Navigating the Lung Composite Allocation Score (CAS) Policy Change
25 June, 2026 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT
This webinar comes as the United States OPTN public comment period for the newly implemented Lung CAS policy remains open through 3 July.
As the public comment deadline approaches, this webinar offers one of the best opportunities for clinicians, researchers, administrators, patients, and advocates to gain a comprehensive understanding of the proposed changes and participate in an informed discussion of their potential impact on lung transplantation.
This ISHLTv webinar is free and open to all, but registration is required.
Moderators
John Reynolds, MD
Julia Klesney-Tait, MD, PhD
Program
The Architecture of Allocation: Policy Development, Structural Safeguards, and the Future of Lung CAS
Presented by Erika Lease, MD
Inside the Lung CAS Policy Change: The Emergency Action, the Proposed Modification, and Its Impact on Patients
Presented by Matthew Hartwig, MD
Distance Matters: The Case for Understanding Geographic Impact of the Proposed CAS Modification
Presented by Maryam Valapour, MD, MPP
The European Perspective
Patient Advocacy Perspective
Presented by Carmel Aronson
Open Q&A
Led by Moderators
The policy introduces changes to lung allocation in the United States, and understanding its potential impact on transplant candidates, transplant programs, and the broader community is important.
This multidisciplinary program will examine the policy from several important perspectives, including:
- The development of the Lung CAS framework, its structural safeguards, and future considerations for allocation policy
- The emergency action and proposed policy modification, including potential impacts on transplant candidates and recipients
- The role of geographic distance in allocation and why understanding regional effects is critical when evaluating the proposed changes
- Insights from the European experience with organ allocation systems
- The patient advocacy perspective and the importance of patient-centered policy development
