Epidermal dysplasia and neoplasia in kidney transplant recipients

Abstract Background: Established data confirm an increased incidence of skin cancer, mainly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), in long-term kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Objective: Our purpose was to investigate prospectively the type and frequency of neoplastic and preneoplastic skin lesions in KTRs during the first 3 years of immunosuppression, as well as the influence of potential risk factors. Methods: Eighty-one consecutive KTRs were examined every 6 months during the first 3 years after transplantation. All survival analyses were performed with the EGRET statistical software package. Results: After a median follow-up of 34 months, 25 skin cancers developed in 12 patients; the basal cell carcinoma (BCC)SCC ratio was 3.1:1. The cumulative risk of skin cancer developing after 3 years of graft survival was 18.1%. Only age at the time of transplantation ( p = 0.005) and occupational sun exposure ( p = 0.048) had statistical significance as risk factors. Conclusion: In carefully supervised KTRs, a high incidence of cutaneous malignancy, mainly BCC, exists in the early posttransplant period. Sun exposure and the patient's age at the time of transplantation seem to be the most important risk factors.