Stem cell transplant

Source: Late Effects of Treatment for Childhood Cancer (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.

Source updated: February 12, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.

Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.

Context: Musculoskeletal System / Radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and other treatments increase the risk of bone and joint late effects.

A stem cell transplant can affect the bone and joints in different ways:

Total-body irradiation given as part of a stem cell transplant may affect the body's ability to make growth hormone and cause short stature (being shorter than normal). It may also cause weak or thin bones that can break easily (osteoporosis) and the formation of a benign tumor called osteochondroma.

Source links and citations

Chronic graft-versus-host disease that may occur after a stem cell transplant can cause the muscles around joints to tighten, leading to stiff joints (joint contractures). Chronic graft-versus-host disease may also cause one or more parts of a bone to die from a lack of blood flow (osteonecrosis).

Source links and citations

Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice