Pioneering Transplant Surgeon Sir Roy Calne Dies at 93

Calne, Known for Leading Europe's First Liver Transplant and Developing Immunosuppressants, Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Transplantation Medicine

Sir Roy Calne, a pioneering surgeon who led Europe's first liver transplant operation in 1968, has died at the age of 93.
In 1978, Calne became the first doctor to use an immunosuppressant, which was found to be effective in reducing organ rejection.
Calne performed a series of surgical 'world-firsts', including the world's first liver, heart and lung transplant in 1987, and the world's first successful 'organ cluster' transplant in 1994.
Calne's work on liver transplants offered thousands of people with end-stage liver disease a normal life.
In 2021, Addenbrooke's Hospital named its transplant unit after Sir Roy, in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of transplantation.