[Malignant neoplasms and kidney transplantation]

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Medicine
• Oncology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Malignant diseases are significant challenges in clinical transplantation, impacting long-term graft function.
• Distinguishing between pre-existing and de novo tumors in grafts is critical.
• Dialysis patients face increased cancer risk due to metabolic changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the challenges posed by malignancies in organ transplantation.
• To discuss the risks and management of de novo tumors in transplant recipients.
• To highlight the importance of early detection and structured screening for malignancies in transplant candidates and recipients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on malignancies in transplantation.
• Analysis of risks associated with graft transmission and de novo tumor development.
• Discussion of current consensus and guidelines for managing tumors in transplant contexts.

Main Results:

• The risk of transmitting malignancy via a transplanted organ is low (<0.2%).
• Kidney grafts with small, low-grade tumors (<2 cm, G1) are considered usable after tumor removal and histopathologic review.
• De novo malignancies, particularly genitourinary cancers, are common and correlate with immunosuppression levels.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis and management of de novo malignancies are vital for transplant patient and graft survival.
• Structured screening protocols are needed to detect early-stage cancers in transplant patients.
• Geographic factors and immunosuppression levels influence malignancy incidence in transplant populations.