Islet Transplantation and Beta Cell Replacement Therapy PDF

Preface

Transplantation of pancreatic segments to replace the "internal secretion" missing in diabetes was first attempted in 1893, several years before the discovery of insulin. Despite ongoing refinement of insulin formulations and delivery devices over the last 85 years, including recent progress towards the closed loop, bioartificial pancreas, insulin replacement by conventional injection therapy remains inextricably linked to hypoglycemia. Transplantation of whole pancreas, together with its blood supply, can entirely prevent significant hypoglycemia while normalizing overall glycemic control. This major invasive procedure is necessarily associated with morbidity and mortality and will remain suitable for only a minority.

The turn of the millennium heralded a new dawn in the management of Type 1 diabetes, with realization of reproducible insulin independence, and liberation from disabling hypoglycemia following transplantation of isolated islet cells. This book is dedicated to further refinement of all aspects of this procedure, with the aim of achieving the best possible outcomes for future recipients and providing these outcomes to suitable candidates worldwide.

A successful clinical program is dependent on a truly multidisciplinary approach. Our goal in editing this first edition of Islet Transplantation and Beta Cell Replacement Therapy is to bring together leading proponents from each discipline critical to current and future success in the field. The contributing authors have excelled in providing a uniformly accessible text for all involved in clinical transplantation and the underpinning basic research. The approach is practical and focused on improving clinical outcomes for those with Type 1 diabetes. A wealth of experience is provided for those setting up new programs. We are confident that the level of detail and insight presented within a unified, structured format will ensure that this volume is equally well-thumbed in established centers of excellence.