Protective effect of immunosuppression on granulation tissue formation in metallic airway stents

Objectives/Hypothesis: The use of self-expanding metallic airway stents has been extended in recent years in inoperable patients with malignant and benign airway diseases. The risk of granulation tissue formation in the stent is a major concern. The objective of the present study was to determine whether immunosuppression modulates granulation tissue formation in airway stents, as seen in coronary stents. Study Design: The study included 19 patients with benign airway obstructions and 11 recipients of lung transplants with anastomotic obstructions who were receiving immunosuppression therapy. Methods: The degree of in-stent granulation tissue formation was evaluated (score range, 0-3) every 3 months for 2 years. Results: Granulation tissue formation was significantly lower in the transplant recipients than in the nontransplant patients at 3 months (score 0.7 vs. 1.6, P =.031), 15 months (score 0 vs. 1.1, P =.026), and 18 months (score 0 vs. 1.8, P =.020). During the 2 years of follow-up, the transplant recipients underwent significantly fewer laser resections and brachytherapy treatments for instent granulation. Conclusions: The immunosuppression given to lung transplant recipients may have an inhibitory effect on granulation tissue formation in metallic airway stents. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of systemic therapy or coated stents with drugs such as sirolimus.