Is RPE (macular) transplantation effective?
RPE transplantation, which is the transfer of cells in the retinal pigment epithelium, the layer that is damaged during AMD, has the following problems: There is a 100% rate of rejection of the transplanted RPE, with a risk of death from the immune suppression drugs used. The vision does not improve because the cells do not stick to the appropriate layer (Bruchs membrane), and vessels under the RPE (choriocapillaris) disappear. Often, the transplanted cells develop AMD. The source of cells is a major problem. For these reasons this research procedure has been discontinued.
