Islet transplantation

                 

A MUCH (McGill University Health Centre) performed the first transplant of pancreatic islet cells in Canada

A university located in Quebec in Canada, performed the first transplant of pancreatic islets in the region. The discovery carried out, it was taken after the complex cell isolation process of the pancreatic islet donors. The procedure does not require surgery. This is a significant advance in the treatment of diabetes type 1 and mark the first step in which researchers expect to be the development of a new treatment.

"For some patients, pancreas transplantation is an option, but there are significant risks. Surgery often involves specialized care in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and a hospital stay that can last up to a month, "said Dr. Steven Paraskevas, director of the Transplant Program of the MUHC islet. The infusion of islets - clusters of pancreatic cells that produce insulin - is a non-surgical technique being explored in some of the academic medical centers, as an alternative to transplantation of pancreas.
"Because the procedure is minimally invasive, which represents a dramatic improvement for patients and for the medical field, that through this procedure reduces the risk of infections and hospitalizations," says Dr. Paraskevas, associate professor of surgery at McGill.

For the patient, Zohra Nabbus, life with type 1 diabetes has become increasingly challenging. After kidney and pancreas transplant, she was suffering more frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia. "I had gotten to the point where I could not stay alone anymore, so when I heard that islet cell transplantation was developed at the MUHC, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to be a candidate," she said.

The process began in May, where the islet cells were separated from a donor - a delicate process, requiring years of investment in technology and medical expertise. Two days later, the isolated pancreatic islets implanted into the patient through a small catheter, in the abdomen, without the need for surgery. The entire procedure was performed in the radiology room MUHC.

"Once the cells were implanted in the pancreas, we monitor the patient and look forward," says Dr. Benoit Gallix, Director of Radiology at the MUHC and Chair of the Department of Diagnostic Radiology at McGill University, who conducted the procedure with Dr. Tatiana Cabrera, who is also an assistant professor at McGill. "Within a few days, the patient began producing insulin on their own and after several weeks she was completely free from the use of insulin - the whole process could not have been better."

Life moved quickly to Zohra Nabbus. "After living with type 1 diabetes for 35 years, it's hard to get out of the habit of planning your meals, monitoring blood sugar and apply its insulin but finally I can," she said. "I have more freedom and flexibility to live my life and I feel much safer."

The MUCH has developed the expertise to perform this procedure over the last decade and is the only center in Eastern Canada capable of isolating and transplanting pancreatic islet cells.
The process is now recognized as a treatment for diabetes in the United Kingdom and Europe. About three million people suffer from diabetes in Canada, with about 300,000 with type 1 diabetes.