Record at Cardarelli: 81 liver transplants and 76 bone marrow transplants in 2025, three performed on the last day of the year.

On December 31, the last day of 2025, the Cardarelli Hospital in Naples continued its transplant operations at full capacity, performing three crucial operations: a liver transplant and two bone marrow transplants.

This festive commitment represents a sign of hope for dozens of patients on the waiting list, made possible by the increase in organ donations in Campania.

Record numbers for liver transplants

The year just ended marked an all-time record for the Cardarelli Hospital: 81 liver transplants, a 73% increase compared to 47 in 2024. This represents the highest positive trend in Italy, with a post-operative survival rate of around 90%. Among the patients operated on, the majority are cases of post-viral, metabolic, and alcohol-related cirrhosis, complicated by hepatocellular carcinoma in over 50% of cases.

The hospital is investing heavily in its Liver Transplant Center, led by the Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, directed by Giovanni Vennarecci, and the Liver Intensive Care Unit, led by Giuseppe De Simone. Among the innovations is a new subintensive care unit for post-operative patients, supported by cutting-edge technologies.

Bone marrow and hematological excellence: 76 CAR-T procedures and therapies

In the Hematology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSC) department, directed by Alessandra Picardi, 76 procedures have been performed: 38 allogeneic (primarily for acute myeloid leukemia) and 38 autologous (primarily for multiple myeloma). In addition, 12 CAR-T treatments were performed, innovative therapies that extract, genetically modify, and reinfuse the patient's own T lymphocytes to fight non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

In total, 88 procedures in 2025 between CSE and Intensive Care, plus 5 bone marrow samplings – two on December 31st.

Words from General Manager Antonio D'Amore

“Cardarelli never stops. Even on holidays, activities continue at full speed, as these transplants on New Year's Eve demonstrate,” said Director General Antonio D'Amore. “I thank the staff for their invaluable, professional, and generous work. Our public healthcare system is built on the dedication of those who put caring for those in need first. To the entire team, my thanks and best wishes for 2026.”