Review of Vascularized Bone Marrow Transplantation: Current Status and Future Clinical Applications

Authors

Chad R. Gordon, Cooper University Hospital
Chau Y. Tai, Cooper University Hospital
Hidetoshi Suzuki, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
Louise F. Strande, Cooper University Hospital
Rajendra Ramsamoo, University of California - Davis
Martha S. Matthews, Cooper University Hospital
Kirby S. Black, Kennesaw State UniversityFollow
Charles W. Hewitt, Cooper University Hospital

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2007

Abstract

In this review, we examine the applicability of the vascularized bone marrow transplant (VBMT) as an alternative to conventional bone marrow transplantation (BMT). As a new surgical approach, the VBMT is unique by transplantation of the stromal environment that eliminates the need for an engraftment period, provides critical signaling and modulatory functions, and may potentiate tolerance induction. Thus far, VBMT studies have demonstrated an absence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and robust engraftment into nonmanipulated as well as irradiated recipients with evidence of immunological tolerance. Further investigation is needed to determine the applicability of VBMT as an alternative to BMT.