Immune deficiency linked to a type of eye cancer
Key points
- The incidence of squamous cell eye cancer is greater among kidney transplant patients and people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than the general public, which suggests the disease is associated with immune deficiency.
- Claire Vajdic, Ph.D., of the University of New South Wales in Sydney and colleagues compared the incidence of squamous cell eye cancer in the general population with that of kidney transplant patients, who have suppressed immune systems.
- Of the 10,180 patients in the study, five were diagnosed with this eye cancer; less than one case was expected.
- “The carcinogenic mechanism is not known, but the available evidence suggests an effect of solar ultraviolet radiation and possibly HPV infection,” the authors write.
The incidence of squamous cell eye cancer is greater among kidney transplant patients and people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than the general public, which suggests the disease is associated with immune deficiency.
Claire Vajdic, Ph.D., of the University of New South Wales in Sydney and colleagues compared the incidence of squamous cell eye cancer in the general population with that of kidney transplant patients, who have suppressed immune systems.
Of the 10,180 patients in the study, five were diagnosed with this eye cancer; less than one case was expected. Residence in the subtropical state of Queensland and prior history of squamous cell skin cancer were associated with higher risk of squamous cell eye cancer.
“The carcinogenic mechanism is not known, but the available evidence suggests an effect of solar ultraviolet radiation and possibly HPV infection,” the authors write.
###
Contact: Claire Vajdic, cvajdic@nchecr.unsw.edu.au
Citations: Vajdic CM, van Leeuwen MT, McDonald SP, McCredie MRE, et al. Increased Incidence of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Eye After Kidney Transplantation. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2007;99.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
Explore health topics
More in this topic
Cancer →
NewsUTSW study links deficiency of cellular housekeeping gene with aggressive forms of breast cancer
UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists have identified a strong link between the most aggressive type of breast cancer and a gene that regulates the body's natural cellular recycling process, called autophagy. Based…
31 January 2015
NewsRadiation exposure linked to aggressive thyroid cancers
For the first time, researchers have found that exposure to radioactive iodine is associated with more aggressive forms of thyroid cancer, according to a careful study of nearly 12,000 people in Belarus who were exposed…
29 October 2014
NewsStudy shows Hera Therapeutics compound combats HPV types that cause most cervical cancer
Research presented at the 29th Annual International Papillomavirus Conference shows that a therapy being developed by Hera Therapeutics Inc. combats three types of human papillomavirus, including the two that cause 70…
