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Risk factors and pathogenesis of malignant neoplasms in kidney transplant recipients

https://doi.org/10.23873/2074-0506-2026-18-2-243-256

Abstract

Background. Kidney transplant recipients have a significantly increased risk of developing malignancies compared with the general population. Moreover, recipients living in different regions of the world have different rates and patterns of cancer incidence.

Objective. To determine the characteristics of risk factors and pathogenesis of malignant neoplasms in kidney transplant recipients.

Material and methods. The study was based on materials from Russian and international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, eLIBRARY.RU, CyberLeninka, Google Scholar, Web of Science, using the search queries «transplanted kidney,» «malignant neoplasms,» «pathogenesis,» and «risk factors.» From the initial selection of 154 publications, 60 of the most relevant studies from 2020–2025 were selected.

Conclusion. Kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk of developing malignancies due to specific oncogenic factors absent in the general population. These factors are conventionally divided into three groups: donor-related, recipient-related, and kidney transplant-associated. Furthermore, there are additional factors associated with the development of post-transplant cancer that are specific to certain regions of residence, leading to different patterns of incidence. Understanding the risk factors and pathogenesis specific to renal transplant recipients in a specific population may allow for the identification of risk groups and the development of regional malignancy screening programs.

About the Authors

R. N. Trushkin
Moscow Clinical Research Center Hospital № 52
Russian Federation

Ruslan N. Trushkin, Prof., Dr. Sci. (Med.), Head of the Urological Department

3 Pekhotnaya St., Moscow 123182



T. K. Isaev
Moscow Clinical Research Center Hospital № 52
Russian Federation

Teymur K. Isaev, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Urologist, Urology Department

3 Pekhotnaya St., Moscow 123182



A. A. Sokolov
Central Clinical Hospital with a Polyclinic of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation

Aleksandr A. Sokolov, Cand. Sci. (Med.), Urologist, Oncourology Department

15 Marshal Timoshenko St., Moscow 121359



S. A. Sokolov
Moscow Clinical Research Center Hospital № 52
Russian Federation

Sergey A. Sokolov, Urologist, Urology Department

3 Pekhotnaya St., Moscow 123182



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Trushkin R.N., Isaev T.K., Sokolov A.A., Sokolov S.A. Risk factors and pathogenesis of malignant neoplasms in kidney transplant recipients. Transplantologiya. The Russian Journal of Transplantation. 2026;18(2):243-256. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.23873/2074-0506-2026-18-2-243-256

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