RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Proceeding with clinical trials of animal to human organ transplantation: a way out of the dilemma
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 92
OP 98
DO 10.1136/jme.2003.004325
VO 30
IS 1
A1 A Ravelingien
A1 F Mortier
A1 E Mortier
A1 I Kerremans
A1 J Braeckman
YR 2004
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/30/1/92.abstract
AB The transplantation of porcine organs to humans could in the future be a solution to the worldwide organ shortage, but is to date still highly experimental. Further research on the potential effects of crossing the species barrier is essential before clinical application is acceptable. However, many crucial questions on efficacy and safety will ultimately only be answered by well designed and controlled solid organ xenotransplantation trials on humans. This paper is concerned with the question under which conditions, given the risks involved and the ethical issues raised, such clinical trials should be resumed. An alternative means of overcoming the safety and ethical issues is suggested: willed body donation for scientific research in the case of permanent vegetative status. This paper argues that conducting trials on such bodies with prior consent is preferable to the use of human subjects without lack of brain function.