcome in kidney transplantation, but the scope and consistency of how cancer is defined and reported in trials involving kidney transplant recipients has not been evaluated. This study aimed to assess the range and variability of cancer outcomes in trials involving kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

The ClinicalTrials.gov database was searched from February 2000 to July 2021 to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adult kidney transplant recipients, and which included cancer as a specified outcome. The definition of cancer, types of cancer (if any), timepoint(s) of measurement and method of aggregation were extracted for each cancer outcome.

Results

Of the 819 trials in kidney transplantation, only 84 (10%) included 1 or more cancer outcomes. Of these, 72 of 84 (86%) trials included cancer as a secondary outcome and 12 of 84 (14%) considered cancer as a primary outcome. The most frequent description of cancer was "malignancy" (n = 44, 43%), without reference to diagnostic criteria, histology, grade, or stage. The 2 most common cancer types were posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) (n = 20, 20%) and nonmelanoma skin cancer (n = 10, 10%). Several methods of aggregation were identified, including incidence or rate (n = 47, 46%), frequency or proportion (n = 30, 29%), and time to event (n = 5, 5%). Approximately half the cancer outcomes were measured at a single time point (n = 44, 52%).

Conclusion

Cancer is an infrequently reported outcome and is inconsistently defined in trials of kidney transplant recipients. Consistent reporting of cancer outcomes using standardized definitions would provide important information on the impact of cancer in patients after kidney transplantation.

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.

Transplant Onconephrology: An Update

Transplant onconephrology is a growing specialty focused on the health care of kidney transplant recipients with cancer. Given the complexities associated with the care of transplant patients, along with the advent of novel cancer therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen-receptor T cells, there is a dire need for the subspecialty of transplant onconephrology. The management of cancer in the setting of kidney transplantation is best accomplished by a multidisciplinary team, including transplant nephrologists, oncologists, and patients. This review addresses the current state and future opportunities for transplant onconephrology, including the roles of the multidisciplinary team, and related scientific and clinical knowledge.

Recent Advances in Immunotherapy for Patients with Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Simple Summary

Cutaneous squamous cell cancer is a form of skin cancer, which is typically found in older fair-skinned individuals with frequent sun exposure. Most patients present with limited disease and can be treated with a combination of surgery and/or radiation with favorable outcomes. A small percentage of patients present with more aggressive, widespread disease. Immunotherapy has dramatically improved outcomes and has become the preferred treatment option for these patients. In this review article, the rationale for using immunotherapy in patients with squamous cell skin cancer is discussed. A summary of the new treatment options currently being explored is also provided.

Abstract

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer. A majority of patients present with localized disease, but some can present with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Most of these advanced cases occur in the anatomical head and neck region and are associated with more aggressive disease, necessitating prompt and effective treatment. Prior to the emergence of immunotherapy, systemic treatment options were limited to platinum-based chemotherapy and salvaged with targeted epidermal growth factor therapy. These therapies were associated with poor efficacy and increased toxicity in an often frail, older population. Immunotherapy has dramatically improved outcomes in this patient population due to its favorable side effect profile, durable treatment response, and improved overall outcomes. In this review, an overview of the recent advances of immunotherapy in the management of CSCC in the anatomical head and neck region is provided, with a focus on advanced presentations.

Therapeutic Antiaging Strategies

Aging constitutes progressive physiological changes in an organism. These changes alter the normal biological functions, such as the ability to manage metabolic stress, and eventually lead to cellular senescence. The process itself is characterized by nine hallmarks: genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication. These hallmarks are risk factors for pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Emerging evidence has been focused on examining the genetic pathways and biological processes in organisms surrounding these nine hallmarks. From here, the therapeutic approaches can be addressed in hopes of slowing the progression of aging. In this review, data have been collected on the hallmarks and their relative contributions to aging and supplemented with in vitro and in vivo antiaging research experiments. It is the intention of this article to highlight the most important antiaging strategies that researchers have proposed, including preventive measures, systemic therapeutic agents, and invasive procedures, that will promote healthy aging and increase human life expectancy with decreased side effects.

Risk of skin cancer in kidney, liver and heart recipients: A nationwide population-based study in Taiwan

Background

Previous population-based studies in western countries had revealed increased skin cancer risk among transplant recipients compared to the general population. However, population-based studies in Asia on skin cancer among recipients of different transplanted organs were lacking in the literature.

Aims

This study aims to estimate skin cancer risk among recipients in Taiwan, examine the association between each specific type of skin cancer and each type of transplanted organ, and compare skin cancer risk between different immunosuppressive regimens.

Methods

This population-based retrospective cohort study identified 7550 patients with heart, lung, kidney or liver transplantation and 30,200 controls matched for gender, age and comorbidity index from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan between 2000 and 2015. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, we estimated the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the correlation of skin cancer with organ transplantation as well as immunosuppressive regimen.

Results

Organ transplant recipients in Taiwan had an increased risk of skin cancer with adjusted hazard ratios of 4.327 (95% confidence intervals 2.740-6.837, P < 0.001), with the greatest risk, observed among heart recipients (adjusted hazard ratios 6.348, 95% confidence intervals 3.080-13.088, P < 0.001). The risk of non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma was 4.473 (95% confidence intervals 2.568-7.783, P < 0.001) and 3.324 (95% confidence intervals 1.300-8.172, P < 0.001), respectively. When comparing immunosuppressants, those with calcineurin inhibitors carried the highest risk of skin cancer (adjusted hazard ratios 4.789, 95% confidence intervals 3.033-7.569, P < 0.001), followed by those with antimetabolites (adjusted hazard ratios 4.771, 95% confidence intervals 3.025-7.541, P < 0.001).

Limitations

We could not evaluate confounding behavioural risk factors of skin cancers that were not documented in the database, nor could we recognize patients’ compliance with immunosuppressants.

Conclusion

Organ recipients have a greater risk of skin cancer. Clinicians should inform recipients of the importance of photoprotection and regular dermatologic follow-up.

Characterization and management of facial angiofibroma related to tuberous sclerosis complex in the United States: retrospective analysis of the natural history database

Background

Facial angiofibroma is the most predominant cutaneous manifestation of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder impacting the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Facial angiofibroma can bleed spontaneously, impair eyesight, and cause aesthetic disfiguration causing psychological and social stress. To date, there is little or no evidence on the demographics, and other TSC features associated with facial angiofibroma or the use of mTOR inhibitor for the management of facial angiofibroma. This is a retrospective study of TSC Alliance’s Natural History Database aimed to characterize facial angiofibroma and to evaluate features associated with a higher risk of facial angiofibroma or the use of topical mTOR inhibitors for the management of facial angiofibroma. Data in the NHD was obtained from 18 clinical sites in the US since 2006.

Results

Of the 2240 patients, 2088 patients were enrolled in the US and data from 2057 patients were included in this analysis. The mean (median) age of overall TSC patients was 22.4 (19.0) years. A total of 69 patients were ≤ 5 years of age. Facial angiofibroma was noted in 1329 (64.6%) patients with TSC. Patients with facial angiofibroma were older on average (Mean: 25.9 [median, 23.0] vs. 16.0 [12.4 years] years, p < 0.0001). In patients with vs. without facial angiofibroma, TSC2 mutation (38.9% vs. 34.8%) was more common than TSC1 mutation (12.3% vs. 18.1%), and the incidence rate of most of the other TSC-related manifestations was significantly higher in patients with facial angiofibroma. Majority of patients had focal seizures (72.8% vs. 60.7%), followed by angiomyolipoma (63.7% vs. 21.8%) and renal cysts (59.4% vs. 33.5%). The age groups, 11–17 (odds ratio [OR], 2.53) and 18–45 years (5.98), TSC2 mutation (1.31), focal seizures (1.50), ADHD (1.47) angiomyolipoma (2.79), and renal cysts (2.63) were significantly associated with a higher risk of facial angiofibroma based on multivariate logistic regression. Abrasive or laser therapy was used by 17.1% and 2.6% patients, respectively. Topical mTOR inhibitor use was noted for 329 (24.8%) patients with facial angiofibroma. Overall systemic mTOR inhibitor use was observed in 399 (30.0%) patients for management of one or more TSC manifestations. Use of systemic mTOR inhibitor for facial angiofibroma was noted for 163 (12.3%) patients, among whom only 9 (0.7%) patients used exclusively for the management of facial angiofibroma. Of the patients with facial angiofibroma, 44.6% did not receive any treatment. Significantly higher use of topical mTOR inhibitor was associated with the 11–17 years age group (OR, 1.67), anxiety (1.57), angiomyolipoma (1.51), and renal cysts (1.33).

Conclusions

The presence of TSC2 mutations and most other TSC-related manifestations was significantly higher in patients with facial angiofibroma. About one-fourth of patients with facial angiofibroma used a topical mTOR inhibitor and use of systemic mTOR inhibitor for the management of facial angiofibroma or for the other manifestations was noted for 30.0%. About 44.6% of patients did not receive any treatment for the management of facial angiofibroma.

Topical treatment of actinic keratoses in organ transplant recipients: a feasibility study for SPOT (Squamous cell carcinoma Prevention in Organ transplant recipients using Topical treatments)

BACKGROUND

The risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is significantly increased in organ transplant recipients (OTRs). Clearance of actinic keratoses (AKs) is generally regarded as a surrogate biomarker for cSCC prevention. OTR-cSCC chemoprevention with topical AK treatments has not been investigated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), although there is evidence that 5% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) may be chemoprotective in immunocompetent patients.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the feasibility, activity and evaluation outcomes relevant to the design of a future phase III RCT of topical cSCC chemoprevention in OTRs.

METHODS

OTRs with 10 or more AKs in predefined areas were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to topical 5-FU, 5% imiquimod (IMIQ) or sunscreen (sun-protective factor 30+) in a phase II, open-label RCT over 15 months. Feasibility outcomes included proportions of eligible OTRs randomized, completing treatment and willing to be re-treated. AK activity [AK clearance, new AK development, patient-centred outcomes (toxicity, health-related quality of life, HRQoL)] and evaluation methodology (clinical vs. photographic) were assessed.

RESULTS

Forty OTRs with 903 AKs were randomized. All feasibility outcomes were met (56% of eligible OTRs were randomized; 89% completed treatment; 81% were willing to be re-treated). AK activity analyses found 5-FU and IMIQ were superior to sunscreen for AK clearance and prevention of new AKs. 5-FU was more effective than IMIQ in AK clearance and prevention in exploratory analyses. Although toxicity was greater with 5-FU, HRQoL outcomes were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Trials of topical AK treatments in OTRs for cSCC chemoprevention are feasible and AK activity results support further investigation of 5-FU-based treatments in future phase III trials. What is already known about this topic? Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is significantly more common in immunocompromised individuals including organ transplant recipients (OTRs) compared with immunocompetent populations. cSCC chemoprevention activity of sunscreen and 5-fluorouracil-based (5-FU) actinic keratosis (AK) treatments has been demonstrated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in immunocompetent populations but not in OTRs. AKs are cSCC precursors and their clearance and prevention are generally regarded as surrogate endpoint biomarkers for potential cSCC chemoprevention activity. What does this study add? SPOT (SCC Prevention in OTRs using Topical treatments) has confirmed that RCTs of OTR-cSCC chemoprevention with topical AK treatments are feasible. It also suggests that topical 5-FU may be superior to 5% imiquimod and sunscreen in AK clearance and prevention. Together with recent evidence from several RCTs in the general population, these data provide a compelling rationale for further studies of intervention with 5-FU-based topical chemoprevention approaches in OTR-cSCC prevention.

Characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of de novo malignancy after heart transplantation

Background

Post-transplant malignancy (PTM) causes long-term morbidity and mortality in heart transplant (HTx) recipients. However, the detailed characteristics or predictors of PTM are not well-known. We evaluated the incidence, characteristics, long-term outcomes, and predictors of de novo PTM using a single center large-volume database.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the types and characteristics of de novo PTM in 989 patients who underwent HTx. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used for the PTM prediction model.

Results

Two hundred and six patients (20.8%) had de novo PTMs (241 cancers) during a median follow-up of 11.5 years. PTM patients were older than non-PTM patients, received immunosuppressive therapy for a longer period, and were more likely to be male and white. Skin cancers were the most frequent types of malignancy (60.6%) followed by prostate (9.5%), lung (7.1%), and breast (4.1%) cancers. Although most cancers (88.8%) were surgically resected at initial presentation, about half (47.3%) recurred or progressed. Patients with skin cancer and non-skin cancer had significantly lower overall survival (P < 0.001) than patients without cancer. Older age (P < 0.001), white race (P = 0.001), and longer time receiving immunosuppressive therapy (P < 0.001) were independent predictors for PTM.

Conclusion

Older age, white race, and longer administration of immunosuppressive therapies were independent risk factors for PTM, which was associated with increased mortality. Further research is necessary for the prevention and early detection of PTM in HTx recipients.

Medical Aspects of mTOR Inhibition in Kidney Transplantation

The advances in transplant immunosuppression have reduced substantially the incidence of kidney graft rejection. In recent years, the focus has moved from preventing rejection to preventing the long-term consequences of long-standing immunosuppression, including nephrotoxicity induced by calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), as well as infectious and neoplastic complications. Since the appearance in the late 1990s of mTOR inhibitors (mTORi), these unmet needs in immunosuppression management could be addressed thanks to their benefits (reduced rate of viral infections and cancer). However, management of side effects can be troublesome and hands-on experience is needed. Here, we review all the available information about them. Thanks to all the basic, translational and clinical research achieved in the last twenty years, we now use mTORi as de novo immunosuppression in association with CNI. Another possibility is represented by the conversion of either CNI or mycophenolate (MPA) to an mTORi later on after transplantation in low-risk kidney transplant recipients.

Diagnosis and treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma: European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline - Update 2022

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all cutaneous malignancies. It is found predominantly in white populations and risk factors include advanced age, ultraviolet exposure, male sex, immunosuppression, such as AIDS/HIV infection, haematological malignancies or solid organ transplantation, and Merkel cell polyomavirus infection. MCC is an aggressive tumour with 26% of cases presenting lymph node involvement at diagnosis and 8% with distant metastases. Five-year overall survival rates range between 48% and 63%. Two subsets of MCC have been characterised with distinct molecular pathogenetic pathways: ultraviolet-induced MCC versus virus-positive MCC, which carries a better prognosis. In both subtypes, there are alterations in the retinoblastoma protein and p53 gene structure and function. MCC typically manifests as a red nodule or plaque with fast growth, most commonly on sun exposed areas. Histopathology (small-cell neuroendocrine appearance) and immunohistochemistry (CK20 positivity and TTF-1 negativity) confirm the diagnosis. The current staging systems are the American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union for international Cancer control 8th edition. Baseline whole body imaging is encouraged to rule out regional and distant metastasis. For localised MCC, first-line treatment is surgical excision with postoperative margin assessment followed by adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). Sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended in all patients with MCC without clinically detectable lymph nodes or distant metastasis. Adjuvant RT alone, eventually combined with complete lymph nodes dissection is proposed in case of micrometastatic nodal involvement. In case of macroscopic nodal involvement, the standard of care is complete lymph nodes dissection potentially followed by post-operative RT. Immunotherapy with anti-PD-(L)1 antibodies should be offered as first-line systemic treatment in advanced MCC. Chemotherapy can be used when patients fail to respond or are intolerant for anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy or clinical trials.

Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors for prolonged secondary prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer in solid organ transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppressive agents are essential for graft survival in solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTRs), but they have substantial durable side effects, including a higher incidence of aggressive non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Hitherto, only one class of immunosuppressants, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi), may inhibit skin tumor formation, however their durable effectiveness is controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the sustained effectiveness of mTORi in reducing NMSCs' incidence in SOTRs.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in a specialized dermatology clinic for SOTRs of a tertiary university-affiliated medical center. SOTRs with a history of at least one histologically proven NMSC, were followed for 6 years: 3 years after transplantation, before initiation of mTORi, and 3 years under mTORi treatment.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 44 SOTRs. Treatment with mTORi was initiated on average 6.27 (3.34-6.34) years following transplantation. In the 3 years before mTORi treatment initiation, the mean number of new NMSCs per patient was 2.11 (1-14). This value decreased to 1.2 (0-19) in the 3 years under mTORi treatment (P=0.0007). Analysis by NMSC type yielded a significant decrease in both SCCs and BCCs.

CONCLUSION

This study found that mTORi are effective for prolonged secondary prevention of NMSCs in SOTRs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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.