Long-Term Results of Rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin and Basiliximab Induction

To the Editor: In our recently reported prospective, randomized, international clinical trial comparing rabbit antithymocyte globulin and basiliximab in renal transplantation (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00235300),1 we observed that induction treatment with rabbit antithymocyte globulin was as safe as and more effective than basiliximab at 1 year in preventing acute rejection in patients who had received kidney transplants from deceased donors and who were at increased risk for acute rejection or delayed graft function. Whether the apparent benefits of rabbit antithymocyte globulin over basiliximab persist is unknown. The duration of follow-up in a clinical study is limited by whether patients are willing . . .