Ebrahim NAA, Othman MO, Tahoun NS, Salama RA, Soliman SMA. Letter to the Editor: Bridging knowledge gaps in organ donation - implications for transplantation and regenerative therapies. World J Transplant 2026; 16(3): 114798 [DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v16.i3.114798]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Noura A A Ebrahim, Assistant Professor, Department of Oncologic Pathology, National Cancer Institute, 1st Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Al Qāhirah, Egypt. npathologist@gmail.com
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Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
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letter
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Ebrahim NAA, Othman MO, Tahoun NS, Salama RA, Soliman SMA. Letter to the Editor: Bridging knowledge gaps in organ donation - implications for transplantation and regenerative therapies. World J Transplant 2026; 16(3): 114798 [DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v16.i3.114798]
World J Transplant. Sep 18, 2026; 16(3): 114798 Published online Sep 18, 2026. doi: 10.5500/wjt.v16.i3.114798
Letter to the Editor: Bridging knowledge gaps in organ donation - implications for transplantation and regenerative therapies
Noura A A Ebrahim, Moamen O Othman, Neveen S Tahoun, Rasha A Salama, Soliman M A Soliman
Noura A A Ebrahim, Department of Oncologic Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Al Qāhirah, Egypt
Moamen O Othman, Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
Neveen S Tahoun, Department of Oncologic Pathology, National Cancer Insititute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
Rasha A Salama, Department of Community Medicine, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Science University, Ras Al Khaimah 11172, United Arab Emirates
Soliman M A Soliman, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Al Qāhirah, Egypt
Co-corresponding authors: Noura A A Ebrahim and Soliman M A Soliman.
Author contributions: All authors contributed to the preparation of this Letter to the Editor and take responsibility for its content. Ebrahim NAA and Soliman SMA served as co-corresponding authors and provided the primary intellectual leadership for this communication; Ebrahim NAA conceptualized the central message of the letter, guided its scientific perspective, and supervised the overall development of the manuscript. She led the critical interpretation of the published data discussed in the letter and prepared the initial draft, ensuring clarity, coherence, and clinical relevance. Soliman SMA led the analytical and scholarly components of the letter. He conducted an in-depth review of the relevant literature, critically evaluated the evidence addressed in the correspondence, and refined the scientific arguments. He was responsible for revising and finalizing the manuscript, ensuring accuracy, balance, and alignment with the journal’s scope and requirements. Othman MO, Tahoun NS, and Salama RA contributed to literature evaluation, critical discussion of the scientific issues raised, and refinement of the arguments presented. All authors participated in revising the manuscript for important intellectual content and approved the final version.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare that there are no competing interests.
Corresponding author: Noura A A Ebrahim, Assistant Professor, Department of Oncologic Pathology, National Cancer Institute, 1st Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Al Qāhirah, Egypt. npathologist@gmail.com
Received: September 28, 2025 Revised: November 14, 2025 Accepted: February 6, 2026 Published online: September 18, 2026 Processing time: 335 Days and 12 Hours
Abstract
The ongoing global deficit of donor organs remains a significant obstacle for transplantation programs, with more than 100000 individuals currently listed for transplantation in the United States and an estimated 13 patients dying each day before receiving a suitable organ. This commentary integrates current evidence regarding public knowledge, perceptions, and barriers to organ donation, and connects these factors to the anticipated acceptance of emerging transplantation and regenerative medicine innovations. Despite widespread support for organ donation-reported among nearly 90% of United States adults-actual enrollment in donor registries remains disproportionately low, underscoring a persistent disconnect between positive attitudes and real-world participation. Recent findings from the United Arab Emirates, including the study by Al-Sharbatti et al, reveal notable gaps in understanding and fear of medical procedures as key deterrents to donor enrollment, trends similarly reported in regions such as Kazakhstan. These insights reaffirm that inadequate awareness and distrust of healthcare systems continue to impede donor registration, even in highly educated communities. Enhancing public education, promoting transparency, and fostering trust are crucial steps toward improving donation rates. As transplantation advances through innovations such as xenotransplantation, stem cell–derived tissues, and bioengineered organs, societal confidence will be pivotal in shaping their acceptance. Addressing current knowledge deficits and proactively engaging with ethical and societal considerations will be essential to fully realizing the potential of both conventional and next-generation transplantation therapies.
Core Tip: Global organ shortages remain a pressing challenge, with societal perceptions shaping willingness to donate. Findings from Al-Sharbatti et al show that even among academic communities, myths, insufficient knowledge, and distrust continue to limit donor registration. Addressing these barriers requires culturally sensitive education, open communication, and active collaboration with communities to strengthen confidence in the system. These insights are equally relevant to future frontiers, including xenotransplantation and stem cell-derived organs, where public trust will determine acceptance. Building awareness, dispelling fears, and promoting ethical engagement are therefore essential to ensure that both current transplantation practices and innovative regenerative approaches achieve their full potential in saving lives.
