Islet Transplantation
THE SCIENCE OF
Below Dr. Senior, Medical Director of the Clinical Islet Transplant Program describes Islet Transplantation from the perspective of a clinician who has taken care of more than 300 islet recipients over almost 25 years.
OVERVIEW
What is an Islet Transplant?
Islet transplantation (ITx) is a treatment for type 1 diabetes that involves transferring healthy islet cells from a donor pancreas into the liver. These cells take over the role of producing insulin, often helping to regulate blood sugar levels and reducing the severity of hypoglycemia.
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What is so special about ITx?
Beta cells in Islets have glucose dependent insulin secretion, raising and lowering depending on the bodily needs. It regulates the blood sugar levels much better than insulin injections.
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Is ITx for Everyone?
ITx may not be for everyone. Like many procedures, there are risks and benefits are dependant on each individual, and need to be considered carefully.
Dr. Peter Senior explains ITx’s limiting factors and why it may not be suitable for everyone.
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So, Who is ITx for?
Beta cells in Islets have glucose dependent insulin secretion, raising and lowering depending on the bodily needs. It regulates the blood sugar levels much better than insulin injections.
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RISKS
Can The Transplant Fail?
Success and failure are not the only two options of outcome. Islet cell transplants can deliver varying levels of success based on each individual and their expectations.
Dr. Peter Senior discusses the varying outcomes of ITx, what is in between “success” and “failure”.
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Short and Long Term Risks
Dr. Peter Senior discusses the potential short and long term effects of ITx spanning from procedural risks associated with immune suression.
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IMPACT
ITx is “Transformative”
When asked to give one word about islet cell transplantation, Dr. Peter answers:
“Transformative”.
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“I Believe in ITx”
Dr. Peter Senior discusses why, as a clinician, he believes in the Islet transplant program so much.
“If I can play a small part in helping building a world where people don’t have to have diabetes, that’s what I want to do”
– Dr. Peter Senior
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The Future of Cell Therapy
While the future for cell therapies are exciting, the timeline of progress is uncertain due to limitations like cell donors and anti-rejection drugs.
Dr. Peter Senior discusses the future of cell therapies like ITx and his hope for progress.
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FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
A Message For Healthcare Providers
Dr Peter Senior urges healthcare providers to not underestimate the burden of diabetes, and to be a barrier to treatment for their patients.
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Curious about the Journey?
Click below to see real stories about the process of Iselt Transplantation at each stage –from diagnosis to freedom and flexibility.