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Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Abdominal Tumors
Published on: March 7, 2011
Donor Kidney With Renal Cell Carcinoma Successfully Treated With Radiofrequency Ablation: A Case Report
1Department of Nephrology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark.
Background:
The risk of donor-transmitted cancer is evident.
Case Report:
We report the case of a 69-year-old woman who was transplanted with a kidney from a deceased donor. Four days after transplantation a routine ultrasound scan revealed a 3-cm tumor in the middle-upper pole of the allograft. A biopsy showed the tumor to be papillary renal cell carcinoma. The patient was treated with radiofrequency ablation. This procedure was complicated by the development of a cutaneous fistula and open surgery was done with resection of an area of necrosis in the kidney and of the fistula. The maintenance immunosuppressive regimen was modified with a change in treatment to everolimus in combination with reduced dose mycophenolate and low-dose steroids. The patient was followed for 4.5 years and during that time she remained dialysis independent with an excellent allograft function (serum creatinine, 95 μmol/L [1.04 mg/dL]).
Conclusions:
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in which a donor-transmitted tumor was diagnosed in the renal allograft only 4 days after transplantation and subsequently treated successfully with radiofrequency ablation.
Insights
Donor-transmitted cancer in kidney transplants is a known risk. This case details a successful radiofrequency ablation of a renal cell carcinoma found just four days post-transplant.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplant Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Donor-transmitted cancer poses a significant risk in organ transplantation.
- Early detection and management are crucial for patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old female kidney transplant recipient developed a 3-cm papillary renal cell carcinoma in the allograft.
- The tumor was detected via ultrasound just four days post-transplantation.
Findings:
- The renal cell carcinoma was successfully treated with radiofrequency ablation.
- Despite complications including a cutaneous fistula requiring surgical resection, the patient maintained excellent allograft function for 4.5 years.
- Immunosuppression was adjusted to everolimus, mycophenolate, and steroids.
Implications:
- This case highlights the possibility of rapid diagnosis of donor-transmitted tumors in renal allografts.
- Radiofrequency ablation presents a viable treatment option for early-stage allograft tumors.
- Successful management underscores the importance of vigilant post-transplant monitoring and tailored immunosuppression strategies.
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