The pancreas is one of the most challenging organs to preserve. It is particularly vulnerable to damage during the period between donation and transplantation, and the current standard method – static cold storage – slows deterioration but cannot prevent it. Improving preservation is therefore critical to increasing the number of pancreases suitable for transplant and reducing post-transplant complications.
The Hypothermic Oxygenated Pancreas Perfusion (HOPP) study will recruit 30 patients from the simultaneous kidney–pancreas transplant waiting list at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The study is evaluating a novel preservation technique that circulates oxygenated cold fluid through donor pancreases, replacing the traditional method of static cold storage on ice. Pancreas transplantation – often performed alongside kidney transplantation for people with severe diabetes – can restore normal blood glucose control and remove the need for insulin therapy. However, limitations of current preservation methods mean that up to half of donated pancreases are ultimately not used for transplantation.
A dedicated Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group has played a central role in shaping the study design and will continue to support oversight and dissemination throughout the project. This research could reduce organ injury and increase the number of pancreases safely used for transplant.
The study is led by Professor James Hunter, Chief Investigator and Associate Professor at the University of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, with day-to-day delivery overseen by Dr Mohamed Elzawahry, post-doctoral academic clinician.
Read the full story on the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences website.