New Frontiers in Transplantation and Stem Cell Technology: A Brief Synopsis

Abstract

Since the first kidney transplant was performed in 1954 immense progress has been made in the world of transplantation. Modern immunosuppressive regimens have led to increasing graft and patient survival after solid organ transplantation. Furthermore, these advances have opened the door to new fields of transplantation such as composite tissue allotransplantation. These developments have made possible numerous types of transplantation including, but not limited to face, penile, and uterine transplantation. Moreover, innovations in genetic engineering and stem cell technology have contributed to rapid developments in the fields of xenotransplantation and the engineering of functional organs from induced pluripotent stem cells. As the prevalence of chronic diseases rises, so too will the necessity for organ transplantation. Thus, the transplant innovations of the modern era need to be expanded upon so as to continue to discover new ways to address organ shortages and the complications of transplantation.