Cutaneous presentation of post-renal transplant lymphoproliferative disorder: a series of four cases

An Update on EBV-related Cutaneous Lymphoproliferative Disorders: a Systematic Review

Epstein Barr virus (EBV) positive B lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) with cutaneous involvement include a series of rare entities that go from indolent processes to aggressive lymphomas. B-cell EBV+ LPD mainly affect immunocompromised patients while T-cell EBV+ LPD are more prevalent in specific geographic regions such as Asia, Central America, and South America. Since the latest WHO-EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas in 2018, significant changes have been included in the new classifications of hematological malignancies. This systematic review summarizes the main clinical, histological, immunophenotypic and molecular characteristics of B- and T-cell EBV+ LPD that may compromise the skin at diagnosis. B-cell EBV+ LPD include primary cutaneous lymphomas such as EBV-Mucocutaneous Ulcer, as well as systemic lymphomas affecting the skin at diagnosis that may present such as lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LG), EBV diffuse large B cell lymphoma, NOS, plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL), Extracavitary primary effusion lymphoma (EC-PEL) EBV+, EBV-positive polymorphic B cell LPD, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD). Regarding T-cell EBV+ LPD, most of these entities are categorized within T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative processes and lymphomas of childhood, including extranodal T/NK lymphoma, and even more exceptional forms such as EBV-positive T-cell centrofollicular lymphoma and intravascular T/NK-cell lymphoma. Diagnosis is based on integrating the clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, and genetic criteria discussed throughout this article. Differential diagnosis is a challenge for dermatologists and pathologists, so having scientific evidence available in this field is of paramount importance because overtreatment must be carefully avoided.

[Translated article] An Update on EBV-related Cutaneous Lymphoproliferative Disorders: a Systematic Review

Epstein Barr virus (EBV) positive lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) with cutaneous involvement include a series of rare entities that go from indolent processes to aggressive lymphomas. B-cell EBV+ LPD mainly affect immunocompromised patients while T-cell EBV+ LPD are more prevalent in specific geographic regions such as Asia, Central America, and South America. Since the latest WHO-EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas in 2018, significant changes have been included in the new classifications of hematological malignancies. This systematic review summarizes the main clinical, histological, immunophenotypic and molecular characteristics of B- and T-cell EBV+ LPD that may compromise the skin at diagnosis. B-cell EBV+ LPD include primary cutaneous lymphomas such as EBV-Mucocutaneous Ulcer, as well as systemic lymphomas affecting the skin at diagnosis that may present such as lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LG), EBV diffuse large B cell lymphoma, NOS, plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL), extracavitary primary effusion lymphoma (EC-PEL) EBV+, EBV-positive polymorphic B cell LPD, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD). Regarding T-cell EBV+ LPD, most of these entities are categorized within T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative processes and lymphomas of childhood, including extranodal T/NK lymphoma, and even more exceptional forms such as EBV-positive T-cell centrofollicular lymphoma and intravascular T/NK-cell lymphoma. Diagnosis is based on integrating the clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, and genetic criteria discussed throughout this article. Differential diagnosis is a challenge for dermatologists and pathologists, so having scientific evidence available in this field is of paramount importance because overtreatment must be carefully avoided.

Cutaneous Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) involve T- or B-cell proliferation in an immunosuppressed transplant recipient. It usually presents at extra-nodal sites and can affect several organs. Cutaneous manifestations of PTLD are relatively rare and can be very heterogeneous. We report a case of a 36-year-old male cardiac transplant recipient on long-term immunosuppression (ciclosporin, azathioprine, and prednisolone) who presented with a three-month history of a painless ulcer on the right lower leg. A skin biopsy showed a dermal atypical lymphoid infiltrate positive for PAX5, CD20 and MUM1 on immunohistochemistry and EBV with in-situ hybridisation and a 70% Ki-67 cell proliferation index. A whole body fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) scan showed increased tracer uptake corresponding to the site of the cutaneous ulcer, the anterior cortex of the right lower tibia, an area adjacent to the right superficial femoral artery and the right inguinal node. These findings were in keeping with monomorphic B-cell post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, non-germinal centre subtype. Cessation of azathioprine and treatment with an anti-CD20 antibody, rituximab, led to clinical resolution of the ulcer and a negative FDG-PET scan, with no disease recurrence to date. We present a rare case of monomorphic PTLD with cutaneous involvement, presenting with a solitary, painless ulcer, which was successfully treated with a reduction in immunosuppression and additional rituximab monotherapy, given the aggressive subtype. PTLD can arise many years post-transplant and is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication. Therefore, early recognition and prompt treatment are of paramount importance.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders following kidney transplantation: A literature review with updates on risk factors, prognostic indices, screening strategies, treatment and analysis of donor type

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) is a devastating complication of kidney transplantation with an insidious presentation and potential to disseminate aggressively. This review delineates the risk factors, prognostic indexes, screening, current management algorithm and promising treatment strategies for PTLD. Kidneys from both extended criteria donors (ECD) and living donors (LD) are being increasingly used to expand the donor pool. This review also delineates whether PTLD outcomes vary based on these donor sources. While Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a well-known risk factor for PTLD development, the use of T-cell depleting induction agents has been increasingly implicated in aggressive, monomorphic forms of PTLD. Research regarding maintenance therapy is sparse. The international prognostic index seems to be the most validate prognostic tool. Screening for PTLD is controversial, as annual PET-CT is most sensitive but costly, while targeted monitoring of EBV-seronegative patients was more economically feasible, is recommended by the American Society of Transplantation, but is limited to a subset of the population. Other screening strategies such as using Immunoglobulin/T-cell receptor require further validation. A risk-stratified approach is taken in the treatment of PTLD. The first step is the reduction of immunosuppressants, after which rituximab and chemotherapy may be introduced if unsuccessful. Some novel treatments have also shown potential benefit in studies: brentuximab vedotin, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Analysis of LD v DD recipients show no significant difference in incidence and mortality of PTLD but did reveal a shortened time to development of PTLD from transplant. Analysis of SCD vs ECD recipients show a higher incidence of PTLD in the ECD group, which might be attributed to longer time on dialysis for these patients, age, and the pro-inflammatory nature of these organs. However, incidence of PTLD overall is still extremely low. Efforts should be focused on optimising recipients instead. Minimising the use of T-cell depleting therapy while encouraging research on the effect of new immunosuppressants on PTLD, screening for EBV status are essential, while enabling shared decision-making during counselling when choosing kidney donor types and individualised risk tailoring are strongly advocated.

Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) Arising Post Kidney Transplant: A Review of Clinical Variants in the Literature

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease is a rare disorder with an annual incidence of 0.5% to 3.7%. Development of this disorder carries with it a poor prognosis. In this report, we describe a rare case of post-transplant primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (PT-CTCL) mycosis fungoides stage IIB in a patient following kidney transplantation, as well as a review of PT-CTCL reported in the literature. The treatment following diagnosis included bexarotene, cyclosporine, and prednisone. Currently, the patient is free from disease. This information aims to add to the knowledge of the prevalence and management of PT-CTCL.

Aggressive Cutaneous Lymphomas and Their Mimics

Cutaneous lymphomas encompass a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, histopathologic features, and prognosis. Because there are overlapping pathologic features among indolent and aggressive forms and with systemic lymphomas that involve the skin, clinicopathologic correlation is essential. Herein, the clinical and histopathologic features of aggressive cutaneous B- and T-cell lymphomas are reviewed. Indolent cutaneous lymphomas/lymphoproliferative disorders, systemic lymphomas, and reactive processes that may mimic these entities are also discussed. This article highlights distinctive clinical and histopathologic features, increases awareness of rare entities, and presents new and evolving developments in the field.

Primary Cutaneous Monomorphic Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder Mimicking Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ

ABSTRACT

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a term used to describe a range of lymphoproliferative disorders that occur after solid organ transplant. Although the clinical presentation is variable, primary cutaneous PTLD typically presents as isolated nodules that appear as dermal-based proliferations. We present a case of a 70-year-old woman with a history of a kidney transplant who presented with a 2-month history of an asymptomatic, erythematous plaque on the right shin, clinically suspected to be squamous cell carcinoma in situ. Histomorphology demonstrated a dermal proliferation of atypical plasma cells with dense chromatin, variable nucleoli, and irregular nuclear borders. The atypical plasma cells were positive for Epstein-Barr virus by in situ hybridization and markedly kappa-restricted by RNAscope in situ hybridization. A diagnosis of cutaneous monomorphic PTLD, plasma cell neoplasm variant, was rendered, a rare diagnosis in the skin. Treatment for PTLD typically involves reduction of immunosuppression, although our patient progressed and developed new lesions despite this intervention. In this study, we present an atypical presentation of cutaneous PTLD, plasma cell neoplasm variant, presenting as squamous cell carcinoma in situ.

Immunodeficiency-Related Lymphoid Proliferations: New Insights With Relevance to Practice

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Our understanding of risk factors and mechanisms underlying immunosuppression-related lymphoproliferative disorders continues to evolve. An increasing number of patients are living with altered immune status due to HIV, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant, treatment of autoimmune disease, or advanced age. This review covers advances in understanding, emerging trends, and revisions to diagnostic guidelines.

RECENT FINDINGS

The tumor microenvironment, including interactions between the host immune system and tumor cells, is of increasing interest in the setting of immunosuppression. While some forms of lymphoproliferative disease are associated with unique risk factors, common mechanisms are also emerging. Indolent forms, such as Epstein-Barr virus positive mucocutaneous ulcer, are important to recognize. As methods to modulate the immune system evolve, more data are needed to understand and minimize lymphoproliferative disease risk. A better understanding of individual risk factors and common mechanisms underlying immunosuppression-related lymphoproliferations will ultimately enable improved prevention and treatment of these disorders.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder with cutaneous involvement: A series of four cases

BACKGROUND

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are lymphoid proliferations associated with post-transplant immunosuppression. Most originate from B cells and are associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Although extranodal involvement is common, cutaneous presentation is rare.

OBJECTIVE

To report and characterize cutaneous manifestations of PTLD from clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemistry standpoints.

METHODS

Patients' information was obtained retrospectively by reviewing medical records. Skin biopsies were submitted to histological and immunohistochemistry analysis, and EBV detection was performed by in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Staging examinations were included. A literature review of reported cutaneous PTLD cases was performed.

RESULTS

We describe two cases of primary cutaneous and 2 cases of systemic PTLD with secondary cutaneous manifestations. All had late onset disease, which presented at least 6 years after transplantation. Histopathologic findings were compatible with monomorphic PTLD in three cases and plasmacytic hyperplasia in one case. EBV was detected in two patients. Both patients with systemic disease had fatal outcome, and those with primary cutaneous involvement responded to treatment.

LIMITATIONS

Due to the rare incidence of cutaneous manifestation of PTLD, the analysis of a large number of cases was not possible.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, PTLD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of late onset cutaneous complications post-renal transplant.

A Systematic Approach to the Cutaneous Lymphoid Infiltrates: A Clinical, Morphologic, and Immunophenotypic Evaluation

CONTEXT.—

The evaluation of cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates, both neoplastic and inflammatory, occurs very frequently in routine dermatopathologic examination and consultation practices. The "tough" cutaneous lymphoid infiltrate is feared by many pathologists; skin biopsies are relatively small, whereas diagnostic possibilities are relatively broad. It is true that cutaneous lymphomas can be difficult to diagnose and that in many circumstances multiple biopsies are required to establish a correct diagnostic interpretation. As a reminder, one should understand that low-grade cutaneous lymphomas are indolent disorders that usually linger for decades and that therapy does not result in disease cure. It is also important to remember that in most circumstances, those patients will die from another process that is completely unrelated to a diagnosis of skin lymphoma (even in the absence of specific therapy).

OBJECTIVE.—

To use a clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular approach in the evaluation of common lymphocytic infiltrates.

DATA SOURCES.—

An in-depth analysis of updated literature in the field of cutaneous lymphomas was done, with particular emphasis on updated terminology from the most recent World Health Organization classification of skin and hematologic tumors.

CONCLUSIONS.—

A diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates can be adequately approached using a systematic scheme following the proposed ABCDE system. Overall, cutaneous T- and B-cell lymphomas are rare and "reactive" infiltrates are more common. Evaluation of lymphoid proliferations should start with a good sense of knowledge of the clinical presentation of the lesions, the clinical differential considerations, and a conscientious and appropriate use of immunohistochemistry and molecular tools.

Expanding the Spectrum of EBV-positive Marginal Zone Lymphomas: A Lesion Associated With Diverse Immunodeficiency Settings

Traditionally low-grade B-cell lymphomas have been excluded from the category of monomorphic posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders. However, recent reports identified Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV) extranodal marginal zone lymphomas (MZL), almost exclusively seen in the posttransplant setting. Some reported cases responded to reduced immunosuppression, suggesting that they should be considered as a form of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders. We identified 10 cases of EBV MZL, 9 in extranodal sites and 1 presenting in lymph node. Two cases arose following solid organ transplantation, but other settings included iatrogenic immunosuppression for rheumatoid arthritis (2); prior chemotherapy (2); congenital immune deficiency (1); and increased age (3), as the only potential cause of immune dysfunction. There were 4 males and 6 females; age range 18 to 86. The atypical plasmacytoid and/or monocytoid B cells were positive for EBV in all cases, with either latency I or II in all cases tested. Monotypic light chain expression was shown in all with 6 cases positive for IgG, and 2 for IgM, undetermined in 2. Clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangement was positive in all cases with successful amplification. MYD88 L265P was wild type in the 6 cases tested. We show that EBV MZLs can arise in a variety of clinical settings, and are most often extranodal. Treatment varied, but most patients had clinically indolent disease with response to reduction of immune suppression, or immunochemotherapy.

Diverse clinical and histopathologic features of cutaneous post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders: A presentation of two cases

Heterogeneous lymphoproliferative disorders occurring in the post-transplant setting are considered together as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders and can rarely present as primary cutaneous lesions. These disorders are often Epstein-Barr virus-driven and in some cases need only be treated with reduction in immune suppressive medications. We present two cases of monomorphic post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, a plasmablastic lymphoma and a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and summarise common reported clinical and histopathological features.

Plasmacytoma-like post-kidney-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder confined to renal allograft and urinary tract: A case report

Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a well-know complication after organ transplantation. We report a case of a patient who developed an extramedullary plasmacytoma-like PTLD around his transplanted kidney treated with standard multiple myeloma chemotherapy. Three years after benefiting of a deceased donor kidney transplant for an end stage kidney disease secondary to nephroangiosclerosis, our patient developed an extra-medullary plasmacytoma confined to the transplant compartment. The transplant function was unaltered, and due to the absence of reduction of the lesion after immunosuppression reduction, a chemotherapy by bortezomib-cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone (VCD) known to be efficient in multiple myeloma was initiated. After 6 cycles, positron emission tomography (PET) scan showed complete metabolic remission confirming the biological exams. This case report suggests that a chemotherapy such as VCD can efficiently treat plasmacytoma-like PTLD allowing graft survival. Therefore, transplant removal may not be mandatory as the best second line treatment after unsuccessfulness reduction of immunosuppression.

Autologous stem cell transplantation in EBV-positive post-renal transplant refractory multiple myeloma: A case report and literature review

Renal transplant recipients exhibit an increased risk of developing plasma cell neoplasms (PCNs; comprising multiple myeloma and plasmacytoma); however, multiple myeloma manifesting with refractory extramedullary plasmacytomas associated with Epstein-Barr virus are markedly rare in these patients. In the present case report, an unusual case of refractory multiple myeloma with multiple extramedullary plasmacytoma (including liver, vertebrae, breast, muscle, skin and soft tissues) was presented. The patient exhibited mild bone marrow infiltration which was successfully treated with novel agents, including bortezomib and lenalidomide, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In addition, the patient was a renal transplant recipient who achieved a partial clinical remission with controllable therapy-related toxicity effects. Therefore, the present case indicated that ASCT is an effective and safe salvage therapy for renal transplant recipients with secondary extramedullary plasmacytomas and who are resistant to traditional chemotherapy (bortezomib and lenalidomide). ASCT was well-tolerated in the renal transplant recipient.

Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma With 6p25.3 Rearrangement in a Cardiac Transplant Recipient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders define an important form of lymphoproliferative disease causally linked with a state of iatrogenic immune dysregulation inherent to the posttransplant setting. Most posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders are in the context of Epstein-Barr virus-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disease, most notably diffuse large-cell B-cell lymphoma. A less common variant falls under the rubric of posttransplant T-cell lymphoproliferative disease, which is largely unrelated to Epstein-Barr virus infection. Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is the most recognized form of posttransplant T-cell lymphoproliferative disease. Although the 6p25.3 translocation is seen in a variety of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, this particular translocation in the spectrum of T-cell lymphoproliferative disease is a fairly specific finding pointing toward a diagnosis of primary cutaneous ALCL and a rare subset of lymphomatoid papulosis. This translocation in the peripheral T-cell lymphoma setting serves as a favorable prognostic predictor. We report a case of an 81-year-old heart transplant recipient who developed an expansile neck mass 17 years after his heart transplant. A diagnosis of cutaneous ALCL was subsequently made with cytogenetic analysis yielding the 6p25.3 translocation. The characteristic biphasic morphology of a small-cell epidermotropic neoplastic cell populace in concert with a dermal based large-cell infiltrate characteristic for those cases of ALCL harboring this translocation was seen. After excision of the nodule, his azathioprine was withheld. He is currently alive and well without evidence of disease.

Cutaneous EBV-related lymphoproliferative disorders

This article will focus on the cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders associated with EBV, with an emphasis on the upcoming changes in the revised 4th Edition of the WHO classification of tumors of the hematopoietic system, many of which deal with cutaneous disorders derived from NK-cells or T-cells. Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma usually presents in the upper aerodigestive tract, but can involve the skin secondarily. EBV-associated T- and NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) in the pediatric age group include the systemic diseases, chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) and systemic EBV+ T-cell lymphoma of childhood. Hydroa vacciniforme (HV)-like LPD is a primarily cutaneous form of CAEBV and encompasses the lesions previously referred to as HV and HV-like lymphoma (HVLL). All the T/NK-cell-EBV-associated diseases occur with higher frequency in Asians, and indigenous populations from Central and South America and Mexico. Among the B-cell EBV-associated LPD two major changes have been introduced in the WHO. The previously designated EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (EBV-DLBCL) of the elderly, has been changed to EBV-DLBCL with 'not otherwise specified' as a modifier (NOS). A new addition to the WHO system is the more recently identified EBV+ mucocutaneous ulcer, which involves skin and mucosal-associated sites.

Clinicopathological characteristics of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders of T-cell origin: single-center series of nine cases and meta-analysis of 147 reported cases

T-cell or natural killer (NK)-cell posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (T-PTLD) is a rare but severe complication after transplant. Here we present the clinicopathological features of a single-center series of nine cases. Additionally, we summarize the clinicopathological findings of 147 cases of T/NK-cell PTLD reported in the literature in an attempt to define subtype-specific characteristics. T/NK-cell PTLD occurs in patients of all ages, usually extranodally, and most frequently after kidney transplant. Organ specific incidence, however, is highest following heart transplant. Approximately one-third of T-cell PTLDs are Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related, with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL, NOS) being the most prevalent EBV-associated T-cell PTLD. A male predominance is observed, which is most striking in the EBV(+) group, particularly in PTCL, NOS. With a median posttransplant interval of 72 months, T-cell PTLDs are among the late-occurring PTLDs. Of the most common T-cell PTLDs, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) has the best prognosis, whereas PTCL, NOS and hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) have the worst prognosis. EBV(+) cases seem to have a longer survival than EBV(-) cases, suggesting a different pathogenetic mechanism.

T-Cell Lymphoma/Sézary Syndrome in a Liver Transplant Recipient

Background:

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a rare subtype of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease, with only 29 cases reported in the literature to date, the majority of which are post-renal transplantation. Only a few were reported after pancreas, heart, and bone marrow transplantation. There have been no reports of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma following liver transplantation to date.

Objective:

We report a case of a 76-year-old male who developed generalized eczematous eruption 13 years after a liver transplantation. Investigations showed that it was Epstein-Barr virus-negative, CD3-positive, and CD4-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with Sézary cells in the blood.

Conclusion:

This shows that cutaneous T-cell lymphoma/Sézary syndrome can also develop after liver transplantation. To our knowledge, there are no similar reports in the English literature.

Comments on cutaneous lymphomas: since the WHO-2008 classification to present

The last classification of lymphomas of the World Health Organization in 2008 made a few changes from the preceding classification. Although useful, at the same time, it has posed new questions, concerns, and dilemmas which have been raised in the literature. The current report highlights some of these controversies, of each of these primary cutaneous entities, going through cutaneous mature T-cell and NK-cell neoplasms, mature B-cell neoplasms, precursor neoplasms, and other entities, which for several reasons do not fit in the previous categories. It also reviews some advances on many of these lymphomas published in the last 2 years.

Malignancies confined to disused arteriovenous fistulae in renal transplant patients: an important differential diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Swelling in an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is commonly caused by thrombosis, aneurysm and infection. However, due to the increased risk of malignancy after transplantation, this should also be considered.

PATIENTS

We discuss 4 patients with malignancy confined to an AVF after renal transplantation presenting in a 2-year period. Angiosarcoma was diagnosed in 3 patients and the other had post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Angiosarcoma behaves aggressively and 2 of our patients died within 6 months of diagnosis. There are 6 previous cases and 5 died within 16 months of diagnosis. PTLD at AVFs has not been documented previously.

CONCLUSION

Malignancy at an AVF is a rare but important differential that can impact significantly on patient morbidity and mortality. Predilection for malignancy at an AVF is not understood. We review the literature and discuss possible aetiologies.

Very late onset lymphoproliferative disorders occurring over 10 years post-renal transplantation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Knowledge of the significance of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) that occur “very late” or more 10 years after renal transplantation is limited. Thus, we analysed and compared characteristics and prognosis of the disease in renal transplant patients with very late onset PTLD vs. early- and late-onset PTLD.

DESIGN AND SETTING:

Retrospective study of data obtained from comprehensive search of medical literature

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We searched for available data using the Pubmed and Google scholar search engines for reports of lymphoproliferative disorders occurring in renal transplant patients by disease presentation time.

RESULTS:

We analyzed data from 27 studies that included 303 patients with lymphoproliferative disorders after renal transplantation. Renal graft recipients with very late onset PTLD were significantly less likely to be under mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)- and/or tacrolimus (FK-506) (vs. azathioprine) -based immunosuppression (P=.035) and less likely to have a history of antibody induction immunosuppression (P<.001). Compared to “early onset” disease, “very late” onset PTLD is more likely to develop in older patients (P=.032). Survival analysis did not show any difference in outcome (P=.5). No organ involvement priority was found for this patient group (P>.1 for all).

CONCLUSIONS:

Older renal transplant patients are at increased risk for development of very late onset PTLD, and should be strictly followed. Further multi-institutional prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.