Oncotarget
When the Cure Becomes the Cause: A Rare Case of Cancer from Donor Cells
Mar 25, 2025
A young woman triumphs over leukemia, only to be confronted with another blood cancer stemming from her bone marrow transplant. This rare case raises crucial questions about the long-term risks of donor cells and the importance of rigorous donor screening. Experts discuss the complexity of hematopoietic stem cell transplants and the unexpected emergence of donor cell–derived hematologic neoplasms. The conversation sheds light on the delicate balance between life-saving treatments and potential long-term complications.
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Quick takeaways
- Bone marrow transplants, while effective for treating blood cancers, carry the rare but serious risk of donor cell-derived hematologic neoplasm years later.
- The case of a woman who developed a new cancer from donor cells highlights the urgent need for improved donor screening and long-term patient monitoring.
Deep dives
Unexpected Risks of Bone Marrow Transplants
Bone marrow transplants, while often life-saving for patients with blood cancers, carry complex and unexpected risks. A rare case of donor cell-derived hematologic neoplasm (DCHN) serves as a stark reminder of these potential dangers. This condition, occurring in less than 1% of cases, arises from donor cells and can manifest years after the transplant, leading to new and aggressive blood cancers. The implications of this case underscore the need for rigorous screening processes for donor cells and thorough monitoring of patients over time.
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