Melanoma and Organ Transplants

Research regarding the effect of organ transplantation on melanoma risk has been clouded by mixed results. In particular, outcomes in patients have not been fully characterized. A cohort-based study in the U.S. now documents an increased risk for melanoma, particularly for regional disease, among transplant recipients.

Using linked cancer and transplant registries, these investigators compared melanoma incidence in 139,991 transplant recipients with risk in the general population. Risk for all melanoma was elevated in transplant recipients. The standard incidence risk (SIR) for in situ melanoma was 1.47, (95% confidence interval, 1.27–1.69). Risk was more elevated for invasive melanoma (SIR=2.20, 95% CI 2.01–2.39) and highest for regional st…