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Basic science and spine literature document bone morphogenetic protein increases cancer risk
1Chief of Neurosurgical Spine and Education, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, New York, USA.
Surgical Neurology International
|January 17, 2015
Summary
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) used in spinal surgery may increase cancer risk. BMP and TGF-beta also promote the growth of various cancers, including breast, lung, and colon cancer, in clinical and laboratory settings.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Clinical studies indicate bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and its derivatives, such as INFUSE, used in spinal surgery are linked to increased cancer risk.
- Basic science research also demonstrates that various BMPs and TGF-Beta family members can promote the growth of diverse cancer types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical literature on BMP/INFUSE's role in spinal surgery complications.
- To examine the impact of BMP and TGF-beta on the development of breast and other cancers, drawing from clinical and basic science data.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical articles detailing BMP/INFUSE use in spinal surgery.
- Analysis of clinical and basic science literature on BMP and TGF-beta family members' effects on cancer development.
Main Results:
- Studies show BMP/INFUSE use in spine surgery correlates with increased cancer/malignancy risk.
- Specific research found higher cancer risks post-spinal fusion with high-dose rhBMP-2 compared to autograft.
- Laboratory studies indicate BMPs and TGF-Beta family members influence proliferation and differentiation in breast, lung, adrenal, and colon cancers.
Conclusions:
- Clinical use of BMP/INFUSE in spinal fusion surgery appears to elevate cancer rates.
- Both clinical and laboratory evidence correlate BMP and TGF-beta with enhanced cancer growth.
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