Initiation of a virtual crossmatch protocol using solid-phase histocompatibility techniques significantly increased access of sensitized patients to kidney transplantation and was more cost effective. Usage of a virtual crossmatch may facilitate greater sharing of kidneys to improve access to transplantation for sensitized recipients.

These data indicate a new and different protective mechanism for FK506 in regard to its ability to down-regulate free radical levels in livers subjected to severe ischemia and reperfusion. Tacrolimus, also confirmed to be a potent suppressor of the cytokine response, specifically interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis, decreased neutrophil tissue migration as well.

Alemtuzumab and reduced dosages of tacrolimus and mycophenolate without long-term steroids can achieve low rates of rejection and excellent graft and patient survival without excessive risk of infection or malignancy. There is still a need for large randomized trials with long-term follow-up to determine its exact role in solid organ transplantation.

Although fungal and mycobacterial infections caused significant mortality, the overall incidence remains low and comparable to that associated with other induction agents.