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Islet Cell Transplantation - CAM 70312HB

Description:
Performed in conjunction with pancreatectomy, autologous islet transplantation is proposed to reduce the likelihood of insulin-dependent diabetes. Moreover, allogeneic islet cell transplantation is being investigated as a treatment or cure for patients with Type 1 diabetes.

For individuals with chronic pancreatitis undergoing total or near total pancreatectomy who receive autologous pancreas islet transplantation, the evidence includes case series and systematic reviews. Relevant outcomes are overall survival, change in disease status, medication use, resource utilization, and treatment-related morbidity. Autologous islet transplants are performed in the context of total or near total pancreatectomies to treat intractable pain for chronic pancreatitis. The procedure appears to significantly decrease the incidence of diabetes after total or near total pancreatectomy in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Also, this procedure itself is not associated with serious complications and is performed in patients who are already undergoing a pancreatectomy procedure. The evidence is sufficient to determine that the technology results in a meaningful improvement in the net health outcome.

For individuals with Type 1 diabetes who receive allogeneic pancreas islet transplantation, the evidence includes case series and systematic reviews. Relevant outcomes are overall survival, change in disease status, medication use, resource utilization, and treatment-related morbidity. A wide range of insulin independence has been reported in case series. There is conflicting evidence whether allogeneic islet transplantation reduces long-term diabetic complications. Long-term comparative studies are required to determine the effects of allogeneic islet transplantation in Type 1 diabetics. The evidence is insufficient to determine the effects of the technology on health outcomes.

Background
ISLET TRANSPLANTATION
In autologous islet transplantation during the pancreatectomy procedure, islet cells are isolated from the resected pancreas using enzymes, and a suspension of the cells is injected into the portal vein of the patient's liver. Once implanted, the beta cells in these islets begin to make and release insulin.

Allogeneic islet transplantation potentially offers an alternative to whole-organ pancreas transplantation. In the case of allogeneic islet cell transplantation, cells are harvested from a deceased donor's pancreas, processed, and injected into the recipient's portal vein. Up to three donor pancreas transplants may be required to achieve insulin independence. However, a limitation of islet transplantation is that two or more donor organs are usually required for successful transplantation, although experimentation with single-donor transplantation is occurring. A pancreas that is rejected for whole-organ transplant is typically used for islet transplantation. Therefore, islet transplantation has generally been reserved for patients with frequent and severe metabolic complications who have consistently failed to achieve control with insulin-based management. Allogeneic transplantation may be performed in the radiology department.

In 2000, a modified immunosuppression regimen increased the success of allogeneic islet transplantation. This regimen is known as the "Edmonton protocol."

Regulatory Status
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates human cells and tissues intended for implantation, transplantation, or infusion through the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, under Code of Federal Regulation Title 21, parts 1270 and 1271. Allogeneic islet cells are included in these regulations. No allogeneic islet cell product is currently approved in the United States, but a biologic license application is currently under consideration by the FDA, and the Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee voted in favor of approving the product (donislecel, purified allogeneic deceased donor pancreatic islet cells) in April 2021.1,2

Policy:
Autologous pancreas islet transplantation may be considered MEDICALLY NECESSARY as an adjunct to a total or near total pancreatectomy in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Allogeneic islet transplantation is investigational and/ or unproven and therefore considered NOT MEDICALLY NECESSARY for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes.

Islet transplantation is investigational and/ or unproven and therefore considered NOT MEDICALLY NECESSARY in all other situations.

Policy Guidelines
None

Benefit Application
BlueCard®/National Account Issues
Islet transplantation is a specialized procedure that may require referral to an out-of-network facility.

Rationale

The evidence review was created in August 2001 and has been updated regularly with searches of the PubMed database. The most recent literature update was performed through June 30, 2023.

Evidence reviews assess the clinical evidence to determine whether the use of technology improves the net health outcome. Broadly defined, health outcomes are the length of life, quality of life, and ability to function-including benefits and harms. Every clinical condition has specific outcomes that are important to patients and managing the course of that condition. Validated outcome measures are necessary to ascertain whether a condition improves or worsens; and whether the magnitude of that change is clinically significant. The net health outcome is a balance of benefits and harms.

To assess whether the evidence is sufficient to draw conclusions about the net health outcome of technology, 2 domains are examined: the relevance, and quality and credibility. To be relevant, studies must represent 1 or more intended clinical use of the technology in the intended population and compare an effective and appropriate alternative at a comparable intensity. For some conditions, the alternative will be supportive care or surveillance. The quality and credibility of the evidence depend on study design and conduct, minimizing bias and confounding that can generate incorrect findings. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) is preferred to assess efficacy; however, in some circumstances, nonrandomized studies may be adequate. Randomized controlled trials are rarely large enough or long enough to capture less common adverse events and long-term effects. Other types of studies can be used for these purposes and to assess generalizability to broader clinical populations and settings of clinical practice.

Promotion of greater diversity and inclusion in clinical research of historically marginalized groups (e.g., people of color [African American, Asian, Black, Latino and Native American]; LGBTQIA [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual]; women; and people with disabilities [physical and invisible]) allows policy populations to be more reflective of and findings more applicable to our diverse members. While we also strive to use inclusive language related to these groups in our policies, use of gender-specific nouns (e.g., women, men, sisters, etc.) will continue when reflective of language used in publications describing study populations.

Chronic Pancreatitis
Clinical Context and Therapy Purpose
The purpose of autologous pancreas islet transplantation for individuals with chronic pancreatitis who are undergoing total or near-total pancreatectomy is to provide a treatment option that is an alternative to or an improvement on existing therapies.

The following PICO was used to select literature to inform this review.

Populations
The relevant population of interest is individuals who have chronic pancreatitis who are undergoing total or near-total pancreatectomy. Primary risk factors for chronic pancreatitis may be categorized as the following: toxic-metabolic, idiopathic, genetic, autoimmune, recurrent and severe acute, or obstructive (TIGAR-O classification system). Patients with chronic pancreatitis may experience intractable pain that can only be relieved with a total or near-total pancreatectomy. However, the pain relief must be balanced against the certainty that the patient will be rendered an insulin-dependent diabetic.

Interventions
The therapy being considered is autologous pancreas islet transplantation.

Comparators
The following practice is currently being used to make decisions about managing chronic pancreatitis: medical management, which may include medications or endoscopy.

Outcomes
The general outcomes of interest are overall survival (OS), insulin independence, change in disease status, medication use, resource utilization, and treatment-related morbidity.

Short-term follow-up (30 days) is required to monitor for transplant-related complications; long-term follow-up — 1 to 3, 5, or even 10 years — is required to establish the durability of glucose control.4

Study Selection Criteria
Methodologically credible studies were selected using the following principles:

  • To assess efficacy outcomes, comparative controlled prospective trials were sought, with a preference for RCTs.
  • In the absence of such trials, comparative observational studies were sought, with a preference for prospective studies.
  • To assess long-term outcomes and adverse events, single-arm studies that capture longer periods of follow-up and/or larger populations were sought.
  • Studies with duplicative or overlapping populations were excluded.

Review of Evidence
Systematic Reviews
There are several systematic reviews of the literature on chronic pancreatitis patients. Zhang et al. (2020) published a systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies that reported clinical outcomes following total pancreatectomy with islet transplant in patients with chronic pancreatitis.5 Most studies were single-center, small case series from the United States. The median age was 53 years. Insulin independence was 33.29% (95% CI, 27.77% to 39.05%; I2 = 32.3%) at 1 year (8 studies). Mortality at 30 days was 1.32% (95% CI, 0.68% to 2.16%; I2 = 0.0%) and mortality at 1 year was 2.54% (95% CI, 1.32% to 4.16%; I2 = 17.6%).

  1. Kempeneers et al. (2019) published a systematic review of studies examining pain, endocrine function, or quality of life outcomes in patients with chronic pancreatitis undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet transplantation.6 A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. All included studies were retrospective and observational. The median age was 41 years. Pooled insulin free rate was 30% (95% CI, 20% to 43%) at 1 year (4 studies). The pooled mortality rate was 2% (95% CI, 1% to 4%) at 30 days (11 studies) and 4% at 1 year (6 studies). At 1 year, 63% (95% CI, 46% to 77%, I2 = 89%) of patients were opioid free (6 studies, 657 patients). An analysis revealed a high risk for publication bias among the included studies, which could have led to an overestimation of the true effect.

Wu et al. (2015) published a systematic review of studies on islet transplantation after total pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis.7 Studies could use any design type but had to include at least 5 patients or have a median follow-up of at least 6 months. Twelve studies (N = 677 patients) met reviewers' inclusion criteria. The mean age was 38 years and the mean duration of pancreatitis was 6.6 years. A meta-analysis of the insulin-independence rate at 1 year (5 studies, 362 patients) was 28.4% (95% CI, 15.7% to 46.0%). At 2 years, the pooled insulin-independence rate (3 studies, 297 patients) was 19.7% (95% CI, 5.1% to 52.6%). The pooled 30-day mortality rate (11 studies) was 2.1% (95% CI, 1.2% to 3.8%). Long-term mortality data were not pooled.

Dong et al. (2011) published a systematic review that included studies irrespective of design or sample size.8 After reviewing 84 studies, 15 observational studies met eligibility criteria. Eleven studies assessed total pancreatectomy, 2 studies evaluated partial pancreatectomy, and 2 studies included both types of surgery. Sample sizes in individual studies ranged from 3 to 173 patients. Thirteen studies included patients with chronic pancreatitis and 2 included patients with benign pancreatic tumors. The pooled 30-day mortality rate was 5% (95% CI, 2% to 10%), and the cumulative mortality at 1 year (reported by 10 studies) was 4.9% (95% CI, 2.6% to 7.3%). In a pooled analysis of data from 14 studies, the rate of insulin dependence at last follow-up was 4.6 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 1.53 to 7.62). The pooled rate of insulin independence was 27% (95% CI, 21% to 33%) at 1 year (5 studies) and 21% (95% CI, 16% to 27%) at 2 years (3 studies).

Table 1 provides a crosswalk of studies included in the systematic reviews discussed. Tables 2 and 3 provide the characteristics and results of these systematic reviews.

Table 1. Comparison of Studies Included in Systematic Reviews Assessing Autologous Pancreas Islet Transplants

Study Zhang et al. (2020)5 Kempeneers et al. (2019)6 Wu et al. (2015)7 Dong et al. (2011)8
Cameron et al. (1981)9 ⚫   ⚫ ⚫
Hinshaw et al. (1981)10 ⚫   ⚫ ⚫
Toledo-Pereyra et al. (1983)11       ⚫
Fontana et al. (1994)12       ⚫
Rastellini et al. (1997)13 ⚫   ⚫ ⚫
Jindal et al. (1998)14       ⚫
Rabkin et al. (1999)15       ⚫
Oberholzer et al. (2000)16 ⚫   ⚫ ⚫
Berney et al. (2004)17       ⚫
Ahmad et al. (2005)18     ⚫ ⚫
Argo et al. (2008)19 ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
Dixon et al. (2008)20 ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
Sutherland et al. (2008)21       ⚫
Webb et al. (2008)22       ⚫
Jung et al. (2009)23       ⚫
Takita et al. (2010)24   ⚫ ⚫  
Sutherland et al. (2012)25 ⚫   ⚫  
Walsh et al. (2012)26 ⚫ ⚫ ⚫  
Dorlon et al. (2013)27     ⚫  
Garcea et al. (2013)28 ⚫ ⚫ ⚫  
Gruessner et al. (2014)29 ⚫ ⚫    
Wilson et al. (2014)30   ⚫    
Chinnakotla et al. (2015)31   ⚫    
Georgiev et al. (2015)32   ⚫    
Takita et al. (2015)33   ⚫    
Tai et al. (2015)34 ⚫      
Wilson et al. (2015)35 ⚫      
Mokadem et al. (2016)36 ⚫ ⚫    
Shahbazov et al. (2016)37   ⚫    
Fan et al. (2017)38   ⚫    
Quartuccio et al. (2017)39 ⚫      
Shahbazov et al. (2017)37 ⚫      
Solomina et al. (2017)40 ⚫ ⚫    
Morgan et al. (2018)41 ⚫ ⚫  

Table 2. Characteristics of Systematic Reviews Assessing Autologous Pancreas Islet Transplants

Study Dates Trials Participants N (Range) Design Duration, mo
Zhang et al. (2020)5 1977 – 2018 17 Individuals with chronic pancreatitis 1,024 (5 – 409) Observational 1 – 210
Kempeneers et al. (2019)6 1977 – 2017 15 Individuals with chronic pancreatitis 1,255 (7 – 490) Observational 6 – 138
Wu et al. (2015)7 1977 – 2014 12 Individuals with chronic pancreatitis 677 (5 – 409) Case series 1 – 210
Dong et al (2011)8 1977 – 2007 15 Individuals with chronic pancreatitis or benign pancreatic disease 384 (3 – 173) Case series 3 – 100

Table 3. Results of Systematic Reviews Assessing Autologous Pancreas Islet Transplants

Study Insulin-Independence Rate Mortality Rate
Zhang et al. (2020)5    
n NR NR
30-day follow-up (95% CI) NR 1.32 (0.68 to 2.16)
I2, % NR 0.0
n 603 NR
1-year follow-up (95% CI) 33.29 (27.77 to 39.05) 2.54 (1.32 to 4.16)
I2, % 32.3 17.6
Kempeneers et al. (2019)6    
n NR 1036
30-day follow-up (95% CI) NR 2 (1 to 4)
I2, % NR 35
n 653 669
1-year follow-up (95% CI) 30 (20 to 43) 4 (2 to 6)
I2, % 82 0
n NR NR
2-year follow-up (95% CI) NR NR
I2, % NR NR
Wu et al. (2015)7    
n NR 672
30-day follow-up (95% CI) NR 2.1 (1.2 to 3.8)
I2, % NR 0
n 362 NR
1-year follow-up (95% CI) 28.4 (15.7 to 46.0) NR
I2, % 69 NR
n 297 NR
2-year follow-up (95% CI) 19.7 (5.1 to 52.6) NR
I2, % 87 NR
Dong et al (2011)8    
n NR 176
30-day follow-up (95% CI) NR 5 (2 to 10)
I2, % NR 0
n 221 NR
1-year follow-up (95% CI) 27 (21 to 33) NR
I2, % NR NR
n 201 NR
2-year follow-up (95% CI) 21 (16 to 27) NR
I2, % NR NR

Nonrandomized Studies
Wilson et al. (2014) reported on 166 patients with chronic pancreatitis who underwent total pancreatectomy and islet transplantation at a single-center.30 Actutimes survival rate at 5 years was 94.6%. Five or more years of data were available for 112 (67%) patients. At 1 year, 38% of patients were insulin-independent and that declined to 27% at the 5-year follow-up. Daily insulin requirement, however, remained stable over the 5 years. Fifty-five percent of patients were independent of opioid analgesics at 1 year and this improved to 73% at 5 years.

Chinnakotla et al. (2014) included 484 patients with chronic pancreatitis who underwent total pancreatectomy and immediate islet autotransplantation.4 The 10-year survival rate was 84%. Patient survival at 5 years was 90.3% in the 80 patients with hereditary/genetic pancreatitis and 89.7% in the 404 patients with nonhereditary pancreatitis; the difference between groups was not statistically significant. Pancreatitis pain decreased significantly after the procedures, and there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of pancreatitis pain between the groups.

Sutherland et al. (2012) reported on 409 patients with chronic pancreatitis who underwent total pancreatectomy and islet transplantation at a single-center.25 Fifty-three (13%) of the 409 patients were children between the ages of 5 and 18 years. Actutimes survival postsurgery was 96% in adults and 98% in children after 1 year and 89% in adults and 98% in children after 5 years. A total of 15.9% of patients experienced surgical complications requiring reoperation during the initial admission. The most common reason for reoperation was bleeding, occurring in 9.5% of patients. At 3 years, 30% of patients were insulin-independent (25% of adults, 55% of children). A survey of quality of life outcomes was initiated in 2008; responses were available for 102 patients. At baseline, all 102 patients reported using opioid analgesia for pain control. At 12 months, the proportion of patients on narcotics decreased to 56% (n = 32), and at 24 months, 41% of respondents (n = 21) reported using narcotics.

Tables 4 and 5 provide the characteristics and results of the nonrandomized studies assessed.

Table 4. Summary of Key Nonrandomized Study Characteristics

Study Study Type Country Dates Participants Treatment FU, y
Wilson et al. (2014)30 Cohort U.S. 2000 – 2013 Individuals with chronic pancreatitis Total pancreatectomy and islet auto-transplantation (N = 166) ≥ 5
Chinnakotla et al. (2014)4 Cohort U.S. 1977 – 2012 Individuals with chronic pancreatitis Total pancreatectomy and islet auto-transplantation (N = 484) NR
Sutherland et al. (2012)25 Cohort U.S. 1977 – 2011 Individuals with chronic pancreatitis Total pancreatectomy and islet auto-transplantation (N = 409) NR

FU: follow-up; NR: not reported.

Table 5. Summary of Key Nonrandomized Study Results

Study Survival Rate, % Insulin-Independence Rate, %
  1-Year 5-Year 1-Year 3-Year 5-Year
Wilson et al. (2014)30 98.2 94.6 38 NR 27
Chinnakotla et al. (2014)4          
Hereditary/genetic pancreatitis   90.27 20.0 NR NR
Nonhereditary pancreatitis   89.72 32.9 NR NR
p-value   .166 .022    
Sutherland et al. (2012)25 97 90 26 30 NR

NR: not reported.

Section Summary: Chronic Pancreatitis
Autologous islet transplantation is frequently performed as an adjunct to a total or near-total pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis. Evidence from nonrandomized studies and systematic reviews has demonstrated that autologous islet transplantation decreases the incidence of diabetes in the setting of pancreatectomies for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.

Donislecel-jujn for Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation in Type 1 Diabetes
Clinical Context and Therapy Purpose
The purpose of donislecel-jujn in allogeneic pancreas islet transplantation for individuals who have type 1 diabetes is to provide a treatment option that is an alternative to or an improvement on existing therapies.

The following PICO was used to select literature to inform this review.

Populations
The relevant population of interest is individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Glucose control is a challenge for individuals with type 1 diabetes. Failure to prevent disease progression can lead to long-term complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease.42

Interventions
The therapy being considered is donislecel-jujn for allogeneic pancreas islet transplantation.

Comparators
The following practice is currently being used to make decisions about managing type 1 diabetes: medical management, which generally includes daily insulin injections as well as diet and lifestyle changes; and, whole pancreatic transplant.

Outcomes
The general outcomes of interest are overall survival (OS), insulin independence, change in disease status, medication use, resource utilization, and treatment-related morbidity.

According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA, 2009) industry guidance on evaluating allogeneic pancreatic islet cell products, single-arm trials with historical controls may be acceptable alternatives to RCTs for evaluating the safety and efficacy of islet cell products in patients with metabolically unstable, or "brittle," Type 1 diabetes.43 Attainment of a normal hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) range ( i.e., ≤ 6.5%) and elimination of hypoglycemia are acceptable primary endpoints. To assess the durability of the islet cell procedure, primary endpoints should be measured at least 12 months after the final infusion. Other key clinical outcomes include insulin independence, measures of glucose metabolic control such as fasting plasma glucose level, and loss of hypoglycemia unawareness.

Short-term (30 days) follow-up is required to monitor for transplant-related complications; the long-term follow-up to assess the durability of glucose control and monitor immunosuppression is lifelong.

Study Selection Criteria
Methodologically credible studies were selected using the following principles:

  • To assess efficacy outcomes, comparative controlled prospective trials were sought, with a preference for RCTs.
  • In the absence of such trials, comparative observational studies were sought, with a preference for prospective studies.
  • To assess long-term outcomes and adverse events, single-arm studies that capture longer periods of follow-up and/or larger populations were sought.
  • Studies with duplicative or overlapping populations were excluded.

Review of Evidence
In June 2023, the FDA approved donislecel-jujn for the treatment of adults with type 1 diabetes who are unable to approach target HbA1c because of repeated episodes of severe hypoglycemia despite intensive diabetes management and education.3 The approval was based on a phase 1/2 trial in patients with brittle Type 1 diabetes complicated by hypoglycemic unawareness, metabolic lability with documented severe hypoglycemia, or ketoacidosis despite intensive insulin therapy (N = 10);44,45 a single-arm, open-label phase 3 trial with similar eligibility criteria (N = 20);46 and an expanded access protocol with similar eligibility criteria.47,48 In the FDA analysis of these trials (as described in the product labeling), median participant age was 46.5 years (range, 21 to 67 years); 80% of participants were female, 100% were White, and 97% were of non-Hispanic ethnicity.49 Patients received up to 3 islet cell infusions; among 30 participants in the approval trials, 11 received 1 islet cell infusion, 12 received 2 infusions, and 7 received 3 infusions. Twenty-five participants (83%) achieved exogenous insulin independence (defined as not requiring exogenous insulin to achieve adequate glycemic control) of any duration, including 4 patients (13.3%) with independence for less than 1 year, 12 patients (36.7%) with independence for 1 to 5 years, and 9 patients (33.3%) with independence for more than 5 years. Mean duration of exogenous insulin dependence in the phase 1/2 and phase 3 studies were 5.1 years (standard deviation [SD] 4.2, range 0.2 to 12.8) and 3.2 years (SD 3.1, range 0 to 9.9), respectively. Serious adverse reactions were reported in 90%, including 2 deaths (7%) from multiorgan failure with sepsis (1.6 years after first infusion) and progressive confusion, global atrophy, and micro-ischemic disease (9.7 years after first infusion); most serious adverse reactions were attributed to immunosuppression. Infections were reported in 26 patients (87%), totaling 211 episodes, 1 of which was classified as life-threatening and 22 as severe. Malignancy was reported in 11 subjects (37%), including 12 skin cancers and 1 each of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer. Common adverse events included, but were not limited to nausea, fatigue, anemia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, asthenia, headache, and hyponatremia. Most adverse reactions were low-grade by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5; the most common grade ≥ 3 adverse events included low density lipoprotein elevations (37%), anemia (27%), and pneumonia (17%).

The FDA also reviewed the Clinical Islet Transplantation (CIT) consortium's phase 3, open-label, single-arm, multicenter trial (CIT-07) data.50 The trial enrolled patients with hypoglycemia unawareness and a history of severe hypoglycemic episodes. Although 8 centers participated in the trial, only the 4 patients from the single site who were treated with the particular donislecel-jujn product were included in the review. All patients received 1 or 2 islet transplants. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects who achieved a HbA1C less than 7% at 1 year with no hypoglycemic events from Day 28 to Day 365 after transplantation. Analysis of the primary endpoint was limited because 2 subjects had HbA1C levels less than 7% at baseline and another had near target HbA1C (7.3%). Severe hypoglycemic events were not reported. The 3 subjects who completed Day 730 follow up, were insulin independent at that time.

The FDA Biologics License Application Clinical Review Memorandum states numerous protocol deviations across the above studies that could impair the interpretation of both efficacy and safety data, as well as provides examples of missing and incongruent data and insufficient data monitoring during the study.50, Multiple information requests were generated by the FDA in order to achieve adequate data for a substantive, complete review. Given that the studies were conducted at a single site raises concern; and, other factors that might affect occurrence or duration of insulin independence were not able to be elucidated from the existing studies, including cell product factors (number of cells, viability, purity, and potency) and delivery device (e.g., type of catheter).

Section Summary: Donislecel-jujn for Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation in Type 1 Diabetes
Allogeneic islet transplantation with donislecel-jujn has been investigated in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes. A single-arm prospective trial of the allogeneic islet cellular therapy product donislecel-jujn demonstrated insulin independence for over 1 year in a majority of participants, with mean insulin independence of approximately 5 years, resulting in donislecel-jujn's FDA approval for certain adults with type 1 diabetes. A single-arm, open-label study reviewed by the FDA (CIT-07) included data from 4 patients who received donislecel-jujn. However, the primary outcome was intended to evaluate the proportion of patients with a HbA1C less than 7% and low baseline HbA1C levels precluded analysis.

The purpose of the following information is to provide reference material. Inclusion does not imply endorsement or alignment with the evidence review conclusions.

Practice Guidelines and Position Statements
Guidelines or position statements will be considered for inclusion in Supplemental Information if they were issued by, or jointly by, a U.S. professional society, an international society with U.S. representation, or National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Priority will be given to guidelines that are informed by a systematic review, include strength of evidence ratings, and include a description of management of conflict of interest.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
In 2008, NICE published guidance indicating the evidence on allogeneic pancreatic islet cell transplantation for Type 1 diabetes has shown that serious procedure-related complications may occur, and the long-term immunosuppression required is associated with risk of adverse events.51 A related 2008 guidance addressed autologous islet cell transplantation for improved glycemic control after pancreatectomy and stated that studies have shown "some short-term efficacy, although most patients require insulin therapy in the long term ... complications result mainly from the major surgery involved in pancreatectomy (rather than from the islet cell transplantation)."52

American Diabetes Association
In 2023 , the American Diabetes Association standards of medical care recommended autologous islet cell transplantation be considered in patients undergoing total pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis to prevent postsurgical diabetes.53 The standards of care note that islet cell transplantation may have a role in Type 1 diabetes. Because of the need for immunosuppressive agents posttransplantation, the guidelines note that transplantation in Type 1 diabetes should be reserved for patients also undergoing renal transplantation or experiencing recurrent ketoacidosis with severe hypoglycemia despite intensive management.

International Consensus Guidelines for Chronic Pancreatitis
In 2020, the International Consensus Guidelines for Chronic Pancreatitis panel released a statement on the role of total pancreatectomy and islet transplant in patients with chronic pancreatitis.54 The panel stated that islet transplant should be considered for patients undergoing total pancreatectomy due to the potential for insulin independence and better long-term glycemic outcomes compared to pancreatectomy alone (weak recommendation based on low quality evidence). However, there is not enough information to definitively conclude when transplant should be performed relative to other interventions. Major indications for pancreatectomy with islet transplant include debilitating pain or recurrent pancreatitis episodes that diminish quality of life (strong recommendation based on low quality evidence). Contraindications to pancreatectomy with islet transplant include active alcoholism, pancreatic cancer, end-stage systemic illness, or psychiatric illness or socioeconomic status that would hinder either the procedure itself or posttransplant care (strong recommendation based on low quality evidence). Pancreatectomy with islet transplant improves quality of life, opioid use, and pancreatic pain in this population, but evidence about the effect on healthcare utilization is limited.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations
Not applicable

Ongoing and Unpublished Clinical Trials
Some currently ongoing and unpublished trials that might influence this review are listed in Table 6.

Table 6. Summary of Key Trials

NCT No. Trial Name Planned Enrollment Completion Date
Ongoing      
NCT05287737 Clinical Outcome After Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation 100 Mar 2047
NCT04711226 An Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Immunomodulation With AT-1501 in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Undergoing Islet Cell Transplant 6 June 2026
NCT00706420 Islet Transplantation Alone (ITA) in Patients With Difficult to Control Type I Diabetes Mellitus Using a Glucocorticoid-free Immunosuppressive Regimen 17 Dec 2023
NCT00306098 Islet Cell Transplantation Alone in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Steroid-Free Immunosuppression 40 May 2026
NCT03698396 A Phase I/II, Open-Arm Study Evaluating the Safety of Islet Transplant in Patients With Type I Diabetes 10 Dec 2023
NCT01897688 A Phase 3 Single Center Study of Islet Transplantation in Non-uremic Diabetic Patients 40 Mar 2027
NCT00679042a Islet Transplantation in Type 1 Diabetic Patients Using the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Protocol, Phase 3 21 Jun 2026
NCT05662267 Targeted Trial Emulation of Kidney Alone Versus Islet-After-Kidney in Type 1 Diabetic Transplant Recipients: a French Nationwide Cohort Study 500 Mar 2023


aDenotes industry-sponsored or cosponsored trial.

References   

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  2. Vantyghem MC, de Koning EJP, Pattou F, et al. Advances in β-cell replacement therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Lancet. Oct 05 2019; 394(10205): 1274-1285. PMID 31533905
  3. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). FDA Approves First Cellular Therapy to Treat Patients with Type 1 Diabetes. June 28, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-cellular-therapy-treat-patients-type-1-diabetes. Accessed July 2, 2023.
  4. Chinnakotla S, Radosevich DM, Dunn TB, et al. Long-term outcomes of total pancreatectomy and islet auto transplantation for hereditary/genetic pancreatitis. J Am Coll Surg. Apr 2014; 218(4): 530-43. PMID 24655839
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Coding Section 

Codes Number Description
CPT 48160 Pancreatectomy, total or subtotal, with autologous transplantation of pancreas or pancreatic islet cells
  0584T Islet cell transplant, includes portal vein catheterization and infusion, including all imaging, including guidance, and radiological supervision and interpretation, when performed; percutaneous
  0585T Islet cell transplant, includes portal vein catheterization and infusion, including all imaging, including guidance, and radiological supervision and interpretation, when performed; laparoscopic
  0586T Islet cell transplant, includes portal vein catheterization and infusion, including all imaging, including guidance, and radiological supervision and interpretation, when performed; open
HCPCS G0341 Percutaneous islet cell transplant, includes portal vein catheterization and infusion
  G0342 Laparoscopy for islet cell transplant, includes portal vein catheterization and infusion
  G0343 Laparotomy for islet cell transplant, includes portal vein catheterization and infusion
  S2102 Transplant, islet cell tissue, allogeneic
  J3590 Unclassified biologics
  C9399 Unclassified drugs or biologicals
ICD-10-CM K86.1 Other chronic pancreatitis
ICD-10-PCS 3E033U0 Percutaneous administration, peripheral vein, pancreatic islet cells, autologous
  3E0J3U0 Percutaneous administration, biliary and pancreatic tract, pancreatic islet cells, autologous
  3E0J7U0 Administration via natural or artificial opening, biliary and pancreatic tract, pancreatic islet cells, autologous
  3E0J8U0 Endoscopic administration via natural or artificial opening, biliary and pancreatic tract, pancreatic islet cells, autologous
Type of Service Surgery  
Place of Service Inpatient

Procedure and diagnosis codes on Medical Policy documents are included only as a general reference tool for each policy. They may not be all-inclusive.

This medical policy was developed through consideration of peer-reviewed medical literature generally recognized by the relevant medical community, U.S. FDA approval status, nationally accepted standards of medical practice and accepted standards of medical practice in this community, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association technology assessment program (TEC) and other nonaffiliated technology evaluation centers, reference to federal regulations, other plan medical policies and accredited national guidelines.

"Current Procedural Terminology © American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved" 

History From 2024 Forward     

08/27/2024 Annual review, no change to policy intent. Updating coding, rationale, and references.

01012024  NEW POLICY

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