Clinical translation of tissue-engineered oesophageal grafts: are patients ready for us?
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In brief
In brief
This study assessed patient and caregiver attitudes toward tissue-engineered oesophageal grafts for long-gap oesophageal atresia through an engagement event with 43 respondents. Results showed strong receptivity, with 89% comfortable with cell cultivation and perceptions significantly improving after education about the technology. The findings support establishing patient focus groups to guide clinical translation of tissue-engineered constructs for OA treatment.
- 85% of OA patients/caregivers had awareness of tissue engineering, indicating readiness for clinical translation discussions.
- 89% reported no concerns about growing their own cells in a lab for tissue-engineered oesophageal grafts.
- Patient perception of tissue engineering significantly improved after education (median score 4→5, p<0.0001).
- 96% of attendees wanted involvement in focus groups for developing tissue-engineered products for oesophageal atresia.
- Early stakeholder engagement is essential for successful clinical translation of tissue-engineered constructs.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
We sought to engage with expert patient/carers to understand attitudes towards use of tissue engineering (TE) for long-gap oesophageal atresia (OA).
Methods
An in-person engagement event for 70 patients/parents was held by the OA patient group, TOFS. Attitudes towards TE were assessed before and after a talk on use of TE oesophagi in a pre-clinical OA model. Perceptions were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale (median [range]) and compared using Mann–Whitney test.
Results
43 attendees responded; 56% parents/caregivers, 21% patients, 7% healthcare workers, 16% unreported. Most (85%) had some awareness of TE but for 15%, it was a new concept. Attendees were receptive to TE; 89% reported no concerns about growth of their/child(s) cells in a lab and 61% reported no concerns about using animal products. Perceptions of TE significantly improved after the presentation from 4 (2–5, n = 32) to 5 (3–5, n = 28) p < 0.0001, and 96% would like to be involved in focus groups on development of a TE product for use in OA.
Conclusion
Input from key stakeholders is essential to introduction of TE constructs clinically. The overall response to TE constructs was positive, and informs development of an OA-specific focus group to guide translation.