Introduction to Xenotransplantation
A New Hampshire man is resuming dialysis after living with a gene-edited pig kidney for a record 271 days, doctors said Monday.
His experience is helping researchers in their quest for animal-to-human transplants.
The Patient’s Journey
Tim Andrews, 67, had the organ removed on Oct. 23 because its function was declining, according to Mass General Brigham.
Tim Andrews, 67, had the organ removed on Oct. 23 because its function was declining, according to Mass General Brigham. AP
In a statement, his transplant team called Andrews “a selfless medical pioneer and an inspiration” to patients with kidney failure.
Lessons Learned
Andrews’ experience illustrates lessons researchers have learned with each experiment involving what’s called xenotransplantation.
The first attempts using pig organs gene-edited to be more humanlike – two hearts and two kidneys – were short-lived.
Then researchers began considering patients not nearly as sick as prior recipients for these experiments — and an Alabama woman’s pig kidney lasted 130 days before it had to be removed last spring, the record Andrews surpassed.
In a statement, his transplant team called Andrews “a selfless medical pioneer and an inspiration” to patients with kidney failure. AP
The Need for Xenotransplantation
More than 100,000 people, most needing kidneys, are on the U.S. transplant list, and thousands die waiting.
Andrews, of Concord, New Hampshire, knew his blood type was particularly hard to match and sought an alternative, getting into shape to qualify for Mass General’s xenotransplant pilot study.
His doctors said he remains on the transplant list.
More than 100,000 people, most needing kidneys, are on the U.S. transplant list, and thousands die waiting. AP
Ongoing Research and Trials
In June, the Mass General team transplanted a pig kidney into another New Hampshire man who continues to fare well.
The pilot study is set to conclude with a third pig kidney transplant later this year.
Two companies, eGenesis and United Therapeutics, are preparing to begin more rigorous clinical trials of pig kidney transplants.
Surgeons in China also are pursuing this new field, reporting a pig kidney transplant last spring and separately a transplanted pig liver that had to be removed after 38 days.
Conclusion
The success of Andrews’ 271-day experience with a pig kidney is a significant milestone in the field of xenotransplantation. As researchers continue to learn from these experiments and push forward with clinical trials, the hope is that one day, animal-to-human transplants will become a viable option for those in need of a transplant.
FAQs
Q: What is xenotransplantation?
A: Xenotransplantation is the process of transplanting organs or tissues from one species to another, in this case, from pigs to humans.
Q: How many people are on the U.S. transplant list?
A: More than 100,000 people, most needing kidneys, are on the U.S. transplant list.
Q: What is the current status of xenotransplantation research?
A: Researchers are continuing to conduct experiments and clinical trials, with two companies preparing to begin more rigorous trials of pig kidney transplants.
Q: What is the significance of Tim Andrews’ experience?
A: Andrews’ 271-day experience with a pig kidney is a record and has provided valuable lessons for researchers in the field of xenotransplantation.
