WASHINGTON — In this insightful feature of “The Story Behind the AP Story,” we’re introduced to Lauran Neergaard and Shelby Lum, chronicling the progression of animal-to-human transplants, also known as xenotransplants. This innovative medical process involves transplanting animal organs into humans, and this episode covers its complex history, the experiences of recipients, and associated risks with these procedures.
With more than 100,000 individuals waiting on transplant lists, a significant majority are hoping for a kidney. Unfortunately, thousands pass away before they ever receive a transplant. Experts increasingly argue that the supply of human donors will never fulfill the demand. Consequently, the scientific community is exploring xenotransplantation as a potential solution.
Xenotransplantation refers to the transplantation of animal organs into humans. While this practice isn’t entirely new, having been attempted with limited success in the past, recent advancements are reigniting interest. For instance, during the 1960s, there were attempts with chimpanzee organs, leading to the well-known case of Baby Faye in 1984, who survived for 21 days with a baboon’s heart. These early attempts largely failed due to challenges with the human immune system rejecting foreign animal tissues.
Nowadays, companies are gene-editing pigs to reduce rejection risks. By removing certain molecules that trigger immune responses and adding human genes, pigs’ organs are made more compatible for transplantation. Pig-derived products are already utilized in human medicine, such as heart valves and skin grafts, due to their anatomical similarity to human organs.
Shelby Lum shares experiences meeting gene-edited pigs, bred specifically for xenotransplants. These pigs are indistinguishable from regular pigs but are used in early organ transplant experiments conducted on brain-dead donors and compassionate care cases. Morg, one such donor, participated in a groundbreaking experiment involving a pig kidney transplant.
Lum narrates the exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experience of witnessing an experimental pig kidney transplant surgery. In these surgeries, a pig kidney is transported from a farm to a medical facility, attached to the human recipient, and within moments, the kidney’s transformed pink hue is celebrated as a hopeful indicator of success.
The journey from testing on deceased individuals to living recipients happened surprisingly swiftly. In January 2022, David Bennett received the first pig heart transplant, though it only functioned for two months. Similarly, further attempts have seen a mix of short-lived successes and setbacks, prompting medical professionals to adjust and carefully select recipients for improved outcomes.
Among the more promising cases, Towana Looney remarkably lived with a gene-edited pig kidney for 130 days—longer than previous recipients. Although her body ultimately rejected the organ, her experience furnished valuable insights for the field. Similar efforts undertaken in New Hampshire and China show promise, heralding a wider adoption of xenotransplants.
Looney conveyed her hope that her experience would inspire others and contribute to the ongoing exploration of xenotransplantation. However, the pursuit of this frontier in medicine is not without its challenges and controversies. Concerns include the possibility of organ rejection, ethical considerations regarding consent and animal welfare, and the potential transmission of animal viruses to humans.
Many patients on dialysis express strong interest in xenotransplantation, driven by a desire to improve their quality of life despite associated risks. The hope is not only personal survival but also contributing to medical advancements that could help countless others.
The pioneers of these experimental xenotransplants remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing science, despite personal costs. With FDA approval for a clinical trial involving a small number of participants using genetically modified pig kidneys, the future of xenotransplantation hinges on these studies.
This episode of “The Story Behind the AP Story” highlights personal stories and ongoing research advancements in xenotransplantation, underscoring the shared dreams of patients and scientists to bring this visionary medical approach to fruition.