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Thomas M Beebe

Publications and source records attributed to Thomas M Beebe.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Analysis of factors that influence survival with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in renal transplant recipients: the Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry experience.

Significant mortality is associated with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in kidney transplant recipients (KTX). Univariate/multivariate risk factor survival analysis of US PTLD KTX reported to Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry from November 1968 to January 2000 was performed. PTLD presented 18 (median) (range 1-310) months in 402 KTX. Death rates were greater for those diagnosed within 6 months (64%) versus beyond 6 months (54%, p = 0.04). No differences in death risk for gender, race, immunosuppression, EBV, B or T cell positivity were identified. Death risk increased for multiple versus single sites (73% vs. 53%, hazards ratio (HR) 1.4). A 1-year increase in age increased HR for death by 2%. Surgery was associated with increased survival (55% vs. 0% without surgery) (p < 0.0001). Patients with allograft involvement, treated with transplant nephrectomy alone (n = 20), had 80% survival versus 53% without allograft removal (n = 15) (p < 0.001). Overall survival was 69% for allograft involvement alone versus 36% for other organ involvement plus allograft (n = 19 alive) (p < 0.0001). Death risk was greater for multiple site PTLD and increasing age, and risks were additive. Univariate analysis identified increased death risk for those not receiving surgery, particularly allograft involvement alone.

Graft Rejection↗

Recurrence risk after organ transplantation in patients with a history of Hodgkin disease or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

This study defines the incidence and recurrence risk of Hodgkin disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) after organ transplant. Patients from the United States with a history of HD or NHL before organ transplantation reported to the Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry from 1968 to 2001 were analyzed. A total of 91 patients underwent organ transplantation with a lymphoma history: HD (38 patients) and NHL (53 patients). Median disease-free interval pretransplant was 99 (range 0-459.1) months, and median follow-up posttransplant was 25.7 (0.4-131.1) months. Ten patients were excluded from further analysis because of lack of follow-up information (n=9) or they never achieved remission (n=1). Recurrence incidence was 8 of 81 patients (10%) (HD=3/34 [9%] vs. NHL=5/47 [11%]). Gender, race, allograft type and source, age at lymphoma diagnosis, and immunosuppression did not influence recurrence. Patients with less than a 2-year period between diagnosis and transplant seem to be at increased risk of relapse. Median disease-free interval before transplant was longer for patients without recurrence (115 vs. 30.2 months, P=0.24), but was not statistically significant. Median time to recurrence posttransplant was 18.7 (range 1.9-82.2) months (HD=3.7 vs. NHL 23.6 months, P=0.10). Survival after recurrence was poor (HD [1/3] and NHL [1/5], median survival 6.8 [range 0-22.1] months). There is no difference in recurrence rates for HD and NHL. The outcome for recurrent lymphoma is poor. The low risk of recurrence (10%) indicates that preexisting HD and NHL need not be an absolute contraindication to transplantation.

Adolescent↗

Characteristics and survival patterns of solid organ transplant patients developing de novo colon and rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Immunosuppression used in transplantation is associated with an increased incidence of various cancers. Although the incidence of colorectal cancer in transplant patients seems to be equal to nontransplant population, the effects of immunosuppression on patients who develop colorectal cancer are not well defined. The purpose of this study was to define the characteristics and survival patterns of transplant patients developing de novo colorectal cancer. METHODS: The Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry was queried for patients with colorectal cancer. Analysis included patient demographics, age at transplantation and colorectal cancer diagnosis, tumor stage, and survival. Age and survival rates were compared to United States population-based colorectal cancer statistics using the National Cancer Institute Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database. RESULTS: A total of 150 transplant patients with de novo colorectal cancer were identified: 93 kidney, 29 heart, 27 liver, and 1 lung. Mean age at transplantation was 53 years. Age at transplantation and colorectal cancer diagnosis was not significant for gender, race, or stage of disease. Compared to National Cancer Institute Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database, transplantation patients had a younger mean age at colorectal cancer diagnosis (58 vs. 70 years; P < 0.001), and a worse five-year survival (overall, 44 vs. 62 percent, P < 0.001; Dukes A and B, 74 vs. 90 percent, P < 0.001; Dukes C, 20 vs. 66 percent, P < 0.001; and Dukes D, 0 vs. 9 percent, P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Transplant patients develop colorectal cancer at a younger age and exhibit worse five-year survival rates than the general population. These data suggest that chronic immunosuppression results in a more aggressive tumor biology. Frequent posttransplantation colorectal cancer screening program may be warranted.

Aged↗

Posttransplant malignancy.

In the past few decades, great advances have been made in the field of solid-organ transplantation. A greater understanding of immune system function, the development of modern immunosuppression, and advancements in surgical technique have led to marked improvements in both recipient and graft survivals, as well as recipients' quality of life. However, improved survival rates have also led to prolonged exposure to chronic immunosuppression, which increases the risk for the development of posttransplant malignancies. In addition, older transplant candidates are being considered, carrying with them the increased likelihood of preexisting malignancy. Consequently, the potential risk of posttransplant malignancy must be considered. Moreover, as long-term transplant survivors continue to age, posttransplant malignancies will be seen more frequently. This review presents the more commonly encountered posttransplant malignancies and the measures that are currently being utilized to prevent and treat them.

Adult↗

Donor transmitted malignancies.

Early experiences in transplantation, which pre-dated brain death laws, utilized organs from donors with active malignancies. The use of organs from such donors occasionally resulted in the transmission of malignancy from the donor to an unknowing recipient. Over a period of three decades, Israel Penn, M. D. catalogued some two hundred and fifty cases of organs transplanted from donors with a history of malignancy; carefully examining each reported case for tumor histology, donor risk factors, method of tumor presentation and recipient outcome. Some recipients never developed malignancies, while others were less fortunate, developing cancers that were suspicious for donor origin. The evolution of transplantation has resulted in improved patient survival, which in turn has led to an increased demand for organ transplantation. Unfortunately, the supply of organs available for transplantation has failed to keep pace with the demand, with the worldwide deficit growing annually. In an effort to bridge the widening gap, utilization of older and more marginal donors has been suggested. However, use of older donors is accompanied by the likelihood that a significant proportion may have undiagnosed malignancies. Multiple transplant programs have considered the use of donors with tumors of non-malignant or even low-grade malignant histology, most often involving the central nervous system (CNS). According to a survey from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), central nervous system malignancies are among the most commonly identified malignancies found in potential donors. This study examines the distribution of potential donor transmitted malignancies reported to the Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry. The incidence of tumor transmission is examined in the overall group as well as among individual histologies. We also seek to identify specific factors associated with the risk of malignancy transmission from donor to recipient, in an effort to minimize future transmission of donor tumors to unwitting recipients. The study is based on voluntary registry data, which some argue can be criticized for a lack of true incidence data. In reality, however, this data may provide a more accurate insight since it is based on transmissions from high-risk donors rather than from the general population.

Humans↗

Donors with central nervous system malignancies: are they truly safe?

BACKGROUND: In an era of organ shortage, the use of expanded or marginal donors has been attempted to increase transplantation rates and diminish waiting list mortality. One strategy is the use of organs from patients with a history of or active central nervous system (CNS) tumor. METHODS: Sixty-two recipients were identified as the recipients of organs from donors with a history of or active CNS malignancy. Patient demographics, donor tumor management, incidence of tumor transmission, and patient survival were examined. RESULTS: Of the organs recovered and transplanted from donors with astrocytoma, 14 were associated with at least one risk factor including high-grade tumor (n=4), prior surgery (n=5), radiation therapy (n=4), and systemic chemotherapy (n=4). One tumor transmission was identified at 20 months posttransplant with the patient expiring from metastatic disease. Twenty-six organs were transplanted from glioblastoma patients with 15 demonstrating risk factors including high-grade tumor (n=9) and prior surgery (n=10). Eight transmissions were identified with a range of 2 to 15 months posttransplant, with seven patients dying as the result of metastatic disease. Seven organs were used from donors with a medulloblastoma. Three transmissions were identified at a range of 5 to 7 months, all associated with ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Two medulloblastoma recipients died as the result of metastatic disease, whereas the third is alive with diffuse disease. The rate of donor tumor transmission, in the absence of risk factors, was 7%, whereas in the presence of one or more risk factor this rate dramatically rose to 53% (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Organs from donors with CNS tumors can be used with a low risk of donor tumor transmission in the absence of the following risk factors: high-grade tumors, ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculoatrial shunts, prior craniotomy, and systemic chemotherapy.

Astrocytoma↗

MALToma: a Helicobacter pylori-associated malignancy in transplant patients: a report from the Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry with a review of published literature.

BACKGROUND: Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma) is a Helicobacter pylori-related tumor of B-cell origin, the malignant potential for which remains to be defined in immunosuppressed patients. METHODS: Review of the Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry identified six cases of gastric MALToma. Patient demographics, management, and outcomes were compared and published literature was reviewed. RESULTS: MALToma developed in six transplant recipients (three kidney, two heart, one kidney-pancreas). All were treated with immunosuppression minimization and therapy for H. pylori, resulting in disease regression in five patients. One patient developed progression to high-grade MALToma despite documented H. pylori eradication, required surgery and chemotherapy, and died, with significant disease at autopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of MALToma with immunosuppression minimization and anti-H. pylori therapy results in a majority of patients becoming disease free. Observation of malignant degeneration into an aggressive, high-grade lymphoma in one patient indicates the malignant potential. Diligent follow-up of these patients with endoscopy and biopsy is therefore indicated.

Adult↗

The Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry.

The Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry is literally the world's premier repository of information on patients who have developed malignancies after organ transplants. The administrators of the Registry not only collect information but also provide consulting services based on the accumulated knowledge that the Registry contains. By creating a secure Web-based front end, we have made it possible for the Registry to keep pace with its burgeoning international caseload.

Humans↗

Incidental diagnosis of gastric cancer in transplant recipients improves patient survival.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer in the United States is often diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in dismal outcomes. In the immunosuppressed transplant recipient population, little is known about the clinical staging and outcome of these compromised patients. METHODS: All US cases reported to the Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry were retrospectively examined for patient demographics, immunosuppressive therapy, tumor characteristics, therapeutic modalities, and mortality. Statistical analysis was performed with Students t test, chi-square analysis, and log-rank analysis by the method of Kaplan-Meier. RESULTS: Gastric cancer was identified in 34 recipients: 28 (82%) were male; 24 (71%) were white. Mean age at diagnosis was 58 +/- 11 years. Twenty-four (71%) patients received kidney transplants, 7 (21%) received heart transplants, and 3 (9%) received liver transplants. Fifty percent received induction therapy, whereas 94% were maintained on calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids. Thirty-five percent of patients were diagnosed during evaluation for gastrointestinal symptoms, with the remaining cases discovered incidentally during endoscopy (53%) or during computed tomography (12%) performed for other reasons. Stage varied at presentation as follows: stage I (n = 6), stage II (n = 11), stage III (n = 13), and stage IV (n = 4). Incidental diagnoses resulted in a lower stage malignancy (P <.001) and greater 1-year and 5-year survivals (P <.05) compared with those patients whose were diagnosed after being evaluated of gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSION: In the United States, because gastric cancer in the transplant recipient is frequently identified at an earlier stage (50% were stages I and II) than in the general population, survivals are equivalent despite continued administration of immunosuppression. This early identification may be attributed to more frequent presymptom diagnosis and staging, resulting from incidental detection of these malignancies during posttransplant upper endoscopy or computed tomography. Early detection has resulted in a 29% 5-year survival for the entire transplant recipient group compared with a 5% to 15% 5-year survival in the general population.

Comorbidity↗