Oxford University scientists have shown that a drug given at the time of a kidney transplant operation halves the risk of early rejection of the organ. [s]HealthCanal[/s] reports that the drug, called alemtuzumab, also allows a less toxic regimen of anti-rejection drugs to be used after the operation. Although the drug has been available for many years, its use has been limited by concerns about possible side effects, in particular infections. But the scientists report that there was no increased risk of serious side effects – such as infections and cancer – among patients on the treatment.
[link url=http://www.healthcanal.com/kidneys-urinary-system/53583-kidney-transplant-drug-halves-the-early-risk-of-organ-rejection.html]Full HealthCanal report[/link]
[link url=http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)61095-3/abstract]The Lancet article summary[/link]