Pig Kidney Transplant Failure at 130 Days
- NEW YORK (AP) — Towana Looney, a 53-year-old woman from Alabama, has returned home after a genetically engineered pig kidney functioned in her body for a record 130...
- Looney underwent the experimental pig kidney transplant on Nov.
- Chen Zhonghua, a professor at the Institute of Organ Transplant of Tongji Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, characterized the event as both a "breakthrough" and...
Pig Kidney transplant Recipient Returns Home After Landmark 130 Days
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NEW YORK (AP) — Towana Looney, a 53-year-old woman from Alabama, has returned home after a genetically engineered pig kidney functioned in her body for a record 130 days. While the kidney was removed last week, April 4, due to a loss of function, the transplant marks a significant milestone in xenotransplantation, the process of transplanting organs from one species to another.
Record-Breaking Xenotransplant
Looney underwent the experimental pig kidney transplant on Nov. 25, 2024, at New York University Langone Medical Center. The organ functioned for four months and nine days, the longest a pig kidney has sustained life in a human recipient, according to medical reports.
Chen Zhonghua, a professor at the Institute of Organ Transplant of Tongji Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, characterized the event as both a “breakthrough” and a “setback” in the complex field of xenotransplantation.
Potential Causes of Kidney Failure
According to Chen,the sudden loss of kidney function might potentially be linked to a reduction in infection treatment and immunosuppressant dosages,potentially triggering antibody and/or cell-mediated rejection reactions. The medical team at NYU Langone Medical Center determined that removing the kidney was the safest course of action.
A History of Kidney Disease
Prior to the xenotransplant, looney had a history of kidney problems. Years earlier, she donated a kidney to her mother. When her remaining kidney failed, she relied on dialysis for nine years before qualifying for the experimental transplant at NYU Langone Medical Center.
Initial Recovery and Subsequent Rejection
Following the transplant,Looney recovered well with the aid of immunosuppressive drugs and was discharged in February. However,in late March,she began to experience signs of rejection.
On March 31, Looney reported discomfort during urination, and tests revealed elevated creatinine levels, a key indicator of impaired kidney function. Dr.Robert montgomery, the surgeon who led the transplant team, initially suspected dehydration. Though, Looney’s creatinine levels doubled the following day.
Unexpected Challenges
“This is completely beyond my expectations,” Montgomery said, acknowledging the surprise setback.He added that the team believed they had overcome the early rejection barriers that have historically plagued xenotransplantation. ”Now they can’t help but ask whether there are still new challenges that have not yet been recognized.”
removal and Future Possibilities
After consulting with Looney, the medical team opted to remove the pig kidney and resume dialysis, deeming it the safest option. This decision also preserves the possibility of future re-transplantation for Looney.
The precise reasons for the kidney’s failure remain under inquiry. Looney has since recovered from the removal procedure, is undergoing dialysis, and has returned home.”I am very grateful for the chance to participate in this amazing study,” Looney said. “Although the results are not satisfactory, these 130-day experience in transplanted pig kidney survival will surely help and inspire more kidney patients to overcome the disease.”
Genetically Modified Organ
The transplanted pig kidney was genetically modified by scientists at Revivicor, a subsidiary of American Combined Therapy Company. The modifications involved editing 10 key genes to suppress immune rejection and reduce the risk of thrombosis.
Looking Ahead
Chen Zhonghua praised Looney’s contribution to the field, noting her previous kidney donation to her mother and her willingness to participate in the experimental xenotransplant. He emphasized that each xenotransplant provides valuable insights for future clinical applications. “all patients involved in xenotransplantation have made great sacrifices and contributions,” Chen said, expressing optimism that continued research will lead to successful xenotransplantation outcomes.
Pig Kidney Transplant: Your Top Questions Answered
Q: What happened recently with the pig kidney transplant?
A: Towana Looney, a 53-year-old woman from Alabama, returned home after a genetically modified pig kidney functioned in her body for 130 days. This is a notable milestone in xenotransplantation, the process of transplanting organs from one species to another. The kidney was removed on April 4th due to a loss of function.
Q: What is significant about the 130-day survival of the pig kidney?
A: The pig kidney functioned for four months and nine days, making it the longest a pig kidney has sustained life in a human recipient, according to medical reports. This is a record-breaking achievement in the field of xenotransplantation,marking progress.
Q: Where and when did the transplant take place?
A: The experimental pig kidney transplant was performed on November 25, 2024, at New York University Langone Medical Center.
Q: What is xenotransplantation?
A: Xenotransplantation is the process of transplanting organs from one species to another. in this case, it involved transplanting a pig kidney into a human.
Q: Why was the pig kidney removed?
A: The kidney was removed due to a loss of function in late March. Tests revealed elevated creatinine levels, signifying impaired kidney function. The medical team decided removing the kidney was the safest option.
Q: What were the initial signs of kidney rejection?
A: Looney reported discomfort during urination, and tests showed elevated creatinine levels. Her creatinine levels then doubled the following day.
Q: What did the surgeon suspect was the initial reason for the kidney failure?
A: Dr. Robert Montgomery, the surgeon who led the transplant team, initially suspected dehydration.
Q: What are experts saying about the kidney’s failure?
A: Chen Zhonghua, characterized the event as both a “breakthrough” and a “setback” in xenotransplantation. Dr. Montgomery acknowledged that the team was surprised by the setback.
Q: What is Towana Looney’s history with kidney disease?
A: Looney had a history of kidney problems. She donated a kidney to her mother years earlier. When her remaining kidney failed,she relied on dialysis for nine years before qualifying for the experimental transplant.
Q: How was the pig kidney modified?
A: the transplanted pig kidney was genetically modified by scientists at Revivicor, a subsidiary of American Combined Therapy Company. The modifications involved editing 10 key genes to suppress immune rejection and reduce the risk of thrombosis.
Q: What are the potential causes of the kidney failure?
A: The sudden loss of kidney function might possibly be linked to a reduction in infection treatment and immunosuppressant dosages, potentially triggering antibody and/or cell-mediated rejection reactions, according to Chen.
Q: What is Towana Looney’s current condition?
A: Looney has recovered from the removal procedure, is undergoing dialysis, and has returned home.
Q: What does Towana Looney think about participating in this study?
A: Looney said, “I am very grateful for the chance to participate in this amazing study. Although the results are not satisfactory, these 130-day experience in transplanted pig kidney survival will surely help and inspire more kidney patients to overcome the disease.”
Q: What are the future possibilities for Towana Looney?
A: The decision to remove the kidney preserves the possibility of future re-transplantation for Looney.
Q: What is the outlook for xenotransplantation?
A: chen Zhonghua expressed optimism that continued research will lead to triumphant xenotransplantation outcomes. He emphasized that each xenotransplant provides valuable insights for future clinical applications.