Tissue or cells that have lost their function can be replaced through transplantation. Transplantation saves life's or improves the quality of life of thousands of patients. The progress in today's medicine and surgery makes many types of transplantations a therapeutical option. Unfortunately, complications caused by the rejection of foreign tissues by the immune system have not yet been resolved completely. Transplantation immunology is the study of the mechanisms by which immune system recognizes and aggresses foreign tissues.

What is this site about ?

This site focuses on the differences and common points between organ transplantation, hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation and blood transfusion. Trying to find an equilibrium between the view of the basic scientist and the every day's practice of the clinician, we will discuss several techniques, indications for transplantation and clinical aspects. A major emphasis will be on the understanding of transplantation barriers.

Click on one of the three type of transplantation to enter

Organ Transplantation Organ transplantation A mal-functioning organ such as a kidney, a liver or heart can be replaced by a donor organ. At present, the major limitation is the availability of donor's.

HSC Transplantation Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is a well established therapy for hematological malignancies as well as for some inherited or acquired hematological or immuno-logical disorders.

Blood Transfusion Blood transfusions are given after a substantial loss of blood (accidents/ surgery) or as support for patients with a malfunctioning hematopoiesis. Although usually not referred to as a transplantation, some of the rules are very similar.

The content of this web site has been written by teachers of the University Hospital of Geneva. It is tailored to be a support for the 3rd year transplantation course given at the Geneva Medical School.