Malignant melanoma in organ transplant recipients: incidence, outcomes, and management strategies: a review of literature

Abstract

Malignant melanoma is considered to be an immunogenic tumor, which is expected to change its behaviour in the field of immunosuppression. Although the incidence of melanoma in organ transplant recipients is increased to a smaller degree than in non-melanoma skin cancer, its potential morbidity and mortality has to be considered in the posttransplant care. The aim of this review is to investigate the relationship between melanoma and immunosuppression and to discuss management strategies for different melanoma scenarios in pre-transplant as well as posttransplant period.

Keywords: immunosuppression; malignant melanoma; prognosis; therapy.