Chemo/radiotherapy-Induced Bone Marrow Niche Alterations

Bone marrow (BM) niche is a specific microenvironment for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) as well as non-hematopoietic cells. Evidence shows that chemo/radiotherapy can lead to the disruption of different properties of HSCs such as proliferation, differentiation, localization, self-renewa, and steady-state of cell populations. Investigations have shown that the deregulation of balance within the marrow cavity due to chemo/radiotherapy could lead to bone loss, abnormal hematopoiesis, and enhanced differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells towards the adipogenic lineage. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms of chemo/radiotherapy induced BM niche changes may lead to the application of appropriate therapeutic agents to prevent BM niche defects.

Automated summary

The BM niche is a specific microenvironment for HSCs and non-hematopoietic cells, and evidence suggests that chemo/radiotherapy can disrupt the balance within the marrow cavity, leading to bone loss, abnormal hematopoiesis, and enhanced differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells towards adipogenesis. Understanding the mechanisms behind these changes may help in the development of therapeutic interventions to prevent BM niche defects.