autologous pancreatic islets

Autologous pancreatic islets are a cell-based biologic therapy used in islet autotransplantation (IAT) to preserve endocrine function in patients undergoing total pancreatectomy. In the clinical context of the XANDTX trial conducted by Technische Universität Dresden, this intervention is specifically evaluated for patients with periampullary cancer who possess a high-risk profile for developing postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). The procedure involves the enzymatic isolation of healthy islets from the non-tumor-bearing portion of the patient's own pancreas immediately following resection. These isolated islets are then re-infused into the portal vein, where they engraft within the liver and function to produce insulin and other hormones. This approach aims to prevent the onset of severe 'brittle' diabetes typically resulting from total pancreatectomy while eliminating the need for a high-risk pancreatic anastomosis, thereby reducing perioperative morbidity.

Other names

islet autotransplantationIATIAtxautologous islet cell transplantationisolated autologous pancreatic islets