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Detection of malignant cells in histologically normal bone marrow using culture techniques
S S Joshi1, A Kessinger, S L Mann
1Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68105.
Bone Marrow Transplantation
|February 1, 1987
Summary
Malignant cells were detected in filtered bone marrow intended for autologous marrow transplantation, even when initial biopsies appeared normal. This suggests tumor cell reinfusion may be more common than previously thought.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) is a critical treatment for various malignancies.
- Ensuring the purity of harvested bone marrow is essential to prevent relapse.
Observation:
- Cellular material filtered from bone marrow aspirates of 20 patients undergoing ABMT was cultured.
- All patients had histologically normal marrow aspirate and biopsy specimens prior to filtration.
Findings:
- Malignant cells, consistent with the patients' known underlying malignancies, were successfully cultured from five patients.
- Two culture methods, one favoring adherent cells and another favoring mononuclear cells, were employed.
- These findings indicate the presence of occult tumor cells in bone marrow considered histologically normal.
Implications:
- Tumor cells may be inadvertently reinfused during ABMT more frequently than previously recognized.
- Advanced detection methods like long-term culture, special stains, and molecular probing are crucial for identifying occult tumor cells.
- Further comprehensive studies are needed to determine the frequency of occult tumor cell involvement and its clinical significance in ABMT.