Case report: Renal cell carcinoma (Remission after stimulated rejection)

Status: 
Ready to upload
Record number: 
1897
Adverse Occurrence type: 
MPHO Type: 
Estimated frequency: 
(Council of Europe, 2022): To provide valid histological staging, complete tumour resection (R0) is required for acceptance of all organs; additionally, tumour-free margins are a prerequisite for transplant of the affected kidney. Paraffin section is superior to frozen section for the assessment of such biopsies. The contralateral kidney should always be examined for synchronous RCC (5 % of patients). RCC < 1 cm (stage T1a AJCC 8th edn) and WHO/ISUP grade I/II (Fuhrman grade I/II) can be considered minimal-risk for transmission; RCC 1-4 cm (stage T1a AJCC 8th edn) and WHO/ISUP grade I/II (Fuhrman grade I/II) are considered low-risk; RCC > 4-7 cm (stage T1b AJCC 8th edn) and WHO/ISUP grade I/II (Fuhrman grade I/II) are considered intermediate-risk; RCC > 7 cm (stage T2 AJCC 8th edn) and WHO/ISUP grade I/II (Fuhrman grade I/II) are considered high-risk; RCC with extension beyond the kidney (stages T3/T4 AJCC 8th edn) is considered a contraindication to transplant; All RCC with WHO/ISUP grade III/IV (Fuhrman grade III/IV) are considered high-risk for transmission; Contralateral kidneys and other organs that are un¬involved in carcinoma are considered to represent minimal risk for transplantation when the RCC in the involved kidney is 4 cm or less and WHO/ISUP grade I-II. In all cases, follow-up surveillance is desirable. RCC in the donor history: The transmission risk of treated RCC depends on the histological type of tumour [159] and its recurrence-free follow-up period. In general, in the first 5 years after initial diagnosis, risk categories correspond to those stated above (RCC diagnosed during donor procurement) if there is no suspicion of tumour recurrence in the donor. After this time, the risk of advanced stages may decrease.
Time to detection: 
8.25 years after kidney transplant
Alerting signals, symptoms, evidence of occurrence: 
8.25 years after kidney transplant (male donor, female recipient). Ultrasonography showed a cyst and biopsy showed Fuhrman grade 3 clear cell RCC. Mass was treated with percutaneous cryoablation. Recurrence at 3 years (6 cm renal mass) with hepatic and bone metastases (clinically neck pain and abdominal discomfort). All immunosuppression discontinued and PEGylated IFN-alpha 2a given with tumor remission; Allograft nephrectomy showed sparse microscopic RCC and PET/CT showed resolution of metastatic foci. Patient in remission at time of publication (3 years after treatment).
Demonstration of imputability or root cause: 
XY FISH demonstrated donor origin of tumor (male donor, female recipient). No donor specific antibodies detected.
Imputability grade: 
3 Definite/Certain/Proven
Groups audience: 
Suggest new keywords: 
renal cell carcinoma
induced rejection
stimulated rejection
Case report
deceased donor
kidney transplant
FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization)
Suggest references: 
Champion L, Culine S, Desgranchamps F, Benali K, Verine J, Daugas E. Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma in a Renal Allograft: A Sustained Complete Remission After Stimulated Rejection. Am J Transplant. 2017;17(4):1125-8.
Note: 
First review KL. Second review MN; OK to upload, please remove abnormal blood counts, 1st, 2nd generation from keywords - Done (EP)
Expert comments for publication: 
This single case study focuses on a patient remission from RCC after stimulated rejection with withdrawal of immunosuppressive drugs and pegylated interferon alpha-2a. Given the late onset this would be considered a "donor-derived" as opposed to "donor-transmitted" tumor. However, this report shows the potential aggressiveness of these late onset tumors and provides an anecdotal example of successful immune-based therapy.