Risk Factors for Developing Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer after Lung Transplantation

Skin cancer in renal transplant recipients: outcomes from a safety net hospital in Boston

BACKGROUND

Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are prone to skin cancer due to the immunosuppression required to maintain graft function. Existing studies of skin cancer in RTRs focus on patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-II, with limited documentation of incidence in skin types III-VI. This study seeks to better characterize skin cancers in RTRs with skin types III-VI.

PRIMARY AIMS

Compare the incidence of skin cancer in RTRs of skin types I-II with skin types III-VI.

SECONDARY AIMS

Explore the association between the development of skin cancer and other contributing factors in RTRs of skin types I-VI.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of RTRs at a single institution between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2022. Patients were followed from the date of transplant to the last clinical follow-up or death. 777 RTRs were included in the study, including 245 patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-II and 532 with skin types III-VI. A total of 48 patients developed NMSCs, 2 patients developed melanoma, and 3 patients developed Kaposi sarcoma.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

There is a higher incidence of skin cancer in RTRs with Fitzpatrick skin types III-VI compared to the reported incidence among non-transplant recipients of the same skin types, but the incidence remains considerably lower compared to RTR of skin types I-II.

Malignancy risk and mortality after lung transplantation: A single-institution experience over 31 years

Background

Malignancy is a long-term complication of lung transplantation (LTx); however, contemporary Australian data and detailed evaluation of nonreportable cancers are lacking.

Methods

Retrospective review of LTx recipients' medical records and registry data linkage were performed to identify histologically proven malignancies. Baseline clinico-demographic variables were collected, and cancer incidence was compared with reported data for the general Australian population.

Results

There were 1,715 LTx in 1,631 patients between 1989 and 2021, with a follow-up of 9,696 person-years. Eight hundred and ninety-three (54.8%) patients were male, and the median age at first LTx was 54.7 years. There were 886 deaths with a median overall survival of 7.5 years (95% confidence intervals (CI) 6.8-8.3 years). One thousand seven hundred and seventy-four separate invasive cancer events occurred across 407 patients, of which, 1,588 (89.5%) were nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). This translated to a 9-fold increased incidence of NMSCs and a 4-fold increased incidence of other cancers compared with the general population. Cancer mortality reached parity with chronic lung allograft dysfunction 10 years postfirst transplant and was independently associated with age (hazard ratios (HR) per year increase in age 1.02 [95% CI 1.01-1.03], p = 0.001), Epstein-Barr virus primary mismatch (HR 3.24 [95% CI 1.68-6.25], vs nonmismatch, p = 0.002), and cancer count (HR per cancer event 1.19 [95% CI 1.13-1.24], p < 0.0001), but was not associated with a pretransplant malignancy history.

Conclusions

Our 31-year single-center experience demonstrates that malignancies are a significant mortality burden to long-term LTx survivors, dominated by NMSCs that are poorly reported in cancer datasets. A history of pretransplant malignancy was associated with a shorter time to post-transplant malignancy but was not associated with cancer death.

Incidence of malignancies after lung transplantation and their effect on the outcome. 26 years' experience

Background

Malignancy is a significant, life-limiting complication after lung transplantation (LuTx) and the second common long-term cause of death. We aimed to investigate its incidence and effect on the outcome.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study. Between 1996 and 2022, n = 627 lung transplantations (LuTx) were performed in our department. We used our institutional database to identify recipients with malignancies after LuTx and examined the malignancies' incidence and mortality.

Results

N = 59 malignancies occurred in n = 55 (8.8%) LuTx recipients. The post-LTx malignancies incidence was 9.4% (59/627). We report the following rates based on their location: n = 17/55 (28,8% of all recipients diagnosed with malignancies) skin, n = 10/55 (16,95%) gastrointestinal, n = 9/55 (15,3%) respiratory, n = 5/55 (8,48%) lymphatic, n = 13/55 (23,6%) other, n = 5 (8,48%) multiple synchronous.During this study period, a total of n = 328 deaths after LuTx was determined. N = 29 (8,84% of all deaths) were malignancy induced, corresponding to a total malignancy-induced mortality of 4.6% (n = 29/627). The majority of deaths were attributed to GI adenocarcinoma and PTLD. Malignancies' origin, primary COPD diagnosis, type, and specific age group were significantly survival-related (p-values <0.05). The most affected organ was skin and showed the best prognosis. PTLD had the fastest and pancreatic the latest onset.

Conclusions

This is the first report of its kind in a large cohort of german LuTx recipients. The prevalence ranking of the three commonest malignancy were skin > colorectal > PTLD. Post-LTx malignancy was the second commonest cause of death. Further studies are needed, while post-LuTx malignomas remain a serious impairment of long-term LuTx survival.

Influence of De Novo Malignancies on Long-Term Survival after Lung Transplantation

(1) Background: Malignancies are an important cause of mortality after solid organ transplantation. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of malignancies in patients receiving lung transplants (LT) and their influence on patients' survival. (2) Methods: Review of consecutive LT from 1994 to 2021. Patients with and without malignancies were compared by univariable and multivariable analyses. Survival was compared with Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. (3) Results: There were 731 LT malignancies developed in 91 patients (12.4%) with related mortality of 47% (n = 43). Native lung cancer, digestive and hematological malignancies were associated with higher lethality. Malignancies were more frequent in males (81%; p = 0.005), transplanted for emphysema (55%; p = 0.003), with cyclosporine-based immunosuppression (58%; p < 0.001), and receiving single LT (65%; p = 0.011). Survival was worse in patients with malignancies (overall) and with native lung cancer. Risk factors for mortality were cyclosporine-based immunosuppression (OR 1.8; 95%CI: 1.3-2.4; p < 0.001) and de novo lung cancer (OR 2.6; 95%CI: 1.5-4.4; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Malignancies are an important source of morbidity and mortality following lung transplantation that should not be neglected. Patients undergoing single LT for emphysema are especially at higher risk of mortality due to lung cancer in the native lung.

Risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer with immunosuppressants, part I: Calcineurin inhibitors, thiopurines, IMDH inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and corticosteroids

Immunosuppression is a well-documented risk factor for skin cancer, as exemplified by the 65- to 250-fold higher squamous cell carcinoma risk, 10-fold higher basal cell carcinoma risk, and 0 to 8-fold higher melanoma risk in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) receiving potent, prolonged courses of immunosuppressive therapies. Numerous immune system components have been shown to either suppress or promote tumor growth, and immunosuppressive drugs may have additional effects on proliferative pathways independent of the immune system. Thus, evaluation of the specific regimen by the dermatologist is key for assessing skin cancer risk in each patient. In the present manuscript, the immune-mediated mechanisms of skin cancer development and regression are first reviewed. Next, a synthesis of the evidence shows the differing effects of immunosuppressive agents commonly used in SOTRs on melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer risk. These include systemic calcineurin inhibitors, thiopurines, IMDH (inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase) inhibitors, mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitors, and systemic corticosteroids. Finally, recommendations for skin cancer screening in SOTRs are discussed. We further offer recommendations for select nontransplant patients who may benefit from routine skin cancer screening due to risks associated with specific immunosuppressant exposure, and we propose evidence-based strategies for minimizing high-risk immunosuppressant use in clinical practice.

Everolimus Use in Lung Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Most lung transplantation centers prefer triple immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids. However, to prevent complications and comorbidities caused by tacrolimus, replacing the drug with everolimus has been considered.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study investigating everolimus switch for different reasons. The population was divided into 3 groups: chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), kidney impairment, and malignant neoplasm groups. We investigated whether we achieved the goal of the switch and the frequency of rejection, cytomegalovirus and fungal infections, and everolimus adverse effects.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients received everolimus therapy, and 5 of these were for CLAD, 7 for tacrolimus nephrotoxicity, and 7 for explant/de novo malignant neoplasm. The patients were followed up for a mean (SD) of 30 (16.7) months under the therapy. The number of acute cellular rejection, cytomegalovirus infection, and aspergillosis infection cases before switch were 7, 13, and 2, respectively, and 7, 2, and 3 after that. The mean values of creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate of the whole population after the switch improved with no statistical significance, whereas it was significant in tacrolimus nephrotoxicity group. Three patients in the CLAD group remained stable after switching, whereas 2 progressed. Only 1 of the 7 patients with malignant neoplasms had a recurrence during 31.1 (16.5) months of median follow-up. Eleven cases of everolimus adverse effects occurred in 9 patients (47.3%), with 2 (10.5%) withdrawal events. Kidney impairment (P = .02) and age (P = .05) stood out as significant risk factors for drug adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

After lung transplant, everolimus can be a safe alternative for immunosuppression with acceptable adverse effects.

An overview of the efficacy and safety of everolimus in adult solid organ transplant recipients

As the risk of graft loss due to acute rejection has declined, the goal of post-transplant management has switched to long-term preservation of organ function. Minimizing calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-related nephrotoxicity is a key component of this objective. Everolimus is a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor/proliferation-signal inhibitor with potent immunosuppressive and anti-proliferative effects. It has been widely investigated in large randomized clinical studies that have shown it to have similar anti-rejection efficacy compared with standard-of-care regimens across organ transplant indications. With demonstrated potential to facilitate the reduction of CNI therapy and preserve renal function, everolimus is an alternative to the current standard-of-care CNI-based regimens used in de novo and maintenance solid organ transplantation recipients. Here, we provide an overview of the evidence from the everolimus clinical study program across kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplants, as well as other key data associated with its use in CNI reduction strategies in adult transplant recipients.

Mycophenolic acid and cancer risk in solid organ transplant recipients: Systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressive drug commonly used for prophylaxis of graft rejection in solid organ transplant recipients. The main concern with the prolonged use of immunosuppressive drugs is the risk of developing cancer. However, it remains unclear whether the immunosuppressive regimens containing MPA confer an increased degree of cancer risk. The present study aimed to determine the association between MPA exposure and the incidence of cancer in solid organ transplant recipients.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed on the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. Relevant articles that had findings on the incidence (or event) of cancer in cohorts with and without MPA exposure were retrieved for data extraction. A meta-analysis was conducted by means of the random-effects model, and the relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used as a summary effect measure.

RESULTS

A total of 39 studies were eligible for inclusion, with 32 studies that enabled meta-analysis. MPA exposure was significantly associated with a lower risk of cancer when compared to azathioprine exposure (RR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.53-0.81, P < .001) or no exposure to any additional treatments (RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.73-0.99, P = .04). There was no significant difference in cancer risk for the comparison between MPA exposure and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor exposure (RR = 1.54, 95% CI = 0.96-2.46, P = .07).

CONCLUSIONS

MPA exposure was not associated with an increased risk of cancer and may even be associated with a lower risk of cancer when compared to azathioprine or no treatment.

Skin Cancers and Lung Transplant

It is well known that solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) have a 65- to 100-fold increase in the risk of developing skin cancer, namely, nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) such as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). In addition, these patients are also at increased risk for development of melanoma as well as other less common cutaneous malignancies (Merkel's cell carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma). SOTRs with NMSC (namely cSCC) are also at significantly increased risk of poor clinical outcomes including local recurrence, nodal and distant metastasis, and disease-specific death relative to patients who are not immunosuppressed. Increased surveillance and monitoring in patients at risk of aggressive disease and poor outcomes who are on immunosuppression is essential in patients with lung transplants given the high degree of immunosuppression. Increased awareness of risks, treatments, and management allows for improved outcomes in these patients. This article will provide an overview of the risk factors for the development of cutaneous malignancies in organ transplant recipients as well as a detailed discussion of various immunosuppressant and prophylactic medications used in this patient population that contribute to the risk of developing cutaneous malignancies, with an emphasis on NMSC (cSCC and BCC) in lung transplant recipients. Finally, this article includes a discussion on the clinical and dermatologic management of this high-risk immunosuppressed population including a review of topical and systemic agents for field therapy of actinic damage and chemoprevention of keratinocyte carcinomas. In addition, indications for additional treatment and preventive measures such as adjuvant radiation treatment after surgical management of cutaneous malignancies and potential modification of immunosuppressive medication regimens are discussed.

Photosensitizing Medications and Skin Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

(1) The incidence of skin cancer is increasing in the United States (US) despite scientific advances in our understanding of skin cancer risk factors and treatments. In vitro and in vivo studies have provided evidence that suggests that certain photosensitizing medications (PSMs) increase skin cancer risk. This review summarizes current epidemiological evidence on the association between common PSMs and skin cancer. (2) A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify meta-analyses, observational studies and clinical trials that report on skin cancer events in PSM users. The associated risks of keratinocyte carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma) and melanoma are summarized, for each PSM. (3) There are extensive reports on antihypertensives and statins relative to other PSMs, with positive and null findings, respectively. Fewer studies have explored amiodarone, metformin, antimicrobials and vemurafenib. No studies report on the individual skin cancer risks in glyburide, naproxen, piroxicam, chlorpromazine, thioridazine and nalidixic acid users. (4) The research gaps in understanding the relationship between PSMs and skin cancer outlined in this review should be prioritized because the US population is aging. Thus the number of patients prescribed PSMs is likely to continue to rise.

[Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma]

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common cancers of the Caucasian population and accounts for 20% of all skin tumours. An S3 guideline of the German Guideline Program in Oncology has been available since 2019. The diagnosis is based on the clinical examination. Excision and histological confirmation is required for all clinically suspicious lesions to allow prognostic assessment and correct treatment. The therapy of first choice is complete excision with histological control of the surgical margin. In cSCC with risk factors such as tumor thickness >6 mm, sentinel lymph node biopsy may be discussed, but there is currently no clear evidence of its prognostic and therapeutic relevance. Adjuvant radiation therapy may be considered in cases of high risk of recurrence and should be tested in cases of inoperable tumors. The indication for electrochemotherapy should also be considered in the treatment of local or locoregional recurrence. The immune checkpoint inhibitor cemiplimab is approved for the treatment of inoperable or metastasized cSCC. In case of contraindications, chemotherapeutic agents, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors or palliative radiotherapy can be used. Since the evidence is low in these cases, a systemic therapy should be used preferentially within clinical studies. Follow-up care should be risk-adapted and includes a dermatological control, supplemented by ultrasound examinations in high-risk patients.

Malignancy after lung transplantation

Lung transplantation is an established therapeutic option for selected patients with advanced lung diseases. As early outcomes after lung transplantation have improved, chronic medical illnesses have emerged as significant obstacles to long-term survival. Among them is post-transplant malignancy, currently representing the 2^nd most common cause of death 5–10 years after transplantation. Chronic immunosuppressive therapy and resulting impairment of anti-tumor immune surveillance is thought to have a central role in cancer development after solid organ transplantation (SOT). Lung transplant recipients receive more immunosuppression than other SOT populations, likely contributing to even higher risk of cancer among this group. The most common cancers in lung transplant recipients are non-melanoma skin cancers, followed by lung cancer and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). The purpose of this review is to outline the common malignancies following lung transplant, their risk factors, prognosis and current means for both prevention and treatment.