Incompatible kidney transplants boost survival in elderly patients

This study looked at 1,819 elderly patients (age 60+) with end-stage kidney disease to see if receiving a kidney from a living donor that was not a perfect match (ABO- or HLA-incompatible) helped them live longer compared to waiting for a compatible deceased donor kidney. The researchers found that those who got the incompatible transplant had better survival rates. The approach uses desensitization therapy to reduce the risk of rejection, but patients still need lifelong medication to keep the new kidney working.