Innovative and sustainable procedures for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are coming to life, promising to complement the existing traditional options such as dialysis and transplantation.
Few breakthroughs have been achieved in the field of kidney disease treatment since the mass diffusion of dialysis units in the 1970s.
However, a new range of innovative options is emerging, from the portable artificial kidney for home dialysis to the use of artificial intelligence and tissue engineering.
In this special report, EURACTIV explores the ‘green’ and cutting-edge options for the nephrology of the future.
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EU initiative on chronic illnesses may ‘indirectly’ help kidney patients, Commission says
Although not included in the EU’s list of major non-communicable diseases, chronic kidney disease (CKD) will benefit from an ‘indirect’ impact of the work on other conditions that share common risk factors, according to the European Commission.
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Could lab-grown mini-kidneys change patients’ lives?
Several labs in Europe are growing mini-kidneys to be used for disease modelling, in the hope that in the future, they can be used as transplants for those in need.
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Green innovation in kidney care critical for both patients and planet
Invented more than 50 years ago, dialysis is a key part of treatment for kidney disease and continues to demand a large amount of resources. Now the conversation is turning to ways to make kidney treatment greener.
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New drugs and advanced transplantation could lower cost of kidney disease
Kidney disease is soon to become a leading cause of death, while at the same time carrying one of the highest financial burdens for society. Researchers are working on improving disease management in a way which simultaneously reduces costs.