Complications of systemic retinoid therapy in organ transplant recipients with squamous cell carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Transplant Surgery

Background:

• Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) on immunosuppressants face a higher risk of developing skin cancers.
• Cutaneous malignancies are a significant concern in the long-term management of OTRs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate complications of systemic retinoid therapy in OTRs with severe squamous cell carcinoma.
• To assess treatment tolerance in this specific patient population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective collaborative study involving solid organ transplant recipients.
• Analysis of complications associated with systemic retinoid treatment for severe cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Main Results:

• High incidence of complications and intolerance to systemic retinoid therapy observed.
• Treatment discontinuation was necessary in 6 out of 8 (75%) evaluated OTRs due to adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• Severely affected OTRs with skin cancer exhibit lower tolerance to systemic retinoids compared to general patient cohorts.
• The findings highlight the need for alternative treatment approaches for OTRs experiencing retinoid intolerance.