Cancer after Kidney Transplantation
Cancer after Kidney Transplantation
A third (one in three) of all people in the UK develop cancer, even if they are otherwise completely well. So it is not surprising that cancer is a problem in transplant patients. However, cancer is commoner in transplant patients than in the general population. A research study has shown that 25% of patients who live for 20 years after a transplant develop some type of cancer. This is because the body’s immune system (natural defence) not only fights off invaders into the body such as germs, but tries to prevent cancer. Suppression of the immune system after a kidney transplant therefore allows cancer to develop.
Having said that, most types of cancer are only slightly commoner than in the general population, so do not represent a major risk. However, there are three types of cancer that are caused by viruses, and are a particular problem after kidney transplantation. These are skin cancers, lymphoma and cervical (neck of the womb) cancer in women.
Transplant patients are three times more likely than other people to get skin cancers after a transplant. This makes it very important for people who have had a transplant to use a strong ‘sun block’ cream to avoid sunburn. Exposure to the sun greatly increases the risk of developing skin cancer. In Australia, where skin cancer is particularly common, the increased risk to transplant patients rises to 40 times the average. Provided that skin cancers are diagnosed in good time, they are not usually a major problem. This type of cancer does not usually spread to other parts of the body, and can be easily removed.
There is a possibility that an anti-rejection drug called sirolimus has an additional effect against cancer, and that a switch to sirolimus should be made if someone with a transplant gets a skin cancer. This is not yet proven, and a large research trial is under way. Before the results of the trial are known, most doctors will at least reduce the doses of anti-rejection drugs overall if someone has a skin cancer.
A small number (1-2%) of transplant patients develop a more serious cancer called lymphoma, usually within a year of the operation. This cancer is the growth of white blood cells in the body’s immune system (mainly in the spleen and lymph nodes). Lymphoma is a very serious complication of transplantation. There are several lines of treatment, and the needs of each affected individual will need to be carefully assessed by their specialists. Some lymphomas will go away if the anti-rejection drugs are stopped, but this means that the transplant will be rejected and dialysis will be needed again. Some lymphomas will respond to drugs (chemotherapy) or X-ray treatment (radiotherapy), and anti-rejection drugs can be continued, perhaps in a reduced dosage.
Women are at increased risk of cervical cancer after a transplant. Most centres suggest regular cervical smear tests in younger women who are menstruating. A cervical smear is a small sample rubbed off the surface of the cervix, requiring a quick internal examination of the vagina. Older women, who are post menopausal, may not need regular cervical smears but should report any vaginal bleeding to their doctors. Cervical cancer can be detected in the very early stages by cervical smears and should be almost entirely preventable.
Breast cancer occurs at about the same rate in transplant patients as in the general population. However, because breast cancer is quite common, transplant patients should pay particular attention to their breasts, with self examination and attendance at breast screening clinics. In addition, research has shown that transplant patients commonly develop non-cancerous breast lumps, but even if these turn out to be false alarms, it is vital to get any abnormalities checked out by your doctors.
Early detection of cancer is helped by self examination of the skin, and breasts in women.
As mentioned above, reducing sun exposure to the skin and having cervical smears, as advised by your local transplant centre, are important parts of the prevention of cancer. Other general measures should be taken. You should stop smoking and lead a good lifestyle, with healthy eating.
NKF Controlled Document No. 267, Cancer after Kidney Transplantation, written 1 May 2000. Last reviewed 10 March 2010.
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.
The National Kidney Federation is registered in England and Wales as a Company limited by guarantee (Company No 5272349)
and awarded charitable status (Charity Number 1106735).
Give as You Earn contributions No. CAF GY511.
Registered Office:-
The Point
Coach Road
Shireoaks
Worksop
Notts
S81 8BW
Tel: (01909) 544999
Fax: (01909) 481723
Helpline: (0845) 601 02 09
E-mail: 
Page created: 1 May 2000
Last updated: 29 April 2009
This website is intended for UK residents only.
If you have any comments about this site, please EMAIL the webmaster