Endocrinology
Diabetes Mellitus, Islet Transplantation in Patients
August 2004
Clinical Focus*
- What are the outcomes for selected diabetes patients treated with islet transplantation compared with similar patients who receive whole-organ pancreas transplants or medical (nontransplant) management of their disease? Are similar outcomes achievable outside of the investigational setting?
- What criteria should be used to select patients for islet transplantation and what are the outcomes for relevant patient subgroups?
- What are the incidence and severity of adverse effects associated with the islet transplantation procedure and with the immunosuppressive regimens? How do these compare with the adverse effects associated with whole-organ pancreas transplantation or medical management?
- What is the evidence that the insulin independence or significantly reduced insulin dependence achieved with islet transplantation can be maintained long-term after the initial transplant, or with additional transplants in the event of failure of the original procedure? How often must successive transplants be performed?
*Addressed in the summary or evidence report.
Islet Transplantation in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Summary (Publication No. 04-E017-1, July 2004)
Evidence Report (Publication No. 04-E017-2, August 2004)
(PDF Files; File Download)
EPC: Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center
Topic Nominator and Funder: PacifiCare
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