[Human xenogenic kidney transplantation from the clinical viewpoint]

Pig-to-primate transplantations of hDAF-transgenic kidneys achieved survival times of up to 70 days. Pilot projects for clinical kidney xenotransplantation seem to be possible in the near future. The problems of hyperacute rejection seem to be solved. Delayed xenograft rejection remains a serious problem. Further medical, ethical and practical issues have to be solved, before Phase-I-studies can be anticipated. In contrast to other organs, kidney xenotransplantation is associated with low operative risk. Xenotransplant dysfunction or rejection could be treated with conventional hemodialysis.