Tumor-Bearing Kidneys as Potential Donors: A National Survey From the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVES

Kidneys classified to be so-called tumor-bearing kidneys as potential donor kidneys typically involve small (<4 cm), low-grade renal tumors resected ex vivo. Kidney transplant remains the definitive treatment for end-stage renal disease, yet organ shortages persist worldwide. The use of kidneys with small, resectable renal tumors has been proposed as a strategy to expand the donor pool.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A national online survey was conducted from November to December 2019, targeting urologists, nephrologists, and transplant surgeons based in the United Kingdom. The aim was to assess clinician perspectives on the use of tumor-bearing kidneys as potential donor kidneys in selected patients with end-stage renal disease.

RESULTS

Of 230 clinicians approached, 108 responded (47%). Support for the use of tumor-bearing kidneys as potential donor kidneys was highest among transplant surgeons (100%), followed by urologists (71%) and nephrologists (54%).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings demonstrate broad support among United Kingdom clinicians for the selective use of tumor-bearing kidneys as potential donor kidneys. Despite ethical and logistical concerns, this consensus may justify the initiation of formal trials and the development of centralized protocols to increase organ availability.