LEOPARD

The LEOPARD project stands as a pioneering effort in the field of liver transplantation (LT), uniting stakeholders across Europe to revolutionise organ allocation strategies for individuals with decompensated cirrhosis (DC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Among patients currently listed for liver transplantation in Europe, mortality/drop-out on the waitlist averages 15-20% with large disparities across European countries. In recognition of the critical need to prioritise LT candidates based on mortality risk, particularly in the context of organ shortages, and the limitations of existing predictive models such as the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) in accurately assessing this risk, there is a growing urgency for updated algorithms to refine organ offering schemes.

The LEOPARD project seeks to enhance liver transplantation outcomes by creating and validating an AI-based predictive algorithm, considering recently identified predictors, that surpasses current models in stratifying both DC and HCC patients by mortality/dropout risks on the waitlist. Additionally, the project will develop calculators for DC and HCC candidates to aid in patient prioritisation, as well as integrate predictive signatures from OMICs/radiomics to improve risk assessment accuracy.

At its core, the LEOPARD project aims to improve patient outcomes by ensuring timely transplantations, harmonising European prioritisation schemes, and advocating for equitable access to LT to significantly reduce mortality on the waitlist. 

Population: adult | Intervention type: interventional excluding health product