Pancreatic Islet Cells: Clinical Outcomes, Processing and Quality Implementation
Program Code: 5228-TC (CT)
Monday, October 23, 2006
4:00 PM to 5:30 PM (ET)

MODERATOR
John D. McMannis, Ph.D., The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

SPEAKERS
Elina Linetsky, MT, PhD, cGMP Cell Transplant Center, DRI, UM
Aisha Khan, MSc, MBA, University of Miami, Diabetes Research Institute

DESCRIPTION
The primary function of islets of Langerhan is the secretion of insulin, which controls blood glucose levels. Type I diabetics have decreased and inhibited of islet function. Although the mechanism for this is not fully understood, it is believed to be an autoimmune mechanism in which the beta cells, in the islets, are destroyed. One possible treatment for these patients is the infusion of islets from cadaveric donors. The injected islets reduce the requirement for insulin. The Edmonton Group published excellent clinical results utilizing this therapy. This therapy presents numerous challenges for the laboratory including staffing, technical and regulatory issues. These challenges and clinical results will be discussed in this session.