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Updated: May 20, 2026

Using Quantitative Real-time PCR to Determine Donor Cell Engraftment in a Competitive Murine Bone Marrow Transplantation Model
Published on: March 7, 2013
Donors with malignancies-risk or chance?
1Department of Urology, Heinrich Heine University Hospital Duesseldorf, Germany. markus.giessing@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
Abstract:
The disparity between organ demand and organ supply in renal transplantation has led transplant physicians to pursue a variety of options for increasing the number of donor kidneys. One option is to use kidneys from living or deceased donors who have been diagnosed with a malignant tumor, either of the kidney itself or of other origin. Today, there is an increasing body of evidence in favor of accepting kidneys from donors with renal or ureteral malignancy. This review article, based on a Medline and PubMed search, presents options and strategies for deciding under which circumstances these kidneys may be considered for transplantation. The decision depends on donor tumor characteristics and recipient issues but also on surgical and urological knowledge.
Insights
Transplant physicians are exploring using kidneys from donors with cancer to address organ shortages. Evidence supports accepting these kidneys, with decisions based on tumor type and recipient factors.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplantation Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Significant disparity exists between donor kidney supply and recipient demand in renal transplantation.
- This shortage necessitates exploring alternative donor sources, including those with a history of malignancy.
- Kidneys from donors with renal or ureteral tumors are increasingly considered for transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence and strategies for utilizing kidneys from donors with malignant tumors.
- To outline decision-making criteria for accepting such organs for renal transplantation.
- To discuss donor tumor characteristics and recipient factors influencing transplantation outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review using Medline and PubMed databases.
- Analysis of studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of transplanting kidneys from donors with malignancy.
- Synthesis of guidelines and expert opinions on donor selection and management.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence supports the viability of using kidneys from donors with renal or ureteral malignancies.
- Successful transplantation outcomes are achievable when specific donor and recipient criteria are met.
- Careful donor tumor assessment and recipient evaluation are crucial for minimizing risks.
Conclusions:
- Accepting kidneys from donors with malignancy is a viable strategy to increase organ availability.
- Transplantation decisions require a multidisciplinary approach, considering tumor biology, surgical factors, and recipient status.
- Further research is warranted to optimize protocols for using these organs and improve long-term graft survival.
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