News Release

Cancer risk for kidney transplant

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Research Australia

Kidney transplant recipients are known to have a higher risk of cancer, compared to the general population, due to the need to take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent organ rejection. Results published today from a significant, long-term study suggest that no single medication appears to increase this cancer risk.

Evaluating data from 1983 in a randomised trial, researchers were able review trends among 481 patients over 20 years - providing the strongest evidence to date on the issue. A total of 226 patients in the trial developed at least one cancer. By 20 years post transplant, 27% of patients developed non-skin cancer and 48% of patients developed skin cancer – no one treatment had a greater effect on cancer risk.

"We found that no particular immunosuppressive drug regimen appears to increase the risk of cancer among kidney transplant patients," said lead author Dr Martin Gallagher, The George Institute.

"What we did find is that the cancer risk is driven by many factors that are known at the time of transplantation such as age and smoking history, so that patients at especially high risk can be targeted at this time", he added.

The results, which were published today in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, reported that non-skin cancer was associated with increasing age and smoking history; skin cancer was associated with increasing age, non-brown eye color, fairer skin, and a functioning transplant. Therefore, patients at especially high risk can be monitored more closely and use preventive measures to protect against cancer.

"Much debate has focused on the effects of various agents and dose regimens, but our analysis would suggest that cancer risk is driven by total immune suppression rather than specific medications."

More than 11,000 Australians have received a kidney transplant in the last forty years. Kidney transplant survival rates are about 90% in the first year and over 75% in five years, which mean that most kidney recipients can look forward to many years of productive life. However, it is known that patients with a kidney transplant have a 2.5 – 3 times higher risk of cancer than the general population.

This research analysis was undertaken by researchers from The George Institute, the University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Statewide Renal Services using the ANZDATA Registry.

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For further information, please contact:
Emma Orpilla – Public Relations, The George Institute for International Health
Tel: +612 8238 2424/ Mobile: +61410 411 983
Fax: +612 9657 0301/ email: eorpilla@george.org.au
www.thegeorgeinstitute.org.au

The George Institute for International Health is an internationally-recognised health research organisation, undertaking high impact research across a broad health landscape. Affiliated with the University of Sydney, the Institute is a leader in the clinical trials, health policy and capacity-building areas. The Institute has a global network of top medical experts in a range of research fields as well as expertise in research design, project management and data and statistical analysis. With a respected voice among global policy makers, The Institute has attracted significant funding support from governments, philanthropic organisations and corporations. George Institute research is regularly published in the top tier of academic journals internationally.


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