Donor-Derived Brain Tumor After Neural Stem Cell Transplantation
Author Information
Author(s): Amariglio Ninette, Hirshberg Abraham, Scheithauer Bernd W, Cohen Yoram, Loewenthal Ron, Trakhtenbrot Luba, Paz Nurit, Koren-Michowitz Maya, Waldman Dalia, Leider-Trejo Leonor, Toren Amos, Constantini Shlomi, Rechavi Gideon
Primary Institution: Sheba Medical Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
Hypothesis
Can neural stem cell transplantation lead to tumor development in patients?
Conclusion
This study reports the first case of a brain tumor arising from donor-derived neural stem cells in a patient with ataxia telangiectasia.
Supporting Evidence
- The tumor was diagnosed as a glioneuronal neoplasm.
- Genetic analysis showed the tumor was of nonhost origin.
- The tumor contained cells from at least two donors.
- The patient had a history of receiving multiple stem cell injections.
- Histological examination revealed benign characteristics of the tumor.
- Immunodeficiency in the patient may have contributed to tumor development.
- Concerns about tumorigenesis from stem cell therapy are validated by this case.
- Further research is needed to assess the safety of neural stem cell therapies.
Takeaway
A boy got a brain tumor after receiving stem cells from donors, showing that this treatment can sometimes cause problems.
Methodology
The study involved the transplantation of fetal neural stem cells into a patient, followed by tumor analysis using various genetic and cytogenetic techniques.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the unique medical history of the patient and the experimental nature of the treatment.
Limitations
The findings are based on a single case, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
A 13-year-old boy with ataxia telangiectasia.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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