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Updated: May 8, 2026
Orthotopic Rat Kidney Transplantation: A Novel and Simplified Surgical Approach
Published on: May 7, 2019
Human skin carcinoma arising from kidney transplant-derived tumor cells
Laurence Verneuil1, Mariana Varna, Philippe Ratajczak
1INSERM, U-728, Paris, France. verneuil-l@chu-caen.fr
Abstract:
Tumor cells with donor genotype have been identified in human skin cancer after allogeneic transplantation; however, the donor contribution to the malignant epithelium has not been established. Kidney transplant recipients have an increased risk of invasive skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is associated with accumulation of the tumor suppressor p53 and TP53 mutations. In 21 skin SCCs from kidney transplant recipients, we systematically assessed p53 expression and donor/recipient origin in laser-microdissected p53+ tumor cells. In one patient, molecular analyses demonstrated that skin tumor cells had the donor genotype and harbored a TP53 mutation in codon 175. In a kidney graft biopsy performed 7 years before the skin SCC diagnosis, we found p53+ cells in the renal tubules. We identified the same TP53 mutation in these p53+ epithelial cells from the kidney transplant. These findings provide evidence for a donor epithelial cell contribution to the malignant skin epithelium in the recipient in the setting of allogeneic kidney transplantation. This finding has theoretical implications for cancer initiation and progression and clinical implications in the context of prolonged immunosuppression and longer survival of kidney transplant patients.
Insights
In kidney transplant recipients, donor cells can contribute to skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Researchers found the same TP53 mutation in skin tumors and kidney transplants, indicating donor origin.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Kidney transplant recipients face a higher risk of invasive skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
- SCC development in these patients is linked to tumor suppressor p53 accumulation and TP53 mutations.
- The origin of malignant epithelial cells in transplant-associated skin cancer remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the donor contribution to malignant epithelial cells in skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in kidney transplant recipients.
- To determine if donor-derived cells in skin SCC harbor TP53 mutations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 21 skin SCCs from kidney transplant recipients.
- Systematic assessment of p53 expression and donor/recipient origin in laser-microdissected p53+ tumor cells.
- Molecular analysis of TP53 mutations in tumor cells and kidney graft biopsies.
Main Results:
- Donor genotype identified in skin SCC cells from one patient.
- The same TP53 mutation (codon 175) was found in skin SCC cells and p53+ epithelial cells from the patient's kidney transplant.
- These p53+ epithelial cells were detected in the kidney graft biopsy 7 years prior to the skin SCC diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Provides evidence of donor epithelial cell contribution to malignant skin epithelium in kidney transplant recipients.
- Suggests a potential mechanism for cancer initiation and progression in allogeneic transplantation.
- Highlights implications for managing immunosuppression and long-term survival in transplant patients.
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