Association between viral infections and post-transplant malignancies in renal transplant recipients

Immunosuppressive treatment is associated with an increased incidence of different malignant diseases. The etiology of posttransplant malignancies is multifactorial and includes decreased immune response to different viral infections, inappropriate removal of damaged cells, and impaired ability to repair DNA. EBV, HHV-8, Merkel cell virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and BK virus are all considered to be involved in the etiology of post-transplant malignancies. CMV has been considered as a potential causative factor in the development of colon cancer. However, current knowledge is mainly based on case reports. Further studies are needed to establish the causative role of different viruses in the etiology and pathogenesis of different malignant diseases in renal transplant population.