Pancreas transplants are among the rarest organ transplants performed each year. These procedures have become increasingly uncommon since 2004. There are different reasons for this, including difficulty in both the recovery and transplantation processes. Other available treatments that are less invasive than a transplant and strict criteria that limits the eligibility for many donors.

What is the pancreas?

The pancreas is a small tubular-shaped, glandular organ that is located behind the stomach. It produces enzymes that are used for digestion. The pancreas also produces insulin which is essential for life because it regulates the use of blood sugar throughout the body.

If the pancreas stops producing insulin, this can result in a diagnosis of Type I diabetes. This is an autoimmune disease and those diagnosed with it must take insulin daily to live. Type II diabetes occurs more often in adults and is considered a chronic disease. With Type II diabetes, the pancreas is usually producing enough insulin, but for unknown reasons, the body cannot use the insulin effectively. Maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle can help in managing both types of diabetes.

Why would you need a pancreas transplant?

Most pancreas transplant candidates are listed due to diabetes, pancreatic cancer, bile duct cancer, or chronic kidney disease. It’s also common for candidates to need a kidney transplant at the same time, though transplanting both organs together can make finding a match more challenging.

On the research front, there’s meaningful progress happening for those affected by pancreatic cancer. A targeted drug called daraxonrasib, studied in a phase 1/2 clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine in May 2026, showed that for most patients, cancer progression was held off for an average of 8.5 months, representing what researchers are calling a potential paradigm shift after decades of relying primarily on chemotherapy. While this doesn’t change transplant eligibility criteria, it’s an encouraging sign for patients navigating a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

One Advocate’s Story: Rhonda Hill

One of our Advocates for Life  shared her story about her need for a kidney-pancreas transplant and how that transplant saved her life. Rhonda Hill, from Douglas, Wyoming, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a child and spent years managing her health. Eventually, her condition progressed to the point where she needed both a kidney and pancreas transplant to survive.

She shared how deeply her life was impacted by the gift of donation. “I know my donor changed the lives of many others that same night in October of 2000 with her gifts,” Rhonda shared. “I think of her and thank her every day.” Now, more than two decades later, Rhonda continues to honor her donor’s legacy by advocating for organ donation and encouraging others to say “yes” to giving the gift of life.

What You Can Do To Help

If you have questions about pancreas or kidney-pancreas transplants, speak with your doctor or contact a transplant center for more information. And remember: anyone can register to become an organ, eye and tissue donor. Don’t assume you’re ineligible, even transplant recipients can sometimes become donors. Register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, by visiting Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming.

Join Donor Alliance at the 50th Annual Parker Days Festival on June 12th! It’s a free admission family festival with a wide variety of music, marketplace booths, food, activities, crafts, and family fun! Donor Alliance will be on site handing out Donate Life swag, raising awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation, and connecting with the Parker community. Find more festival information here.