Investigating long-term islet function after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation
Official title: Long-Term Islet Function and Impact after Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplant (LIFT)
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11015007 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at people who have had surgery to remove their pancreas and then had their insulin-producing cells put back in, to see how well those cells work over time and how it affects their blood sugar and diabetes, so we can find better ways to help them manage their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $575,981 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK126728-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015007 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have had a total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation due to chronic pancreatitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone total pancreatectomy or those with other forms of diabetes unrelated to islet function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on patients who have undergone total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) to alleviate severe pain from chronic pancreatitis. It aims to understand how well the islet cells function over the long term and how this affects blood sugar control and diabetes complications. By studying patients 5 to 20 years after their surgery, the research will explore the relationship between changes in gut anatomy, hormone levels, and islet function. The findings could help improve patient care and inform treatment decisions regarding islet autotransplantation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management of diabetes and improved quality of life for patients who have undergone TPIAT.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored aspects of islet function post-transplant, this research aims to fill significant gaps in understanding long-term outcomes, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bellin, Melena D. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Bellin, Melena D.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biomarkers to forecast pain relief after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplant
Scientists are testing blood and urine markers to predict which patients will have less pain after having their pancreas removed and insulin-producing tissue transplanted back, helping children and others with chronic pancreatitis plan better.
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Protein markers to help predict pain after pancreas removal with islet autotransplant
This will look for proteins in blood or urine that help tell which people with chronic pancreatitis may get pain relief after removing the pancreas and transplanting their own islets.
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Identifying protein markers to predict pain outcomes after pancreas removal surgery
This study is looking at how certain proteins in blood and urine can help doctors understand which kids having surgery for chronic pancreatitis will feel better afterward and which ones might still have pain, so they can provide the best care possible.
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Pancreatic Surgery and New Diabetes Risk in Adults without Diabetes
This study tests whether removing part or all of the pancreas during surgery affects blood sugar control and metabolism in adults who did not have diabetes before the operation.
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PancreasPlus app for monitoring recovery, symptoms, and education after pancreatic cancer treatment
This project will test whether the PancreasPlus app helps adults with pancreatic cancer and their caregivers monitor symptoms, get timely information, and communicate with their healthcare team.
-
Hybrid Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery After Pancreatectomy
This study tests whether a commercially available monohormonal hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system can help adults who developed diabetes after pancreatectomy better manage blood sugar.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.