BMP stands for bone morphogenetic protein. Rh-BMP-2 is a protein that helps bone heal. BMP reportedly helps speed up the recovery rate after spinal fusion. BMP is designed to promote bone formation by setting up an inflammatory reaction. This type of enhancer was developed to avoid problems that occur with traditional bone grafting.
Original studies were very positive about the use of this product. No adverse effects were reported but most of those studies were done (or funded by) the companies that developed BMP products. Later, private researchers with no ties to the developers or manufacturers of BMP observed up to a 50 per cent increase in risk of complications specifically linked with BMP.
As it turns out, cancer is one of those risks. As a product designed to stimulate bone growth, BMP may actually trigger cell growth resulting in cancer. The complication is for sure — the biologic mechanism by which it happens remains uncertain.
Not all patients who received BMP developed cancer so there may be other factors involved. In one study using a particular BMP product, the reported rate of cancer was 3.8 per cent. This compared to a 0.89 per cent rate of new cancer growth in patients who had a fusion using their own bone graft material.
There was some speculation at the time that a higher dose of rhBMP-2 might be the problem. Or perhaps there is a specific ingredient in the BMP that is to blame. Further studies are needed to verify these theories.
If you develop any suspicious symptoms, don’t hesitate to report these to your physician. An early diagnosis of any kind of complication can help minimize negative effects of the problem.