Living Donors Online Message Board

Living Donation Discussion and News => Living Donation Forum => Topic started by: MichaelK454 on December 07, 2013, 01:23:45 PM

Title: Medical conditions for donors
Post by: MichaelK454 on December 07, 2013, 01:23:45 PM
Hi:

Looking for some info.

I had a rare type of eye cancer which was treated over five years ago with non-invasive brachytherapy.  I get regular check-ups and am clean.  Can I be a kidney donor?

Michael
Title: Re: Medical conditions for donors
Post by: Michael on December 07, 2013, 06:21:35 PM
Being cancer-free for five years (congratulations!) would seem to put the odds in favor of potentially being a donor. However, since each transplant has it's own policies, you won't know until you talk with the transplant team.
Title: Re: Medical conditions for donors
Post by: WilliamLFreeman on December 09, 2013, 09:38:54 AM
As Michael said, each transplant center makes its own rules, so you will have to ask.

Years ago, a history of any cancer, no matter how long ago and no matter the type, was disqualifying.  Many or most centers now accept people with a history of solid cancer (not leukemia, for instance) with low risk of having spread (often not breast cancer, for instance), appropriately treated, and no evidence of return for 5 years.  I had had prostate cancer 10 years earlier than my donation, also treated with brachytherapy, and continued PSA counts that are undetectable.

If you check with the Center, please let us know.   Bill