Islet Cell Transplantation Alone in Patients With Type I Diabetes Mellitus: Steroid-free Immunosuppression

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 Clinical Trial

Official title: Immunomodulation for Islet Transplantation in Diabetes

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The goal of islet cell transplantation in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is to provide constant normal blood glucose levels. This may eliminate the need for insulin altogether or provide a significant reduction in the amount of insulin necessary to maintain constant normal blood glucose levels. This normalization may prevent or slow progression of diabetic complications. Furthermore, the participant may enjoy a healthier lifestyle and a better quality of life.

If you meet the initial inclusion criteria for the trial, you must be able to give informed consent personally. Then you will need to participate in an extensive screening process that involves many standard tests and collection of laboratory samples to make sure that the transplant is suitable and safe for you.

Clinical Trial Description

The trial may/will utilize the following immunosuppressive medications: tacrolimus (life-long), sirolimus (life-long), daclizumab and infliximab You will be maintained on the lowest doses possible with all the medications.

GROUP (1A): The first four participants will be assigned to Group A. These participants will receive an islet cell transplant alone from two donors. They will receive the following immunosuppressive medications: tacrolimus (lifelong), sirolimus (lifelong), and daclizumab. They will not receive the immunosuppressive medication infliximab. GROUP (1B): The second four participants will be assigned to group B. These participants will receive an islet cell transplant alone from one donor. They will receive the following immunosuppressive medications: tacrolimus (lifelong), sirolimus (lifelong), daclizumab and infliximab. Patients in this group who are not able to stop injecting insulin by three months after the transplant may be eligible to receive a second islet cell transplant.

Further participants will alternate group assignments in the same above-mentioned manner. The participants in both groups will receive the following immunosuppressive medications for life, tacrolimus and sirolimus. All participants will be required to live no more than two hours from the transplantation center.

When the islets become available, you will be notified to come immediately to the hospital for your transplant. At that time numerous tests and laboratory samples will be performed to make sure you are ready and healthy for your transplant.

You will have your islet cell transplant done in a special radiology procedure room in a hospital. You will have local anesthetic in the area of your liver on your right side along with sedatives that will minimize any discomfort the procedure might cause. A very small (thin) needle will be inserted through your liver into your portal vein where the islet cells are then injected.

All participants will need to be followed at the Diabetes Research Institute after transplant for laboratory sampling, testing and for general islet cell transplant care. ;

Study Design

Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Diabetes Mellitus
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1

• NCT number: NCT00021788
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• Start date: July 2000
• Completion date: December 2001