September 2026 CKD Insider Newsletter
Welcome to the Chronic Kidney Disease Insider Newsletter. If you are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis, have had a kidney transplant or are helping care for someone who is, this newsletter was created for you! The CKD Insider Newsletter provides actionable information for you and your family to help you manage your health in consultation with your doctor.
In this month’s CKD Insider:
Latest News from Kidney Organizations
The 2026 AKF Kidney Week Sessions are Available Online
The American Kidney Fund (AKF) held it’s bi-annual Kidney Week in September. Each day had a different theme, but overall the meeting covered causes and co-existing conditions session covered the underlying causes of multiple kidney diseases, shared exciting clinical results, and practical advice for patients in navigating clinical trials, and what new technologies mean for patient care. Speakers included healthcare providers, patients, researchers, and kidney advocates. You can still watch much of the content online in recorded videos. The full library is found here.
Your Fun Tip of the Day
Hold Onto Summer a Little Longer
Just because summer is winding down doesn’t mean you have to let it go quite yet!
September and October can be beautiful times to enjoy the beach. The crowds are often smaller, the weather can be comfortable, and the ocean may still be warm enough for a swim. Or simply take a leisurely walk along the shore, sit and listen to the waves, or enjoy the sunshine. If you live near the water, or can easily travel to a beach location take advantage of it while you can.
There is something peaceful about being near the ocean, the sound of the waves, the fresh air, and the chance to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Before summer completely slips away, find a little time to get outside, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the peace the ocean can bring!
Latest advancements
A Cancer Drug Could be Used to Aid Kidney Transplantation
What it is: A recent publication in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that a transplant patient was treated with the cancer drug teclistamab, which is usually used to treat multiple myeloma (a blood cancer). It interacts with T cells to deplete HLA antibodies that recognize the donor organ, causing rejection. With this treatment, the patient was able to receive the kidney transplant.
Why it’s important: About 20% to 30% of patients waiting for a kidney transplant have high levels of HLA (human leukocyte antigen) antibodies. This is called HLA sensitization and makes it difficult or impossible for them to receive a donor organ. Teclistamab can be used to lower HLA antibodies so patients with sensitization can still undergo transplantation. If this is a situation that you are in, talk with your doctor and read more here.
Promising Results in New Trial for Engineered Kidneys
What it is: A biotechnology company called eGenesis, along with clinicians at Mass General Brigham, is testing an engineered kidney for transplantation in a study of five patients. The organs originate from pig kidneys but are engineered to be compatible with the human immune system through three main classes of modifications: deleting glycan antigens (the markers antibodies recognize as foreign), introducing human transgenes to help prevent rejection, and inactivating pathogens to avoid transmission.
Why it’s important: Three of the five patients who received the engineered kidneys (called EGEN-2784) maintained function for over eight months without needing dialysis, with one reaching 290 days. Two of these patients later successfully transitioned to human donor kidney transplants, proving xenotransplantation (transplantation from a different species) doesn't prevent future human organ transplants. Based on these results, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) authorized eGenesis to launch a Phase 1/2/3 trial called RESTORE with 33 patients, scheduled to begin in early 2027. To learn more, you can check out the eGenesis website.
Home Dialysis Myths
Home Dialysis Central recently shared a blog addressing common fears and misconceptions about performing dialysis at home. With proper training, planning, and healthcare support, home dialysis is manageable for many people. Below we’ve summarized the Myths from this Home Dialysis Central blog, but you can read the full post here.
Home Dialysis is Too Complicated
Patients receive step-by-step training and support from nephrology nurses until the patient and their caregivers are confident. Many patients reported better quality of life with home dialysis compared with in-center dialysis.
Home Dialysis Means You Can’t Travel
With advanced planning, travel is possible. Dialysis teams help coordinate logistics and supplies, which can often be shipped directly to your arrival designation.
Home Dialysis Lowers Your Transplant Chances
Home dialysis is a great option for those waiting on a donor organ for transplantation to maintain stable health. It does not impact your chances of getting a transplant.
You Have to Have a Care Partner with You to do Home Dialysis
Not all patients need a care partner in order to perform home dialysis. Talk to your care provider to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Home dialysis is too expensive
Medicare Part B covers home dialysis training, equipment, supplies, related support services, and required medications. Talk to your healthcare provider about coverage for these expenses.
Home Dialysis Means You Will Have to Give Up All the Foods You Enjoy
The reality is quite the opposite. Because home dialysis is often performed more frequently than in-center care, it allows for better fluid and waste removal. This offers greater diet flexibility. Home dialysis patients can receive guidance from a renal nutritionist.
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