Insulin is produced by specialised cells in the pancreas called islets of Langerhans. These cells were first identified in 1869, by Paul Langerhans, a German medical student.
Pancreas transplants have been performed for over 20 years. Many transplants are in fact combined pancreas and kidney transplants. Islet cell transplantation is a major breakthrough which does not require major surgery. This is an exciting development which offers the hope of a ‘cure’ for diabetes, something which was previously thought impossible.
ICT was pioneered by a team of researchers in Edmonton, Canada. They have since transplanted over 50 patients. Other centres worldwide have also transplanted several hundred patients. This is still an experimental procedure which is not in widespread use, as for example ‘Kidney transplantation’.
Islet cells are the essential cells of the pancreas which make insulin. These cells are injected into the liver. It is safer than whole pancreas transplantation. It is also much easier to perform and less costly.
No, the islets are extracted from the pancreas’ of people who have died and have previously consented to donate their organs for transplant purposes.
Currently around 80-90% of patients in research programs remain free of insulin injections at one year and about 75% remain free beyond three years.
There are three main categories of patients who do not have a functioning pancreas
There are nine members of the UK Islet tranplant Consortium based around the UK.
A brief outline of a very complex procedure !
A lack of donors and high cost are the major limiting factors. Each successful islet transplant currently needs five donor pancreases, though some groups have had success with a single donor pancreas. There are a very small number of donors in relation to very large numbers of people with diabetes. Worldwide, it is thought there are only enough organs to transplant 1 in 200 (0.5%) people with type 1 diabetes.
Your immune system is programmed to destroy ‘foreign’ cells. At present immunosuppressive drugs are needed to prevent rejection of these transplantated cells by the body. These drugs are associated with side effects which may be harmful. The long term effects of these drugs are not yet known. It is thought that taking immunosuppressive drugs increases the risk of cancer as well.
For someone of about 70 kg, approximately 1 million islets are required (roughly equivalent to two organs). Two transplants are usually required for insulin independence.
The potential benefits are :
There is a risk of blood clots developing in blood vessels around the liver. There also may be a slight risk of bleeding from the liver. Apart from these procedural risks the risk of ongoing immunosuppressive therapy must also be considered.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence issued guidance on Pancreatic Islet transplantation in October 2003. See link below
http://guidance.nice.org.uk/IPG13
Diabetes UK currently funds islet transplantation research in the UK.
www.diabetes.org.uk/Research/Islet_cell_transplantation/
Islet cell transplantation has todate been available to a small number of patients as a research-based programme. This meant that you would have been considered for the treatment provided you agreed to be enrolled into a research study. The procedure would have been funded through a research grant.
Recent changes in NHS commissioning will lead to this service being available to patients throughout the UK. We understand that from the 1st of April 2008 funding for islet cell transplantation will be made available to patients across the UK. It is envisaged that two key centres will be identified for the provision of this service.
Dr Nishan Wijenaike
Consultant Diabetologist
West Suffolk Diabetes Service
Original article February 2004
Updated October 2007