Using a weaning immunosuppression protocol in liver transplantation recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a compromise between the risk of recurrence and the risk of rejection?

ABSTRACT: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence rate after liver transplantation (LT) is still up to 15-20%, despite a careful selection of candidates and optimization of the management within the waiting list. To reduce tumour recurrence, the currently adopted post-transplant strategies are based on the administration of a tailored immunosuppression (IS) regimen. Drug-induced depression of the immune system is essential in preventing graft rejection, however has a well-established association with oncogenesis. The immune system has a key role as a defending mechanism against cancer development, preventing vascular invasion and metastasis. Thus, IS drugs represent one of few modifiable non-oncological risk factors for tumour recurrence. In HCC recipients, a tailored IS therapy, with the aim to m

SUBMITTER: Angelico R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5639004 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature