UPMC Performs its First Hand Transplant
UPMC Performs its First Hand Transplant on Former Marine
Study Using New Immune Modulation Protocol Aims to Lower Use of Anti-Rejection Drugs.
PITTSBURGH, (April 2) – The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) announced recently that it performed its first, and the nation’s sixth, hand transplant on March 14, 2009. Former Marine Josh Maloney, 24, who lost his right hand in a military training accident, is the first patient to be treated with the “Pittsburgh Protocol” a new immune modulation therapy that aims to reduce the risks associated with toxic anti-rejection drugs.
A multi-disciplinary hand transplant team composed of surgeons, intensivists, hematologists,nurses, therapists and researchers has cared for Mr. Maloney, of Bethel Park, PA, since the 11-hour surgery. He will receive daily physical therapy for the coming months as his physicians monitor him closely for signs of rejection. A two-phase protocol that involves initial antibody treatment followed by bone marrow cell therapy two weeks after surgery has been implemented. The goal is to “modulate” the immune system in order to reduce its normal response to a foreign graft. Patients are treated with tacrolimus to maintain the low-grade immunosuppression needed to prevent long-term graft rejection.
For more information on the hand transplant program, including photos of Mr. Maloney’s surgery, please visit:
http://www.upmc.com/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/2009/Pages/marine-hand-transplant.aspx
