Malignancies after liver transplantation: a comparative review.

With the improved survival of patients after liver transplantation, an increase in the incidence of secondary malignancies has been observed. The use of multiple immunosuppressive drugs has been implicated as a strong contributing factor for this increased susceptibility to malignancy, especially cutaneous cancers and lymphoproliferative diseases. With a longer follow-up, we may expect to see a wider variety of malignancies after liver transplantation, probably similar to what we have observed in renal transplant patients. Prevention through changes in lifestyle habits and ongoing surveillance for cancer may improve the timely detection of these malignancies in liver transplant patients, and allow for early institution of effective therapy.