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Updated: May 23, 2026
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Digital Home-Monitoring of Patients after Kidney Transplantation: The MACCS Platform
Published on: April 12, 2021
Malignancy and Kidney Transplant: Core Curriculum 2026
Christopher D Blosser1, Elena-Bianca Barbir2, Salma Shaikhouni3
1Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.
Summary
Kidney transplant recipients face a doubled cancer risk due to immunosuppression, making cancer the second leading cause of death. Early detection and multidisciplinary management are crucial for improving outcomes in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Oncology
- Transplantation
Background:
- Kidney transplant recipients have a significantly higher risk of developing various cancers, including skin, kidney, and lymphomas, compared to the general population.
- Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in kidney transplant recipients, largely due to chronic immunosuppression and prolonged survival with comorbidities.
- The increasing complexity of cancer care in transplant patients, coupled with advancements in novel therapies like immunotherapies, necessitates specialized knowledge for nephrologists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common pretransplant and posttransplant cancers in kidney transplant recipients.
- To discuss current management strategies for cancer in the context of kidney transplantation.
- To highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving nephrologists, oncologists, and patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of common cancers in kidney transplant recipients.
- Discussion of diagnostic and management strategies.
- Case-based clinical scenarios.
Main Results:
- Kidney transplant recipients have at least double the cancer incidence compared to immunocompetent individuals.
- Common cancers include skin, kidney, lymphoma, and plasma cell dyscrasias.
- Management requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary team approach.
Conclusions:
- Effective cancer screening and management in kidney transplant recipients demand a coordinated effort from nephrologists, oncologists, and patients.
- Nephrologists play a vital role in understanding and managing cancer risks and optimizing treatment for transplant recipients.
- A comprehensive understanding of cancer in this population is essential for improving long-term survival and quality of life.
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