WASHINGTON, June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- A new scientific strategy in islet cell
transplantation has resulted in immediate and sustained independence from
insulin, according to a study by researchers at the University of Alberta in
Edmonton, Canada, released today on The New England Journal of Medicine
website (http://www.nejm.org). Unlike previous research, a greater number of
islet cells were transplanted, transplantation occurred immediately, and
patients received a steroid-free immunosuppression regimen of Zenapax(R)
(daclizumab), sirolimus and tacrolimus. In the past, conventional
anti-rejection therapy with cyclosporine and steroids was suspected of
damaging the islets and hindering the effectiveness of the procedure.
In islet cell transplantation, insulin-producing cells from the pancreas
are transplanted into patients whose pancreases do not naturally produce
insulin. Thus, this advanced protocol may alleviate the need for multiple
daily insulin injections and the long-term debilitating effects of diabetes
for millions.
"These preliminary results are very exciting for people with diabetes,"
said Lisa Kory, executive director of Transplant Recipients International
Organization, Inc. (TRIO). "This new transplant procedure holds great promise
for patients to avoid such life-threatening complications due to diabetes such
as kidney failure, blindness, and amputations."
Researchers announced today that seven people with type 1 diabetes
mellitus attained and sustained independence from insulin and all remain off
insulin currently with a median follow-up of 11.9 months, (range, 4.4 to 14.9)
with no episodes of acute cellular rejection. All seven patients required more
than one islet transplant procedure before becoming insulin independent and
have had no further episodes of hypoglycemia after transplantation. To reduce
the risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease, oral ganciclovir (Cytovene(R)) was
given and all patients remained CMV free, even though four people were
considered high-risk for the disease.
About TRIO
TRIO is an independent, not-for-profit, international organization
committed to improving the quality of life of transplant candidates,
recipients, their families and the families of organ and tissue donors.
Through the TRIO Headquarters and a network of chapters, TRIO serves its
members in the areas of: awareness, support, education, and advocacy. TRIO
proudly celebrates its tenth anniversary of service to the transplant
community, "A Decade of Caring." For more information on TRIO, call
800-TRIO-386, or visit http://www.trioweb.org.
SOURCE Transplant Recipients International Organization, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.trioweb.org
http://www.nejm.org
CONTACT:
Kathy Baum of Ketchum, 212-448-4369, for
Transplant Recipients International Organization, Inc.
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