Peter Stock, M.D., Ph.D. and his colleagues in the Department of Surgery/Transplant Division at UCSF have achieved success in transplantation of the kidney and pancreas without steroid immunosuppression, and without any greater incidence of organ rejection. The long term side effects of chronic steroid use in organ transplantation are well recognized, and it is generally accepted that alternatives to steroid therapies are needed.

Dr. Stock conducted a retrospective case review of 74 patients who all had received one of three immunosuppression protocols used from 12/97 to 5/01. The study showed that UCSF's newer immunosuppressive protocol that uses no maintenance steroids resulted in no organ rejection in the first three months. It was also found to be equally effective to steroid based methods, the traditional therapy. Even though these results are very promising, the potential long-term impact of steroid avoidance will require further study.

The UCSF Transplant Division in the Department of Surgery has performed nearly 250 kidney and pancreas transplants. Simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation continues to be a very effective, highly successful treatment for diabetics who are experiencing severe complications including renal failure, severe hypoglycemic unawareness, and debilitating neuropathy. Dr. Peter Stock is collaborating closely with UCSF Diabetes Center Director, Jeffrey Bluestone, Ph.D., to take advantage of new drug discoveries and patient protocols through both the UCSF Diabetes Center and through the International Immune Tolerance Network, also housed at UCSF. For more information on kidney/pancreas transplants at UCSF, contact 415-353-1508.