Mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of immunosuppressive drugs on human lymphocyte cultures.

Objectives: Immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, and the immunosuppressive agent sirolimus are used effectively to prevent immunologic rejection after solid-organ transplantation. The most serious complication among patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy is the risk of developing cancer. The question is whether the drugs used have mutagenic properties and so contribute to increased cancer risk.