Source
Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine, London, UK.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW:
The interest in hepatocyte transplantation has been growing continuously in recent years and this treatment may represent an alternative clinical approach for patients with end stage liver disease and selected liver-based inborn errors of metabolism. The present review summarizes the present status of clinical hepatocyte transplantation and identifies some recent research developments in this area.
RECENT FINDINGS:
The clinical results of hepatocyte transplantation to date for the treatment of inborn errors of metabolism are summarized in this article. Published results are encouraging and procedure related complications were minimal. In an attempt to overcome the worldwide shortage of organs, different sources of stem cells are being studied as a sustainable pool of cells. Other ongoing fields of research are discussed, including improvement of engraftment and prevention of rejection.
SUMMARY:
Considerable experience has been gained so far in the handling of hepatocytes and techniques for hepatocyte transplantation allowing clinical transplantation. This will provide a platform for the future application of new technologies, particularly those based on stem cells, which is hoped will increase the utilization of cell transplantation.