Transplant-associated skin cancer: role of reducing immunosuppression

J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2007 May;5(5):541-9. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2007.0047.

Abstract

This article explores the role of reducing immunosuppression as a therapeutic strategy for the problem of transplant-associated skin cancer. The specific issue of immunosuppression reduction is based on a brief historic review of the epidemiology of skin cancer in transplant patients, followed by a description of the role of immunosuppression as a cause of skin cancer. Finally, the literature pertaining to the hypothesis that reducing immunosuppression in solid organ transplant recipients favorably impacts both the incidence of cutaneous malignancy and outcomes relating to individual aggressive malignancies is presented.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / etiology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / etiology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / methods*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Transplants / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents