Optimizing kidney allocation: challenges and solutions

Abstract

Purpose of review With the kidney nonuse rate approaching 30%, one-fifth of kidneys placed out of sequence, and unsatisfactory long-term recipient outcomes, U.S. kidney allocation is at a crossroads. This review highlights recent studies and efforts geared toward improving the system. Recent findings The Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network's kidney transplantation committee is tasked with migrating kidney allocation policy, currently based on 250 nautical mile circles, to a fully continuous, points-based system. Challenges in designing a system assured to improve, not worsen, placement efficiency have hampered progress. OPO and transplant center practice patterns have adapted to a rapidly changing donation landscape. Advances in transplant immunology, particularly involving molecular HLA typing methods, are opening doors for more precise donor-recipient matching that appear to hold promise for improved long-term outcomes. Summary The largely one-size-fits-all kidney allocation system is in desperate need of an overhaul. The continuous distribution paradigm is flexible enough to accommodate bold, new ideas for addressing major pain points in an equitable way. The OPTN should use policy variances to conduct time-limited, controlled experiments with various continuous distribution policies and build upon what works. Advances in transplant immunology, such as eplet matching, should increasingly be incorporated into kidney offer decision-making and, eventually, the allocation algorithm.