In this Article

• What are the benefits of islet cell transplantation?
• What are the risks of islet cell transplantation?
• How successful is islet cell transplantation?
• Can anyone with diabetes get an islet cell transplant?
• Can islet cell transplantation be done at any hospital?
• What is the future for islet cell transplantation research?
• What clinical trials are researching islet cell transplantation?
• Islet Cell Transplantation Index

Can Anyone With Diabetes Get an Islet Cell Transplant?

Typically, candidates for islet cell transplantation are between the ages of 18 and 65, have had type 1 diabetes for more than 5 years, and are experiencing diabetes-related complications such as frequent periods of unconsciousness due to lack of insulin and early signs of kidney problems that could lead to kidney failure.

Can Islet Cell Transplantation Be Done at any Hospital?

Because it is still considered an experimental therapy, islet cell transplantation is not widely available. There are currently 17 U.S. centers participating in islet cell research programs. The American Diabetes Association recommends that pancreas or islet cell transplantation be performed only in these major centers, which are best equipped to handle the complex and long-term medical and personal needs of transplant patients.

What Is the Future for Islet Cell Transplantation Research?

There are two main areas of focus in islet cell transplantation research:

1. Collecting enough islet cells to do the transplant: Obtaining enough islet cells for transplantation is a major challenge. Typically, about 1 million islet cells are needed, which is equivalent to two donor pancreases. Because the need surpasses the number of human donors available, researchers are studying the use of cells from other sources, including fetal tissue and animals such as pigs. Researchers are also attempting to grow human islet cells in the laboratory.
2. Preventing rejection: Researchers continuously seek to develop new and better anti-rejection drugs. Many advances have been made in anti-rejection drugs over the past 15 years. Newer drugs -- such as tacrolimus (FK506) and rapamycin -- have fewer and less harmful side effects than some older drugs like cyclosporine and prednisone.

Researchers are also working to develop methods of transplanting islet cells that will reduce or eliminate the risk of rejection and the need for immunosupression. One approach involves coating the islet cells with a special gel that prevents the immune system from recognizing and targeting the donor cells.