title: Oral retinoids for chemoprevention of skin cancers in organ transplant recipients: results of a survey.
abstract: Systemic retinoid therapy is thought to be beneficial for chemosuppression of skin cancers in solid organ transplant recipients. We present the results of a survey of 28 dermatologists with experience managing transplant recipients to clarify when and how systemic retinoids are used in this population. Almost 80% of respondents use retinoids in some transplant recipients. Factors influencing the use of retinoids include the incidence and aggressiveness of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas and the extent of concomitant actinic keratoses. Patients are monitored more closely during periods of dose adjustment than during the maintenance phase of therapy. Adverse effects are variably managed symptomatically, with dose adjustment, by discontinuation of retinoids, or by referral to another specialist for further evaluation. In the absence of large randomized controlled trials, the practice habits of experienced physicians serve as a useful guide for the use of oral retinoids in transplant recipients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA, and Department of Dermatology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: B T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Kovach
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Otley
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shumack
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ulrich
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stasko
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000517:prevention & control; D000075202:Contraindications; D006801:Humans; D016377:Organ Transplantation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012176:Retinoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014180:Transplantation
chemical_list: D012176:Retinoids