The study, led by Clinical Career Development Fellow Dr Matt Bottomley, was the largest contemporary, international multicentre analysis of outcomes after a first cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) in kidney transplant recipients.
Despite major changes in transplant practice and immunosuppression, the study shows that outcomes after first CSCC have not improved: almost half of patients developed further CSCC, over 70% experienced a major adverse outcome, and metastatic disease and cancer‑related death remained common, often occurring within two years. By capturing real‑world practice across multiple centres, the study also demonstrates striking variation in management after CSCC, underscoring persistent clinical uncertainty about secondary prevention. The study identified simple, readily available features present at the first tumour that flagged patients at greatest risk of poorer outcomes.
Discussing the study, Matt said: "The COAST study provides a much‑needed modern benchmark in an area dominated by decades‑old data. Our findings challenge assumptions that outcomes have improved, highlight an important unmet clinical need, and provide a clear rationale for risk‑stratified, prospective intervention studies aimed at improving long‑term survival for transplant recipients."
Read about the study here.