Lisa Pisano, the first person to receive both a mechanical heart pump and a gene-edited pig kidney, passed away on Sunday, as reported by NYU Langone Health where the groundbreaking surgery was performed. Pisano, 57, received the transplant on April 12, but the organ failed due to limited blood flow and was subsequently removed on May 29.
A Trailblazing Case in Medical History
Pisano's case was significant for several reasons. It marked the first time an individual with a mechanical heart pump received a gene-edited pig kidney. This surgery was only the second known instance of such a kidney being transplanted into a living recipient and the first to include the transplantation of the pig’s thymus gland, which plays a crucial role in immunity.
A Courageous and Altruistic Journey
Dr. Robert Montgomery, director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, praised Pisano's bravery and selflessness in a statement. Pisano expressed hope that her participation in the experimental procedure would benefit future patients, even if it did not work for her. "At least somebody is going to benefit from it," she said at a news conference after the surgery.
Montgomery highlighted Pisano's contributions to advancing medicine, surgery, and xenotransplantation, stating, "Lisa helped bring us closer to realizing a future where someone does not have to die for another person to live."
The Urgent Need for Organ Donations
According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, every eight minutes, a new person is added to the transplant waiting list, and 17 people die each day waiting for an organ. Xenotransplantation, which involves using organs from other species, is seen by experts as a promising solution to this shortage.
Regulatory Path and Experimental Treatment
In the United States, xenotransplants are performed in rare cases with approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Pisano's surgery was conducted under the agency’s expanded-access or “compassionate use” policy, which allows terminally ill patients without other treatment options to access experimental medical products.
Pisano suffered from heart failure and end-stage kidney disease, requiring routine dialysis, making her ineligible for a standard transplant. The gene-edited pig kidney was altered to evade human antibodies that typically attack foreign organs, and the pig’s thymus gland was transplanted alongside to help her body accept the kidney.
Hope and Legacy
Despite the organ being removed in May, Pisano's bravery continues to inspire. Dr. Montgomery emphasized that her courage offered hope to thousands suffering from end-stage kidney or heart failure. "Her legacy as a pioneer will live on and she will forever be remembered for her courage and good nature," he said.
Lisa Pisano’s story highlights the potential of xenotransplantation to address the critical shortage of donor organs and paves the way for future advancements in the field. Her contributions and spirit will remain a beacon of hope for patients worldwide.
Source: CNN
Comments