Kidney transplantation and lymphomas

: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) accounts for 30% of nonskin cancers after kidney transplants. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most frequent form of PTLD. The incidence of PTLD increases over time: from 1.2% at 5 years to 6.8% at 20 years. Its late occurrence is therefore not unusual. Moreover, not only is it more frequent but also more serious than the early type because of the lower responsiveness to therapy. Epstein-Barr virus (EVB) infection is one of the most important risk factors for this disease, along with the use of antilymphocyte agents, which should be avoided in EVB-negative patients. During the first year after transplant, EBV-PCR monitoring can be helpful for the early diagnosis of EBV-associated PTLD, especially in children. No effective strategy has yet been reported for the prevention of late PTLD. Interruption of immunosuppression is the first step of therapy, but it is rarely effective by itself. Rituximab (4-8 doses) is widely used and is successful in about 50% of cases. Chemotherapy becomes essential in relapsed or refractory disease, but it significantly increases the risk of life-threatening infections. The mortality rate is around 50% 12 months after diagnosis, often due to the side effects of chemotherapy.