Cancer Stage at Diagnosis in Transplant Recipients and Patients with HIV Infection

Melanoma and bladder cancer were more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage in both HIV-infected individuals and organ transplant recipients.

Melanomas are known to be an immune-responsive cancer. Many studies have examined the effects of immune suppression on melanoma risk. Now, an analysis of cancer risk among immunocompromised individuals produces some interesting findings.

To determine whether immunosuppression results in more aggressive, advanced-stage cancers, the investigators analyzed data from cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and solid-organ transplant registries. They found 8411 cancer cases in HIV-infected individuals and 7322 cancer cases in transplant recipients. Compared with immunocompetent cancer patients, the immunosuppressed patients were more likely to have advanced stage melanoma and bladder cancer at diagnosis. The risk for melanoma was similar in u…

Reviewing Author

Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD

Disclosures

Consultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical

EquityLubax

Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal

Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)