Renal cell carcinoma in renal graft recipients and donors: incidence and consequence.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Numerous studies have reported an increasing incidence of small renal cell carcinoma (RCC). De novo RCC in a renal allograft is a rare event and has special implications in renal transplant recipients. The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the incidence of RCC in renal graft recipients and donors and to determine a procedure in cases with newly detected small renal tumors at the time of kidney preparation before transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We mailed a questionnaire to 38 German transplant clinics and received answers from 27 centers. A total of 10,997 renal graft recipients were included in the period of 1990-1998. RESULTS: In 30 kidneys (0.273%) RCC was detected at the time of preparation before transplantation. There were 23 male and 3 female donors. No bilateral RCC was described. The mean age of the donors with RCC was 50.9 years (range 37-72 years). The tumors had a mean size of 2.2 cm (range 0.4-6 cm). 67% of the patients had a renal tumor smaller than 20 mm. In 26/27 centers the decision to transplant relies on the result of the immediate section for microscopic examination. 16 patients (0.145%) developed RCC 3-12 years after renal transplantation (mean 7.4 years). The mean tumor size was 2.5 cm (range 2-2.8 cm). In 50% a grade 1 and in the other 50% a grade 2 carcinoma was found. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the RCC incidence in donor candidates we recommend an ultrasound screening of the native kidneys before renal explantation and an immediate preparation of the kidney surface especially in donors older than 45 years. In cases with small renal lesions we recommend an immediate section for microscopic examination before transplantation to prevent tumor implantation into an otherwise healthy patient. The frequency of RCCs after renal transplantation necessitates careful clinical and instrumental examinations in organ-transplanted recipients both before and at regular intervals after transplantation, including the patient's kidneys.     

Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma with von Hippel-Lindau disease: a case report

We report a 68-year-old woman who had bilateral renal cell carcinoma (RCC) associated with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Surgical resection of a central nervous system hemangioblastoma had been done previously. This time, synchronous bilateral RCCs were found in her kidneys, with metastases to lungs and liver. Right radical nephrectomy was performed to remove the primary tumor in the right kidney. Histopathological examination of the tumor revealed clear cell RCC with a sarcomatoid component. After surgery, transcatheter arterial embolization was performed for the tumor in the left kidney and interferon therapy was commenced. The left renal tumor decreased in size and interferon therapy was effective against the metastatic lung tumors. However, 4 years after resection of the right RCC, the tumor in the left kidney increased progressively in size and partial left nephrectomy was performed. Histopathological examination of the resected tumor also showed clear cell type RCC with a sarcomatoid component. The patient eventually died of her disease at 5 years after resection of the right RCC. RCC associated with VHL is usually of the clear cell type has a relatively good prognosis. Sarcomatoid RCC is rare in VHL patients and, to our knowledge, the present report is the first case of sarcomatoid RCC associated with VHL in the Japanese literature.     

Collecting duct carcinoma with acquired cystic disease of the kidney in a long-term hemodialysis patient

Abstract:   We report a very rare case of collecting or Bellini duct carcinoma (CDC) found in a 60-year-old male who had received hemodialysis therapy for 21 years. Screening with ultrasonography revealed a solid tumor originating from the cyst wall in the right kidney with acquired cystic disease of the kidney. Subsequent computed tomography (CT) and angiography could not detect another renal tumor. Right radical nephrectomy was performed. The tumor detected preoperatively was composed of papillary renal cell tumor (RCC) and multiple clear cell carcinoma, pathologically. In addition to the tumors, CDC was revealed in the central medulla with the involvement of regional lymph nodes. Three months later, left nephrectomy was performed because left RCC was suspected during CT. The histological diagnosis was multiple clear cell carcinomas. Peritonitis carcinomatosa appeared and the patient died 13 months later.     

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma associated with acquired cystic kidney disease 15 years after successful renal transplantation

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a relatively uncommon cancer in renal transplant patients. From 1968 to 1987, 101 cases of RCC of native kidneys have been reported to the Cincinnati Transplant Tumor Registry. We describe here a case of metastatic RCC associated with acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) 15 years after successful renal transplantation. The patient presented with a subcutaneous nodule, which led to discovery of a large primary tumor in the left kidney. ACKD was present in the atrophic right kidney. The reported cases of ACKD-associated RCC in renal transplant recipients were reviewed. Most of these cases are middle-aged men with a long posttransplant course, good graft function, and usage of azathioprine and prednisone as immunosuppressive agents. ACKD can develop or persist and progress to RCC many years after successful renal transplantation. Transplant patients with flank pain, hematuria, or other suspicious symptoms should have imaging studies of their native kidneys.     

Synchronous neoplasms of the colon and kidney: analysis of 2 case reports

Up until only a few decades ago synchronous renal cell carcinoma associated with primary tumors of other organs was diagnosed almost exclusively in necropsy series. Recently the widespread use of ultrasonography and CT has permitted diagnosis of clinically silent renal cell carcinoma in patients undergoing a work-up for other primary tumors. We report two cases of synchronous colon and renal cancer: 1) a 75 year old woman presented bilateral pulmonary nodules at chest X-Ray and stratigraphy. Total-body CT scan showed multiple, apparently metastatic, bilateral pulmonary lesions and two tumors in the right kidney and ascending colon. A right nephrectomy and right hemicolectomy were performed. She succumbed after 18 months as a result of metastatic spread to the liver, lungs and bone; 2) a 64 year old man was discovered to have a colon cancer during a barium enema examination and endoscopy. CT scan of the abdomen yielded an incidental diagnosis of a tumor in the left kidney. A left nephrectomy and left hemicolectomy were performed. After 6 months CT revealed no evidence of recurrence or metastases. Histology findings revealed two primary malignancies in both cases: a clear cell renal carcinoma and an adenocarcinoma of the colon.     

Bilateral adrenal masses from renal cell carcinoma: a case report

We report a case of bilateral adrenal metastasis from renal cell carcinoma. A 65-year-old man was referred to our hospital for a right renal mass. A computed tomography revealed a 9 cm right renal tumor and bilateral adrenal masses (3.5 cm on the right side and 4.5 cm on the left). A right radical nephrectomy and bilateral adrenalectomy demonstrated renal cell carcinoma with metastasis to bilateral adrenal glands. The pathological findings of the right renal tumor showed clear cell carcinoma, G3 > G2 and both adrenal tumors showed the same pathology as the right renal tumor. The patient is alive with lung metastasis after 15 months postoperatively treated with interferon-alpha.     

A case of renal ptosis treated with hochu-ekki-to with improvement confirmed by excretory urography.

A 59-year-old woman visited our clinic with complaints of right back dull pain. Excretory urography showed bilateral renal ptosis (a 6 cm decrease in position of the right kidney and a 5 cm decrease of the left kidney). She was treated with 7.5 g/day of Hochu-ekki-to. After 6 months, her symptoms improved and after 8 months excretory urography showed a 3 cm decrease in the position of both kidneys. Hochu-ekki-to might be useful for the conservative therapy of renal ptosis.     

Organ donors with small renal cancer: report of 3 cases

Transmission of donor malignancies has been reported since the early days of clinical transplantation. Up to 1995, the Transplant Tumor Registry created by Penn included 155 cadaver and 29 living donor affected by tumors. The most common, excluding brain tumor, was renal cell carcinoma (RCC). RCC represents 2% of adult cancers, an incidence that increases with advancing age. The expansion of the criteria that define a suitable organ donor has as a consequence included donors that are older than in the past. Small RCCs are found during renal recovery from a cadaveric donor in ∼1% of cases. The use of such donors is a matter of debate; it has been suggested that donor kidneys with small RCC Fuhrman grade I/II may be transplanted after appropriate surgical excision. We report our experience with 3 donors with clear cell RCC: 2 contralateral kidneys were transplanted in 2 recipient and a third recipient received an affected kidney after a wide tumor excision. All of the patients we alive and free from recurrence at 14-48 months (mean 35 mo). In the third case, immunosuppression was achieved with a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, which is currently used not only as an immunosuppressant to prevent rejection, but also as treatment for renal cancer. Our data confirmed that donors with small renal tumors may be used, because the risk of tumor recurrence is small and the benefits of a kidney transplantation are great.     

A case of bilateral renal cell carcinoma

A case of asynchronous bilateral renal cell carcinoma is reported. A 52-year-old man with the chief complaint of asymptomatic gross hematuria visited our hospital on November 16, 1981. Intravesicular pyelography showed poor secretion of the left kidney, compression of its pelvis and calyces and normal visualization of the right kidney. On computer tomographic (CT) scanning, abdominal aortogram and left selective renal angiogram, a round tumor lesion on the left kidney was recognized. Under the diagnosis of left renal tumor, radical left nephrectomy was performed in December, 1981. Histological diagnosis was clear cell carcinoma of the left kidney. He was administered medroxyprogesterone acetate. In December, 1985, CT showed a space-occupying lesion laterally on the right kidney and another suspected tumorous lesion. On the right selective renal angiogram, a round hypervascular lesion about 3 cm in diameter was found on the upper portion of the right kidney. On February 10, 1986 simple surgical enucleation of the 2 renal tumors was performed. Histological diagnosis was the same as that of the left kidney. Postoperative course was uneventful. He is well without recurrence or metastasis 8 months after operation.     

Ureteral nephrogenic adenoma in a renal allograft patient

Abstract:   A 56-year-old male who had renal transplants at the age of 34 and 49 years, presented with painless gross hematuria six years after the second renal transplantation. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed diffuse wall thickening of the distal ureter of the failed first allograft and a bulging lesion about 1.2 cm in size on the lower pole of the right native kidney. Both lesions were suspected for tumors, but they showed a ureteral nephrogenic adenoma and a renal hemorrhagic simple cyst.     

A case of renal mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma

A 33-year-old man was hospitalized for treatment of a left renal tumor. The radiological findings were consistent with those of a left renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Subsequently, a radical nephrectomy was carried out. Macroscopic examination showed that a well-demarcated tumor measuring 2.9 × 2.6 × 2.5 cm was present in the middle portion of the resected kidney. The cut surface of the tumor was grayish-white in color. Pathological examination of the resected specimen showed a mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney (MTSCC-K). MTSCC-K is a low-grade renal epithelial neoplasm that has recently been recognized as a specific entity in the World Health Organization 2004 classification of RCC. To our knowledge, 17 cases of MTSCC-K in Japan have been reported by Japanese investigators. To avoid administration of excessive adjuvant treatment to patients, pathologists and urologists should consider this newly recognized low-grade malignancy when diagnosing renal tumors.     

The Role of Microscopic Hematuria in the Evaluation of Urologic Malignancy in Renal Transplant Recipients

Urologic malignancy is a relatively uncommon but serious complication following kidney transplantation. The reported prevalence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of the native kidneys is 4.4% and of bladder malignancy is 2.6%. However, presently there are no universal guidelines for prospective screening of urologic malignancies after kidney transplantation. We routinely monitored all renal transplant recipients for microscopic hematuria and persistent hematuria (>3 separate occasions) results in imaging studies (ultrasound or computed tomography scan) of both native kidneys and the allograft. Cystoscopy is performed if imaging studies are negative. This retrospective study identified a total of 18 urologic malignancies among the study cohort, which consisted of 539 patients with an incidence of 3.3% (12 cases of RCC of native kidneys [10/12 had hematuria], and six cases of bladder and ureteral malignancies [6/6 had hematuria]). There were no significant differences between cyclosporine- and tacrolimus-based immunosuppression (IS). Among RCC recipients, two lost the allograft from chronic allograft nephropathy and one patient died unrelated to malignancy. Among patients with bladder and ureteral malignancies, two lost the graft possibly from IS reduction and one had BK virus nephropathy prior to diagnosis of bladder carcinoma. In conclusion, screening transplant recipients routinely for persistent microscopic hematuria may identify urologic malignancies in renal transplant recipients.     

Renal cell carcinoma suspected at time of organ donation 2008‐2016: A report of the OPTN ad hoc Disease Transmission Advisory Committee Registry

All 179 reports to the OPTN of potential renal cell carcinoma (RCC) transmission from 1/1/2008 through 12/31/2016 were reviewed. Cases were divided into those with donor tumor known or suspected at time of transplant (N = 147 donors), and those in which tumor was initially found after transplant (N = 32). We sought to understand the risk of transplanting either the affected kidney, the contralateral kidney or non‐renal organs from donors with a suspected/confirmed unilateral RCC. In the case of RCC found prior to transplant, transplantation of 21 kidneys following excision of tumor, 47 contralateral kidneys and 198 non‐renal organs was performed. No cases of RCC transmission were documented in this population. An additional six cases of live donor kidney transplantation involving resection of RCC were reported, also without transmission. Six of 9 other recipients in whom the diagnosis of RCC became available after implantation underwent allograft nephrectomy and 3 received tumor resection. No recurrent RCC was documented. Given the low rate of transmission and available treatment options, consideration should be given to judicious use of organs from donors with small solitary RCC.     

Fate of a renal tubulopapillary adenoma transmitted by an organ donor

Organ transplantation from cadaveric donors has a risk of cancer transmission. However, some reports indicate that kidneys bearing small carcinomas can be safely transplanted, as can other organs harvested from the same donor. We report herein the case of two allograft recipients (left kidney and heart with no evidence of tumor) who developed a renal carcinoma soon after transplantation. The initial tumor of the donor was a 17-mm tubulopapillary adenoma found on the right kidney, which was not transplanted. The left kidney recipient rejected all residual tumoral cells after graft removal and immunosuppression discontinuation. The heart recipient died 7 months after transplantation from metastasis of a renal carcinoma. This strongly suggests that circulating carcinoma cells were present at the time of organ retrieval and that they were not cleared by in situ perfusion. In contrast with the literature data, this report indicates that patients with small renal tubulopapillary tumors should not be considered for organ donation.     

Minilaparoscopic-Assisted Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Bilateral Nephrectomies in Postrenal Transplant Recipient: Case Report

We present our first minilaparoscopic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site bilateral nephrectomies (b-LESS-N) performed in a patient with bilateral atrophic kidney, right malignant renal tumor of 4.5 cm that developed in a native kidney after multiple bilateral renal transplantations and renovascular hypertension. The mean operative time was 233 minutes, with a mean blood loss of 180 mL. A single umbilical incision (5.5 cm) was performed to remove both kidneys. No significant difference in glomerular filtration rate was observed postoperatively. The postoperative recovery was uneventful with favorable short-term outcomes and high patient satisfaction. The 10-month follow-up showed effective arterial pressure improvement, absence of tumor relapse, and stable graft function. We believe that b-LESS-N for renal cancer after a renal transplantation can be performed without increased risks for the patients or for the transplanted kidney.     

Bilateral adrenal metastases from renal cell carcinoma: a case report

We report a case of renal cell carcinoma with bilateral adrenal metastases. A 57-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for a left renal mass. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 4.5 cm left renal tumor and bilateral adrenal masses (3.0 cm on the right side and 2.0 cm on the left). A left nephrectomy and bilateral adrenalectomies were performed. The pathological findings showed clear cell carcinoma, G2 of left kidney metastasizing to both adrenal glands. The patient was administered supplementary hydrocortisone and was well 8 months after the nephrectomy and adrenalectomies without evidence of recurrence. Bilateral adrenal metastases from renal cell carcinoma are relatively rare. Our case seems to be the thirteenth case in the Japanese literature.     

A case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the ovary

A 52-year-old woman had a pathological fracture of the right femur. On histopathological examination bone metastasis from renal cell carcinoma was suspected. Abdominal computed tomography showed a heterogeneous mass (9.1 x 7.8 x 6.5 cm) in the left kidney and a cystic multilocular mass (12 x 10 cm) in the pelvis. Bone scintigraphy revealed an abnormal uptake in the left coracoid process, right third rib, and right distal femur and proximal tibia. Clinical diagnosis was left renal cancer with multiple bone metastases (cT2NOM1, stage IV) and a right ovarian tumor. We performed left radical nephrectomy and resection of right ovarian tumor by bilateral adnexectomy. On histopathological examination, the left kidney tumor was diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma (clear cell carcinoma with chromophobe component, G2 > G1). The ovarian tumor consisted of carcinoma of clear cell type (G2) that resembled components of left renal cell carcinoma, confirming the diagnosis of metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma to the ovary. Although she underwent immunotherapy with interferon, she died 10 months after nephrectomy. Metastasis to the ovary from renal clear cell carcinoma is very rare and only 18 cases have been reported in the literature. This rarity may be related to the difficulty of differential diagnosis between metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the ovary and primary ovarian clear cell carcinoma. Elaborate analysis of microscopic features and immunohistochemical profiles may help in the distinction of this metastatic lesion.     

Clinical features of renal cell carcinoma less than 25 millimeters in diameter.

BACKGROUND: We retrospectively investigated the clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients who underwent surgical treatment at our department for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) less than 25 mm in diameter. METHODS: Of the 158 patients who underwent surgical treatment between April 1975 and April 1998, 16 (17 kidney, 10.1%) were included in this study. The study included 11 men and 5 women (ratio: 2.2). The age range was 35-76 years (average: age 53). The right kidney was involved in 9, left kidney in 6 and bilateral kidneys in 1 patient. The follow-up period was 26-157 months (mean: 86 months). RESULTS: Thirteen tumors (81.2%) were incidental carcinomas. No patients had a tumor of rapid growing type. Radical nephrectomy was performed for 12 kidneys (70.6%), simple nephrectomy for 2 (11.8%) and partial nephrectomy for 3 (17.8%). Seven patients (43.7%) received interferon-alpha as postoperative adjuvant therapy. All tumors were pathologically classified as expansive type; 11 (64.8%) as clear cell carcinoma; 3 (17.6%) cyst-associated, and 3 (17.6%) papillary. Nine (52.9%) tumors were grade 1, and 8 (47.1%) were grade 2. Fourteen patients were pNo and V(-). The 5- and 10-year survival rates were excellent (100%). CONCLUSION: The features of small RCCs less than 25 mm were as follows: many tumors were incidental to clear cell carcinomas; all tumors were low grade, low stage and expansive type; no tumors showed acute phase reactants; and few tumors were of the solid type. Thus, the prognosis seemed to be excellent.     

Two cases of renal cell carcinoma arising in the native kidney following renal transplantation--clinical study and review of 26 cases reported in Japan

Renal transplant recipients have an increased risk of developing malignancies due to long-term immunosuppression. Two cases of renal cell carcinoma arising from the native kidney following renal transplantation are reported. Case 1; A 60-year-old man underwent cadaveric renal transplantation on July 31, 1995. He had resumed hemodialysis because of graft failure on June 5, 2000. He was referred to our hospital with macroscopic hematuria on March, 2002. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a right renal mass of about 3.0 cm in diameter with bilateral acquired cystic disease of the kidney (ACDK). The radical nephrectomy was performed. Case 2; A 55-year-old man underwent cadaveric renal transplantation on November 15, 1996. He had resumed hemodialysis because of graft failure on June 5, 1996. A left renal mass measuring 3.0 cm in diameter as well as bilateral ACDK were found by CT on July, 2002. Left radical nephrectomy was performed. The histological diagnosis of both renal tumors was renal cell carcinoma, clear cell type, G2, pT1a. Fifty-six renal transplantations (48 were renal allografts from cadavers, while 8 were from living donors) were performed in our hospital from 1980 to 2002. Two patients (3.6%) developed renal cell carcinoma after transplantations. We also discuss a clinical study and review of 26 cases reported in Japan. Since the incidence of malignant neoplasia is high, CT and ultrasonography should be performed routinely on the patients with renal transplantation.