Overcoming Challenges in Organ Transplantation

Organ transplantation has become an established and life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure. However, patients still face constraints when it comes to access to transplantation, as well as its efficacy. One major concern is the global shortage of organs for transplantation. The World Health Organization estimates that only 10% of the worldwide need for organ transplantation is being met [1] and, according to United Network for Organ Sharing, an average of 20 Americans die each day while waiting for a transplant [2]. In addition, even after an organ is transplanted, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. Half of organ transplants fail within ten years of being transplanted, including as many as 75% of intestines and lungs [1]. To prevent rejection of a donor organ, transplant recipients must adhere to lifelong immunosuppressant drug regimens, the side effects of which include increased risk for life-threatening infections.