Role of Artificial Intelligence in Lung Transplantation: Current State, Challenges, and Future Directions

Lung transplantation remains a critical treatment for end-stage lung diseases, yet it continues to have 1 of the lowest survival rates among solid organ transplants. Despite its life-saving potential, the field faces several challenges, including organ shortages, suboptimal donor matching, and post-transplant complications. The rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence (AI) offers significant promise in addressing these challenges. Traditional statistical models, such as linear and logistic regression, have been used to predict post-transplant outcomes but struggle to adapt to new trends and evolving data. In contrast, machine learning algorithms can evolve with new data, offering dynamic and updated predictions. AI holds the potential to enhance lung transplantation at multiple stages. In the pre-transplant phase, AI can optimize waitlist management, refine donor selection, and improve donor-recipient matching, and enhance diagnostic imaging by harnessing vast datasets. Post-transplant, AI can help predict allograft rejection, improve immunosuppressive management, and better forecast long-term patient outcomes, including quality of life. However, the integration of AI in lung transplantation also presents challenges, including data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and the need for external clinical validation. This review explores the current state of AI in lung transplantation, summarizes key findings from recent studies, and discusses the potential benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations in this rapidly evolving field, highlighting future research directions.