Ask an Expert: Use of Animal Organs in Human Transplantation
Q. Do you think that pig organs will ever be a viable alternative to human organs for people who need transplants? Answer from Dr. Jeanne Phillips, cardiologist and medical director of Providence Heart and Vascular Institute's Center for Advanced Heart Disease:
The use of animal organs in humans, or “xenotransplantation,” is not yet established – but I believe it will be in the future. Pigs organs are fairly comparable in size to human organs, so these animals are good candidates as donors. However, the problem we haven’t yet been able to surmount is that human bodies recognize pig organs as foreign and reject them.
Genetic research is providing valuable new information about approaches for preventing that rejection. We’re learning more about what kinds of drugs could help humans tolerate pig organ transplants. In addition, cloning research suggests that we may eventually be able to manufacture pigs with a genetic makeup identical to our own, so that their organs are compatible with our bodies.
All of this is very promising, but I don’t believe xenotransplantation will become a standard of care for transplant patients for many years to come. A great deal of research is needed, and there will also be inevitable ethical and political controversy that will stall advancements.
Currently, the most promising developments for people needing a heart transplant involve artificial devices that help them survive the period when they’re waiting for a human organ.
