[Neoplasm prevalence in renal transplantation]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Post-transplant malignancy is a significant concern in renal transplant recipients.
• Immunosuppression regimens are crucial for graft survival but may increase cancer risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine neoplasm prevalence and types in renal transplant patients.
• To assess the relative risk of specific tumors based on immunosuppression protocols.
• To evaluate the impact of neoplasms on patient survival post-renal transplantation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 609 renal transplant cases.
• Calculation of risk index using observed and predicted case ratios.
• Analysis of tumor types, prevalence, and associated mortality rates.

Main Results:

• Overall tumor prevalence was 4.9%, with higher rates in males (6.3%) than females (2.3%).
• Cutaneous tumors were most common (2.4%), followed by Kaposi's sarcoma, pulmonary epidermoid carcinoma, genitourinary tumors, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Neoplasm risk was 10-fold higher in males and 4.2-fold higher in females compared to the general population. Mortality was 36.6%, with 82% tumor-related.

Conclusions:

• Renal transplant recipients have an elevated risk of developing neoplasms, especially cutaneous tumors.
• No significant difference in tumor prevalence or type was observed based on immunosuppression regimen (azathioprine-prednisone vs. cyclosporine A-prednisone).
• Long-term survival is significantly reduced in renal transplant recipients who develop tumors.