Stromal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma improve bone allograft integration.

Early vascular invasion is a key factor in bone allograft incorporation. It may reduce the complications related to slow and incomplete bone integration. Bone-marrow-derived stromal stem cells associated with platelet-rich plasma are potent angiogenic inducers proven to release vascular endothelial growth factor.

Platelet-derived growth factors enhance proliferation of human stromal stem cells.

Studies on new procedures for bone reconstruction suggest that autologous cells seeded on a resorbable scaffold can improve the treatment of bone defects. It is important to develop culture conditions for ex vivo expansion of stromal stem cells (SSC) that do not compromise their self-renewing and differentiation capability. Bone marrow SSC and platelet gel (PG) obtained by platelet-rich plasma provide an invaluable source for autologous progenitor cells and growth factors for bone reconstruction.

Recovery of stromal stem cells in bone sarcoma patients after chemotherapy: implication for cell-based therapy in bone defect reconstruction.

Bone sarcomas, such as osteosarcoma (OS) or Ewing sarcoma (ES), frequently arise in the intramedullary region of long bones. Patients affected by bone sarcomas are treated with preoperative aggressive chemotherapy immediately after diagnosis. After chemotherapy, patients undergo surgery that frequently entails the excision of wide bone segments.