Reassessing risks and benefits of living kidney donors with a history of thyroid cancer

Clin Transplant. 2017 Nov;31(11). doi: 10.1111/ctr.13114. Epub 2017 Sep 29.

Abstract

Many potential and willing living kidney donors are excluded from donating for a history of malignancy. There is appropriate caution toward patients with a history of malignancy because of concern for transmission of donor-derived malignancy. Thyroid cancer is common and increasing in incidence, and outcomes are very good in otherwise young, healthy potential donors. We review the evidence and guidelines regarding recurrence and transmission risk of thyroid cancer, and then we suggest a standardized guideline for otherwise healthy donors with a history of thyroid malignancy.

Keywords: donors and donation; malignancy; patient referral.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Living Donors*
  • Patient Selection*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic / standards*
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Thyroid Neoplasms*
  • Tissue and Organ Harvesting / standards*