Abstract: FR-PO0982
Survey of Dialysis Patients' Perceptions of Pig-to-Human Kidney Xenotransplantation
Session Information
- Transplantation: Clinical - Pretransplantation, Living Donation, and Policies
November 07, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Transplantation
- 2102 Transplantation: Clinical
Authors
- Singh, Ayush, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Shirsat, Pallavi D., Minden Medical Center, Minden, Louisiana, United States
- Vasudev, Krish, Massachusetts General Hospital Transplant Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Zamanian, Daniel, Willis-Knighton Health System, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
- Singh, Neeraj, Willis-Knighton Health System, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
Background
With the ongoing shortage of donor kidneys, xenotransplantation—especially from genetically modified pigs—has emerged as a potential solution. Understanding the views of dialysis patients, who are directly affected by this shortage, is essential for ethical and practical implementation.
Methods
An IRB-approved cross-sectional survey was administered in May 2025 to adult chronic hemodialysis patients across three rural dialysis centers in Northwestern Louisiana. The survey assessed demographics, awareness of pig kidney xenotransplantation, willingness to accept such transplants, and related ethical, religious, and medical concerns. No identifying data were collected. Descriptive statistics were used.
Results
103 patients responded. Most were African American (73%), male (53%), ≥65 years (53%), with 0–5 years on dialysis (67%), high school education (55%), and not on the transplant waitlist (55%). 51% were at least slightly aware of xenotransplantation, primarily via news media (42%). Most trusted the scientific (70%) and regulatory communities (55%) to ensure safety, and 57% were willing to accept a pig kidney. Ethical concerns were reported by 39%, and religious concerns by 15%. Perceived benefits included reducing wait time (59%), saving lives (55%), and addressing organ shortages (51%). Perceived risks included rejection (53%), disease transmission (54%), and unknown complications (37%). See Figure 1.
Conclusion
Patients showed moderate awareness and generally positive attitudes toward pig-to-human kidney transplants. Ethical and religious concerns—though less common—remain important. Findings support the need for culturally sensitive education as xenotransplantation advances toward clinical use.
Figure 1. Patient-reported benefits (top) and risks (bottom) of pig-to-human kidney transplantation.