Atul Humar

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This study looked at how the immune response to cytomegalovirus (CMV) changes after kidney transplants from CMV-positive donors to CMV-negative recipients. The researchers found that while the immune response increased over time—from 1.2% of patients showing a positive response at the start to 28.9% at one year—this measure wasn't helpful in predicting who would develop CMV disease after preventative treatment, with 18.3% of patients experiencing the disease by week 52. This matters because it shows that existing methods to gauge CMV risk in transplant patients may need improvement to better protect them. Who this helps: Kidney transplant recipients at high risk for CMV.

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This study looked at a rare, non-cancerous tumor called intravascular leiomyomatosis (IVL) that can grow in the inferior vena cava and sometimes affect the heart. Researchers treated a 47-year-old woman who had fainting spells caused by this tumor, using a robotic approach to remove the mass from her heart without the need for a large surgical incision. The patient's recovery was smooth, and further surgeries confirmed that she remains free of the disease six months later. Who this helps: This helps patients with similar heart issues related to uterine tumors, as well as their doctors in identifying and managing such cases.

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Researchers at the World Transplant Congress 2025 highlighted new findings on infectious diseases that affect patients who have received transplants. They studied various germs, including viruses and bacteria, and found many new insights that can help better manage infections in these patients. These discoveries can lead to improved treatments and better overall health for transplant recipients. Who this helps: This benefits transplant patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well patients who have received organ transplants fare after surgery to reconstruct their heads and necks with tissue flaps, compared to patients who haven't had transplants. It found that while the success rate of these surgeries is very high at 97%, transplant patients faced more complications like wound issues and had a higher overall death rate of 64% compared to 23% in non-transplant patients. These findings are important because they highlight the need for specialized care and guidelines for transplant patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction. Who this helps: This helps transplant patients and their doctors by informing better care practices and guidelines.

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This study focused on ensuring the safety of people who donate part of their liver for transplant. Researchers gathered 28 specific recommendations to improve donor safety before surgery, looking at factors like donor health, medical assessments, and psychological support. It’s important because these guidelines help protect living donors while still providing critical help to patients in need of liver transplants. Who this helps: This helps liver donors and the patients who receive their transplants.

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This research studied how testing for cell-mediated immunity (CMI) can help determine how long organ transplant recipients should receive antiviral medication to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. In a group of 108 high-risk patients, it was found that 66% of those who were seropositive (R +) could safely stop their medication early, while only 2.6% of those who were seronegative (D + /R -) had a positive test. Patients who stopped their medication early had a lower rate of CMV infection (12.1%) compared to those who continued it despite negative tests (35.3%), suggesting that tailored treatment can be effective. Who this helps: This helps organ transplant recipients who are at high risk for CMV.

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This study looked at ways to improve living donor liver transplants in the U.S., aiming to increase the number of donors and recipients. It found that expanding eligibility criteria could allow older donors and patients with certain cancers to participate, potentially saving more lives by facilitating timely transplants. For instance, using donors with higher levels of fat in their livers and considering older donors can help more patients get the organ they need when they need it. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with end-stage liver disease and certain types of cancer, as well as their families.

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This study examined how well different machine learning models can predict how solid organ transplant recipients respond to COVID-19 vaccines one year after vaccination. Researchers tested various models using data from 303 patients and found that a new method called routed LSTM was the most effective, achieving a high accuracy rate (a score indicating how closely predictions matched actual results). This is important because it helps healthcare providers understand which patients may need different vaccine strategies to ensure better protection, particularly for those who are more vulnerable due to their health conditions. Who this helps: This helps transplant recipients and their doctors.

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This study looked at how liver transplantation helps patients with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC) based on the size and number of their tumors when they apply for a transplant. Researchers analyzed over 36,000 patients and found that those with more advanced tumors (high tumor burden scores) had a greater survival benefit from the transplant, with an average increase of about 25 months in life expectancy compared to if they hadn't received a transplant. This matters because it suggests that transplant policies should prioritize patients with high tumor burden to improve their chances of survival and reduce dropout rates while waiting for a liver. Who this helps: Patients with liver cancer in need of a transplant.

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This study looked at how well patients with severe liver injuries, known as high-grade liver injuries (HGLI), responded to different treatments at a trauma center. Out of 179 patients treated, those who had immediate surgery had a 30-day death rate of 23.4%, which is better than the historical rates of 42% to 66%. This matters because it shows that a teamwork approach between trauma surgeons and liver surgeons can improve patient survival after severe liver injuries. Who this helps: Patients with high-grade liver injuries.

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This study looked at how to choose the best living donors for liver transplants. It found that a detailed evaluation of the donor's medical history, health tests, and emotional readiness is essential for a successful transplant. Proper selection helps ensure that the operation goes well and the transplant is effective, which is critical for the health of the recipient. Who this helps: This helps patients waiting for liver transplants and their families.

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This study looked at a new way to deliver a treatment called rituximab to donor lungs before they are transplanted, specifically for patients at high risk of a serious complication called posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) due to a virus called Epstein-Barr. The researchers tested this method on 5 lung transplant patients and found that it was safe, with no major lung function issues or severe side effects related to the treatment. However, over time, some patients did develop signs of the virus and PTLD, indicating that while this approach may help, more research is needed to improve its effectiveness. Who this helps: This benefits lung transplant patients, especially those who are at risk for complications from Epstein-Barr virus.

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This study focused on solid organ transplant recipients who had previously recovered from the Omicron variant of COVID-19, examining their immune responses to a new variant named JN.1. Researchers found that while only 30% to 43% of participants developed neutralizing antibodies against JN.1 over the year, a strong CD4 T-cell response was observed in 75% to 93% of participants, offering some level of protection against severe illness. These findings are important because they highlight that, even with limited antibody production, strong T-cell responses can help prevent serious disease from emerging variants in this vulnerable group. Who this helps: This research benefits transplant patients and healthcare providers managing their care.

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This research examined herpes zoster (HZ) infections, specifically in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients, over a 10-year period. Among 146 patients, 39% had widespread HZ, with about 22% developing long-lasting pain after the infection. Most patients were hospitalized (72%), and unfortunately, 3.5% died within a month, but not due to HZ. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors treating organ transplant recipients by improving understanding of HZ risks and complications.

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This study looked at how race and ethnicity affect the outcomes of liver transplants in patients with liver cancer caused by hepatitis C. It found that among 666 patients who received treatment and then transplants, there were no significant differences in survival rates or complications based on race or ethnicity—specifically, 90% of White patients, 88% of Black patients, 92% of Hispanic patients, and 87% of patients from other ethnic backgrounds were free from cancer after five years. This is important because it shows that when barriers to receiving treatment are removed, all racial and ethnic groups have similar health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cancer and healthcare providers working to improve access to care.

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This study looked at the long-term survival of liver transplant patients who had coronary artery disease (CAD) before their surgery. Among 604 patients studied, 145 (24%) had significant CAD, and those patients experienced a higher death rate post-transplant compared to those without CAD. Specifically, patients with severe CAD had a 63% higher risk of dying after the transplant compared to those without CAD, which highlights the need for careful management of heart health in liver transplant candidates.

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This guideline from liver transplant specialists addresses the long-term complications that arise after transplant that are unrelated to the liver graft itself, including kidney disease, heart disease, cancer, and metabolic conditions. A multidisciplinary expert panel reviewed the evidence and produced recommendations for monitoring and managing these complications in adult recipients beyond the first 90 days post-transplant. Much of the guidance is based on observational studies and data from the general population, highlighting a critical need for prospective research specifically in transplant patients.

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A prospective multicenter trial tested whether long-term liver transplant recipients could safely stop immunosuppression. Of 61 participants who attempted withdrawal, only 10 out of 17 who remained stable off drugs for a year were confirmed truly tolerant by biopsy. The study identified several biological signals in pre-withdrawal biopsies that may predict who can safely discontinue immunosuppression, a finding that could eventually reduce drug-related side effects for a small subset of patients.

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This study looked at the outcomes of ten patients who received liver transplants from living donors to treat colorectal cancer that had spread to the liver. The results showed that 90% of the patients are still alive three years after their transplant, with a median time before any cancer returned of 2.2 years. This is important because it presents living donor liver transplantation as a safe and effective option for patients with late-stage colorectal cancer who are not experiencing further disease progression. Who this helps: This research benefits colorectal cancer patients facing liver metastases and their doctors.

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This study looked at how giving specially grown regulatory T cells (Tregs) affects kidney transplant survival in monkeys that had not received prior immunotherapy. The results showed that the kidney organs lasted significantly longer in those receiving Tregs, with an increase in survival time from 35 days to 70 days. This is important because it suggests that Treg infusions can improve the success rate of kidney transplants by promoting the body's anti-inflammatory processes. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving kidney transplants.

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This study looked at whether adding glucocorticoids to the treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) helps reduce the rates of ICU admissions and deaths. Among 172 patients studied, 43.4% were admitted to the ICU and 20.8% died; however, glucocorticoid therapy did not lower these rates, indicating it may not be as beneficial as previously thought. The results suggest that doctors should reconsider the routine use of glucocorticoids for treating PJP in transplant patients and call for more research on how to best manage this condition. Who this helps: This helps patients who are solid organ transplant recipients diagnosed with PJP.

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This research paper looks at liver transplantation (LT) as a treatment option for patients with liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It highlights how selection criteria for who can receive a transplant have evolved, the use of certain blood tests to predict patient outcomes, and the growing use of living donor transplants alongside advancements in transplant technology. The findings show that improvement in treatment methods and selection processes could significantly increase survival rates for patients undergoing liver transplants. Who this helps: Patients with liver cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at solid organ transplant recipients who got reinfected with COVID-19 to see how their experience compared to their first infection. Among 1,869 patients, 103 had a reinfection, which happened at an average rate of 2.7% per year. Results showed that only 5.8% of those with reinfections needed hospital care, compared to 19.4% of those with their first infection, suggesting that reinfections tend to be milder. Who this helps: This information benefits organ transplant patients by highlighting the potential for better outcomes if they experience a COVID-19 reinfection.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 affected 1,975 solid organ transplant recipients in Toronto from 2020 to 2023. The researchers found that severe cases of COVID-19 were most common during the early waves of the virus (around 44.6%), but this dropped to between 5.7% and 16.1% during the later Omicron waves. Key factors that increased the risk of severe illness included lung transplants, older age, and certain health conditions, while receiving early treatment and having three or more vaccine doses significantly lowered the risk. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and patients, particularly those who have had organ transplants, in making better decisions about COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

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This study looked at kidney transplants in children who had received a gut transplant and then experienced kidney failure. Out of 206 kids who got gut transplants, 14 (7%) needed a kidney transplant; 10 received kidneys after their gut transplants, and their kidney survival rates were excellent with 100% surviving for one year, 91% for five years, and 78% for ten years. These findings are important because they show that despite the technical difficulties, kidney transplants in these pediatric patients can be highly successful, allowing them to live healthier lives after complex surgeries. Who this helps: This benefits children who have had gut transplants and are facing kidney failure, along with their families and doctors.

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This study looked at the outcomes of adult patients who received smaller liver grafts (donated from living donors) during transplants, specifically those with a graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR) of 0.6 or lower. Researchers found that about 37% of these patients developed a condition called small for size syndrome, which increased their risk of death within 30 days to a year after the transplant. The study highlighted that the patients' health before surgery was a better predictor of survival than the size of the graft. Who this helps: This research benefits patients needing liver transplants by providing insights into factors influencing their recovery.

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Researchers analyzed over 50 years of pancreas transplants at one hospital, reviewing 2,500 procedures to see how patient outcomes have improved. They found that survival rates for pancreas transplants have significantly increased, with a 10-year survival rate of nearly 87% for individuals receiving both a pancreas and kidney transplant, compared to about 48% for those with pancreas transplants alone. This matters because better outcomes mean more patients can benefit from pancreas transplants, which can greatly improve the quality of life for those with diabetes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diabetes, particularly those considering pancreas transplants.

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This research studied whether switching to a drug called Everolimus soon after receiving a liver transplant from a living donor affects organ rejection and kidney function compared to standard treatment with calcineurin inhibitors. The study found that after two years, the rate of organ rejection was similar for both groups—22.7% for those on Everolimus and 19.1% for those on calcineurin inhibitors. However, kidney function slightly declined more in the Everolimus group. These findings suggest that Everolimus can be a safe alternative for patients who cannot tolerate traditional medications after a living donor liver transplant. Who this helps: This helps patients who receive liver transplants and may have difficulty with traditional medications.

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This study looked at patients with severe liver damage from alcohol, particularly focusing on whether liver transplantation (LT) should be done instead of using corticosteroids, which are often recommended but may not be effective. They found that among 256 patients with severe alcohol hepatitis, 20 received liver transplants, and their one-year survival rate was 100%, compared to just 35% for those who didn't receive transplants. This is important because patients with the most severe forms of the disease had a 90% chance of dying without a transplant, so the study suggests that getting a transplant right away could save many lives. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe alcohol-associated liver disease.

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This study examined how heart disease affects patients with severe liver disease who are undergoing liver transplants. Researchers found that heart conditions are a major cause of health problems and deaths after liver transplants, especially as more older patients with certain health issues are receiving these transplants. Improving the way these heart conditions are assessed and managed could help more patients qualify for liver transplants and improve their outcomes. Who this helps: This helps liver transplant candidates and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at living liver donations in the U.S. from 2012 to 2022, focusing on the relationship between donors and recipients, as well as the race of the donors. It found that while donations from biologically related individuals increased, particularly among White and Hispanic donors, the number of Black donors remained low and stagnant. Specifically, the number of White related donors grew from 146 to 253, while Black related donors dropped from 11 to 10. This matters because increasing living liver donations can significantly improve survival rates for patients with severe liver disease, highlighting the need for better outreach and education in Hispanic and Black communities to encourage more donations. Who this helps: Patients with end-stage liver disease.

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This study looked at whether giving one dose or two doses of a medication called basiliximab, used during live-donor liver transplants, affects kidney health in patients with already stable kidney function. Researchers found that there was no significant difference in kidney performance between the two groups, although the two-dose group had a higher rate of acute kidney injury at 56.9% compared to 39% for those who received just one dose. Using a single dose could also save around $698,000 in medication costs across 159 transplants, making it a more cost-effective option. Who this helps: Patients undergoing liver transplants and healthcare providers interested in reducing costs.

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Researchers studied how a protein called Acyl-CoA thioesterase 1 (ACOT1) affects the development of a liver disease known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) from an earlier stage called steatosis. They found that ACOT1 levels were three times higher in MASH patients compared to those with only steatosis, and increasing ACOT1 in mice led to MASH development, while reducing it helped prevent the disease. This research is important because it highlights ACOT1 as a potential target for new treatments for MASH, a condition that currently has no approved drugs. Who this helps: This helps patients with MASH and doctors looking for new treatment options.

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This multi-center study examined outcomes for patients who had their livers transplanted and later developed tumors in the transplanted organ requiring surgical removal. Among 54 patients at 12 centers, hepatocellular carcinoma was the most common tumor, and surgical removal—often as the only treatment—was associated with acceptable survival and recurrence rates comparable to those seen in patients with native livers. Hepatic resection is a viable and underutilized option for selected patients in this setting.

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In this study, researchers compared two drugs, letermovir and valganciclovir, to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in kidney transplant patients who are at high risk. They found that letermovir effectively prevented CMV disease in 10.4% of patients, while 11.8% of patients on valganciclovir developed the disease, meaning both drugs worked similarly. However, letermovir had significantly fewer side effects and was better tolerated, with lower rates of blood-related issues (26% for letermovir vs. 64% for valganciclovir). Who this helps: This research benefits kidney transplant patients who are at risk for CMV and their doctors.

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This study looked at how certain proteins broken down in the blood, called the degradome, can indicate whether a liver transplant patient will develop a serious condition known as post-liver transplant non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) fibrosis. They found that patients who did develop fibrosis after five years had a distinct set of these protein fragments, which were significantly different in about 15% of cases when compared to those who did not develop fibrosis. These findings are important because they could lead to new, simple blood tests that help detect which liver transplant patients are at risk for serious complications early on. Who this helps: This helps patients who have undergone a liver transplant by allowing for earlier detection and intervention for potential complications.

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This study looked at the rates of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in lung transplant patients who received lungs from high-risk donors treated with a method called ex vivo lung perfusion, compared to those who received lungs from standard donors. The researchers found that 34.6% of patients with standard donor lungs developed CMV viremia, while 30.8% of those with ex vivo lungs did, showing no significant difference between the two groups. These findings indicate that using lungs from higher-risk donors does not lead to higher rates of CMV infection, which is important for assessing the safety of expanding donor organ options. Who this helps: This helps patients awaiting lung transplants and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well the fourth dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine works and its safety for patients who have had an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Researchers found that patients had a significant increase in antibodies after the booster, with levels rising from a median of 13,350 U/mL after the third dose to 44,500 U/mL following the fourth dose. The findings are important because they show that the booster is not only effective but also safe, with no serious side effects reported and no deaths in the study group. Who this helps: This helps patients who have received stem cell transplants and their healthcare providers.

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This paper reviews living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and its advantages over traditional deceased donor liver transplants. It highlights that LDLT leads to shorter wait times and better outcomes, with an overall survival rate similar to or better than deceased donor transplants. Currently, conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver cancer are the main reasons for needing this procedure in adults in the U.S., and ongoing research aims to improve surgical techniques and address potential complications. Who this helps: Patients needing a liver transplant.

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This study focused on the outcomes of liver retransplants using living donors compared to those from deceased donors at a medical center from 2009 to 2023. The research found that 1- and 3-year patient survival rates were 84% and 73% for living donors, versus 73% and 67% for deceased donors, indicating that living donor transplants can be just as effective. Additionally, patients who received liver transplants from living donors had shorter hospital stays and needed fewer blood products. Who this helps: This research benefits patients in need of liver retransplants and their doctors by providing an effective alternative using living donors.

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Researchers studied the challenges faced during living donor liver transplants, especially for patients receiving small liver grafts that may lead to small for size syndrome (SFSS). They recommended careful management for these patients, including cautious use of small grafts for those with health issues and specific monitoring and treatment strategies during and after surgery. These guidelines aim to improve patient care and outcomes in the high-risk area of liver transplantation. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver transplants, particularly those receiving small grafts.

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This study looked at the effects of a special type of immune cell, called regulatory dendritic cells (DCreg), on patients who received liver transplants from living donors. Thirteen patients who got an infusion of DCreg before their transplant showed reduced immune reactions against the organ and lower levels of certain immune cells compared to 40 other patients who received standard care. This matters because it suggests that using DCreg could help these patients rely less on immunosuppressive drugs after surgery, possibly leading to better long-term health with fewer side effects. Who this helps: This helps liver transplant patients who may benefit from reduced use of immunosuppressive medications.