Management of Bladder Cancer following Solid Organ Transplantation

Management of bladder cancer in kidney transplant recipients: A narrative review

Background

Bladder cancer in the setting of previous a kidney transplant (KT) is challenging to manage due to complex medical and surgical considerations.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive evaluation of the scope of management of bladder cancer in KT patients, and describe the controversies surrounding these management options.

Methods

A systematic review of studies reporting management of KT patients with bladder cancer and involving ≥3 patients was performed. A narrative review was also performed for various aspects of management such as pathophysiology, surgical considerations, intravesical therapy, immunosuppression and oncological surveillance.

Results

Bladder cancer incidence in KT recipients is 2.8-4.1 times higher than the general population, and there is a notable association with aristolochic acid nephropathy as well as BK virus oncogenesis. Regarding surgical treatment, transurethral resection is preferred for non-muscle invasive tumors, and intravesical BCG for intermediate- and high-risk patients appears to be underutilized despite its safety and associated reduction in recurrence. Radical cystectomy with limited pelvic lymph node dissection, urinary diversion, and consideration of bilateral nephroureterectomy appears to be the safest method of oncological control in muscle-invasive tumors. A switch in immunosuppressive regimens to mTOR inhibitors may be considered in lieu of its antitumor effects. Routine surveillance in KT patients with risk factors for bladder cancer is challenging and may be warranted especially in the Asian population which has a higher rate of urothelial malignancy.

Conclusions

This review provides a thorough summary of management strategies for bladder cancer in the setting of previous KT.

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy is safe and effective in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients with immunomodulating conditions

INTRODUCTION

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the most effective therapy available to treat high-risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients. However, for patients with immunomodulating conditions BCG is a relative contraindication due to efficacy and safety concerns. To our knowledge, no population-level study evaluating the efficacy and safety profile of BCG for immunomodulated patients exists.

METHODS

NMIBC patients aged 66 years or older were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) - Medicare database from 1975-2013. All patients completed adequate BCG (at least 5 plus 2 treatments completed within 12 months of diagnosis). Two groups were defined: an immunomodulated population identified by immunomodulating conditions such as solid-organ transplantation, HIV, and autoimmune conditions, and an immunocompetent group. The primary endpoint was 5-year progression-free survival defined as progression to systemic chemotherapy, checkpoint inhibitors, radical or partial cystectomy, metastasis, or cancer-specific death. A safety analysis was performed as a secondary outcome.

RESULTS

In a total of 4,277 patients with NMIBC who completed adequate BCG, 606 (14.2%) were immunomodulated. The immunomodulated group was older at diagnosis (P < 0.001), more likely to be female (P < 0.001), more likely to live in a metropolitan area (P < 0.001), and had higher Charlson comorbidity scores (P < 0.001). There were no differences in progression to chemotherapy (P = 0.17), checkpoint inhibitors (P > 0.99), radical cystectomy (P = 0.40), partial cystectomy (P = 0.93), metastasis (P = 0.19), cancer-specific death (P = 0.18) or 5-year total bladder cancer progression (P = 0.30) between the groups. For the safety analysis, rates of disseminated BCG were similar between immunomodulated and immunocompetent patients (0.7% vs. <1.8%, P = 0.51). On multivariable analysis 5-year total bladder cancer progression (HR 1.07 [CI 0.88-1.30]) was similar between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Rates of bladder cancer progression and disseminated BCG complications 5-years after BCG therapy were similar regardless of immunomodulation status. These findings suggest that BCG intravesical therapy can be offered to immunomodulated patients with high-risk NMIBC although theoretical infectious complication risks remain.

Systematic review on oncologic outcomes on adjuvant endovesical treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in patients with solid organ transplant

PURPOSE

Urothelial carcinoma has a higher incidence in renal transplanted patients according to several registries (relative risk × 3), and the global prognosis is inferior to the general population. The potential impact of immunosuppressive therapy on the feasibility, efficacy, and complications of endovesical treatment, especially Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, has a low level of evidence. We performed a systematic review that aimed to assess the morbidity and oncological outcomes of adjuvant endovesical treatment in solid organ transplanted patients.

METHODS

Medline was searched up to December 2021 for all relevant publications reporting oncologic outcomes of endovesical treatment in solid organ transplanted patients with NMIBC. Data were synthesized in light of methodological and clinical heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Twenty-three retrospective studies enrolling 238 patients were included: 206 (96%) kidney transplants, 5 (2%) liver transplants, and 2 (1%) heart transplants. Concerning staging: 25% were pTa, 62% were pT1, and 22% were CIS. 140/238 (59%) patients did not receive adjuvant treatment, 50/238 (21%) received mitomycin C, 4/238 (2%) received epirubicin, and 46/238 (19%) received BCG. Disease-free survival reached 35% with TURBT only vs. 47% with endovesical treatment (Chi-square test p = 0.08 OR 1.2 [0.98-1.53]). The complication rate of endovesical treatment was 12% and was all minor (Clavien-Dindo I).

CONCLUSION

In solid organ transplanted patients under immunosuppressive treatment, both endovesical chemotherapy and BCG are safe, but the level of evidence concerning efficacy in comparison with the general population is low. According to these results, adjuvant treatment should be proposed for NMIC in transplanted patients as in the general population.

Conservative Management of Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer in Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Patient

Introduction. Solid organ transplant increases the risk for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Although a common tumor, urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) of the bladder in patients with kidney-pancreas transplants is scarcely reported. Case Presentation. A 65-year-old male with history of type 1 diabetes and a 14-year status post deceased donor pancreas-kidney transplant presented with 3 weeks of gross hematuria. CT scan showed multiple bladder masses. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) showed papillary UCC. 5 months later, the patient reported new-onset gross hematuria. TURBT showed MIBC. The patient elected for bladder-preserving TMT. On cystoscopy there was no gross evidence of carcinoma at 3.5 years of follow up. Discussion. Currently, no specific management guidelines target this population with MIBC. The first-line treatment for MIBC is radical cystectomy (RC) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. For patients that are medically unfit or unwilling to undergo RC, trimodal therapy (TMT) is an alternative. TMT for bladder cancer consists of complete tumor resection with chemotherapy and radiation. This report demonstrates a unique case of a patient with kidney-pancreas transplant diagnosed with MIBC treated with TMT that has no evidence of gross tumorigenesis at 3.5 years after diagnosis. Our findings suggest that trimodal therapy should be considered for treatment of MIBC in patients with kidney-pancreatic transplants to preserve the donated allografts.

Management of Urological Malignancy in Heart and Lung Transplant Recipients: An Irish National Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Following the first hearttransplantin Ireland in 1985, there have been almost 700 deceased donor heart and lung transplants carried out in Ireland at a single institution. In this retrospective study, our aim was to assess the incidence and management of urological malignancies arising in this national cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our retrospective analysis included all heart and lung transplant recipients identified as having a urological malignancy. Primary outcome variables included incidence, management, and clinical outcomes following cancer diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients (4.1%) had radiologically or histologically confirmed urological malignancies. Fourteen patientswere diagnosedwith prostate cancer, with 13 who underwent radical treatment. Eight renal cell carcinomas were diagnosed in heart transplant recipients, with 5 who underwent nephrectomies. Two bladder cancers and 1 uppertract urothelial carcinoma were diagnosed and managed with endoscopic resection, radiotherapy, and nephroureterectomy, respectively. Two patients were diagnosed with penile squamous cell carcinoma and managed with radical surgery and lymph node dissection/sampling, with 1 patient receiving adjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Urological malignancies are not common in heart and lung transplant recipients; however, standard management options can be safely used, including radical surgery. Prospective monitoring of these patients and potential considerations for screening should be maintained.

Management of de-novo urothelial carcinoma in transplanted patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this article is to review incidence, risk factors, and optimal management of de-novo urothelial carcinoma in transplant recipients.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a two to three-fold increased risk for de-novo malignant tumors after solid-organ transplantation, but there is currently no consensus regarding optimal management of de-novo urothelial carcinoma in transplanted patients. Known risk factors include polyomavirus BK, aristolochic acid, and smoking. Data suggest a higher rate of high-grade tumors, as well as predominantly higher stage at primary diagnosis, for both NMIBC and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Treatment for NMIBC includes TURB, mitomycin, and Bacille de Calmette-Guérin instillation with special concern to the immunosuppressive regime. Treatment of MIBC or advanced urothelial carcinoma includes radical cystectomy with chemotherapy if the patient is eligible. A screening should be performed in all transplant recipients, to allow early diagnosis.

SUMMARY

De-novo urothelial carcinoma in transplant recipients is more frequent than in the general population and these tumors were more likely to be high-grade tumors and diagnosed at an advanced stage. There is very little information available on the optimal treatment for these patients. However, aggressive treatment and a strict management according the given recommendations are of the utmost importance.

De novo and recurrent malignancy

Cancer is an important cause of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation and can occur through three mechanisms: recurrence of a recipient's pre-transplant malignancy, donor-related transmission and de novo development. Currently, the decision to list a patient with a history of malignancy is an individual one. Screening guidelines for potential donors and for recipients after transplant are still widely based on general population guidelines, while the role of chronic immunosuppression remains controversial. These shortcomings mean that patients present at diagnosis with advanced stages of the disease, often precluding curative treatments. The present review summarizes current recommendations for the screening of recipients and donors for pre- and post-transplant malignancies, and current management of recipients who develop cancer after a liver transplant.

Systematic Review: Safety of Intravesical Therapy for Bladder Cancer in the Era of COVID-19

A novel coronavirus has emerged in late 2019 capable of causing a severe respiratory disease known as COVID-19. Its pathogenesis appears to be the initiation of an immune response and resulting cytokine storm that damages the healthy lung tissue of the host. Some epidemiological studies found bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine can help to decrease morbidity and mortality of the viral infection. We aim to review and summarize what is known about COVID-19 and the current implications of intravesical BCG with regard to the disease.

Disseminated Mycobacterium bovis infection post-kidney transplant following remote intravesical BCG therapy for bladder cancer

Intravesical Bacillus Camlette-Guérin (BCG) is the treatment of choice for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, and has been used successfully for over 40 years. A rare and potentially fatal complication of intravesical BCG therapy is BCG-induced sepsis. We report a rare case in which a patient with end-stage renal disease secondary to chronic granulomatous interstitial nephritis underwent remote, pre-transplant intravesical BCG treatment for high-grade non-invasive papillary bladder carcinoma. The patient subsequently received a deceased donor kidney transplant 5 years after BCG therapy, with thymoglobulin induction therapy and standard triple maintenance immunosuppression. Two years post-transplant, he developed BCG-induced sepsis confirmed by cultures from urine, blood, and left native kidney biopsy. He died from disseminated BCG-induced sepsis and failure of his renal allograft. This case highlights the potential adverse reactions associated with intravesical BCG therapy that may occur years after bladder cancer therapy is completed, and should heighten physician awareness for BCG-related infections during pre-transplant assessment and post-transplant care of solid organ transplants recipients.

Urologic malignancies in kidney transplantation

With advances in immunosuppression, graft and patient outcomes after kidney transplantation have improved considerably. As a result, long-term complications of transplantation, such as urologic malignancies, have become increasingly important. Kidney transplant recipients, for example, have a 7-fold risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and 3-fold risk of urothelial carcinoma (UC) compared with the general population. While extrapolation of data from the general population suggest that routine cancer screening in transplant recipients would allow for earlier diagnosis and management of these potentially lethal malignancies, currently there is no consensus for posttransplantation RCC or UC screening as supporting data are limited. Further understanding of risk factors, presentation, optimal management of, and screening for urologic malignancies in kidney transplant patients is warranted, and as such, this review will focus on the incidence, surveillance, and treatment of urologic malignancies in kidney transplant recipients.

Treatment options and predictive factors for recurrence and cancer-specific mortality in bladder cancer after renal transplantation: A multi-institutional analysis

OBJECTIVES

Bladder cancer (BC) in the transplanted population can represent a challenge owing to the immunosuppressed state of patients and the higher rate of comorbidities. The objective was to analyze the treatment of BC after renal transplant (RT), focusing on the mode of presentation, diagnosis, treatment options and predictive factors for recurrence.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted an observational prospective study with a retrospective analysis of 88 patients with BC after RT at 10 European centers. Clinical and oncologic data were collected, and indications and results of adjuvant treatment reviewed. The Kaplan-Meier method and uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 10,000 RTs were performed. Diagnosis of BC occurred at a median of 73 months after RT. Median follow-up was 126 months. Seventy-one patients (81.6%) had non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, of whom 29 (40.8%) received adjuvant treatment; of these, six (20.6%) received bacillus Calmette-Guérin and 20 (68.9%) mitomycin C. At univariate analysis, patients who received bacillus Calmette-Guérin had a significantly lower recurrence rate (P=.043). At multivariate analysis, a switch from immunosuppression to mTOR inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of recurrence (HR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.053-0.997, P=.049) while presence of multiple tumors increased it (HR 6.31, 95% CI: 1.78-22.3, P=.004). Globally, 26 patients (29.88%) underwent cystectomy. No major complications were recorded. Overall mortality (OM) was 32.2% (28 patients); the cancer-specific mortality was 13.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant bacillus Calmette-Guérin significantly reduces the risk of recurrence, as does switch to mTOR inhibitors. Multiple tumors increase the risk.

Safe and effective administration of BCG for bladder carcinoma in situ after umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation

Although intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillation is the standard treatment for carcinoma in situ of the bladder, it is generally contraindicated in immunocompromised patients. Here we report the first case, to our knowledge, of BCG treatment for a bladder cancer patient who had received umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation (UCBSCT). BCG can be given safely and effectively in select cases where reconstitution of the immune system has been achieved at least 2 years after UCBSCT.

Bladder cancer in renal allograft recipients: risk factors and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Solid organ transplant recipients have an increased cancer risk owing to immunosuppression and oncogenic viral infections. We report on the incidence and types of bladder cancer in kidney transplant recipients in Ireland, describing possible additional risk factors and outcomes in these patients.

METHODS

We identified kidney transplant recipients diagnosed with de novo bladder cancer between January 1, 1994, and July 31, 2012, by integrating data from the Irish National Cancer Registry and National Renal Transplant Registry. We calculated the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and examined patient and tumor characteristics and 1-year survival rate.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were diagnosed with de novo bladder cancer during the study period, representing 0.48% of kidney transplant recipients. The SIR was 2.5 (95% CI, 1.4-4.2; P < .001). The mean interval between transplantation and diagnosis of bladder tumor was 8.6 years and mean age at time of diagnosis was 55.7 years. Sixty percent of patients were male. The tumor types were transitional cell carcinoma (9 patients), squamous cell carcinoma (3 patients), adenocarcinoma (1 patient), carcinoma in situ (1 patient), and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (1 patient). Beside immunosuppression, risk factors associated with bladder cancer were urogenital disease (6 patients), cyclophosphamide exposure (2 patients), BK nephropathy (1 patient), analgesic nephropathy (1 patient), and extensive smoking (1 patient). Eight patients underwent radical cystectomy for invasive tumors, with resection of other pelvic organs in 7 patients. Mortality rate within the first year was 40%.

CONCLUSION

Bladder cancer occurred more commonly in kidney transplant recipients with a predominance of aggressive tumors and a high mortality. In patients with preexisting risk factors such as urologic abnormalities and cyclophosphamide exposure careful assessment before transplantation and vigilant monitoring posttransplantation with a low threshold for cystoscopy may improve outcomes.

Haematuria in postrenal transplant patients

Haematuria has a prevalence of 12% in the postrenal transplant patient population. It heralds potentially dangerous causes which could threaten graft loss. It is important to consider causes in light of the unique, urological, and immunological standpoints of these patients. We review the literature on common causes of haematuria in postrenal transplant patients and suggest the salient approach to the evaluation of this condition. A major cause of haematuria is urinary tract infections. There should be a higher index of suspicion for mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infection in this group of immunosuppressed patients. Measures recommended in the prevention of urinary tract infections include early removal of foreign bodies as well as prophylactic antibiotics during the early transplant phase. Another common cause of haematuria is that of malignancies, in particular, renal cell carcinomas. When surgically managing cancer in the setting of a renal transplant, one has to be mindful of the limited retropubic space and the need to protect the anastomoses. Other causes include graft rejections, recurrences of primary disease, and calculus formation. It is important to perform a comprehensive evaluation with the aid of an experienced multidisciplinary transplant team.

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy in non-muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma after renal transplantation for end-stage aristolochic acid nephropathy

Intravesical instillation of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the treatment of choice for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) of high grade and/or carcinoma in situ. This study evaluated the feasibility, efficacy, and tolerance of BCG instillations in eight kidney recipients for end-stage aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN), a condition at high risk of urothelial carcinoma, and diagnosed for NMIBC. Five of them had relapsed after mitomycin C treatment. Tolerance to BCG was evaluated clinically and regular follow-up with fluorescence cystoscopy was performed along with renal graft function monitoring. Immunosuppression doses were adjusted and prophylactic anti-tuberculous treatment given to reduce risks of graft rejection and infection. After a mean follow-up period of 50 months, seven of the eight patients are free of relapse and kidney graft function remained unchanged. Tolerance was good, except for one episode of fever and one early discontinuation because of subjective discomfort. No systemic tuberculous infection was observed. This is the first clinical observation of successful BCG therapy for NMIBC in patients given transplant for end-stage AAN. Under standardized conditions, immunotherapy based on intravesical BCG is feasible, effective, and well tolerated in renal transplantation.

Radical cystectomy and orthotopic urinary reconstruction in patients with bladder cancer after renal transplantation: clinical outcomes and description of technique

OBJECTIVES

Radical cystectomy (RC) with pelvic lymph node dissection and urinary diversion is the standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In the setting of prior renal transplantation, surgical treatment remains the mainstay but is technically challenging. We report our patient outcomes in this unique population with a description of the technique.

METHODS

We identified five patients with a history of renal transplantation who underwent RC and orthotopic urinary diversion. Preoperative clinical and demographic features were compiled and disease-specific and functional outcomes were assessed. Intraoperative technical challenges and maneuvers for avoiding complications are highlighted.

RESULTS

Four patients were male and one was female, with a median age of 64 years. Gross hematuria was the most common sign at presentation. Clinical staging was T2, T2 with carcinoma in situ (CIS), high-grade (HG) Ta with CIS, T2 with squamous differentiation, and HG T1, and pathologic tumor stage was pTisN1, pT3N0, pTisN0, pT3N0, and pT0N0, respectively. One patient received a Studer-type diversion and four underwent Hautmann diversion. Median follow-up after cystectomy was 12.9 months. Graft ureteral identification was aided by the use of intravenous dye in all patients. Ipsilateral pelvic lymph node dissection was not possible in any patient. All patients are alive at follow-up, with two experiencing recurrence at 7.2 months and 66.8 months. No patient experienced a significant decrease in estimated creatinine clearance postoperatively. Postoperative daytime control was reported by all patients whereas two noted complete nighttime control.

CONCLUSIONS

RC with orthotopic diversion is a technically demanding procedure in patients with a history renal transplantation. Meticulous technique and careful attention to the altered anatomy are required for successful outcomes.

Ileal conduit post radical cystectomy: modifications of the technique

INTRODUCTION

Ileal conduit, post radical cystectomy, is currently the most practiced type of urinary diversion. The aim of our study was to modify the ileal conduit technique in order to retain acceptable outcomes while decreasing the rate of postoperative urine leak and ureteroileal stricture.

METHODS

Forty consecutive patients were included in our study, from January to June 2011. Radical cystectomy and ileal conduit using our modifications were done for all the cases. Follow-up was done for one year. One patient with right pelvic kidney was added to the studied group and was managed by extra modification to our technique.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 63 years. No significant leak and no stricture were observed within the modest duration of follow-up. When a left upper urinary tract retrograde study was attempted in one patient, the left ureteric orifice could not be reached due to a redundant elongated ileum.

CONCLUSIONS

Modified Bricker techniques are safe, avoid early postoperative urine leak, and lower the incidence of ureteroileal anastomotic stricture. Using our modifications, retrograde access of the left ureter may not be possible. The 'Z' ileal conduit is a feasible technique that can allow tension-free healthy ureteroileal anastomosis for cases with pelvic right kidney and, probably, post renal transplantation.