Summary
Xenotransplantation has seen recent global interest peak as a result of several clinical
xenotransplants being performed in decedents and a live cardiac recipient. However,
underpinning these latest transplants have been decades of invested scientific research
programs that have been developing the ideal donor source animals to avoid the overwhelming
hyperacute xenograft rejection seen using nongenetically modified animal organs, tissues,
and cells. However, this also needs to be undertaken along with the development of
safe and efficacious xenotransplantation technologies, immunosuppression, monitoring,
disease screening, patient selection, societal education, and acceptance. Paralleling
the advent of such extraordinary transplants have been several decades of establishment
of world xenotransplantation authorities such as the International Xenotransplantation
Association, and the development of guidance documents and regulations for the assessment
of these cutting-edge technologies. Similar to all new technologies there remain outdated
concerns and fears of the theoretical potential for transmission of xenozoonosis,
ethical concerns, and outdated or appropriately educated societal concerns and religious
views of the benefits or risks and issues for xenotransplantation use of organs, tissues,
or cells from animals to human beings. Here, we discuss the development of xenotransplantation
and the intricate balance in managing the various challenges with which we are faced:
in the absolute benefits of xenotransplantation and the dichotomy in balancing the
pros and cons of xenotransplantation with social, religious, ethical, scientific,
and medical opinions. Ultimately, the benefits are to those patients suffering from
the many and various diseases that drive the need for xenotransplantation. The hope
is that it will be implemented as soon as possible to help the many millions of patients
who can truly benefit.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 04, 2023
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
Financial disclosure and conflicts of interest statements: none.
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