MicroRNA signatures of cancer risk in kidney transplant patients: insights from the COMETA study

Abstract Background: Post-transplant malignancies are one of the leading causes of morbidity, mortality and graft failure in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). While viral infections and immunosuppressive drugs have historically been considered primary causes, the mechanisms underlying post-transplant cancer occurrence remain incompletely understood. Furthermore, predictive cancer biomarkers have yet to be identified in KTRs. Methods: COMETA study is an observational study involving 138 KTRs, and it aims to elucidate the interplay between the immune system and cancer by integrating comprehensive clinical