Montreal, June 30, 2022 – The McGill University Health Center (MUHC) is proud to announce its official designation by the Department of Health and Human Services (MSSS) as the first institution in the province to offer non-invasive islet cell transplants. which is a major breakthrough in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. MUHC has been a leader in the development of this unique medical know-how in Quebec, thanks to the dedicated work of research and clinical teams. Type 1 diabetes results from the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin, which can lead to a significant disturbance in the regulation of blood sugar in the body. The disease requires lifelong blood sugar monitoring and daily insulin injections to prevent serious long-term complications such as blindness, stroke, kidney failure and cardiovascular disease. Islet cell transplantation corrects this condition in seriously ill patients. An estimated 300,000 Canadians live with type 1 diabetes. In 2015, the MUHC performed the first islet cell transplant in Quebec, a procedure in which Langerhans islets – the groups of insulin-producing pancreatic cells – are isolated from a donor’s pancreas and injected into a patient’s liver through a small catheter into the abdomen. . After just a few weeks, the patient is able to produce insulin and eventually becomes independent of insulin. Dr. Steven Paraskevas, Director of the MUHC Pancreas and Islet Transplant Program Dr. Steven Paraskevas, director of the MUHC Pancreas and Islands Transplant Program, is the head of the MUHC Human Islands Transplant Laboratory, where islets are isolated and evaluated. The knowledge and know-how developed in this laboratory paves the way for the work of other clinicians. “The development and development of this program has been a success story of collaboration between many researchers and health professionals, with the support of the vision and leadership of MUHC,” says Dr. Paraskevas. “We would also like to acknowledge the valuable contribution of the MUHC Foundation and the Montreal General Hospital Foundation, whose donations have enabled us to develop this program and to be formally designated as the hospital that will provide this process for Quebec.” Expanding care From the first procedure, the MUHC team led by Dr. Friday she continued to develop her medical experience at the MUHC Human Islands Transplant Laboratory, located at McGill University. Ten transplants have been performed and their results have been carefully studied. The new name will allow MUHC to improve access to this process and be able to treat many more people. “We are so proud that after years of hard work and perseverance, MUHC will be able to continue to provide this life-changing treatment,” says Dr. Liane Feldman, Chief Surgeon at MUHC. “This process makes a significant difference in the lives of diabetics. “Our goal is to develop the program so that more Quebec residents can benefit in the coming years.” Support for the development of this clinical program was provided by the McGill University Health Center Foundation, the Montreal General Hospital Foundation, the Research Institute of MUHC, Transplant Quebec and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Media communication Gilda SalomoneManager, CommunicationsMcGill University Health Center [email protected]
