Islet Cell Transplantation

Giving hope of leading an insulin free life

The Whittier is currently collaborating with Scripps Green Hospital to bring islet cell transplantation to the San Diego region.

Islet cell transplantation is a biological replacement strategy that attempts to give back to type 1 patients the beta cells (islets) that have been mistakenly destroyed by their own immune system.

Initially, patients with type 1 diabetes will be selected who are in need of a kidney transplant. The procedures will be performed simultaneously by a surgical team, led by Christopher Marsh, M.D., which will follow the highly regarded “Edmonton Protocol” for the islet portion. First established in 1999, over 80% of the patients benefiting from this protocol are now living insulin free.

The establishment of the San Diego center is a major step in offering this procedure to the thousands waiting locally for the opportunity. However, one hurdle that prevents offering transplantation as a widespread option is the limited supply of islet cells.

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