Bone Density Loss Identified As Transplant Complication

Main Category: Transplants / Organ Donations
Also Included In: Bones / Orthopedics
Article Date: 09 Dec 2008 - 6:00 PDT

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Bone mineral density loss can be considered a treatment-related toxicity following blood and marrow transplantation (BMT), according to a study conducted by Theresa Hahn, PhD , Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI). The research will be presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology, December 6-9, San Francisco, CA.

A significant complication of BMT is accelerated bone loss which can lead to increased risk for bone fractures and diminished quality of life. A bone loss of 10-15 % approximately doubles the risk of bone fracture.

RPCI researchers measured bone density using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of the spine and hips and measured serum levels of vitamin D in 151 patients undergoing an autologous transplant and 157 patients treated with allogeneic BMT from January 2006 to April 2008. There was significant accelerated bone loss in most patients around 100 days post-BMT. The median loss in four months was nine percent for the spine and 14% for the hip which equals a bone loss of 12 years at the spine and 9 years for the hip.

"We demonstrated that bone density loss is an early-regimen-related toxicity following BMT and preventive measures may need to be initiated early after transplant," said Dr. Hahn. "We are currently analyzing genetic differences, metabolic pathways related to vitamin D use, inflammation, bone structure, estrogen and calcium metabolism to help determine if there is a genetic basis for risk of bone loss during BMT. This research will help to establish risk factors for this complication and may have applications for understanding and preventing bone loss that occurs as part of the natural aging process."

Roswell Park Cancer Institute founded in 1898, is the nation's first cancer research, treatment and education center. The Institute was one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation's leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

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