First demonstrated in proof-of-concept studies using rodent subjects in 1972, it wasn’t until the breakthrough Edmonton trials of 2000 that islet transplantation first began to look like a viable alternative for people with type 1 diabetes who struggle to manage their condition with insulin injections. This module looks at how islet transplantation has progressed since then, detailing the procedures used to isolate precious insulin-producing islets from donated pancreata, to assess their viability and transplant them. Next, it assesses the clinical and quality-of-life benefits of transplantation and the trial evidence for those. Finally, it explores the limitations imposed by a lack of donor material — closing with a survey of the options being explored to overcome those limitations.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
✓ Explain the islet transplantation procedure, from pancreas procurement, isolation of the islets, to implantation into the liver as a preferable site
✓ Explain the clinical use of islet transplantation, including treatment goals and outcomes
✓ Examine the limitations imposed on access to islet transplantation by lack of donor material and the options being explored to overcome those limitations
This module includes self-marked assessments, such as knowledge checks and/or case studies, as well as a marked final assessment, which you can attempt up to five times. To complete the module, you must review all chapters, pass the final assessment (80% pass mark), and fill in our feedback form.