The transplant surgery research group is comprised of medical students, residents, and fellows that conduct clinical outcomes, health services, and quality improvement research in adult and pediatric kidney and liver transplantation.

1. Adult Transplantation: Our research aims to address the supply and demand imbalance through increased adoption of emerging technologies such as ex vivo machine perfusion and surgical techniques such as living donor liver transplantation. Through predictive modeling, we are working on expanding indications for liver transplantation for the treatment of unresectable hepatobiliary malignancies. We have additional expertise in developing and implementing clinical pathways to optimize outcomes after liver transplantation with the goal of improving the length and quality of patients’ lives.
   • To learn more, please contact Dr. Madhukar Patel.
2. Pediatric Transplantation: UT Southwestern’s research in pediatric transplantation includes examining utilization and outcomes of marginal organs in pediatric transplantation. We have a particular interest in transplantation of DCD livers and kidneys in pediatric transplantation. In addition, utilization, and outcomes of normothermic machine perfusion in pediatric liver transplantation is being studied. Insights into these areas are methods to increase access to transplantation in pediatric patients.
   • To learn more, please contact Dr. Christine Hwang.

Opportunities to Perform Transplant Research

The transplant surgery research group is comprised of medical students, residents, and fellows interested in identifying gaps in clinical care and working collaboratively to solve them. If you would like to learn more about opportunities, please contact either Dr. Madhukar Patel and/or Dr. Christine Hwang.

Clinical Trials

View a list of current clinical trials below.

• HOPE In Action Prospective Multicenter, Clinical Trial Of HIV+ Deceased Donor Liver Transplants For HIV+ Recipients
• HOPE In Action Prospective Multicenter, Clinical Trial Of HIV+ Deceased Donor Kidney Transplants For HIV+ Recipients
• Use of DNA Testing to Help Transition Kidney Transplant Recipients to Belatacept-only Immunosuppression
• Safety, tolerability and efficacy of AntiBKV as treatment of BKV infection in kidney transplant recipients, a randomized phase II/III study, double-blind and placebo-controlled
• Sponsor-Initiated OCS Liver Perfusion (OLP-II) Registry
• A Pivotal Phase 3 Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Clazakizumab for the Treatment of Chronic Active Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Kidney Transplant Recipients
• Evaluation Of Patient Outcomes From The Kidney Allograft Outcomes Allosure Registry KOAR
• Apol1 Long-Term Kidney Transplantation Outcomes Network (APOLLO)
• Evaluation Of Patient Outcomes From The Kidney Allograft Outcomes Allosure Registry KOAR – (OKRA)
• The PROspera Kidney Transplant ACTIVE Rejection Assessment Registry (ProActive) Study

Expanding Pediatric Donor Organs

UT Southwestern’s research in pediatric transplantation includes examining utilization of marginal organs in the pediatric transplant population. Outcomes in liver and kidney transplantation in pediatric patients when organs from marginal donors (including CDC high risk donors and donation after cardiac death organs) are being investigated. This is a way to increase the donor pool in the pediatric patients who are listed for transplantation.

Support Research

The Division of Surgical Transplantation lives up to a long tradition of excellence in clinical care, research and education. Nationally and internationally recognized physicians from many disciplines work together to provide patients with the most advanced treatment options. You can make a difference, and we need your help. When you support transplant research, you are making a significant contribution to advancing our goal of providing the best care for every patient.

If you are interested in supporting our research team, please contact:

Parsia A. Vagefi, M.D., FACS
Chief, Division of Surgical Transplantation
UT Southwestern Medical Center

5959 Harry Hines Blvd, HP04.102
Dallas, TX 75390-8567
Phone:  214-645-6760
Fax:  214-645-6771
Parsia.Vagefi@UTSouthwestern.edu

For questions regarding participation in clinical trials, please contact:

David Wojciechowski, D.O.
Medical Director, Kidney Transplantation
Director, Department of Surgery Transplant Research
UT Southwestern Medical Center
David.Wojciechowski@UTSouthwestern.edu