Authors: Stephanie L. Rellick, Heather O’Leary, Debbie Piktel, Cheryl Walton, James E. Fortney, Stephen M. Akers, Karen H. Martin, James Denvir, Goran Boskovic, Donald A. Primerano, Jeffrey Vos, Nathanael Bailey, Marieta Gencheva, Laura F. Gibson
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030758
Abstract Summary
Chemotherapy drugs commonly used before bone marrow transplants may damage osteoblasts—key cells that form the supportive niche for blood stem cells. Researchers found that melphalan and VP-16 impair osteoblasts’ ability to support stem cell function and blood cell development, potentially explaining why high-dose chemotherapy can lead to poor recovery after transplantation.
Why Brain? đź§
Chemotherapy drugs damage bone marrow osteoblasts that support blood cell recovery after transplant, potentially explaining poor outcomes with high-dose regimens and suggesting need for niche-protective strategies.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
