Mycophenolate mofetil for maintenance therapy in kidney transplantation.

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a new immunosuppressive drug that selectively inhibits de novo purine synthesis. It has been tested in three large double-blind controlled trials for the prevention of rejection in renal transplant patients. These studies indicate that the use of MMF dramatically decreases the incidence of biopsy-proven rejection, the use of multiple courses of steroids for rejection, and the use of antilymphocyte preparations for treatment of rejection. The drug was well tolerated with an acceptable safety profile. The main side effects were gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), but seldom resulted in the cessation of drug therapy. Hematologic side effects similar to those with azathioprine occurred and were reversible. There was a slight increase in CMV-invasive disease with the use of MMF, but no deaths. Rates of malignancy were within published ranges for transplant recipients. Mycophenolate mofetil is a safe and efficacious drug for prevention of rejection in kidney transplant recipients.