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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model
Published on: May 20, 2019
Remission of transplanted melanoma--clinical course and tumour cell characterisation
Abstract:
The recipient of a cadaveric kidney was found to have donor melanoma within the graft together with metastatic spread. After cessation of immunosuppression, the kidney rejected and was removed. One month later there was both clinical and radiological evidence of remission and at autopsy 5 months later there was no histological evidence of melanoma. The outcome for recipients of other organs from the same donor was varied. Tumour cells expressed HLA class 1 antigens mismatched in the recipient and mRNA for the costimulator B7, and the cytokines GM-CSF, IL-1 alpha and beta. These characteristics may have been important in the host immunological response.
Insights
A kidney transplant recipient developed donor melanoma. Stopping immunosuppression led to graft rejection and melanoma remission, suggesting the host immune system targeted cancer cells.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Immunology
Background:
- Organ transplantation necessitates immunosuppression to prevent rejection.
- Immunosuppression can potentially facilitate the spread of undetected malignancies from donors.
- Donor-derived malignancies are rare but pose unique challenges in transplantation.
Observation:
- A kidney transplant recipient was diagnosed with melanoma originating from the donor organ, with evidence of metastatic spread.
- Following the cessation of immunosuppressive therapy, the transplanted kidney underwent rejection and was subsequently removed.
- Post-nephrectomy, the patient exhibited clinical and radiological signs of melanoma remission.
Findings:
- Histological examination at autopsy revealed no evidence of melanoma 5 months after graft removal.
- Tumor cells expressed Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I antigens mismatched with the recipient.
- Tumor cells also expressed messenger RNA (mRNA) for the costimulator B7 and cytokines including granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and Interleukin-1 alpha and beta (IL-1α/β).
Implications:
- The host immune system may have recognized and responded to the donor melanoma cells due to mismatched HLA antigens and the expression of costimulatory molecules and cytokines.
- This case highlights the potential for immune-mediated tumor rejection in the context of organ transplantation.
- Understanding these immune interactions could inform strategies for managing oncological risks in transplant recipients.
