ADRCs for the prevention of anastomotic leak
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Adipose Derived Regenerative Cells to Prevent Anastomotic Leak following Gastrointestinal Surgery
IRAS ID
198543
Contact name
Annabelle E Williams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
An anastomotic leak (AL) is a breach in a surgical join, which is fashioned between two formerly distant portions of bowel to restore bowel continuity after resection, with leakage of bowel contents. AL is an unfortunately common complication of gastrointestinal surgery, with an incidence of 1% - 20% depending on type and location of the anastomosis. This incidence has remained unchanged over the past 50 years despite several attempts at technological innovation. AL is a source of morbidity and mortality for patients and a huge burden on healthcare resources.
There has been a surge of interest in the use of cell-based therapies to promote tissue regeneration and repair. Autologous adult stem cells, such as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), are more readily available than embryonic stem cells and have none of the ethical or immunoreactive constraints. MSCs have been isolated from various tissue types, including bone marrow, muscle and adipose tissue. Adipose tissue has been reported to contain 100-300 fold more MSCs than bone marrow. MSCs from adipose tissue are termed adipose derived regenerative cells (ADRCs). Given the abundance and accessibility of adipose tissue, it is an ideal source of regenerative cells for therapeutic applications.
ADRC technology has been developed by Cytori Therapeutics Inc. and is in clinical use today helping chronic diabetic ulcers heal for example. Currently, patients undergo liposuction to obtain the fat required to harvest the ADRCs for wound healing. ADRCs are harvested by treating the ‘liposuctioned’ fat with enzymes. ADRCs are separated out and then injected into the edge of a chronic wound. The injected mixed cell population produces a rich milieu of cytokines and growth factors proven to promote wound healing. This research study will adapt current ADRC technology by harvesting the mixed cellular fraction from human omentum and aim to apply it to anastomotic healing.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0209
Date of REC Opinion
15 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion