"No Immune Rejection Response"…Why Was the Pig Kidney Removed After 47 Days?

Removal of Genetically Modified Pig Kidney After Transplant
Kidney Damaged Due to Heart Pump Issue
No Immune Rejection, but Removed

A woman in her 50s in the United States who received a genetically modified pig kidney had it removed 47 days after the transplant. The removal was due to issues related to blood flow, and it was reported that it was not caused by an immune rejection reaction.

Lisa Pisano, who underwent a genetically modified pig kidney transplant surgery last April. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 4th (local time), the American daily The New York Times (NYT), citing New York University (NYU) Langone Transplant Institute, reported that Lisa Pisano (54), who suffered from kidney failure and heart failure, underwent surgery to implant a mechanical heart pump in her body in April, and eight days later received a genetically modified pig kidney transplant, but had it removed 47 days later. Due to problems related to the heart pump, blood flow was insufficient, damaging the transplanted kidney, leading to the decision to remove the kidney last week. However, the institute explained that no long-term rejection reactions to the transplanted kidney were observed.

After the removal surgery, Pisano resumed kidney dialysis and is still hospitalized. The left ventricular assist device is functioning, and she is reported to be recovering steadily. Robert Montgomery, director of the institute, said, "We hope to return Ms. Pisano to her family as soon as possible," adding, "She is a pioneer and hero in efforts to create sustainable options for people waiting for organ transplants."

Pisano is the second patient to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant. The first case was Richard Slayton, who received a genetically modified pig kidney transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in March at the age of 62 but died two months later.

Xenotransplantation, the transplantation of animal organs into humans, is emerging as an alternative to human organs. Although still experimental surgery, transplants are being performed on patients who are not eligible to receive human organs or those in end-stage conditions who would otherwise face death.