Metastatic Translocated Renal Cell Carcinoma in a Kidney Transplant Patient - a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Int J Surg Pathol. 2024 May;32(3):594-600. doi: 10.1177/10668969231185070. Epub 2023 Jul 6.

Abstract

TFEB-altered renal cell carcinomas are rare tumours. Here, we report the exceptional case of such a tumour in the setting of solid organ transplantation and with already metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. The primary tumour occurred in the native kidney and only focally showed biphasic morphology whereas the metastasis, among others to the transplant kidney, showed nonspecific, albeit different morphology, but both had consistent TFEB translocation. Treatment with the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab together with the multi-kinase inhibitor lenvatinib achieved partial response 14 months after diagnosis.

Keywords: RCC metastasis in kidney transplant; TFEB translocation; TFEB-altered renal cell carcinoma; metastatic TFEB translocation RCC; urological pathology.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / pathology
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Kidney Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Translocation, Genetic

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors
  • Biomarkers, Tumor