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

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.

Automated summary

This study reevaluated the risk of developing thyroid cancer (TC) after solid organ transplantation (SOT) based on the latest literature. The results showed that patients undergoing different solid organ transplantations, especially kidney transplantation, had an increased risk of developing TC. Therefore, aggressive and regular tumor screenings after SOT may improve patient prognosis.