Authors' recommendations: Limited evidence from one health technology assessment suggested that islet transplantation is effective in maintaining insulin independence, and associated with improved clinical outcomes in uncontrolled type 1 diabetic patients: reduced severe hypoglycemia, improved quality of life and reduced progression of diabetic complications were reported in small scale clinical trials with poor quality. The population was not clearly defined in the studies. There is a trend of increasing insulin independence and decreasing adverse events related to this evolving technology in recent years than earlier years. The cost-effectiveness of islet transplantation relative to the current treatment standards is undetermined based on the limited evidence. It has been recommended by evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to be used as an alternative intervention for unstable type 1 diabetes patients.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2014

URL for published report: http://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/dec-2014/RC0614_Islet%20Cell%20Transplantation_Final.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)