Researchers have discovered why organ transplantation often leads to cancer and their findings may help reduce or prevent that risk in the future.
 
Laboratory experiments found the anti-rejection, immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine increases signs of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF signals the growth of new blood vessels that can feed cancerous tumors. This research also found simultaneously administering an anti-VEGF therapy with cyclosporine in mice repressed tumor growth.

This article originally appeared in the August 2008 issue of Kidney Transplant Today.