UK HealthCare Transplant Center Research

Mission

More than 130 solid-organ transplants are performed at UK Chandler Hospital each year. Clinical research brings the latest drugs and devices to transplant patients. These include new, more versatile and safe immunosuppressive drugs to prevent and treat rejection, as well as the use of approved drugs and devices to reduce the progress of chronic rejection and illness. Kidney, pancreas, heart, lung and liver patients are eligible to participate in studies.

The mission of the UK HealthCare Transplant Center Research Department is to further the knowledge of transplant professionals through safe research studies, to provide a sound basis for effective transplant patient care. We strive to offer patients leading-edge technology utilizing research studies to reach their personal long-term health goals.

Background

The Transplant Center Research Department maintains a dedicated staff to research patients and studies. A friendly, knowledgeable clinic staff assists the research staff in necessary follow up appointments and lab work, providing a friendly face to our participants. An investigational drug service staffed by a licensed pharmacist and pharmacy technician provides safe, reliable drug dispensing and accountability to our patients. Our hospital is also proud of our nationally recognized Magnet status nursing staff, which provides care to our post-operative patients. 

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to participate in a research study if I get my transplant at the UK HealthCare Transplant Center?
Absolutely not. The decision to participate in research is completely your own. If you decide to take part in a research study, it should be because you really want to volunteer.  You will not lose any benefits or rights you would normally have if you choose not to volunteer. You can stop at any time during the study and still keep the benefits and rights you had before volunteering. If you decide not to take part in this study, your decision will have no effect on the quality of medical care you receive.

What kind of research is done at the Transplant Center?
We are exploring many new drug therapies and patient therapies. New drugs are continually being developed in the field of transplantation. It is our goal in research to provide our patients with cutting-edge technology in their immunosuppression and care. Through research we are able to do this.

Why should I participate in a research study at UK HealthCare?
UK HealthCare research participants are offered breakthrough technology. All participants are closely monitored by the research staff and primary investigator of the study in which they are enrolled. More frequent lab work and visits are usually performed to ensure patient safety. Every effort is made to keep our patients safe. The investigator may discontinue a patient's participation in a study at any time to ensure the patient's safety. 

Current studies

Kidney Studies
Roche - Spare the Nephrons
Description: This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of a Cellcept (Mycophenolate Mofetil) and Sirolimus (Rapamune) drug combination over a long term in kidney transplant patients.
Title: "An open label, randomized, multicenter study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of early calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal in recipients of primary renal allografts maintained long-term on CellCept and Sirolimus."
Protocol Number: 02-0-158
Primary Investigator: Dr. Thomas Waid
Open to enrollment.

Promise
Description: This study is investigating a new drug for first-time transplant recipients. The investigational drug is a derivative of Cyclosporine, but is thought to be more potent and thus less drug would be needed. In addition, less drug is thought to mean less side effects.
Title: "A Phase IIB, Randomized, Multicenter, Open-Label, Concentration-Controlled, Safety Study of ISA247 and Tacrolimus (Prograf®) in De Novo Renal Transplant Patients."
Protocol Number: ISA05-01
Principal Investigator: Dr. J. Wade McKeown
Open to enrollment.

Liver Studies
Sirolimus 313
Description: This study compares the effect of Sirolimus vs. other immuno agents on the incidence of rejection and kidney failure.
Title: A Randomized, Open-Label, Comparative Evaluation of Conversion from Calcineurin Inhibitor Treatment Versus Continued Calcineurin Inhibitor Treatment in Liver Allograft Recipients Undergoing Maintenance Therapy.
Protocol Number: 0468H1-313-US
Primary Investigator: Dr. Dinesh Ranjan
Open to enrollment.

Lung Studies
Enzon
Description:
Title: "A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter, Dose-Ranging Study of an Anti-T-Lymphocyte Immune Globulin (EZ-2053) in the Prophylaxis of Acute Pulmonary Allograft Rejection in Adult Recipients of Primary Pulmonary Allograft(s)"
Protocol Number: EZ-2053-001
Primary Investigator: Dr. Tim Mullett
Open to enrollment.

Links

National Institutes of Health » 

Clinical Trials.gov »