Upper-extremity transplantation using a cell-based protocol to minimize immunosuppression.
Stefan Schneeberger, Vijay S Gorantla, Gerald Brandacher...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23001085/Actively Recruiting
Led by Johns Hopkins University · Updated on 2026-07-14
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
260 weeks
Total Duration
Researchers are evaluating penile allotransplantation using a special immunomodulatory protocol to improve outcomes for men who have lost their penis due to traumatic injury, cancer, or congenital defects. The study focuses on Wounded Warriors and civilians, aiming to restore the peniss appearance, anatomy, and function more effectively than conventional reconstructive surgery. This clinical trial is designed as a non-randomized, self-controlled study assessing functional outcomes and quality of life over several years. Participants will undergo penile transplantation combined with an immunomodulatory treatment protocol that includes monoclonal antibody induction therapy, donor bone marrow infusion, and tacrolimus monotherapy to reduce the need for high-dose immunosuppression. The study aims to achieve allograft survival and functional return, with reduced immunosuppressive treatment, and to compare these results against conventional surgical reconstruction outcomes over 12 to 60 months post-transplant. During the study, participants will be closely monitored for graft survival and undergo multiple assessments of quality of life, sexual function, psychological well-being, and pain using standardized questionnaires and scales. Follow-up evaluations will continue for up to five years to measure long-term outcomes related to transplantation success, patient satisfaction, and overall health. Participants must comply with the treatment regimen and attend scheduled visits for ongoing monitoring throughout the study period.
CONDITIONS
Human Penile Allotransplantation
J
Jane Littleton, CRNP, MSN
T
TBD TBD
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Johns Hopkins University
Lead Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | Penile Allotransplantation | Standard Phalloplasty |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Transplantation of a donor penis with full microsurgical attachment, combined with immunosuppressive therapy to prevent graft rejection. | Reconstruction of a neophallus using the patient's own tissue, most commonly from the radial forearm or other free flaps, without use of donor tissue. |
| Role in the trial | Investigational treatment evaluated for adults with major penile loss or inadequacy, as defined by the clinical trial protocol. | Established reconstructive option described in surgical series and urologic guidelines; generally considered the main standard-care surgery for this population. |
| Primary use | Aims to restore penile structure and function, addressing both urinary and sexual needs for recipients lacking a functional phallus. | Restoration of genital structure and function, including standing urination and sexual rehabilitation, through creation of a neophallus. |
| How it is given or performed | Transplant surgery involves microvascular anastomosis of donor penile tissue followed by a structured immunomodulation protocol, including use of monoclonal antibodies and tacrolimus. | Phalloplasty typically relies on harvesting a vascularized free flap (often from the forearm) and performing staged reconstructive surgeries without the need for immunosuppression. |
| Evidence status | Ongoing investigation; study outcomes such as graft survival, functional and psychosocial measures, and complication rates are being evaluated but large-scale evidence is not yet available. | Outcomes documented in surgical series include reliable restoration of a phallus with standing urination and sexual function, though achieving sensation and optimal cosmetic results varies. |
| Important limitations | Requires lifelong immunosuppression with potential for serious side effects. Long-term graft function and safety are not yet fully established and procedure is limited to select research centers. | Multiple surgeries are often necessary and complications such as urethral fistula, stricture, and sensation loss may occur. Cosmetic and functional outcomes may be limited by tissue quality and surgical complexity. |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
You may qualify if you...
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Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - Up to 5 years
Participants receive penile transplantation combined with immunomodulatory therapy including monoclonal antibody induction, donor bone marrow infusion, and tacrolimus monotherapy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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Lead Sponsor