Liver Transplant Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Liver Transplant, including details on risks, prognosis, procedure, surgery, organ donation.

Immunosuppression in liver transplantation: beyond calcineurin inhibitors.

Fung J, Kelly D, Kadry Z, Patel-Tom K, Eghtesad B

Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 3459 Fifth Avenue, N755 MUH, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. fungj@ccf.org

Although calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) remain the mainstay of immunosuppression in liver transplantation (LTX), their long-term toxicity significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality. The elucidation of mechanisms of alloimmunity and leukocyte migration have provided novel targets for immunosuppression development. The toxicities of these agents differ from that of the CNI and act additively or synergistically. CNI avoidance protocols in LTX have not been achieved routinely; however, pilot trials have begun to delineate the limitations and promises of such approaches. CNI-sparing protocols appear to be much more promising in balancing the early need for minimizing rejection while tapering doses and minimizing long-term toxicity.

Published 23 February 2005 in Liver Transpl, 11(3): 267-80.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Liver Transplant Research Today. All Rights Reserved.