Kidney transplant recipients are at a heightened risk for developing skin cancers due to the long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs, which reduce the body’s ability to detect and fight cancer. A study led by Johns Hopkins researchers explored a combination treatment that aims to stimulate the immune system to combat advanced skin cancers while preserving the transplanted kidney. In a phase 1/2 trial involving eight patients, participants received a regimen of two immunosuppressive drugs and one or two immune checkpoint inhibitors. While all patients initially experienced disease progression, the addition of a second checkpoint inhibitor led to a complete tumor regression in two of six patients.

The trial provided valuable insights, showing that donor-derived cell-free DNA could predict graft rejection earlier than serum creatinine levels. These findings will inform future trials, including a follow-up study using a different combination of immunosuppressive drugs and checkpoint inhibitors. The goal is to strike a balance between effectively treating cancer and preserving the transplanted organ.

Reference: Johns Hopkins Medicine. Novel drug combination shows promise for treating advanced skin cancers in kidney transplant recipients. News Medical. Published February 28, 2024. Accessed September 11, 2024. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240228/Novel-drug-combination-shows-promise-for-treating-advanced-skin-cancers-in-kidney-transplant-recipients.aspx