Cancer is a critically important outcome for kidney transplant recipients that
inconsistently and infrequently reported in trials. We convened a consensus
workshop to establish a core outcome measure for cancer for trials in kidney
transplant recipients. Workshop attendees included 21 transplant recipients,
2 caregivers and 46 health professionals from 12 countries. Transcripts were
analyzed thematically.
Transforming the lives of people with cancer and organ transplants through integrated healthcare and research.
Watch intro video (4 min)
The Center for Innovations in Cancer & Transplant was founded with the following goals:
- To provide outstanding multidisciplinary clinical care for pre- and post-transplant patients with cancer.
- To lead exceptional, multidimensional, patient-focused research of cancer before and after organ transplant through a robust bioregistry and collaborative research network.
We seek to do this through a first-of-its kind clinic, a new bioregistry, and our own original research.
Learn more about the Center
Clinic
The first-of-its-kind multidisciplinary consult clinic for organ transplant candidates and recipients with cancer.
Bioregistry
A registry to integrate patient data from cancer centers and transplant programs around the world.
Research
Investigating the immune mechanisms and epidemiology of cancer with solid organ transplantation.
Recent publications
Establishing a core outcome measure for cancer in trials in kidney transplantation: a standardized outcomes in nephrology-kidney transplantation consensus workshop report
Ellen Dobrijevic… Christopher D. Blosser… Germaine Wong
Transplant International
39
Original Work
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/ti.2026.16181
Three themes were identified. “Fear of cancer occurrence due to immunosuppression” reflected the psychological burden and uncertainties when balancing suppression with long-term cancer risk. “Capturing the details of type, stage and recurrence”, encompassed recognizing the differential consequences of cancer types, delineating the stage of cancer to convey severity, and distinguishing recurrent from de novo cancer. “Recognizing the challenges of capturing cancer events” included under-reporting and incomplete documentation of longer-term outcomes, variability in cancer screening practices, and absence of coordinated trial networks to support harmonization and aggregation of cancer outcomes across studies. Participants agreed that occurrence, with stratification by cancer type, stage, and recurrence, where possible, would be a practical and meaningful core outcome measure for cancer. Consistent reporting of cancer using a standardized core outcome
measure may help to improve the consistency and relevance of trial findings and assist in shared decision-making in kidney transplantation
Malignancy and Kidney Transplant: Core Curriculum 2026
Christopher D. Blosser, Elena-Bianca Barbir, Salma Shaikhouni, Naoka Murakami
American Journal of Kidney Disease
87(6): 852-866
Original Work
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2026.01.011
Kidney transplant recipients are at least twice as likely to develop cancer compared with immunocompetent
people. Cancer is now the second leading cause of death in kidney transplant recipients.
Candidates and recipients are living longer with chronic conditions and immunosuppression, which
increases the risk of cancers, especially skin and kidney cancers, lymphoma, and plasma cell dyscrasias.
Given the complexities associated with the care of transplant patients with cancer, along with
the advent of novel cancer therapies that include targeted and immunotherapies (ie, immune
checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cells), there is a growing need for nephrologists to understand and
manage the associated risks and optimize diagnosis and treatment. The screening and management
of cancer in the setting of kidney transplantation is best accomplished by a multidisciplinary team,
involving knowledgeable nephrologists, oncologists, and patients. In this Core Curriculum, we review
common pretransplant and posttransplant cancers and management strategies through a series of
clinical cases.
Practical Guide to Address Common Myths in the Pre– and Post–kidney Transplant Management of the Elderly Patient with Cancer: An Opinion Paper
Mary Ann Linda… Naoka Murakami…Christopher D. Blosser…Evan T. Hall… Arpita Basu
Transplantation Direct
12(6):p e1934
Original Work
DOI: 10.1097/TXD.0000000000001934
Two areas of overlap between kidney transplantation and oncology that remain fraught with uncertainty and bias are (1) transplant candidacy for elderly patients with historic or active cancers or premalignant conditions, and (2) managing cancer in elderly kidney transplant recipients. These have led to inadvertent inequities in the care of elderly kidney transplant candidates with historic or active malignancies. Incorporating a patient’s viewpoint and an oncologist’s perspective, we present a nuanced, multidisciplinary approach to management that goes beyond mere consideration of chronological age and focuses on the individual patient and his/her goals.