Mary Raddawi, MD
Credit: Columbia VP&S Alumni Reunion
Waitlist outcomes have significantly improved since the implementation of new allocation guidelines for lung transplants that prioritize medical urgency, according to findings from a recent study.1
The data were presented at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference 2025 and highlight improved outcomes following the implementation of United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Composite Allocation Score (CAS) in 2023, especially among the sickest patients awaiting lung transplantation.1
Recent years have seen several changes in donor lung allocation in an effort to improve fairness and waitlist outcomes. Prior to November 2017, donor organs were allocated locally before being offered beyond the OPO. After a lawsuit in 2017, the allocation unit expanded…