An unusual cause of cancer mimicry following liver transplantation

Ann Hepatol. 2012 Jan-Feb;11(1):134-7.

Abstract

Sirolimus is an approved anti-rejection agent following liver or kidney transplantation that works through inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). As sirolimus functions through a pathway independent of calcineurin inhibition, it may have less potential for nephrotoxicity and carcinogenesis. That being said, there are a myriad of potential adverse effects reported with sirolimus, many of which are severe and unknown or poorly understood. Herein we present a case of sirolimus causing a serious but uncommon adverse event in an adult liver transplant recipient; the adverse event in this instance unfortunately resulted in significant medical testing and morbidity. The adverse event profile of sirolimus is summarized through review of available evidence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma in Situ / chemically induced*
  • Carcinoma in Situ / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Fatty Liver / complications
  • Fatty Liver / surgery
  • Female
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Liver Cirrhosis / etiology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / surgery
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  • Sirolimus / adverse effects*
  • Sirolimus / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Withholding Treatment

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Sirolimus