I am privileged to have worked for 30 years in Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics supporting patients in need of a transplant. Clinical transplantation is a remarkable achievement having been developed in just 50 years – a study of this history is fascinating, informative and rewarding. In the H&I Laboratory we have, mainly through strong international collaboration, developed robust technologies which lead the field of genetic analysis. H&I scientists can define the most variable genetic loci to a high degree of resolution, often in the early hours of the morning, and within hours a patient receives life-saving or life-improving transplant surgery which can prolong the recipient’s life expectation to that of any other individual. It is established that transplantation of a pancreas with a kidney for a diabetic patient with kidney failure is THE most effective surgery – of any kind – since two debilitating chronic conditions are treated.
Whilst transplantation is challenging surgery and involves long-term management of immunosuppressive therapy, H&I Laboratories have an essential role in effecting transplantation, particularly for immunologically sensitised patients, and in preventing rapid immune mediated transplant failure. This contribution, along with the need to work closely with medical, nursing and coordinator colleagues and others motivates me and every transplant is exciting.
There remains much to be achieved; some transplants fail and many patients do not receive the transplant they need. Research in these areas is active but insufficient in quantity. Development of organ donation and clinical transplant services is now a priority for the NHS and improvements are eagerly awaited. None of this will come about unless adequate infrastructure is in place.
The significant achievements of the British Society for Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (www.bshi.org.uk) and the British Transplantation Society (www.bts.org.uk) and other professional groups indicates how teamwork brings success. involvement of individuals with these bodies and with NHSBT Organ Donation and Transplant (formerly UK Transplant) is highly enjoyable and productive for clinical teams and for patients. I believe this integrated approach leads the way to the best treatment for patients in need of a transplant.
Without H&I there is no transplantation!
