Abstract: FR-PO0985
Comparative Life Expectancy and Cancer Risk in Kidney Transplant and Dialysis Patients: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Session Information
- Transplantation: Clinical - Pretransplantation, Living Donation, and Policies
November 07, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Transplantation
- 2102 Transplantation: Clinical
Authors
- Wu, Mei-Yi, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital Ministry of Health and Welfare, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Tsai, Min Kuang, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital Ministry of Health and Welfare, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Wen, Chi Pang, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan Township, Taiwan
- Wu, Mai-Szu, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
Background
Kidney transplant recipients and dialysis patients both face elevated cancer risks, largely due to immunosuppression, chronic inflammation, and viral infections. While prior studies typically compare transplant recipients to the general population—reporting a two- to fourfold increased risk—few have used dialysis patients as a reference to assess long-term post-transplant cancer risk.
Methods
This study analyzed adults aged ≥20 years from the Taiwan NHIRD (1998–2022), identifying kidney transplant recipients and dialysis patients via health claim records. Cancer incidence and mortality were assessed using the National Cancer Registry and Cause of Death file. Standardized incidence and mortality ratios were used to compare transplant recipients with the general population and dialysis patients.
Results
Among 9,378 kidney transplant recipients and 229,278 dialysis patients, the median follow-up was 9.6 years for cancer incidence and 11.1 years for mortality. Transplant recipients had a significantly lower mortality risk than dialysis patients (SMR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.37–0.40), with an average life expectancy gain of 11.4 years at age 30 and 8.0 years at age 50. Compared to the general population, transplant recipients had a higher overall cancer risk (SIR: 3.35), and when compared to dialysis patients, cancer incidence and mortality were 10% and 11% higher, respectively (SIR: 1.10; SMR: 1.12).
Conclusion
Transplant recipients had an 8-11 year life expectancy advantage over dialysis patients at their equivalent age of 30 or 50, even though cancer risk was reportedly elevated. In fact, this increase in cancer risk was negligible, with 10% increase in relative risk but small reduction in absolute risk in life expectancy.