Klin Onkol 2003; 16(4): 193-195.
Summary: The allogenic transplant recipients experience an increased risk of cancer in comparison with general population. De novo genesis of neoplasm related to immunosuppression is the most common mechanism of post-transplant malignancy. The second etiologic factor is the outbreak of pre-existing malignant disease in the recipient, that was misdiagnosed or in longterm remission before transplantation. The third and the rarest possibility is the transference of donor neoplasm by the
transplanted organ. This paper reports the case of heart transplantation from the donor with metastatic melanoma which was detected after explantation and implantation of the graft to the recipient. More than one year after transplantation the patient is in good clinical condition with excellent function of the graft. There is not any evidence of melanoma recurrence in the recipient. The authors present review of few literature reports regarding donor-transmitted malignancy into cardiac transplant recipients
and also their own opinions and questions related to this uncommon situation.
