Reduction of immunosuppression for transplant-associated skin cancer: thresholds and risks

Skin conditions in liver transplant recipients in a Singapore academic medical center: A retrospective cohort study

Background

Liver transplant recipients are at lifelong risk of immunosuppression-related cutaneous complications, such as malignancy and infection.

Objective

Our study aims to assess the epidemiology of dermatologic conditions among liver transplant recipients in an academic medical center in Singapore.

Methods

Medical records of liver transplant recipients on follow-up with gastroenterology and dermatology departments at the Singapore General Hospital between 2006 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. A literature review was subsequently performed on the keywords “liver transplant” and “dermatology.”

Results

A total of 99 liver transplant recipients were identified in this study. Sixty-nine patients (70%) had at least 1 dermatologic condition. Inflammatory skin conditions were the most common (53%), followed by cutaneous infection (36%) and benign cutaneous tumors (30%). Malignant and premalignant lesions were the least common skin conditions reported (10%). Our study results concurred with many other studies reported worldwide, demonstrating a low cutaneous malignancy burden after liver transplantation.

Limitations

The study included a small population size in a single center and did not have a pre-existing protocol for pretransplant dermatologic surveillance.

Conclusion

Although the incidence of skin cancer after liver transplant in Singapore is low, the patients will benefit from long-term dermatology surveillance, given the long-term risks of infection and malignant skin conditions.

Reducing non-melanoma skin cancer risk in renal transplant recipients

With an increasing number of renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and improving patient survival, a higher incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has been observed. NMSC in RTRs are often more numerous and biologically more aggressive than the general population, thus contributing towards an increase in morbidity and to a lesser degree, mortality. The resultant cumulative health and financial burden is a recognized concern. Proposed strategies in mitigating risks of developing NMSC and early therapeutic options thereof include tailored modification of immunosuppressants in conjunction with sun protection in all transplant patients. This review highlights the clinical and financial burden of transplant-associated skin cancers, carcinogenic mechanisms in association with immunosuppression, importance of skin cancer awareness campaign and integrated transplant skin clinic, and the potential role of chemoprotective agents. A scheme is proposed for primary and secondary prevention of NMSC based on the available evidence.

Repeated Occurrences of Basal Cell Cancer in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated With Immunosuppressive Medications

INTRODUCTION

There are limited data on repeated basal cell cancer (BCC) occurrences among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially the impact of continuing immunosuppressive medications.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 54,919 patients with IBD followed in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. We identified patients who had an incident BCC after their IBD diagnosis. We defined patients' exposure based on their IBD medications use as follows: (i) only aminosalicylate (5-ASA) use, (ii) only active thiopurine (TP) use, (iii) past TP use (discontinued >6 months ago) and no antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) use, (iv) anti-TNF use after previous TP use, (v) only anti-TNF use, and (vi) active anti-TNF and TP use. The outcome of interest was the repeated occurrence of BCC. Adjusted and unadjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to estimate the risk of repeated BCC occurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 518 patients developed BCC after their IBD diagnosis. The numbers of repeated BCC occurrences per 100 person-years were 12.8 (5-ASA use only), 34.5 (active TP use), 19.3 (past TP use and no anti-TNF use), 25.4 (anti-TNF use after previous TP use), 17.8 (only anti-TNF use), and 22.4 (active anti-TNF and TP use). Compared with 5-ASA use alone, only active TP use was associated with an increased risk for repeated BCC occurrence (adjusted hazard ratio 1.65, 95% confidence interval 1.24-2.19; P = 0.0005). However, the increased risk was no longer present for other exposure categories.

DISCUSSION

Among IBD patients who developed an incident BCC while taking a TP and continued it, there was an increased risk of repeated BCC occurrences.

Outcomes of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Head and Neck Region With Regional Lymph Node Metastasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

There is a need to summarize the available evidence and provide quantitative data of the most important prognostic factors for patients with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region with regional lymph node metastasis (McSCCHN).

Objective

To undertake a PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of all published studies on the risk factors for overall survival (OS), locoregional control (LRC), locoregional recurrence (LRR), and disease-specific survival (DSS) for patients with McSCCHN.

Data Sources

PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase were searched from 1946 to August 2018 for English-language articles.

Study Selection

Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials or observational studies reporting on at least 10 patients with McSCCHN; studies analyzing 1 defined risk factor; reporting OS, LRC, LRR, or DSS; and clinical follow-up of 1 year of more. For the final analysis we included risk factors that were analyzed for the same outcome in at least 3 studies. Of the 2923 articles screened, 21 articles met the inclusion criteria.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

PRISMA guidelines were used for abstracting the data. Two reviewers independently abstracted the data. Risk of bias was estimated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. All analysis took place between January and October 2018.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was OS. Secondary end points included LRC, LRR, and DSS.

Results

A total of 20 observational studies and 1 randomized clinical trial were identified, representing 3534 patients (some reviewed articles reported no demographic characteristics), and were included in the analysis. Significant risk factors associated with OS were immunosuppression (hazard ratio [HR] of death, 2.66; 95% CI, 2.26-3.13), extracapsular spread (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.12-3.23), adjuvant radiotherapy (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.27-0.78), lymph node ratio (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.09-3.35), and advanced age (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.07). Immunosuppression (HR, 3.82; 95% CI, 2.47-5.92) and adjuvant radiotherapy (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33-0.84) were also significant risk factors for DSS.

Conclusions and Relevance

Immunosuppressed patients and those with extracapsular extension have poor prognosis. Adjuvant radiotherapy is associated with an improvement in OS. These risk factors will assist with better risk stratification and may also help to inform future clinical trials.

Mortality Associated With Development of Squamous Cell Cancer in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Receiving Treatment With Thiopurines

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Treatment with thiopurines is associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCC) in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We studied outcomes of patients with IBD who developed SCC while receiving thiopurine therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 54,919 patients with IBD followed in the nationwide Veterans Affairs Healthcare System from January 1, 2000, through May 23, 2018. From this cohort, we created a sub-cohort of patients with an incident diagnosis of SCC, confirmed by review of patients' medical records; we identified those who had received treatment with thiopurines (exposed group) vs those treated with mesalamine and no prior exposure to thiopurines or tumor necrosis factor antagonists (unexposed group). The primary outcome was death associated with SCC (SCC mortality). We collected data on baseline demographic features, exposure to ultraviolet light, Charlson comorbidity index, smoking status, and environmental exposures. Follow up began at the time of incident SCC diagnosis and ended at death or last recorded date in the health system. Cause-specific hazard models were used to estimate the adjusted and unadjusted hazard ratio (HRs), with 95% CIs, for SCC mortality.

RESULTS

We identified 467 patients with incident SCC and included 449 patients (161 exposed and 288 unexposed) in our final analysis. Eleven patients from complications of SCC (8 in the exposed group and 3 in the unexposed group). The estimated 5- and 10-year cumulative mortality values were 2.9% and 2.9% in the exposed group and 0.4% and 0.9% in the unexposed group, respectively. The unadjusted and adjusted cause-specific HRs for SCC mortality associated with exposure were 7.0 (95% CI, 1.8-28.0; P = .006) and 8.0 (95% CI, 2.0-32.8; P = .004), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the cause-specific mortality is relatively low, patients with IBD exposed to thiopurines who develop SCC have an increased risk of SCC-associated death compared to patients exposed to only mesalamine.

Skin cancer in organ transplant recipients: dynamics in the incidence and clinical predictors for the first and subsequent post-transplant non-melanoma skin cancer

BACKGROUND

Risk factors for primary non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in organ transplant recipients (OTR) have been well described. Data for subsequent NMSC and dynamics in their occurrence in OTR are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To study long-term risks of primary and subsequent NMSC and associated risk factors in OTR.

METHODS

A retrospective single-centre cohort study analysing medical records from a dermato-oncological specialty clinic.

RESULTS

Of 464 OTR 110 (23.7%) developed at least one, 73 (15.7%) two and 51 (11%) three NMSC during a median follow-up of 9.6 years. Cumulative incidences at 5, 10 and 15 years were 14.7%, 23.5% and 34.5% for the first and 75.8%, 86.5% and 93.3% for the second. Median time-to-diagnosis declined from 22 years (95% CI 19-25) to 2 years (1-3) and about 1 year (0-2) for the first, second and third NMSC. Risk for subsequent NMSC only partially related to risk factors for the primary NMSC. Histologic type of the first NMSC predicted subtype and time-to-diagnosis of the subsequent NMSC.

CONCLUSIONS

A first post-transplant NMSC, particularly a SCC, confers a high risk for subsequent NMSC arising with accelerated dynamics. Risk-adapted dermato-oncologic surveillance is advisable for all OTR.

Chemotherapy and Transplantation: The Role of Immunosuppression in Malignancy and a Review of Antineoplastic Agents in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

It is estimated that solid organ transplant recipients have a two- to fourfold greater overall risk of malignancy than the general population. Some of the most common malignancies after transplant include skin cancers and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. In addition to known risk factors such as environmental exposures, genetics, and infection with oncogenic viruses, immunosuppression plays a large role in the development of cancer through the loss of the immunosurveillance process. The purpose of this article is to explain the role of immunosuppression in cancer and to review the classes of chemotherapeutics. The field of anticancer drugs is continually expanding and developing, with limited data on use in transplant recipients. This article aims to provide information on class review, adverse effects, dose adjustments, and drug interactions that are pertinent to the care of transplant recipients.

High-risk cutaneous malignancies and immunosuppression: Challenges for the reconstructive surgeon in the renal transplant population

Renal transplantation is the most frequently performed transplant procedure. Immunosuppressive therapies have dramatically increased survival rates in transplant recipients but are associated with an increased risk of skin cancers. Recent changes in immunosuppressive strategies have been adopted with the aim of reducing this challenging adverse effect. Despite these new strategies, cutaneous malignancies tend to be numerous, aggressive and associated with a higher risk of local and distant dissemination than in the non-transplant population. This represents a significant workload for transplant physicians, dermatologists, and head and neck and plastic surgeons. This review highlights key concepts in the pathogenesis of skin cancer in transplant patients, the impact current and evolving immunosuppressive strategies and regimens will have on the epidemiology, and the management of cutaneous malignancies in renal transplant patients, with particular focus on the implications for the plastic surgery community.

Risk of Aggressive Skin Cancers After Kidney Retransplantation in Patients With Previous Posttransplant Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Retrospective Study of 53 Cases

BACKGROUND

The course of skin cancer after retransplantation in organ-transplant recipients who have already developed posttransplant skin cancer has not been assessed.

METHODS

This retrospective multicentric study included 53 patients with a history of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) after a first kidney transplantation who received a second kidney transplantation. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of aggressive cutaneous SCC after the second transplantation. Secondary endpoints included the course of skin cancers over 3 periods (first transplantation, return to dialysis, second transplantation), the time to occurrence, and risk factors for aggressive SCC after retransplantation.

RESULTS

The first SCC developed in 47 patients with a functional graft and in 6 after return to dialysis. After the first transplantation, 17 (33.3%) patients developed SCC in dialysis and 39 (73.6%) after the second transplantation, respectively. Twenty aggressive SCC developed over the study period. They occurred in 14 (26.4%) patients after retransplantation vs 5 (9.4%) after the first transplantation with a median delay of 50 months and were responsible for 5 deaths. Fair skin type, multiple tumors before retransplantation, treatment with azathioprine, T cell-depleting antibodies, and delayed revision of immunosuppression were associated with an increased risk of aggressive cutaneous SCC after retransplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Candidates to retransplantation with a history of posttransplant SCC have a high risk of aggressive SCC. Our data suggest that the risk could be reduced by a tailored immunosuppression. A wait period may be required depending on the clinicopathological characteristics of the previous SCC and discussed on an individual patient basis.

Skin cancer evaluation in transplant patients: a physician opinion survey with recommendations

BACKGROUND

Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common malignancy in transplant patients. However, routine skin cancer evaluation is currently not the standard of care.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the current barriers among transplant physicians to skin cancer screening in their patients. To provide recommendations for appropriate routine skin surveillance.

METHODS

A web-based survey was conducted among Baylor, Dallas transplant physicians. Thirty-seven of 46 responses were received, and 13 physicians (28%) were classified as "high screeners."

RESULTS

The univariate analysis revealed three main barriers including the perception of difficulty in seeing a dermatologist (p = 0.017), skin cancer evaluation is not an important aspect of transplant care (p = 0.038), and thirdly, the belief that there is insufficient evidence to warrant universal skin cancer screening in transplant patients (p = 0.013). The fully adjusted multivariable analysis resulted in two significant conclusions; the most important predictor was the perceived lack of medical evidence for skin cancer screening.

LIMITATIONS

The small sample size and all responses being from the same institution in Texas.

CONCLUSION

The dermatologic evidence for regular skin cancer screening in transplant patients needs dissemination to our transplant colleagues. This is a significant practice gap which can be appropriately closed by integrating dermatologists into the transplant team.

Incidence, risk factors, and preventative management of skin cancers in organ transplant recipients: a review of single- and multicenter retrospective studies from 2006 to 2010

BACKGROUND

Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) taking immunosuppressants are at high risk of skin cancer, which is the most common malignant condition in OTRs, so dermatologic surveillance is important for OTRs.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the most common skin cancers arising from chronic immunosuppression in OTRs.

METHODS

A PubMed search for retrospective single- and multicenter studies reporting skin cancer incidence from 2006 to 2010 was undertaken. Data regarding each study's immunosuppressive regimen, affected skin cancer cohort, and associated risk factors were extracted.

RESULTS

Thirty-six articles that met our inclusion criteria reported incidences of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), Kaposi's sarcoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. NMSC was the most commonly reported cancer of all skin cancers after transplantation. Common risk factors were sex, age, sunlight exposure, and immunosuppressive agent-related (duration, type).

CONCLUSION

Sun education programs and frequent screenings in organ transplant clinics have provided the best preventative strategies after transplantation, although the characteristics of the immunosuppressive regimen also play an important role. Thus, the adjuvant strategy of modifying immunosuppression may be effective when confronting severe transplant-associated skin cancer. Although the decision-making process for curbing levels of immunosuppression is difficult, further long-term, randomized controlled studies should assess the effect of using less immunosuppressant medication while preserving graft function.

Melanoma in organ transplant recipients: incidence, outcomes and management considerations

The incidence of melanoma continues to increase year on year. With better surgical techniques and medical management, greater numbers of organ transplants are being performed annually with much longer graft survival. The authors review our current understanding of the incidence of melanoma amongst organ transplant recipients, outcomes compared to the immunocompetent population, and management strategies in this burgeoning group.

Therapeutic options to decrease actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma incidence and progression in solid organ transplant recipients: a practical approach

BACKGROUND

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) have a 50 to 250 times greater risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) than the general population and experience higher rates of invasive and metastatic disease. These greater risks are a product of the tumorigenic effects of their immunosuppressive medications. As the number of transplantations and the life expectancy of SOTRs increase, SCCs are becoming a major source of morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To present a practical approach for busy practicing clinicians to the care of SOTRs who are developing SCCs. Topics include assessment and treatment of new and neglected SOTRs; the dermatologist's role with the transplantation team; and practical considerations in the choice of topical agents, systemic agents, and immunosuppressive therapy manipulation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

An extensive literature search of the understanding of SCC pathophysiology and treatment in SOTRs was conducted.

RESULTS

Presented here is a logical, concise guide to the care of SOTRs who are developing actinic keratoses and SCCs.

CONCLUSION

Proper assessment of patients, understanding therapeutic alternatives and their application, and early institution of preventative and adjuvant therapies can help to decrease skin cancer-related morbidity and mortality in SOTRs.

Iatrogenic immunosuppression and cutaneous malignancy

Patients with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions often receive long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Some of the largest patient populations with iatrogenic immunosuppression include patients who have received solid-organ transplants or who have rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. Although treatments improve patient outcomes, individuals with immunosuppression subsequently may have an increased risk of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.

[Skin cancer in organ transplant patients. Epidemiology and management]

Transplant recipients are at significantly increased risk of cancer development as a long term complication. Skin cancer is the most common cancer, representing 40-50% of post transplant malignancies. In the first 10 years post transplantation, some 15%-40% of patients develop skin cancer, primarily squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, but also melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and virally-induced Kaposi sarcoma. The management of skin cancer includes secondary prophylaxis and address attention to areas of widespread actinic damage, usually with topical agents. In high risk skin cancer or metastatic disease a substantial reduction in immunosuppression to switching to mTOR inhibitors appears to substantially improve the prognosis. The management of the individual tumor types is discussed; in general it follows the current guidelines.

Incidence of and risk factors for skin cancer after heart transplant

OBJECTIVE

To examine the incidence, tumor burden, and risk factors for nonmelanoma and other skin cancer types in this heart transplant cohort.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of patient medical records.

SETTING

Tertiary care center. Patients All heart transplant recipients at Mayo Clinic from 1988 to 2006.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cumulative incidence of skin cancer and tumor burden, with Cox proportional hazards regression models used to evaluate risk factors for posttransplant primary and secondary nonmelanoma skin cancer.

RESULTS

In total, 312 heart transplant patients had 1395 new skin cancers in 2097 person-years (mean, 0.43 per year per patient) with a range of 0 to 306 for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 0 to 17 for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The cumulative incidence rates of any skin cancer were 20.4%, 37.5%, and 46.4% at 5, 10, and 15 years after heart transplant, respectively. Cumulative incidence of SCC after the first BCC was 98.1% within 7 years. Multivariate analysis showed that posttransplant nonskin cancer, increased age, and heart failure etiologic factors other than idiopathic disease were associated with increased risk of SCC. Posttransplant herpes simplex viral infection, increased age, and use of mycophenolate mofetil for immunosuppression were associated with increased risk of BCC.

CONCLUSIONS

With prolonged survival, many heart transplant patients have numerous skin cancers. Vigilant sun protection practices, skin cancer education, and regular skin examination are appropriate interventions in these high-risk patients.

Reduction in the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma in solid organ transplant recipients treated with cyclic photodynamic therapy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) produce significant morbidity in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs), particularly in patients who develop multiple tumors. Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been shown to decrease the number of keratotic lesions in SOTRs, but the duration of the beneficial effect is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit of cyclic PDT in the prevention of new SCCs in SOTRs.

METHODS

Twelve high-risk SOTRs received cyclic PDT treatments at 4- to 8-week intervals for 2 years. The development of new SCCs (invasive and in situ) performed 12 and 24 months after the start of cyclic PDT were compared with the number of SCCs developed during the year before initiation of cyclic PDT.

RESULTS

The median reduction in the 12- and 24-month post-treatment counts from the 1-month pretreatment counts was 79.0% (73.3-81.8%) and 95.0% (87.5-100.0%), respectively. Treatments were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Cyclic PDT with 5-aminolevulinic acid may reduce the incidence of SCC in SOTRs. Additional studies with larger numbers of patients and optimized protocols are necessary to further explore the potential benefits of cyclic PDT in the prevention of skin cancer in this high-risk patient population.