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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Mouse Kidney Transplantation: Models of Allograft Rejection
Published on: October 11, 2014
Disease recurrence in a transplant kidney in a patient with extramedullary plasmacytoma
Pooja Binnani1, M M Bahadur, Nikhil Kedia
1Department of Nephrology, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India.
Abstract:
Renal transplantation in patients with malignancy is controversial. Renal transplantation is generally not considered for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) because of their extremely poor prognosis. There are few reports of MM recurrence among kidney transplant recipients. We present a case of disease relapse of plasmacytoma in a transplanted kidney. We present a patient with extramedullary plasmacytoma, who responded well to chemotherapy and underwent allogenic renal transplantation. He relapsed after 4 years with progression to extramedullary plasmacytoma. Despite minimal clinical symptoms, the patient had developed myeloma cast nephropathy and acute renal failure. His renal failure settled after excision of tumor. Extramedullary plasmacytoma as a mode of relapse is highly unusual. Experience of renal transplantation in MM is limited. In the literature, the recurrence of MM is mentioned as a severe complication with a poor graft prognosis. Extramedullary plasmacytoma as a mode of relapse is highly unusual. It should not be considered as a contraindication for transplantation. Renal transplantation for patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) due to MM is possible. But large prospective studies are needed to develop a strategy for preventing multiple myeloma recurrence.
Insights
Renal transplantation for multiple myeloma (MM) is possible, even with extramedullary plasmacytoma relapse. This unusual recurrence pattern can lead to kidney failure but may resolve with tumor removal, suggesting transplantation isn't always contraindicated.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Oncology
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Renal transplantation in multiple myeloma (MM) patients is controversial due to poor prognosis and limited data on recurrence.
- Extramedullary plasmacytoma relapse post-transplant is rare, posing unique challenges for graft survival.
Observation:
- A patient with extramedullary plasmacytoma underwent successful allogenic renal transplantation after chemotherapy.
- The patient relapsed 4 years post-transplant with extramedullary plasmacytoma, leading to myeloma cast nephropathy and acute renal failure.
- Renal function improved after surgical excision of the extramedullary tumor.
Findings:
- Extramedullary plasmacytoma is an unusual mode of MM relapse in kidney transplant recipients.
- Despite minimal symptoms, relapse can cause severe renal complications like acute kidney injury.
- Tumor excision can reverse renal failure, even in advanced stages.
Implications:
- Renal transplantation may be feasible for end-stage renal disease due to MM, even with a history of extramedullary disease.
- Extramedullary plasmacytoma relapse should not be an absolute contraindication for renal transplantation.
- Further large-scale studies are needed to establish optimal strategies for preventing MM recurrence after transplantation.
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