Improving fairness in kidney and liver organ allocation
Continuous allocation score design for guaranteeing equity and reducing discards in kidney and liver transplantation
This study is working on a new way to fairly distribute kidney and liver transplants so that everyone, no matter where they live or their background, has an equal chance of receiving a life-saving organ.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10991815 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the fairness of kidney and liver transplantation by developing a new scoring system that addresses disparities in organ allocation based on geographic, racial, and social factors. The approach involves using simulation optimization methods to explore various designs for a composite allocation score (CAS) that maintains the priorities of the current system while eliminating geographic boundaries. By ensuring that transplant rates are equitable across different populations, the research seeks to maximize the survival benefits of transplantation for all patients. This work is crucial in addressing the complex challenges of organ allocation and ensuring that all individuals have equal access to life-saving transplants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in need of kidney or liver transplants, particularly those from diverse racial, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds.
Not a fit: Patients who are not in need of a kidney or liver transplant will not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more equitable organ allocation system, improving access to kidney and liver transplants for underrepresented populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing disparities in healthcare access can lead to improved outcomes, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Massie, Allan B — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Massie, Allan B
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.