Donor-derived cell-free dna in kidney transplantation: Origins, present and a look to the future

Abstract

Since its first detection in 1948, donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) has been em-ployed for a myriad of indications in various medical specialties. It has had a far-reaching impact in solid organ transplantation, with the most widespread utilization in kidney transplantation for the surveillance and detection of allograft rejection. The purpose of this review is to track the arc of this revolutionary test—from origins to current use—along with examining challenges and future prospects though the lens of transplant nephrology.