Surveillance Donor-derived Cell-free DNA Allows for the Safe Reduction in Protocol Transbronchial Biopsies After Lung Transplantation

Transplantation Direct 2026 Open access

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Authors: Kashika G. Goyal, David J. Ross, B. Small, Namita Trikannad, Sangeeta Maruti Bhorade, Justin P. Rosenheck
DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001901
Cited by: 1
References: 33

Abstract

Background: Protocol transbronchial biopsies (TBBx) are standard of practice (SOP) in most lung transplantation (LT) centers for surveillance of acute cellular rejection. In the context of higher LT center volumes, our program experienced increasing difficulty scheduling SOP protocol TBBx at months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 post-LT. As part of a Quality Assurance Performance Improvement initiative, we designed this prospective study to assess the efficacy and safety of adopting donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) surveillance in lieu of protocol TBBx during the initial year after LT at our center. Methods: Enrolled LT patients with "low-risk" dd-cfDNA (75% reduction in 9M protocol TBBx procedures among patients who were "low risk" by dd-cfDNA.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Transplantation: Methods and Outcomes Renal Transplantation Outcomes and Treatments Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
Transplantation Direct
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Volume
12
Issue
2
Pages
e1901–e1901
Publication date
12 January 2026
Language
EN