Cumulative incidence and risk factors for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma metastases in organ transplant recipients: The Skin Care in Organ Transplant Patients in Europe-International Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative metastases study, a prospective multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are believed to have an increased risk of metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), but reliable data are lacking regarding the precise incidence and associated risk factors. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, including 19 specialist dermatology outpatient clinics in 15 countries, patient and tumor characteristics were collected using standardized questionnaires when SOTRs presented with a new cSCC. After a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, relevant data for all SOTRs were collected. Cumulative incidence of metastases was calculated by the Aalen-Johansen estimator. Fine and Gray models were used to assess multiple risk factors for metastases. RESULTS: Of 514 SOTRs who presented with 623 primary cSCCs, metastases developed in 37 with a 2-year patient-based cumulative incidence of 6.2%. Risk factors for metastases included location in the head and neck area, local recurrence, size > 2 cm, clinical ulceration, poor differentiation grade, perineural invasion, and deep invasion. A high-stage tumor that is also ulcerated showed the highest risk of metastasis, with a 2-year cumulative incidence of 46.2% (31.9%-68.4%). CONCLUSIONS: SOTRs have a high risk of cSCC metastases and well-established clinical and histologic risk factors have been confirmed. High-stage, ulcerated cSCCs have the highest risk of metastasis.

Interventions After First Post-Transplant Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Proposed Decision Framework.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after organ transplant. Many patients subsequently develop multiple CSCC following a first CSCC, and the risk of metastasis and death is significantly increased compared to the general population. Post-transplant CSCC represents a disease at the interface of dermatology and transplant medicine. Both systemic chemoprevention and modulation of immunosuppression are frequently employed in patients with multiple CSCC, yet there is little consensus on their use after first CSCC to reduce risk of subsequent tumors. While relatively few controlled trials have been undertaken, extrapolation of observational data suggests the most effective interventions may be at the time of first CSCC. We review the need for intervention after a first post-transplant CSCC and evidence for use of various approaches as secondary prevention, before discussing barriers preventing engagement with this approach and finally highlight areas for future research. Close collaboration between specialties to ensure prompt deployment of these interventions after a first CSCC may improve patient outcomes.

Management of Kaposi sarcoma after solid organ transplantation: A European retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Systemic therapeutic management of post-transplant Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is mainly based on 3 axes: reduction of immunosuppression, conversion to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. OBJECTIVE: To obtain an overview of clinical strategies about the current treatment of KS. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study including 145 solid organ transplant recipients diagnosed with KS between 1985 and 2011 to collect data regarding first-line treatment and response at 6 months. RESULTS: Overall, 95%, 28%, and 16% of patients had reduction of immunosuppression, conversion to mTOR inhibitor, and chemotherapy, respectively. Patients treated with chemotherapy or mTOR inhibitor conversion were more likely to have visceral KS. At 6 months, 83% of patients had response, including 40% complete responses. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective design of the study. CONCLUSION: Currently available therapeutic options seem to be effective to control KS in most patients. Tapering down the immunosuppressive regimen remains the cornerstone of KS management.

Real-life treatment of cutaneous warts with cantharidin podophyllin salicylic acid solution.

Patients often request treatment of their burdensome cutaneous warts. However, a safe and effective treatment for cutaneous warts is lacking. This study evaluates treatment outcome, side effects, and patient satisfaction after topical application of cantharidin 1% podophyllin 2% salicylic acid 30% (CPS1) solution in a large series of children and adults with cutaneous warts. Fifty-two children and 83 adults with warts, treated with CPS1 solution between October 2012 and October 2014, were included. Complete clearance of warts occurred in 86.5% of children and 62.7% of adults treated with CPS1 solution (p < .01). Resolution of warts was partial in 3.9 and 24.1% and absent in 9.6 and 13.2% of children and adults respectively. Side effects were present in 41.2% of children and 46.3% of adults (p = .7). Most common side effects were blistering, pain, and burning sensation. No serious adverse events occurred. On a 10-point scale, median patient satisfaction score was 9.0 (interquartile range 7.8-10.0) and 8.0 (interquartile range 5.1-9.7) for children and adults respectively (p < .01). CPS1 solution is a safe and promising treatment modality with a high clearance and high patient satisfaction rate for the management of cutaneous warts, particularly in children.

Low wintertime pre-diagnostic vitamin D status is associated with an increased risk of internal malignancies in kidney transplant recipients.

Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations have been associated with increased cancer risk, but the relative importance of seasonality, i.e. high summer concentrations versus low winter concentrations, is unclear. We investigated this issue in a high risk group: kidney transplant recipients with known increased risk of cancer and low vitamin D statuses. We examined the relationship between registered concentrations of 25OHD binned by quarter and subsequent risk of internal malignancy or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in 1112 kidney transplant recipients. Hazard ratios for internal malignancies were significantly increased with lower pre-diagnostic 25OHD concentrations in the first quarter of the year (January-March); a 1.4 fold increase (95%CI 1.1;1.7) per 10 nmol L-1 decrease in 25OHD. Except for women in April-June (1.3 (1.01;1.7) per 10 nmol L-1 decrease) pre-diagnostic 25OHD concentrations in the other quarters were not statistically significantly associated with internal malignancies. Higher 25OHD concentrations tended to be associated with the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, independent of the time of the year. Our study indicates that low wintertime 25OHD concentrations are associated with an increased risk of internal malignancies and that transplant recipients may benefit from wintertime vitamin D supplementation. Our findings need further corroboration, but suggest that the lowest concentrations of vitamin D, which occur in winter, are important for the risk of internal malignancies.

p16 immunostaining in keratinocytic neoplasia in organ transplant recipients: Bowen's disease shows a characteristic pattern.

BACKGROUND: For selecting therapy, it is important to distinguish different types of keratinocytic neoplasia. It is sometimes difficult to make histopathologic diagnosis, especially in organ transplant recipients (OTR) who develop numerous lesions. METHODS: To investigate p16 immunostaining in different types of keratinocytic neoplasia in OTR, we studied 59 actinic keratoses (AK), 51 Bowen' s disease (BD), 63 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 16 benign keratotic lesions (BKL) from 31 OTR patients and 25 controls (eczema and psoriasis). Tissue sections were stained for H&E and p16. We scored intensity, proportion and distribution of p16 positive lesional cells. RESULTS: In 19% of AK, 92% of BD, 35% of SCC and 12% of BKL more than 15% of lesional cells were p16-positive. In 16% of AK, 80% of BD, 18% of SCC and 13% of BKL strong p16 staining was observed. BKL, AK and SCC showed focal and patchy staining, BD showed diffuse pattern with strong staining of all atypical cells. Sparing of the basal layer was predominantly seen in BD. No control specimen showed p16-overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: p16 immunostaining shows a characteristic pattern in BD, but not in AK, SCC and BKL. It appears useful in recognizing BD, but not in differentiating between other keratinocytic neoplasia.

Human Beta-papillomavirus infection and keratinocyte carcinomas.

Although the role of oncogenic human Alpha-papillomaviruses (HPVs) in the development of mucosal carcinomas at different body sites (eg cervix, anus, oropharynx) is fully recognized, a role for HPV in keratinocyte carcinomas (KCs; basal and squamous cell carcinomas) of the skin is not yet clear. KCs are the most common cancers in Caucasians, with the major risk factor being ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. A possible role for Beta-HPV types (BetaPV) in the development of KC was suggested several decades ago, supported by a number of epidemiological studies. Our current review summarizes the recent molecular and histopathological evidence in support of a causal association between BetaPV and the development of KC, and outlines the suspected synergistic effect of viral gene expression with UV radiation and immune suppression. Further insights into the molecular pathways and protein interactions used by BetaPV and the host cell is likely to extend our understanding of the role of BetaPV in KC.

External Validation of the Skin and UV Neoplasia Transplant Risk Assessment Calculator (SUNTRAC) in a Large European Solid Organ Transplant Recipient Cohort.

Importance: The Skin and UV Neoplasia Transplant Risk Assessment Calculator (SUNTRAC) tool has been developed in the US to facilitate the identification of solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. However, it has not yet been validated in populations other than the one used for its creation. Objective: To provide an external validation of the SUNTRAC tool in different SOTR populations. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective external validation prognostic study used data from a prospectively collected cohort of European SOTRs from transplant centers at teaching hospitals in the Netherlands (1995-2016) and Spain (2011-2021). Participants were screened and followed up at dermatology departments. Data were analyzed from September to October 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures: The discrimination ability of the SUNTRAC tool was assessed via a competing risk survival analysis, cumulative incidence plots, and Wolbers concordance index. Calibration of the SUNTRAC tool was assessed through comparison of projected skin cancer incidences. Skin cancer diagnoses included squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. Results: A total of 3421 SOTRs (median age at transplant, 53 [quartile 1: 42; quartile 3: 62] years; 2132 [62.3%] men) were assessed, including 72 Asian patients (2.1%), 137 Black patients (4.0%), 275 Latinx patients (8.0%), 109 Middle Eastern and North African patients (3.2%), and 2828 White patients (82.7%). With a total of 23 213 years of follow-up time, 603 patients developed skin cancer. The SUNTRAC tool classified patients into 4 groups with significantly different risks of developing skin cancer during follow-up. Overall, the relative rate for developing skin cancer estimated using subdistribution hazard ratios (SHRs) and using the low-risk group as the reference group, increased according to the proposed risk group (medium-risk group: SHR, 6.8 [95% CI, 3.8-12.1]; P < .001; high-risk group: SHR, 15.9 [95% CI, 8.9-28.4]; P < .001; very-high-risk group: SHR, 54.8 [95% CI, 29.1-102.9]; P < .001), with a concordance index of 0.72. Actual skin cancer incidences were similar to those predicted by the SUNTRAC tool (5-year skin cancer cumulative incidence for medium-risk group: predicted, 6.2%; observed, 7.0%). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this external validation prognostic study support the use of the SUNTRAC tool in European populations for stratifying SOTRs based on their skin cancer risk and also detecting patients at a high risk of developing skin cancer. This can be helpful in prioritizing and providing better screening and surveillance for these patients.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With Advanced Skin Cancers-Emerging Strategies for Clinical Management.

Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) with advanced skin cancers presents a significant clinical management dilemma. SOTRs and other immunosuppressed patients have been routinely excluded from ICI clinical trials with good reason: immune checkpoints play an important role in self- and allograft-tolerance and risk of acute allograft rejection reported in retrospective studies affects 10% to 65% of cases. These reports also confirm that cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma respond to ICI therapy, although response rates are generally lower than those observed in immunocompetent populations. Prospective trials are now of critical importance in further establishing ICI efficacy and safety. However, based on current knowledge, we recommend that ICIs should be offered to kidney transplant recipients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, or Merkel cell carcinoma if surgery and/or radiotherapy have failed. For kidney transplant recipients, this should be first line ahead of chemotherapy and targeted therapies. In SOTRs, the use of ICIs should be carefully considered with the benefits of ICIs versus risks of allograft rejection weighed up on a case-by-case basis as part of shared decision-making with patients. In all cases, parallel management of immunosuppression may be key to ICI responsiveness. We recommend maintaining immunosuppression before ICI initiation with a dual immunosuppressive regimen combining mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors and either corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. Such modification of immunosuppression must be considered in the context of allograft risk (both rejection and also its subsequent treatment) and risk of tumor progression. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary approach should underpin all clinical decision-making in this challenging scenario.

HLA expression as a risk factor for metastases of cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma in organ- transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Solid organ-transplant recipients (SOTR) have an increased risk of cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC), metastasis and death from cSCC. In immunocompetent patients with mucosal SCC, downregulation of HLA class I is associated with poor prognosis. Since the degree of HLA expression on tumor cells could play a role in immunogenicity and pathophysiology of cSCC metastasis, we hypothesized that decreased HLA expression is associated with an increased risk of metastasis. METHODS: We compared HLA expression between primary metastasized cSCCs, their metastases, and non-metastasized cSCCs from the same patients. Samples were stained for HLA-A, HLA-B/-C and quantified by calculating the difference in immunoreactivity score (IRS) of the primary cSCC compared with all non-metastasized cSCCs. RESULTS: The mean IRS score for HLA-B/C expression was 2.07 point higher in metastasized compared to non-metastasized cSCCs (p = 0.065, 95 % CI -0.18-4.32). 83.3 % of the primary metastasized cSCCs had an IRS score of 4 or higher, compared to 42.9 % in non-metastasized cSCCs. Moderately to poorly differentiated cSCCs had more HLA class I expression compared to well-differentiated cSCCs. CONCLUSION: Contrary to immunocompetent patients, HLA-B/C expression tends to be upregulated in metastasized cSCC compared to non-metastasized cSCC in SOTR, suggesting that different tumor escape mechanisms play a role in SOTR compared to immunocompetent patients.

Discovery of a new human polyomavirus associated with trichodysplasia spinulosa in an immunocompromized patient.

The Polyomaviridae constitute a family of small DNA viruses infecting a variety of hosts. In humans, polyomaviruses can cause infections of the central nervous system, urinary tract, skin, and possibly the respiratory tract. Here we report the identification of a new human polyomavirus in plucked facial spines of a heart transplant patient with trichodysplasia spinulosa, a rare skin disease exclusively seen in immunocompromized patients. The trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSV) genome was amplified through rolling-circle amplification and consists of a 5232-nucleotide circular DNA organized similarly to known polyomaviruses. Two putative "early" (small and large T antigen) and three putative "late" (VP1, VP2, VP3) genes were identified. The TSV large T antigen contains several domains (e.g. J-domain) and motifs (e.g. HPDKGG, pRb family-binding, zinc finger) described for other polyomaviruses and potentially involved in cellular transformation. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship of TSV with the Bornean orangutan polyomavirus and, more distantly, the Merkel cell polyomavirus that is found integrated in Merkel cell carcinomas of the skin. The presence of TSV in the affected patient's skin was confirmed by newly designed quantitative TSV-specific PCR, indicative of a viral load of 10(5) copies per cell. After topical cidofovir treatment, the lesions largely resolved coinciding with a reduction in TSV load. PCR screening demonstrated a 4% prevalence of TSV in an unrelated group of immunosuppressed transplant recipients without apparent disease. In conclusion, a new human polyomavirus was discovered and identified as the possible cause of trichodysplasia spinulosa in immunocompromized patients. The presence of TSV also in clinically unaffected individuals suggests frequent virus transmission causing subclinical, probably latent infections. Further studies have to reveal the impact of TSV infection in relation to other populations and diseases.

Seroprevalence of trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus.

We identified a new polyomavirus in skin lesions from a patient with trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS). Apart from TS being an extremely rare disease, little is known of its epidemiology. On the basis of knowledge regarding other polyomaviruses, we anticipated that infections with trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSV) occur frequently and become symptomatic only in immunocompromised patients. To investigate this hypothesis, we developed and used a Luminex-based TSV viral protein 1 immunoassay, excluded cross-reactivity with phylogenetically related Merkel cell polyomavirus, and measured TSV seroreactivity. Highest reactivity was found in a TS patient. In 528 healthy persons in the Netherlands, a wide range of seroreactivities was measured and resulted in an overall TSV seroprevalence of 70% (range 10% in small children to 80% in adults). In 80 renal transplant patients, seroprevalence was 89%. Infection with the new TSV polyomavirus is common and occurs primarily at a young age.

Consensus-Based Recommendations on the Prevention of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Delphi Consensus Statement.

IMPORTANCE: There is a paucity of evidence to guide physicians regarding prevention strategies for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs). OBJECTIVE: To examine the development and results of a Delphi process initiated to identify consensus-based medical management recommendations for prevention of CSCC in SOTRs. EVIDENCE REVIEW: Dermatologists with more than 5 years' experience treating SOTRs were invited to participate. A novel actinic damage and skin cancer index (AD-SCI), consisting of 6 ordinal stages corresponding to an increasing burden of actinic damage and CSCC, was used to guide survey design. Three sequential web-based surveys were administered from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020. Pursuant to Delphi principles, respondents thoroughly reviewed all peer responses between rounds. Supplemental questions were also asked to better understand panelists' rationale for their responses. FINDINGS: The Delphi panel comprised 48 dermatologists. Respondents represented 13 countries, with 27 (56%) from the US. Twenty-nine respondents (60%) were Mohs surgeons. Consensus was reached with 80% or higher concordance among respondents when presented with a statement, question, or management strategy pertaining to prevention of CSCC in SOTRs. A near-consensus category of 70% to less than 80% concordance was also defined. The AD-SCI stage-based recommendations were established if consensus or near-consensus was achieved. The panel was able to make recommendations for 5 of 6 AD-SCI stages. Key recommendations include the following: cryotherapy for scattered actinic keratosis (AK); field therapy for AK when grouped in 1 anatomical area, unless AKs are thick in which case field therapy and cryotherapy were recommended; combination lesion directed and field therapy with fluorouracil for field cancerized skin; and initiation of acitretin therapy and discussion of immunosuppression reduction or modification for patients who develop multiple skin cancers at a high rate (10 CSCCs per year) or develop high-risk CSCC (defined by a tumor with approximately ≥20% risk of nodal metastasis). No consensus recommendation was achieved for SOTRs with a first low risk CSCC. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Physicians may consider implementation of panel recommendations for prevention of CSCC in SOTRs while awaiting high-level-of-evidence data. Additional clinical trials are needed in areas where consensus was not reached.

Evaluation of a novel broad-spectrum PCR-multiplex genotyping assay for identification of cutaneous wart-associated human papillomavirus types.

A large number of human papillomavirus (HPV) types, distributed over five papillomavirus genera, are detectable in the skin. HPV types belonging to the alpha, gamma, and mu genera have been detected in cutaneous warts. A state-of-the-art HPV genotyping assay for these cutaneous wart-associated HPV types does not exist although warts constitute a highly prevalent skin condition, especially in children (33%) and organ transplant recipients (45%). Cutaneous warts are again the focus of attention as their clinical relevance rises with the increasing number of chronically immunosuppressed patients. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a DNA-based genotyping system for all known cutaneous wart-related HPV types using PCR and Luminex xMAP technology. The broad-spectrum PCR amplified DNA of all known wart-associated HPV types from the genera alpha (HPVs 2, 3, 7, 10, 27, 28, 29, 40, 43, 57, 77, 91, and 94), gamma (HPVs 4, 65, 95, 48, 50, 60, and 88), mu (HPVs 1 and 63), and nu (HPV41). The probes were evaluated using plasmid HPV DNA and a panel of 45 previously characterized cutaneous wart biopsy specimens showing high specificity. HPV was also identified in 96% of 100 swabs from nongenital cutaneous warts. HPV types 1, 2, 27, and 57 were the most prevalent HPV types detected in 89% of the swabs. In conclusion, this Luminex-based genotyping system identifies all known cutaneous wart HPV types including phylogenetically related types, is highly HPV type specific, and is suitable for large-scale epidemiological studies.

Organ transplantation and skin cancer: basic problems and new perspectives.

Solid organ transplant and subsequent graft survival have increased worldwide, while immunosuppression has prevented rejection with increasing success. Side effects of cutaneous infection and neoplasm, however, affect the majority of solid organ transplant recipients (OTRs). Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCC) is the most common neoplasm overall following organ transplant with a risk that is 60-100 times greater than for the immunocompetent population. This review focuses on questions of ongoing debate about SCC formation in OTRs such as viral carcinogenesis, systemic photoprotection, photosensitization by drugs, the impact of immunosuppressive drugs and inflammation as a driver of carcinogenesis.

Aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Organ Transplant Recipients.

Importance: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent malignant neoplasm found in solid organ transplant recipients and is associated with a more aggressive disease course and higher risk of metastasis and death than in the general population. Objectives: To report the clinicopathologic features of and identify factors associated with aggressive SCC in solid organ transplant recipients. Methods: This retrospective multicentric case series included 51 patients who underwent solid organ transplantation and were found to have aggressive SCC, defined by nodal or distant metastasis or death by local progression of primary SCC. Standard questionnaires were completed by the researchers between July 18, 2005, and January 1, 2015. Data were analyzed between February 22, 2016, and July 12, 2016. Results: Of the 51 participants, 43 were men and 8 were women, with a median age of 51 years (range, 19-71 years) at time of transplantation and 62 years (range, 36-77 years) at time of diagnosis of aggressive SCC. The distribution of aggressive SCC was preferentially on the face (34 [67%]) and scalp (6 [12%]), followed by the upper extremities (6 [12%]). A total of 21 tumors (41%) were poorly differentiated, with a median tumor diameter of 18.0 mm (range, 4.0-64.0 mm) and median tumor depth of 6.2 mm (range, 1.0-20.0 mm). Perineural invasion was present in 20 patients (39%), while 23 (45%) showed a local recurrence. The 5-year overall survival rate was 23%, while 5-year disease-specific survival was 30.5%. Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this case series suggest that anatomical site, differentiation, tumor diameter, tumor depth, and perineural invasion are important risk factors in aggressive SCC in solid organ transplant recipients.

More epidermal p53 patches adjacent to skin carcinomas in renal transplant recipients than in immunocompetent patients: the role of azathioprine.

Immunosuppressive medication in renal transplant recipients (RTR) strongly increases the risk of cancers on sun-exposed skin. This increased risk was considered an inevitable collateral effect of immunosuppression, because UV-induced carcinomas in mice were found to be highly antigenic. Here, we posed the question whether immunosuppression also increases the frequency of p53-mutant foci ('p53 patches'), putative microscopic precursors of squamous cell carcinomas. As the majority of RTR was kept on azathioprine for most of the time, we investigated whether this drug could increase UV-induced p53 patches by immunosuppression. As azathioprine can impair UV-damaged DNA repair under certain conditions, we also investigated whether DNA repair was affected. Archive material of RTR and immunocompetent patients (ICP), as well as azathioprine-administered hairless mice were examined for p53 patches. DNA repair was investigated by ascertaining the effect of azathioprine on unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) in UV-irradiated human keratinocytes. P53 patches were more prevalent in RTR than in ICP in normal skin adjacent to carcinomas (P = 0.02), in spite of a lower mean age in the RTR (52 vs 63 years, P = 0.001), but we found no increase in UV-induced p53 patches in mice that were immunosuppressed by azathioprine. We found a significant reduction in DNA repair activity in keratinocytes treated with azathioprine (P = 0.011). UV-induced UDS in humans is dominated by repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, and these DNA lesions can lead to 'UV-signature' mutations in the P53 gene, giving rise to p53 patches.

Allopurinol is the most common cause of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in Europe and Israel.

BACKGROUND: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare severe cutaneous adverse reactions. OBJECTIVES: We sought to update knowledge on the causes of SJS or TEN with a focus on the rate of allopurinol-associated cases and to identify risk factors for allopurinol-associated SJS or TEN. METHODS: We conducted a multinational case-control study. RESULTS: In all, 379 patients with severe cutaneous adverse reactions validated as SJS or TEN and 1505 matched hospitalized control subjects were enrolled. Allopurinol was the drug most frequently associated with SJS or TEN, with 66 exposed patients (17.4%) and 28 exposed control subjects (1.9%) (adjusted odds ratio = 18, 95% confidence interval: 11-32). Allopurinol use was greater than in a previous case-control European study. Daily doses equal to or greater than 200 mg were associated with a higher risk (adjusted odds ratio = 36, 95% confidence interval: 17-76) than lower doses (adjusted odds ratio = 3.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-8.4). The risk was restricted to short-term use (

Risk of Aggressive Skin Cancers After Kidney Retransplantation in Patients With Previous Posttransplant Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Retrospective Study of 53 Cases.

BACKGROUND: The course of skin cancer after retransplantation in organ-transplant recipients who have already developed posttransplant skin cancer has not been assessed. METHODS: This retrospective multicentric study included 53 patients with a history of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) after a first kidney transplantation who received a second kidney transplantation. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of aggressive cutaneous SCC after the second transplantation. Secondary endpoints included the course of skin cancers over 3 periods (first transplantation, return to dialysis, second transplantation), the time to occurrence, and risk factors for aggressive SCC after retransplantation. RESULTS: The first SCC developed in 47 patients with a functional graft and in 6 after return to dialysis. After the first transplantation, 17 (33.3%) patients developed SCC in dialysis and 39 (73.6%) after the second transplantation, respectively. Twenty aggressive SCC developed over the study period. They occurred in 14 (26.4%) patients after retransplantation vs 5 (9.4%) after the first transplantation with a median delay of 50 months and were responsible for 5 deaths. Fair skin type, multiple tumors before retransplantation, treatment with azathioprine, T cell-depleting antibodies, and delayed revision of immunosuppression were associated with an increased risk of aggressive cutaneous SCC after retransplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Candidates to retransplantation with a history of posttransplant SCC have a high risk of aggressive SCC. Our data suggest that the risk could be reduced by a tailored immunosuppression. A wait period may be required depending on the clinicopathological characteristics of the previous SCC and discussed on an individual patient basis.

Seroreactivity to epidermodysplasia verruciformis-related human papillomavirus types is associated with nonmelanoma skin cancer.

DNA from epidermodysplasia verruciformis-related human papillomavirus (EV-HPV) types is frequently found in nonmelanoma skin cancer (squamous and basal cell carcinoma). Epidemiological studies that investigate the relation between EV-HPV infection and nonmelanoma skin cancer are scarce. We designed a case-control study in which we looked for HPV infection in 540 cases with a history of skin cancer and 333 controls. By measuring seroreactivity to L1 virus-like particles of EV-HPV types 5, 8, 15, 20, 24, and 38 and the genital type HPV16 and by estimating the skin cancer relative risk among HPV seropositives, we analyzed whether EV-HPV serorecognition is associated with nonmelanoma skin cancer. Seroreactivity to five of the six EV-HPV types tested (HPV5, 8, 15, 20, and 24) was significantly increased in the squamous cell carcinoma cases. After adjusting for age and sex, the estimated squamous cell carcinoma relative risk was significantly increased in HPV8 and HPV38 seropositives [odds ratio (OR) = 14.7 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6-135) and OR = 3.0 (95% CI, 1.1-8.4), respectively]. The estimated relative risk for nodular and superficial multifocal basal cell carcinoma was also significantly increased in the HPV8 seropositives [OR = 9.2 (95% CI, 1.1-78.2) and OR = 17.3 (95% CI, 2.1-143), respectively] and in the HPV20 seropositives [OR = 3.2 (95% CI 1.3-7.9) and OR = 3.4 (95% CI 1.2-9.5), respectively]. The relative risk of developing malignant melanoma was not increased among HPV seropositives, and no associations were found for HPV16. Restricted analyses among the HPV seropositives only, to exclude distortion by interindividual differences in seroresponsiveness, underscored the significance of our findings. Restricted analyses among patients with skin cancer only, however, revealed that EV-HPV seropositivity was not significantly more present in patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer than in those with melanoma skin cancer. Taken together, our results indicate that EV-HPV serorecognition is nonspecifically associated with nonmelanoma skin cancer and suggest that EV-HPV-directed seroresponses are induced upon skin cancer formation, rather than upon infection.