The TI Podcast

Episode 8: June 2026

In this June episode of the Transplant International Podcast, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Nina Pilat is joined by Editorial Fellow Antonio Citro to break down three papers from the latest issue, all pushing transplantation toward greater precision. First, they discuss a Norwegian study – also featured on the June cover – examining sex-related differences in the predictive value of PET-based metabolic tumour volume before liver transplantation for colorectal liver metastases. Next, they analyse a study showing that total IgG glycosylation, a marker of antibody “quality” rather than mere presence, tracks with the severity of antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplant recipients, independent of donor-specific antibody status. Finally, they discuss a commentary on the first-in-human trial of CD8 regulatory T cell therapy in kidney transplant recipients, a novel, complementary approach to CD4 Treg-based strategies for immune tolerance.

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Episode 7: From Transplant to Summit: How a Lung transplant recipient conquered Mount Aconcagua

In this special episode of the Transplant International podcast, we explore the extraordinary intersection of transplantation medicine and high-altitude mountaineering. Join Nina Pilat, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Transplant International, and Editorial Fellow Antonio Citro for an inspiring conversation with Jakob Muehlbacher, a general surgeon and avid mountaineer. Jakob shares firsthand insights from pioneering research conducted in the extreme conditions of America’s highest peak. This episode delves into the extensive safety protocols required for vulnerable patient populations, explores the emotional power of shared clinical adventures, and highlights how pushing boundaries can improve outcomes in standard patient care.

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Episode 6: May 2026

In this May episode of the Transplant International Podcast, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Nina Pilat is joined by Editorial Fellow Delphine Kervella to break down four highly impactful papers from the latest issue. First, they dive into a basic science study challenging lung transplant dogma by looking at blood vessels as the primary orchestration site of graft rejection. Next, they analyse a multicenter French study evaluating whether apheresis can be safely omitted in ABO-incompatible kidney transplant recipients with low baseline titers. They then discuss a valuable proof-of-concept letter from Mexico regarding individualised desensitisation for HLA-incompatible living donor kidney transplants.

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Episode 5: April 2026 Issue: Editors’ picks

Digital, Biological, and Technological Futures in Transplantation: How can the transplant community establish a trustworthy ethical framework for artificial intelligence? Can extending machine perfusion beyond 24 hours transform organ preservation into an active treatment platform? Furthermore, is cell-free DNA merely a passive marker of graft damage, or does it actively mediate post-transplant inflammation? In this episode, we connect clinical and molecular frontiers with the structural regulations shaping the future of transplantation.

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Episode 4: March 2026 Issue: Surgical Optimisation, Biomarkers, and Regional Equity

How does vascular anastomosis time truly impact kidney transplant outcomes, and can longitudinal monitoring of cell-free DNA accurately predict allograft failure? Furthermore, what are the actionable strategies to overcome transplantation inequities in the Western Balkans? In this episode, we connect clinical and molecular advances with the systemic blueprints needed to improve kidney transplantation worldwide.

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Episode 3: February 2026 Issue: Editors´ picks

In this February episode of the Transplant International Podcast, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Nina Pilat and Editorial Fellow Antonio Citro explore two major highlights from the current issue. First, they discuss the Editors’ Choice selection of the Top 12 Most Impactful Papers in Clinical Transplantation in 2025, covering breakthroughs from xenotransplantation and immune engineering to organ preservation and oncology. They then turn to a comprehensive narrative review on machine learning in lung transplantation, unpacking how AI-driven approaches are influencing outcome prediction, organ allocation, imaging, and precision medicine. Together, these topics provide a forward-looking perspective on how biological innovation and computational methods are converging to transform the field.

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Episode 2: January 2026 Issue: Editors´ picks

In this January issue episode of the Transplant International Podcast, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Nina Pilat and Editorial Fellow Delphine Kervella analyse two landmark studies examining simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) versus kidney-alone transplantation outcomes. Using data from the TriNetX global EHR network and the US SRTR registry, these studies reveal surprising findings about survival neutrality while confirming SPK’s metabolic superiority. The discussion covers three accompanying commentaries that debate the implications for clinical practice, patient counselling, and organ allocation policies. This episode provides essential insights into how modern diabetes management and improved kidney transplant outcomes have reshaped the SPK versus kidney-alone debate.

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Episode 1: Visions for ESOT – A Conversation with President Olivier Thaunat

Join Nina Pilat, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Transplant International, and Editorial Fellow Antonio Citro as they engage in a compelling conversation with Olivier Thaunat. Serving as ESOT President for 2025-2027, Olivier shares his insights on leadership, the evolving landscape of transplantation, and his commitment to fostering resilience and collaboration within the ESOT community. This episode explores what “sustainable” means for the field, identifies key emerging technologies, and offers valuable advice for young investigators, painting a vivid picture of ESOT’s future.

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