Pediatric lung transplantation in 2026: recent changes and current challenges

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Lung transplantation has evolved as an accepted therapy in carefully selected children with end-stage lung disease, offering prolonged survival and improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Pediatric lung transplantation is complex and multilayered and differs from adult transplant. Specific aspects of pediatric lung transplantation will be reviewed, updates on recent developments in the field will be shared, and current challenges will be discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: The underlying diagnoses leading to lung transplantation vary considerably by age group and have shifted in the last decade. With children requiring special consideration due to their size and immune status, early referral, careful patient selection, and appropriate timing of listing are crucial. Surgical techniques, donor organ utilization, bridging sick patients to transplant and management of posttransplant complications are continually evolving to improve long term survival. SUMMARY: Despite its challenges, lung transplant in pediatrics is successful and can improve HRQoL. Developments and further research in expanding the donor pool, peri-transplant management and prevention and treatment of infectious complications and transplant rejection are needed.