Thomas E. Starzl, Pioneering Liver transplant Surgeon, passes away at 90

[Commander Wallace]

Dr. Thomas E. Starzl who was a pioneering transplant surgeon has passed away at the age of 90.

Quote: In 1967, Dr. Starzl led a surgical team at the University of Colorado in a procedure that many in the medical community had dismissed as impractical, if not impossible. Although kidneys had been transplanted successfully since the 1950s, all previous attempts to replace a liver had resulted in the death of the patient.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/05/s...t-90.html?_r=0

The early Identified issues associated with organ transplant were rejection of the new organ. A new class of drugs were required to suppress the immune system to allow the transplanted organ to consolidate itself with the host body.

Quote: In the late 1970s, Dr. Starzl helped investigate the efficacy of cyclosporine, a drug that laboratory tests indicated could inhibit the body’s immune response.


In drug trials held at Colorado and at Brigham Young University in Utah, cyclosporine was subsequently used to prevent rejection by the patient receiving a donated organ. Dr. Starzl applied the drug in combination with steroids to avoid a toxic effect on the kidneys. After further trials conducted at the University of Minnesota and the University of Texas, cyclosporine was approved in 1983 by the Food and Drug Administration.

Dr. Andreas Tzakis and Dr. Starzl used FK-506, an experimental anti-rejection drug, which went on to become widely used in transplant surgeries. Their investigation was not without risk; other scientists showed that tacrolimus ( FK-506 ) had proved toxic when tested in dogs, and they doubted that it could be safe for humans. But the unexpected result was a medical breakthrough for patients and lavish headlines for the University of Pittsburgh, which Dr. Starzl helped fashion into an international center for training transplant specialists.


https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/05/s...t-90.html?_r=0


It was Dr. Starzyl's pioneering work which laid the foundation for the training and education of a new breed of transplantation specialists and surgeons. If you know someone who has had an organ transplant, Dr Starzyl was directly or indirectly responsible for the viability of the transplant and the longevity of those so afflicted. They literally owe their lives to Dr. Starzyl and his work.



Rest in Peace Dr. Starzyl and thanks for your incredible dedication to others.

[Jimbuna]

A real-life pioneer....RIP