Committees

The Ethics Committee of Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute :

It was established in 2007 with the official permission of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. It has held 37 sessions and reviewed 225 research projects. It has been approved by the National Ethics Committee for Biomedical Research with the code IR.TUMS.IAARI.REC

The Stem Cell Transplantation Committee for Immunodeficiency Patients:

Stem cell transplantation is a highly effective and life-saving treatment for inherited immune system disorders known as primary immunodeficiency diseases. However, deciding on the appropriateness of this treatment method requires careful consideration of the specific disease and the availability of a suitable donor. It is not possible to make a blanket recommendation for transplantation based on general guidelines; instead, each patient must undergo individual evaluation and consultation with experts familiar with these diseases and treatment options.

In August 2007, the Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute collaborated with the Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Institute to establish a stem cell transplantation committee. This committee was tasked with organizing and evaluating immunodeficient patients who may be candidates for transplantation. Subsequently, the committee continued its activities independently as part of the Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute.

Since its inception, the committee has conducted regular meetings approximately every two months to review patient files. As of November 2021, 88 meetings have taken place, during which 547 patient files have been thoroughly examined. Of these patients, 397 have received confirmation that they require stem cell transplantation. This confirmation is provided in writing to the patients' treating physicians and the designated transplant centers.

During transplant sessions, professors, physicians specialized in clinical allergy and immunology, hematology subspecialists, as well as genetics and immunology specialists (if available), convene together with the referring physician of the patient. They engage in discussions and knowledge exchange before coming to a decision regarding treatment confirmation or recommending further diagnostic procedures and therapeutic follow-ups.

The committee also aims to enhance physician awareness by delivering scientific lectures at various conferences. These lectures focus on early diagnosis, timely referral of potential transplant candidates among immunodeficient patients, and increasing overall understanding within the medical community. Additionally, advisory opinions are offered to streamline the transplantation process, from finding suitable donors to pretransplant consultations and post-transplant follow-ups.

Moving forward, the committee plans to develop a vaccination guideline specifically tailored for primary immunodeficiency patients who have undergone transplantation. This guideline will be based on ongoing research in the country, addressing the unique needs of this patient population.