Long-term care of transplant recipients: De novo neoplasms after liver transplantation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant. 2018;23:187-195. [PMID: 29324517 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000499]

Frailty after Liver Transplantation: A Complex Unexplored Issue

Frailty is a multidimensional syndrome predominantly studied in the elderly, characterized by reduced resistance to stressors due to diminished physiological reserve and resilience. Advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive drugs have improved long-term survival rates in solid organ transplant recipients, yet the 10-year survival is satisfying. However, liver transplant recipients have a noteworthy risk of developing frailty status. After liver transplant, frailty can be favored by socioeconomic, cultural, and health-related factors, leading to increased risks of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. Various tools for frailty assessment exist, but none are universally validated for post-transplant patients. The integration of socioeconomic and psychological factors into frailty evaluation could improve quality of life and long-term outcomes for transplant recipients. Multidisciplinary approaches, including psychosocial support, are essential for managing frailty and enhancing the overall care of transplanted patients. This narrative review aims to comprehensively address the principal frailty risk factors associated with liver transplantation.

A Comparative Review of Standardized Incidence Ratios of De Novo Malignancies Post Liver Transplantation in Males Versus Females

After liver transplantation (LTx), the most common cause of death in the long-term is de-novo malignancy (DNM). The aim is to review the gender differences in the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of DNM within the same geographical locations.

METHODS

Four studies were identified comparing post-LTx SIR between males and females.

RESULTS

From 6663 males and 2780 females LTx recipients, the mean SIR from each of the four studies for males is 2.8, 2.0, 1.94, and 3.4, and 3.5, 1.3, 1.95, and 2.3 for females. On meta-analysis using a random effect model for each gender group. No significant difference was revealed after logarithmic transformation and subgroup meta-analysis. Overall mean SIR with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) for males is 2.53 (95% CI 1.65-3.88) and 2.3 (1.25-4.24) for females. lung malignancy, 1.97 (1.14-3.41) for males and 2.65 (0.67-10.47) for females. For colorectal malignancy, the combined SIR for males is 1.98 (0.58-6.78) and 1.85 (1.02-3.37) for females. The SIR for female gender-specific malignancies; SIR for breast is 1.1 ± 4.4, cervix 2.9 ± 1.9, uterus 2.8, and ovarian 0.7, and for males, testis 1.6 ± 1.3, prostate 1.2 ± 0.4. However, rare malignancies, male breast cancers (n = 1, SIR, 22.6), and Kaposi's sarcoma, in males (n = 6) and in females (n = 1), had SIR 120. and 212.7, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Overall, there are no statistical differences between male and female DNM. Female-specific cervix, uterus, ovarian, and male-specific testis and prostate have similar SIR. Rare malignancies have very high SIR.

Management of long-term complications from immunosuppression

This review discusses long-term complications from immunosuppressants after liver transplantation and the management of these complications. Common complications of calcineurin inhibitors include nephrotoxicity and metabolic diseases. Nephrotoxicity can be managed by targeting a lower drug level and/or adding an immunosuppressant of a different class. Metabolic disorders can be managed by treating the underlying condition and targeting a lower drug level. Gastrointestinal adverse effects and myelosuppression are common complications of antimetabolites that are initially managed with dose reduction or discontinuation if adverse events persist. Mammalian targets of rapamycin inhibitors are associated with myelosuppression, proteinuria, impaired wound healing, and stomatitis, which may require dose reduction or discontinuation. Induction agents and agents used for steroid-refractory rejection or antibody-mediated rejection are reviewed. Other rare complications of immunosuppressants are discussed as well.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for adherence of immunosuppressive treatment in liver transplant recipients: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on the adherence of liver transplant recipients to immunosuppressive therapy with a randomized controlled design.

METHOD

This randomized controlled trial was performed with 120 liver transplant recipients hospitalized at the liver transplant department of a research and practice hospital (n = 120). While we administered no intervention to the patients in the control group (n = 60), we provided Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to those in the experimental group (n = 60). We used the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and the Immunosuppressant Therapy Adherence Scale to collect data. We utilized descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-tests, independent-samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and chi-squared tests to analyze the data.

RESULTS

After the intervention, the immunosuppressive therapy adherence levels of the experimental group increased significantly (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the control group had significantly higher adherence to immunosuppressive therapy and significantly higher levels of mindfulness in the pretest phase than it did in the posttest phase (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Complete adherence to immunosuppressive therapy is imperative for the prevention of graft rejection in liver transplant recipients. In our study, the experimental group equipped with enhanced mindfulness had higher adherence to immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, the use of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in the promotion of adherence to immunosuppressive therapy is recommended.

Artificial Intelligence and liver: Opportunities and barriers

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has recently been shown as an excellent tool for the study of the liver; however, many obstacles still have to be overcome for the digitalization of real-world hepatology. The authors present an overview of the current state of the art on the use of innovative technologies in different areas (big data, translational hepatology, imaging, and transplant setting). In clinical practice, physicians must integrate a vast array of data modalities (medical history, clinical data, laboratory tests, imaging, and pathology slides) to achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic decision. Unfortunately, machine learning and deep learning are still far from really supporting clinicians in real life. In fact, the accuracy of any technological support has no value in medicine without the support of clinicians. To make better use of new technologies, it is essential to improve clinicians' knowledge about them. To this end, the authors propose that collaborative networks for multidisciplinary approaches will improve the rapid implementation of AI systems for developing disease-customized AI-powered clinical decision support tools. The authors also discuss ethical, educational, and legal challenges that must be overcome to build robust bridges and deploy potentially effective AI in real-world clinical settings.

Complications in Post-Liver Transplant Patients

Liver transplantation (LT) is the treatment of choice for liver failure and selected cases of malignancies. Transplantation activity has increased over the years, and indications for LT have been widened, leading to organ shortage. To face this condition, a high selection of recipients with prioritizing systems and an enlargement of the donor pool were necessary. Several authors published their case series reporting the results obtained with the use of marginal donors, which seem to have progressively improved over the years. The introduction of in situ and ex situ machine perfusion, although still strongly debated, and better knowledge and treatment of the complications may have a role in achieving better results. With longer survival rates, a significant number of patients will suffer from long-term complications. An extensive review of the literature concerning short- and long-term outcomes is reported trying to highlight the most recent findings. The heterogeneity of the behaviors within the different centers is evident, leading to a difficult comparison of the results and making explicit the need to obtain more consent from experts.

Changings and Challenges in Liver Transplantation for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/Steatohepatitis

Liver transplantation for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) is increasing rapidly worldwide. Compared with alcohol and viral-related liver disease, NAFLD/NASH is more frequently associated with a systemic metabolic syndrome, which significantly affects other organs, requiring multidisciplinary management, in all phases of liver transplant.

Long-term Care of the Adult Liver Transplant Recipient

While outcomes after liver transplantation have increased over the last two decades, this is primarily as a consequence of a reduction in early deaths and survival of those who survive the first 6 months has not significantly changed. Causes of premature death and graft loss include cardiovascular disease, renal impairment, malignancy and some infections. As the number of transplant recipients increase, care is being given by primary and secondary care clinicians. Management of the well patient is crucially dependent on careful assessment and where appropriate intervention, especially of cardiovascular risk - such as advice about avoidance of weight gain; management of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes; and provision of appropriate lifestyle advice. Other interventions include surveillance for de novo malignancies, active management of immunosuppressive regimen with the need to tailor immunosuppression to the individual. Prompt investigation of abnormalities of liver function is essential. Immune-mediated graft damage still occurs but is less common as a cause for graft loss. Adherence is sometimes an issue, especially in teenagers and young adults, and should be considered and support given where needed. Immunisations (avoiding live and attenuated vaccines) should be encouraged. Recurrence of disease remains an issue, and some interventions (such as appropriate use of antiviral therapy for those grafted with viral hepatitis, use of ursodeoxycholic acid for those grafted for primary biliary cholangitis or long-term steroids for those grafted for autoimmune disease) may improve and maintain graft function. Close collaboration between recipient and the attending clinicians in primary, secondary and tertiary care and close attention to modifiable conditions will lead to improved outcomes.

Reducing Immunosuppression in Patients with De Novo Lung Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation Could Significantly Prolong Survival

(1) Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is an established treatment for selected patients with end-stage liver disease resulting in a subsequent need for long-term immunosuppressive therapy. With cumulative exposure to immunosuppression (IS), the risk for the development of de novo lung carcinoma increases. Due to limited therapy options and prognosis after diagnosis of lung cancer, the question of the mode and extent of IS in this particular situation is raised. (2) Methods: All patients diagnosed with de novo lung cancer in the follow-up after LT were identified from the institution's register of liver allograft recipients (Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany) transplanted between 1988 and 2021. Survival analysis was performed based on the IS therapy following diagnosis of lung cancer and the oncological treatment approach. (3) Results: Among 3207 adult LTs performed in 2644 patients at our institution, 62 patients (2.3%) developed de novo lung carcinoma following LT. Lung cancer was diagnosed at a median interval of 9.7 years after LT (range 0.7-27.0 years). Median survival after diagnosis of lung carcinoma was 13.2 months (range 0-196 months). Surgical approach with curative intent significantly prolonged survival rates compared to palliative treatment (median 67.4 months vs. 6.4 months). Reduction of IS facilitated a significant improvement in survival (median 38.6 months vs. 6.7 months). In six patients (9.7%) complete IS weaning was achieved with unimpaired liver allograft function. (4) Conclusion: Reduction of IS therapy after the diagnosis of de novo lung cancer in LT patients is associated with prolonged survival. The risk of acute rejection does not appear to be increased with restrictive IS management. Therefore, strict reduction of IS should be an early intervention following diagnosis. In addition, surgical resection should be attempted, if technically feasible and oncologically meaningful.

Cumulative incidence of solid and hematological De novo malignancy after liver transplantation in a multicentre cohort

BACKGROUND

Recent innovations in the field of liver transplantation have led to a wealth of new treatment regimes, with potential impact on the onset of de novo malignancies (DNM). The aim of this multicenter cohort study was to provide contemporary figures for the cumulative incidences of solid and hematological DNM after liver transplantation.

METHODS

We designed a retrospective cohort study including patients undergoing LT between 2000 and 2015 in three Italian transplant centers. Cumulative incidence was calculated by Kaplan-Meyer analysis.

RESULTS

The study included 789 LT patients with a median follow-up of 81 months (IQR: 38-124). The cumulative incidence of non-cutaneous DNM was 6.2% at 5-years, 11.6% at 10-years and 16.3% at 15-years. Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders (PTLD) were demonstrated to have a cumulative incidence of 1.0% at 5-years, 1.6% at 10-years and 2.2% at 15-years. Solid Organ Tumors (SOT) demonstrated higher cumulative incidences - 5.3% at 5-years, 10.3% at 10-years and 14.4% at 15-years. The most frequently observed classifications of SOT were lung (rate 1.0% at 5-years, 2.5% at 10-years) and head & neck tumors (rate 1.3% at 5-years, 1.9% at 10-years).

CONCLUSIONS

Lung tumors and head & neck tumors are the most frequently observed SOT after LT.

An Essential Guide for Managing Post-Liver Transplant Patients: What Primary Care Physicians Should Know

With long-term survival after liver transplantation becoming the rule, care for medical problems arising over time in liver-transplanted patients gained increasing importance. The most common causes of death occurring more than 1 year after liver transplantation are unrelated to liver diseases and facilitated by immunosuppressive treatments; examples are malignancies, renal failure, and cardiovascular, metabolic, and infectious diseases. Recipients receive life-long follow-up care at transplant centers, however, the increasing number of liver-transplanted patients is saturating the health care supply that transplant centers have to offer. Primary care physicians are increasingly exposed to liver-transplanted patients, even in the early periods after transplant, and an understanding of the most common risks and complications faced by these patients would enhance their care. This article reviews the long-term care of liver transplant recipients, emphasizing the key internal medicine-related issues that should be known by primary care physicians. A specific section is devoted to implementing strategies to involve these physicians in the long-term follow-up of liver-transplanted patients in close collaboration with transplant hepatologists.

Reducing the Pill Burden: Immunosuppressant Adherence and Safety after Conversion from a Twice-Daily (IR-Tac) to a Novel Once-Daily (LCP-Tac) Tacrolimus Formulation in 161 Liver Transplant Patients

Non-adherence to immunosuppressant therapy reduces long-term graft and patient survival after solid organ transplantation. The objective of this 24-month prospective study was to determine adherence, efficacy and safety after conversion of stable liver transplant (LT) recipients from a standard twice-daily immediate release Tacrolimus (IR-Tac) to a novel once-daily life cycle pharma Tacrolimus (LCP-Tac) formulation. We converted a total of 161 LT patients at baseline, collecting Tacrolimus trough levels, laboratories, physical examination data and the BAASIS^© questionnaire for self-reported adherence to immunosuppression at regular intervals. With 134 participants completing the study period (17% dropouts), the overall adherence to the BAASIS^© increased by 57% until month 24 compared to baseline (51% vs. 80%). Patients who required only a morning dose of their concomitant medications reported the largest improvement in adherence after conversion. The intra-patient variability (IPV) of consecutive Tacrolimus trough levels after conversion did not change significantly compared to pre-conversion levels. Despite reducing the daily dose by 30% at baseline as recommended by the manufacturer, Tac-trough levels remained stable, reflected by an increase in the concentration-dose (C/D) ratio. No episodes of graft rejection or loss occurred. Our data suggest that the use of LCP-Tac in liver transplant patients is safe and can increase adherence to immunosuppression compared to conventional IR-Tac.

Evaluation and Management of Liver Transplant Candidates With Prior Nonhepatic Cancer: Guidelines From the ILTS/SETH Consensus Conference

Liver transplant in patients with prior nonhepatic cancer is a matter of concern, needing further research, development, and consensus guidelines. This International Liver Transplantation Society/Sociedad Española De Trasplante Hepático consensus conference document focuses on the role of liver transplantation in patients with a prior history of nonhepatic cancer. This document addresses (1) the evaluation of transplant candidates with prior cancers based on the assessment of prognosis, the natural history of individual cancers, and the emerging role for circulating DNA and minimal residual disease in these patients; (2) the impact of prior treatments, including immunotherapy for prior malignancies; and (3) the surveillance of posttransplant cancer recurrence. The consensus statement is based on previously published guidelines, as well as a review of the current, relevant, published literature.

The Need to Update Endpoints and Outcome Analysis in the Rapidly Changing Field of Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) survival rates have continued to improve over the last decades, mostly due to the reduction of mortality early after transplantation. The advancement is facilitating a liberalization of access to LT, with more patients with higher risk profiles being added to the waiting list. At the same time, the persisting organ shortage fosters strategies to rescue organs of high-risk donors. This is facilitated by novel technologies such as machine perfusion. Owing to these developments, reconsideration of the current and emerging endpoints for the assessment of the efficacy of existing and new therapies is warranted. While conventional early endpoints in LT have focused on the damage induced to the parenchyma, the fate of the bile duct and the recurrence of the underlying disease have a stronger impact on the long-term outcome. In light of this evolving landscape, we here attempt to reflect on the appropriateness of the currently used endpoints in the field of LT trials.

Review of Standardized Incidence Ratios (SIR) of non-lymphoid de novo malignancies after liver transplantation: Structured analysis of global differences

INTRODUCTION

De Novo malignancy after liver transplantation (LTx) is the second most common cause of death in adult LTx recipients. The current report identifies differences in Standardized Incidence Ratios (SIR) for various non-lymphoid de novo malignancies by comparing and analyzing post LTx SIR for non-lymphoid de novo malignancies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A thorough search of PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted; 25 publications describing de novo malignancies post-LTx with SIR were identified.

RESULTS

Overall SIR varied from 1.4 to 11.6 (median 2.4). Oropharyngeal/larynx (OPL), lung, colo-rectal, and kidney malignancies were more prevalent with higher SIR (median = 4.4, 1.9, 2.67, 2.5, respectively). Breast and prostate malignancies were also more prevalent with lower SIR (median = 0.9, 1.0, respectively). Pancreatic, central nervous system (CNS), melanoma, rare cancers and Kaposi's sarcoma were less prevalent (except in Italy and Sweden) but had much higher SIR (median = 2.6, 2.4, 2.02, 22.5 and 53.6, respectively). The overall higher SIR values are related to the age of the recipient, length of follow-up, the grouping of different organ systems, inclusion or exclusion of epidermal non-malacotic skin cancers, lymphoid malignancy, and occurrence of rare malignancies including Kaposi's sarcoma.

CONCLUSION

OPL, lung, gastrointestinal, kidney, and bladder malignancies were more prevalent with higher SIR. Breast and prostate cancers were more prevalent with lower SIR. Pancreatic, CNS, melanoma, rare cancers and Kaposi's sarcoma were less prevalent with higher SIR. Age of the recipients, length of follow-up, and rare cancer types influence overall SIR values with some global differences.

Hepatocellular carcinoma and the risk of de novo malignancies after liver transplantation - a multicenter cohort study

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are at high risk of second primary malignancies. As HCC has become the leading indication of liver transplant (LT), the aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of HCC before LT could influence the onset of de novo malignancies (DNM). A cohort study was conducted on 2653 LT recipients. Hazard ratios (HR) of DNM development for patients transplanted for HCC (HCC patients) were compared with those of patients without any previous malignancy (non-HCC patients). All models were adjusted for sex, age, calendar year at transplant, and liver disease etiology. Throughout 17 903 person-years, 6.6% of HCC patients and 7.4% of non-HCC patients developed DNM (202 cases). The median time from LT to first DNM diagnosis was shorter for solid tumors in HCC patients (2.7 vs 4.5 years for HCC and non-HCC patients, respectively, P < 0.01). HCC patients were at a higher risk of bladder cancer and skin melanoma. There were no differences in cumulative DNM-specific mortality by HCC status. This study suggests that primary HCC could be a risk factor for DNM in LT recipients, allowing for risk stratification and screening individualization.

Long-term Management of the Adult Liver Transplantation Recipients

The survival of liver transplantation (LT) recipients has been improved remarkably in short-term. The major causes of mortality in long-term include nonimmunological causes such as cardiovascular, de novo malignancy, chronic kidney disease, and recurrence of primary disease. Rejection-related mortality is rare in the long-term after LT. We discuss nonrejection causes of long-term morbidity/mortality, risk factors, and management strategies in LT recipients. In addition, we discuss osteoporosis, contraception, and pregnancy in LT recipients.

Extrahepatic Malignancies and Liver Transplantation: Current Status

Recipients of liver transplantation (LT) remain at higher risk (adjusted for other risk factors) of de novo malignancies (DNMs). The higher risk can be attributed to the effect of immunosuppression and patient-related risk factors (age, tobacco, alcohol, etiology of liver disease). DNMs are an important cause of late mortality in liver transplant recipients. The pattern (type) of posttransplant malignancies reflects pattern in local population. The common types include skin cancers, solid organ malignancies, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders. Counseling of patients about risk factors and surveillance protocols may help in the prevention and diagnosis at early stage. We also discuss the results of LT in patients with a history of extrahepatic malignancy in the pretransplant period.

Current Challenges in the Post-Transplant Care of Liver Transplant Recipients in Germany

Improving long-term patient and graft survival after liver transplantation (LT) remains a major challenge. Compared to the early phase after LT, long-term morbidity and mortality of the recipients not only depends on complications immediately related to the graft function, infections, or rejection, but also on medical factors such as de novo malignancies, metabolic disorders (e.g., new-onset diabetes, osteoporosis), psychiatric conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression), renal failure, and cardiovascular diseases. While a comprehensive post-transplant care at the LT center and the connected regional networks may improve outcome, there is currently no generally accepted standard to the post-transplant management of LT recipients in Germany. We therefore described the structure and standards of post-LT care by conducting a survey at 12 German LT centers including transplant hepatologists and surgeons. Aftercare structures and form of cost reimbursement considerably varied between LT centers across Germany. Further discussions and studies are required to define optimal structure and content of post-LT care systems, aiming at improving the long-term outcomes of LT recipients.

De novo and recurrent malignancy

Cancer is an important cause of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation and can occur through three mechanisms: recurrence of a recipient's pre-transplant malignancy, donor-related transmission and de novo development. Currently, the decision to list a patient with a history of malignancy is an individual one. Screening guidelines for potential donors and for recipients after transplant are still widely based on general population guidelines, while the role of chronic immunosuppression remains controversial. These shortcomings mean that patients present at diagnosis with advanced stages of the disease, often precluding curative treatments. The present review summarizes current recommendations for the screening of recipients and donors for pre- and post-transplant malignancies, and current management of recipients who develop cancer after a liver transplant.

De novo perihilar cholangiocarcinoma arising in the allograft liver 15 years post-transplantation for biliary atresia

Most primary liver cancers diagnosed in allograft livers are recurrent tumors of the native liver origin, while donor-derived primary liver cancers are markedly less common. A 21-year-old woman who had liver transplantation for post-Kasai biliary atresia was recently referred for post-transplant biliary stricture. Her transplantation was performed at the age of 6 years using the whole liver graft from a 10-year-old donor and choledocho-jejunostomy. The post-transplant course was uneventful in the first 15 years until she presented with obstructive jaundice. The stricture was located at the level of the hepaticojejunostomy, and required percutaneous transhepatic drainage and bile duct dilatation. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy, which suggested a neoplastic process widely involving the extrahepatic and intrahepatic large bile ducts. The histological examination of the resected extrahepatic bile duct confirmed infiltrating moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Molecular tests of multiple short tandem repeat loci confirmed the donor origin of the tumor. After four cycles of chemotherapy with gemicitabine and cisplatin, she is currently on radiotherapy in view of potential re-transplantation. De novo, post-transplant cholangiocarcinoma of graft origin is extremely uncommon with only three other cases reported. Two were associated with recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis, and all had choledocho-jejunostomy at the time of transplantation.

Treatment and outcomes of extrahepatic malignancy incidentally diagnosed during pretransplant evaluation for living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

This study analyzed treatment and outcomes in patients with primary extrahepatic malignancy (EHM) incidentally diagnosed during pretransplant evaluation for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

METHODS

Of 4621 adult patients undergoing LDLT over 19 years, 41 were diagnosed with EHM shortly before LDLT (incidental malignancy group), and 92 had been treated for EHM more than 6 months before LDLT (treated malignancy group).

RESULTS

Most common EHMs were colorectal, thyroid, and stomach cancers in the incidental malignancy group; and stomach, breast, thyroid, colorectal, and renal cell cancers and lymphoma in the treated malignancy group. Mean interval between EHM diagnosis and LDLT in the incidental malignancy group was 1.5 ± 1.6 months. Of the 41 patients in this group, 15 (35.6%), seven (17.1%), and 16 (39.0%) underwent EHM treatment before, during, and after LDLT, respectively, whereas three (7.3%) underwent observation alone. During a mean follow-up of 70.1 ± 50.8 months, six (14.6%) patients showed tumor recurrence, and three (7.3%) died of tumor progression. All recurrences developed in patients with tumor stages higher than the earliest stage. The mean interval between EHM diagnosis and LDLT in treated malignancy group was 79.8 ± 79.6 months. During a mean follow-up of 63.2 ± 54.1 months, three (3.3%) patients showed tumor recurrence and one (1.1%) died of tumor progression. The incidence of EHM recurrence was significantly higher (P = .025), and the overall post-transplant patient survival rate was significantly lower (P = .046), in the incidental malignancy than in the treated malignancy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Only patients with earliest-stage EHM detected shortly before LDLT are indicated for upfront LDLT combined with peritransplant EHM treatment.

De novo malignancies after liver transplantation: The effect of immunosuppression-personal data and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppression has undoubtedly raised the overall positive outcomes in the post-operative management of solid organ transplantation. However, long-term exposure to immunosuppression is associated with critical systemic morbidities. De novo malignancies following orthotopic liver transplants (OLTs) are a serious threat in pediatric and adult transplant individuals. Data from different experiences were reported and compared to assess the connection between immunosuppression and de novo malignancies in liver transplant patients.

AIM

To study the role of immunosuppression on the incidence of de novo malignancies in liver transplant recipients.

METHODS

A systematic literature examination about de novo malignancies and immunosuppression weaning in adult and pediatric OLT recipients was described in the present review. Worldwide data were collected from highly qualified institutions performing OLTs. Patient follow-up, immunosuppression discontinuation and incidence of de novo malignancies were reported. Likewise, the review assesses the differences in adult and pediatric recipients by describing the adopted immunosuppression regimens and the different type of diagnosed solid and blood malignancy.

RESULTS

Emerging evidence suggests that the liver is an immunologically privileged organ able to support immunosuppression discontinuation in carefully selected recipients. Malignancies are often detected in liver transplant patients undergoing daily immunosuppression regimens. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative diseases and skin tumors are the most detected de novo malignancies in the pediatric and adult OLT population, respectively. To date, immunosuppression withdrawal has been achieved in up to 40% and 60% of well-selected adult and pediatric recipients, respectively. In both populations, a clear benefit of immunosuppression weaning protocols on de novo malignancies is difficult to ascertain because data have not been specified in most of the clinical experiences.

CONCLUSION

The selected populations of tolerant pediatric and adult liver transplant recipients greatly benefit from immunosuppression weaning. There is still no strong clinical evidence on the usefulness of immunosuppression withdrawal in OLT recipients on malignancies. An interesting focus is represented by the complete reconstitution of the immunological pathways that could help in decreasing the incidence of de novo malignancies and may also help in treating liver transplant patients suffering from cancer.

Sequential transplantation and implications for clinical management: OLT followed by HCT and consequent RT in a pediatric patient

We report a case of a pediatric patient who required three separate transplants: OLT at the age 5, HCT at age 13 (8 years post-OLT), and cadaveric RT at age 15 (10 years post-OLT). The child initially presented with fulminant liver failure without known cause, ultimately undergoing OLT from his mother. He then developed SAA, for which he required HCT. Unfortunately, he developed ESRD secondary to prolonged CNI exposure, for which he underwent cadaveric RT. These processes then resulted in 7 years largely free from complications, during which a multi-disciplinary team monitored the patient for complications. Regrettably, at the age of 21 he developed poorly differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon which ultimately led to his demise. While there are case reports of patients requiring two sequential transplants, there is a paucity of reports of successfully completing three separate organ transplants in the same patient. Our case demonstrates progression of a pediatric patient through OLT, HCT, and RT with discussion of notable clinical implications. Secondarily, this case highlights the importance of coordination of care amongst various subspecialties to facilitate tandem transplantations and manage the complications of these processes. As pediatric patients have improved survival rates and may require multiple transplants, it remains important to highlight the feasibility as well as the complications of the tandem transplant process.

Challenges and future developments in liver transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) has become the treatment of choice for a wide range of liver diseases in both adult and pediatric patients. Until recently, the largest proportion of LT in adults, were performed in patients with hepatitis C (HCV) related cirrhosis. The recent availability of safe and effective direct antiviral agents to cure HCV infection in almost all patients whatever the HCV genotype and severity of liver disease, will reduce the need for LT in this category of recipients. Thus, it is presumed that in the next 1 to 2 decades HCV related liver disease will diminish substantially, whereas non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH) will correspondingly escalate as an indication for LT. The greatest challenges facing LT remain the limited supply of donor organs, and the need for chronic immunosuppression, which represent the true obstacles to the greater application and durable success of the LT procedure. This review aimed to highlight, in different sections, the main open issues and future developments in LT. These will be focused to explore current and future strategies to maximize the use of limited organs, to offer an update on potential new approaches to immunosuppression and to imagine new indications for LT when the number of patients awaiting transplants for HCV related liver disease is reduced.