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. 2022 Apr;11(4):710-719.
doi: 10.21037/gs-22-137.

Effects of solid organ transplantation on the risk of developing thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Liang Hu  1 , Yijun Wu  1 , Fangyu Ju  1 , Yaohui Zhang  1 , Weilin Wang  2
Affiliations

Effects of solid organ transplantation on the risk of developing thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Liang Hu et al. Gland Surg. 2022 Apr.

Abstract

Background: Solid organ transplantation (SOT), which is the best remedy for end-stage organ failure, is accompanied by the risk of developing a postoperative malignant tumor. To date, assessments of the changes in the increased risk of thyroid cancer (TC) after SOT remain controversial. This study sought to reevaluate the risk of TC after SOT based on the latest literature. Our findings could improve the early diagnosis of tumors and the overall prognosis of patients after SOT.

Methods: A computerized search of four major English-language databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) was performed to retrieve cohort studies on the risk of developing TC after SOT. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was used as the pooled-effect size and expressed as the 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: In total, 20 cohort studies, comprising 362,079 patients who underwent SOT, were included in the meta-analysis. We found that the patients all had an increased risk of developing TC after the transplantation of different solid organs, including the kidney, heart, lung, and liver (P<0.05), and patients had the highest risk of developing TC after kidney transplantation (SIR =5.28, 95% CI: 4.03-6.92, P<0.01).

Conclusions: Patients have an increased risk of developing TC after SOT. Aggressive and regular tumor screenings after SOT for early detection and timely treatment may improve patient prognosis.

Keywords: Solid organ transplantation (SOT); meta-analysis; thyroid cancer (TC).

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://gs.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/gs-22-137/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Search flow diagram of literature included in meta-analysis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Risk of developing TC after renal transplantation. TC, thyroid cancer; SIR, standardized incidence ratio; CI, confidence interval.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Risk of developing TC after heart transplantation. TC, thyroid cancer; SIR, standardized incidence ratio; CI, confidence interval.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Risk of developing TC after lung transplantation. TC, thyroid cancer; SIR, standardized incidence ratio; CI, confidence interval.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Risk of developing TC after liver transplantation. TC, thyroid cancer; SIR, standardized incidence ratio; CI, confidence interval.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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