Xenotransplantation: The Challenge to Current Psychosocial Knowledge

Clinical social workers have historically been active and important members of organ transplant teams.   They have been involved from initial patient assessment through post-transplant rehabilitation.   Because of the limited availability of transplantable human organs, xenotransplantation (XTX, i.e., the transplantation of animal organs into humans) has received considerable attention and, given recent immunologic progress in the experimental laboratory, will soon begin human clinical trials.  XTX has the potential to provide an unlimited supply of organs, but at the same time will present unique psychosocial challenges for the patients and their families.  This workshop includes a distinguished panel of four transplant medical and social work clinical, and psychosocial researchers to report on the current status of XTX research and its associated psychosocial, moral, and ethical issues.   Panelists will address the conference theme of the ongoing challenges for social workers resulting from ‘experimental’ clinical trials, identify the current state of knowledge, and outline their psychosocial research agenda going forward.  

The panelists will discuss the following topics: 1) overview of the need for an increasing number of organs; 2) XTX as an alternative source of organs; 3) potential risk of XTX to humans; 4) current status of XTX research; 5) ethical and moral issues associated with experimental clinical therapy; 6) the assessment and selection of candidates for XTX; 7) potential psychosocial risks and advantages of XTX; 8) current state of knowledge about public attitudes and acceptance of XTX; and, 9) summary and recommendations for future research needs as part of the upcoming clinical trials.    Key psychosocial differences between XTX and current medical treatments for end-stage organ disease will be identified and reported throughout.   

During the workshop, individual panelists will present from their area of expertise - medical, clinical, and research.   The medical research progress review will take approximately 20 minutes (items 1-4), with the remaining time being committed to the presentation and discussion about the psychosocial, moral, ethical and research agenda for XTX (items 4-9).   Audience questions and discussion will be welcomed throughout the workshop.    

Funding sources exist for the medical research to be presented, and other panel participants have various funding sources to cover their expenses associated with this work, none of which present a conflict of interest.   Full disclosure will be provided.