“It is not yet clear whether Richard Slayman’s death was caused by the transplant itself or by other complications, but this news certainly leaves a bitter feeling of disappointment for those who had hoped that this technique could lead to a turning point in the field of solid transplants Despite this tragic epilogue, it should be underlined that the transplant of a genetically modified pig kidney has opened a new era in the field of transplantology. This technique could represent a solution for many people waiting for a transplant, but it is necessary to continue research improve the technique and make xenotransplantations safer and more effective”. Loreto Gesualdo, professor of Nephrology at the University of Bari and president of Fism, the Federation of Italian medical-scientific societies, is convinced of this, commenting with Adnkronos Salute on the news of the death of the 62-year-old man who was subjected to transplant with a genetically modified pig kidney at Massachusetts General Hospital.
The hospital immediately clarified yesterday that “nothing suggests that Slayman lost his life as a result of the operation”, reported the ‘Guardian’. Gesualdo goes further and underlines “the importance of human organ donation, which remains the main solution for many people waiting for a transplant. In Italy, unfortunately, at the moment it is not possible to use xenotransplants – he specifies – but it is essential to be ready to this new challenge and invest in research to offer new hope to patients on the waiting list. In this moment of pain for the loss of Richard Slayman, it is important to look to the future and continue to work to improve transplant techniques and offer. new hopes for those who suffer”, he concludes.
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