Islet cell transplantation (ICT) involves isolating islet cells from either the patient's pancreas (autologous, for chronic pancreatitis) or donor pancreas (allogenic, for type 1 diabetes). Following portal vein infusion, these cells resume insulin production. In CP patients, ICT typically complements pancreatectomy to replace functional tissue. For type 1 diabetics, ICT provides an alternative to ongoing insulin therapy and may be performed alongside kidney transplantation.

One RCT, three NRCTs, and eight single-arm case series were included. Evidence of very low certainty indicates an additional benefit for patients with type 1 diabetes and kidney transplantation. No additional benefit was demonstrated for the other two indications—chronic pancreatitis and type 1 diabetes without kidney transplantation. The overall certainty of evidence remains very low due to methodological shortcomings, and RCTs are lacking for the assessment of patient-relevant outcomes in all assessed populations. Re-evaluation should be undertaken as soon as data from further randomised controlled trials become available.