Italy Reports Record Organ, Tissue, and Stem Cell Transplants
Why this is here: The increase in donations after cardiac death—growing 47.2% in reported donors—highlights expanded capabilities within Italian transplant centers, now totaling 111 across 17 regions.
Italy achieved record numbers for organ, tissue, and stem cell donations and transplants in 2025. The preliminary report from the National Transplant Center (CNT) showed 2,164 organ donations, a 3.2% increase from 2024. This led to 4,697 transplants, 55 more than the previous year.
The national donation rate reached 30.2 donors per million people, placing Italy among the European leaders. Veneto, Tuscany, and Piedmont regions reported the highest donation rates. Donations after cardiac death increased significantly, with a 47.2% rise in reported donors and a 50.6% increase in transplants.
However, the report also noted an increase in registered opposition to organ donation when applying for electronic identity cards, reaching 40.1% in 2025. Tissue and bone marrow donations and transplants also reached record highs with 16,825 donations and 27,351 transplants.