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A MAN survived with a transplanted pig liver for over a month in what scientists describe as the most successful operation of its kind.
The terminally ill 71-year-old received the genetically modified organ in Anhui, China, last year.
Chinese doctors transplanted a gene-edited liver from a micropig (stock image)
The liver functioned normally for 38 days – approximately five weeks – before it had to be removed due to blood clotting, a complication of the procedure.
The patient was the first living person to undergo this procedure and lived for 171 days, about six months, afterward.
He had exhausted all treatment options for liver cancer and scarring caused by hepatitis B and ultimately passed away due to internal bleeding months after the transplant was removed.
His survival time is not as long as the record for a patient with a pig’s kidney, which has lasted six months and counting.
However, it was longer than another case where life support was discontinued after just 10 days.
Scientists have also explored transplanting a lung into a brain-dead patient.
A new era has begun
Dr. Heiner WedemeyerThe Journal of Hepatology
Surgeon and study author Dr. Beicheng Sun from Anhui Medical University stated, “This case demonstrates that a genetically engineered pig liver can function in a human for an extended duration.
“It marks a significant advancement, showcasing both the potential and the challenges that remain.”
Researchers are hopeful that this could help save individuals at risk of dying while waiting for transplants.
These organs are similar in size to human organs, and gene editing can reduce the risk of rejection.
In the Journal of Hepatology, Dr. Sun emphasized the need for further experiments to refine the procedure.
Dr. Heiner Wedemeyer, the journal's editor, remarked, “A new era of transplantation has commenced.”
How to Become an Organ Donor
In 2023, just over 4,500 individuals received an organ transplant from 2,387 donors; however, over 400 people die each year waiting due to insufficient donors.
NHS Blood and Transplant states: “Only one percent of individuals who die in the UK annually do so under the right circumstances and in the right location to have their organs used to save a life.”
“This highlights the need for a larger pool of potential donors.”
The law has changed, making all adults “opt-out” organ donors, meaning hospitals can use their organs unless they have informed the NHS of their wish not to donate, or their family declines after their passing.
Six out of ten families refuse to allow doctors to use their loved one’s organs.
Individuals wishing to donate their organs after death can register online here .
Parents must provide consent for their child's organs to be donated in the event of their death.
Health officials have also included sign-up options in new passport and driving license applications to encourage more registrations.
What is the significance of the pig liver transplant?
The pig liver transplant represents a significant breakthrough in xenotransplantation, showing that genetically modified organs can function in humans for an extended period, potentially saving lives of those on transplant waiting lists.
How can I become an organ donor?
To become an organ donor in the UK, you can register your decision online through the NHS website. It's important to also discuss your wishes with your family.
