Stem Cell Transplant Increases Cancer Risk
Canadian scientists say hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients face a significant long-term risk of developing a second cancer.And that risk say Drs. Genevieve Gallagher and Donna Forrest of the University of British Columbia is greater if the recipients were older at the time of transplant or received stem cells from a female donor.
The study revealed within 10 years of an allogeneic HSCT, the relative risk of a second, solid cancer is nearly twice that of the general population. In addition, the risk of cancer nearly quadruples for patients who were over 40 years of age at the time of transplant or for patients who received stem cells from a female donor.
‘Since the risk of developing a solid neoplasm post-allogeneic transplantation continues to increase with time,’ suggest the authors, ‘extended follow-up will be needed to more fully assess the incidence and risk factors for their development.’
The study is detailed online in the journal Cancer and will be published in the journal`s Jan. 1 print edition.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International