human islet cell transplantation

Human islet cell transplantation is a cell-based regenerative therapy developed by Weill Medical College of Cornell University for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The procedure involves the isolation of pancreatic islets, which contain insulin-producing beta cells, from a deceased donor pancreas and their subsequent infusion into the recipient's portal vein. Once engrafted within the liver, these islets function as a bio-artificial pancreas, sensing blood glucose levels and secreting insulin to maintain normoglycemia. This therapy is primarily aimed at patients with brittle diabetes who experience frequent, severe hypoglycemic episodes or hypoglycemic unawareness. The program at Weill Cornell was modeled after the Edmonton Protocol and requires lifelong immunosuppressive therapy to prevent the immune-mediated rejection of the transplanted allogeneic cells.

Other names

islet cell transplantationpancreatic islet transplantationallogeneic islet transplantation