Mutations in donors' stem cells may cause problems for cancer patients

(Washington University School of Medicine) A new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggests that extremely rare, harmful genetic mutations present in healthy donors' stem cells -- though not causing health problems in the donors -- may be passed on to cancer patients receiving stem cell transplants, potentially creating health problems for the recipients. Among the concerns are heart damage, graft-versus-host disease and possible new leukemias.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news