Pioneering Surgeon Sir Roy Calne Dies at 93, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Organ Transplantation Breakthroughs

London - Sir Roy Calne, a renowned pioneer of organ transplantation, passed away at the age of 93 in Cambridge, England, late on Saturday. His family confirmed the news, stating that he died peacefully. Sir Roy, who held the title of professor emeritus of surgery at Cambridge University, was widely recognized for leading Europe's first liver transplant operation in 1968. Born in 1930, Calne began his medical career at Guy's Hospital in London, where he developed a keen interest in organ transplantation during the 1950s. His father's work as a car mechanic served as inspiration for his groundbreaking research.

During the early stages of his career, Calne faced skepticism about the feasibility of organ transplantation. However, he persisted in his pursuits and is now considered one of the fathers of this life-saving medical procedure, alongside American scientist Dr. Thomas Starzl. Together, they conducted initial experiments on dogs to develop surgical techniques and treatments to prevent organ rejection.

In 1960, Calne's experiments on dogs demonstrated for the first time that a drug could effectively combat organ rejection. Three years later, Starzl attempted the first human liver transplant, although the patient tragically died during the procedure. Despite initial setbacks, subsequent surgeries revealed that transplanted livers could function, providing hope for the field of organ transplantation.

Reflecting on the early days of transplantation, Calne recalled the tremendous challenges they faced. "It was terrible at the beginning. We had so many dreadful complications," he said in 1999. However, his determination and focus on finding better ways to prevent organ rejection led to significant breakthroughs. Calne played a crucial role in the development of cyclosporine, a groundbreaking anti-rejection drug that transformed the survival chances of transplant patients. Since gaining wide acceptance in the 1980s, liver transplants have saved thousands of lives.

Calne's contributions to the field of transplantation extended beyond liver procedures. In 1986, he participated in the world's first triple transplant, involving the liver, lungs, and heart. Eight years later, he led a groundbreaking six-organ transplant, which included the liver, kidney, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, and pancreas.

The significance of Calne's achievements was recognized by numerous prestigious accolades. In 1974, he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, Britain's national academy of science. Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 1986, and in 2012, he and Starzl were jointly awarded the esteemed Lasker Award for their research contributions.

In 2021, Addenbrooke's Hospital, one of Britain's largest medical institutions, honored Calne by naming its transplant unit after him. This gesture commemorated his remarkable career and solidified Cambridge's reputation as an international center of excellence in transplantation. A plaque was unveiled at the unit's entrance, accompanied by a painting created by Calne himself, showcasing his talent as an accomplished artist.

Professor Chris Watson, a close friend and colleague of Sir Roy, expressed the profound impact of his work. "Sir Roy put Cambridge on the map as an international center for excellence in transplantation, a reputation we strive to maintain," Watson said. Sir Roy Calne's pioneering spirit and groundbreaking contributions to organ transplantation will continue to shape the field and save countless lives for years to come.