Emerging strategies in the transplantation of HCV-infected pancreases to uninfected recipients: A narrative review.

Bush AJ., Gould RAE., Storey BC., Bottomley MJ.

The scarcity of suitable candidates for solid organ transplantation (SOT) represents a major barrier to the reduction of waiting lists. The introduction of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapeutics eliminates many of the risks associated with the transplantation of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-infected donor organs (D+) to uninfected recipients (R-) and may facilitate access to a substantial organ pool, previously considered unacceptably high risk. The extent of clinical investigation into the safety and feasibility of HCV D+/R- SOT varies between allograft types. Here, we review the current state of pancreatic HCV D+/R-transplant research. Studies are limited to small cohorts who received pancreas allografts from HCV-viraemic donors alongside a regimen of DAA therapy. As of 2025, seven studies investigated a total of 22 patients, using prophylactic or reactive treatment regimens. Outcomes have been positive, with universal viral eradication, favourable allograft function, and minimal HCV-related complications. A favourable adverse event profile is reported, mirroring studies in other transplanted organs. With the aim to increase clinical use of pancreatic HCV D+/R- SOT, further investigation in the field is necessary to validate these preliminary data. Larger studies are essential to evaluate long-term sequelae and optimise treatment protocols to subsequently establish a standard of care.

DOI

10.1016/j.trre.2025.100941

Type

Journal article

Publication Date

2025-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Volume

39

Keywords

Adverse events, Allograft, DAA, Direct acting antivirals, Graft function, HCV, Hepatitis, Hepatitis c, Kidney, PAK, PTA, Pancreas, Pancreatic, Renal, SOT, SPK, SVR12, Solid organ transplantation, Transplant, Transplantation, Humans, Antiviral Agents, Pancreas Transplantation, Hepatitis C, Hepacivirus

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