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Transmission of cancer with cadaveric donor organs
1Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Abstract:
A case is presented in which each of the recipients of a pair of cadaveric kidneys developed metastatic carcinoma. One of the recipients died, and the other demonstrated involution of metastatic deposits after graft nephrectomy and withdrawal of immunosuppression. By the use of polymerase chain reaction of minisatellite regions of donor and recipient DNA, the donor origin of the tumor was conclusively demonstrated. Although a relatively uncommon complication of cadaveric renal transplantation, the transmission of cancer with cadaveric organs may become more frequent as older donors are accepted for organ donation.
Insights
Cancer transmission via organ donation is rare but possible. DNA analysis confirmed a donor
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Transplantation immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cadaveric renal transplantation is a life-saving procedure.
- Immunosuppression is crucial for graft survival.
- Transmission of malignancy via organ donation is a known, albeit rare, complication.
Observation:
- Two recipients of a single donor's kidneys developed metastatic carcinoma.
- One recipient died from the cancer; the other experienced tumor regression after immunosuppression withdrawal and graft nephrectomy.
Findings:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of minisatellite DNA regions confirmed the donor origin of the metastatic tumors in both recipients.
- This definitively established the transmission of cancer from the donor organ.
Implications:
- The findings highlight the risk of oncogenic material transmission through cadaveric organ donation.
- As organ donation criteria expand to include older donors, vigilance for occult malignancies is paramount.
- This case underscores the importance of donor screening and potential strategies to mitigate cancer transmission risks in transplantation.