Bone Marrow Autograft Associated to Macroporous Biphasic Calcium Phosphate for Bone Substitution in an Animal Model of Sequels of Radiotherapy

Bone invasion is common in case of Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC) of the upper aero-digestive tract. Radiotherapy is required in addition to large surgical tumor removal. This treatment usually generates irreversible injuries on the reparation properties of the tissues, especially on bone. The quality of life of patients undergoing major surgery and radiotherapy in maxillary and mandible areas is reduced, but could be improved by bone reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone reconstruction possibilities by Macroporous Biphasic Calcium-Phosphate (MBCPÔ). The MBCP substitute was evaluated as granules and associated to autologous bone marrow (BM) graft in irradiated areas, in an inbreeding rodent model. Radiation sequels were created on inferior members of half of the rats. 3 weeks later, 3-mm osseous defects were created on each animal. The inbreeding model allows BM to be grafted without graft-versus-host reaction. Defects were filled either with MBCP alone, BM alone or a mixture of MBCP and BM. Six weeks after implantation, animals were sacrificed: bone repair and ceramic degradation were evaluated by qualitative and quantitative study. Results showed that bioceramics were well osteointegrated. Filling the defects with BM alone showed a significant increased of newly-formed bone formation but only after irradiation, whereas filling defects with MBCP alone increased new-bone formation only without previous irradiation. Associating MBCP to BM provided the best new-bone formation rates after irradiation. Degradation of the ceramic was the most important in case of BM grafting. This study demonstrated that BM added to MBCP constitute an appropriate material to be considered in case of bone defect occurring in irradiated tissue, and could be foreseen for use after bone removal for oncologic obligations.