Research
Basic
Research
The objective of basic research is to gain new knowledge. The research
addresses central questions about the biological, behavioral, and social
systems underlying wellness and disease. To solve problems, it sometimes
becomes necessary to draw from unexpected sources. This kind of research
provides the broad base of knowledge that can make breakthroughs possible.
Clinical
trials search
Clinical research involves living humans or materials from them such
as tissue samples. A researcher or clinician involved with the study
directly interacts with patients. This kind of research is undertaken
to find better ways of identifying and caring for people in poor health.
Patient-oriented research focuses on several areas, including mechanisms
of human disease, therapeutic interventions, clinical trials, and development
of new technologies.
Research at the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute
Since 1981, Dr. Starzl and his colleagues in Pittsburgh have been stretching
the boundaries of transplantation. Their crucial efforts led to the
development and use of the two leading immunosuppressants used in transplantation:
cyclosporine and tacrolimus; small bowel and multiple-organ transplants
also were conceived and developed by professionals at the Institute
and throughout UPMC.
Today, the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute remains at the
forefront of clinical research in areas such as:
- pancreas transplantation
- tolerance induction
- chimerism
- new immunosuppressive agents
- gene therapy for graft rejection
- tumor therapy
- xenotransplantation
The researchers and the clinicians at the institute continue to search
for permanent solutions to the most challenging problems facing transplantation:
- the riddles of the immune system
- the critically short supply of donor organs
- safer immunosuppression
- organ preservation
- the problems associated with rejection
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