Noninvasive Therapy of Incidental De Novo Renal Cell Carcinoma in a Kidney Allograft 12 Years After Transplantation: Report of a Case and Review of Literature

Abstract 

Background

Immunosuppressive therapy increases the incidence of posttransplantation cancer. Primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents 4.6% of all cancers in transplant recipients. The treatment options for RCC in a renal allograft include radical nephrectomy or nephron-sparing surgery. We report the case of a patient who underwent percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of a RCC in the grafted kidney.

Patient and Methods

Twelve years after undergoing heterotopic, allogenic kidney transplantation, a de novo lesion was diagnosed in the upper pole of the kidney graft in a 77-year-old patient during routine duplex ultrasonography. The magnetic resonance image showed a spherical lesion of 17 mm in diameter, which undoubtedly showed radiological signs of a RCC. After adequately informing the patient about alternative treatment strategies and the associated risks, we made an interdisciplinary decision for a percutaneous RFA of the lesion.

Results

After the intervention, graft function remained unchanged and is still good at 6 months with no signs of local recurrence on follow-up MRI. A small coagulation defect at the site of the former lesion was the only morphological change. There was also no evidence of distant tumor spread.

Conclusion

Percutaneous RFA seems an acceptable, allograft-preserving treatment option associated with low morbidity and mortality for RCC in a renal allograft considering the significant risks associated with open partial nephrectomy in a kidney graft.