Awardee OrganizationUNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
Description
Abstract Text
The overall objective of this proposed Program Project is to elucidate the
factors predisposing organ transplant recipients to develop cancer at a
much higher frequency than that seen in the general population and to
determine the host factors which contribute to the tumor regression seen in
some cases upon reduction in immunosuppressive therapy.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical and Health Care Division is a leading
international center for organ transplantation, and a major complication of
these procedures has been the frequent development (greater than 1%) of
malignant disease, especially post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease
(PTLD). The projects in this proposal are designed to understand better
some of the pathogenetic and biological characteristics of this problem:
Projects 1, 2 and 4 are designed primarily to prospectively evaluate the
factors hat may contribute to the development of tumors which, although
occurring at a high rate relative to the general population, affect only a
small proportion of transplant recipients. Project 1 (Project leader: Dr.
Monto Ho) is focused on the hypothesis that infection of the patients by
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), particularly as a primary infection in the
immunosuppressed host, plays a strong role in the induction of PTLD. The
possible contribution of other agents, particularly human B lymphotropic
virus (HHV-6), will also be evaluated. Project 2 (Project Leader: Dr
Theresa Whiteside) has been designed to evaluate the alterations in the
immune system particularly in potential anti-tumor effector mechanisms,
that are induced by organ transplantation and by administration of
cyclosporine A (CsA) and other immunosuppressive treatments. In addition,
by prospectively following the transplant recipients after the immunologic
assessment, for possible development of malignant disease, it should be
possible to determine a predictive profile of immunologic abnormalities.
Project 3 (Project Leader: Dr. Theresa Whiteside) focuses on detailed
studies of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in liver tumors arising in
patients transplanted for the treatment of primary hepatocellular
carcinoma. Project 4 (Project Leader: Dr. Sandra Levy) is designed to
examine psychosocial factors in transplant recipients which may contribute
to disease development and progression.
Public Health Relevance Statement
Data not available.
NIH Spending Category
No NIH Spending Category available.
Project Terms
acquired immunodeficiency cancer risk disease /disorder proneness /risk homologous transplantation human subject neoplasm /cancer immunology
No Sub Projects information available for 5P01CA047445-05
Publications
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