How geographic boundaries affect kidney transplant access and outcomes

Impact of Geographic Boundaries on Deceased Donor Kidney Discard, Allocation, and Outcomes

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-10894948

This study looks at how where you live can affect your chances of getting a kidney transplant, especially because of certain boundaries used in organ distribution, and it aims to find ways to make sure more people with kidney disease get the help they need without wasting donated kidneys.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10894948 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the geographic location of patients influences their chances of receiving a kidney transplant. It examines the impact of artificial geographic boundaries used in organ allocation, which can lead to disparities in access and contribute to the unnecessary discard of donated kidneys. By analyzing different eras of kidney allocation, the study aims to identify how these boundaries affect transplant outcomes and equity for patients with end-stage kidney disease. The findings could inform future policies to improve access to transplants and reduce kidney waste.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with end-stage kidney disease who are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.

Not a fit: Patients who are not on the kidney transplant waiting list or those with conditions that preclude them from receiving a transplant may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved kidney transplant access and reduced waste of donated kidneys for patients in need.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that geographic disparities significantly impact organ allocation, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel approach.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: End-Stage Kidney Disease, End-Stage Renal Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.