New Approaches in TransplantationKidney transplantationRenal Cell Carcinoma in Renal Transplantation: The Case for Surveillance

- Malignancy post-renal transplant is a common cause of death.
- Early detection and treatment of renal cell carcinoma a through routine screenings of kidney transplant recipients is best practice.
- Ultrasound is a simple, convenient test to diagnose and prevent development of advanced stage cancer.

IntroductionBetween January 2013 and September 2015, 135 consecutive renal transplant patients were screened prospectively with ultrasound for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).ResultsEighteen ultrasound abnormalities were identified with 4 solid lesions detected. Fifty-six other patients were screened retrospectively by referring nephrology groups, with 6 additional malignancies found.ConclusionAs a result of our data, we recommend and have instituted annual ultrasound screening of native kidneys in all renal transplant patients.