Transplant-Associated Malignancies

Dark brown spot on fair skin with four markings around it.

Skin Cancer Risk Characterized for Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Dr. Sargen and colleagues characterized the spectrum of risk for common and rare non-keratinocyte skin cancers.

Cancer risk is substantially elevated among solid organ transplant recipients, who receive long-term immunosuppressant medications to prevent organ rejection. To better understand the etiology of cancer in this population, investigators are conducting the Transplant Cancer Match Study. This study is a collaborative effort with the Health Resources and Services Administration, which oversees the U.S. solid organ transplant network. Data from multiple state and regional cancer registries are linked with the U.S. registry of transplant recipients, to cover approximately two-thirds of the U.S. transplant population.

Goals of the project include:

Describe the spectrum of cancer risk in solid organ transplant recipients;
Elucidate the role of oncogenic viruses in causing cancer in this setting; and
Understand the role of other factors in causing cancer, such as demographic factors, medical conditions, and specific immunosuppressive medication.

For more information, contact Eric Engels.