Clinical translation of tissue-engineered oesophageal grafts: are patients ready for us?

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.