A Medicare advisory committee voted not to warrant off-label use of bone morphogenetic protein, used in some spinal procedures, according to a MedPage Today report.
There are six uses approved by the FDA, including treatment for lumbar spine fusion and tibial fractures. However, studies suggest that up to 85 percent of procedures using BMP are for off-label uses.
The use of BMP has the potential to promote the growth of cancer cells or have an adverse affect on the immune system, which was why the committee would not endorse off-label use, especially in treatment for the cervical spine, according to the report.
Read the MedPage Today report on off-label use of BMP.
Read other coverage on BMP use:
- Study: 85% of BMP Procedures Between 2002 and 2007 Used for Off-Label Applications
- Spine Surgery Research Update: Biologics in Spine Surgery
- FDA Panel Votes to Recommend Approval for Medtronic's Amplify Spine Device
There are six uses approved by the FDA, including treatment for lumbar spine fusion and tibial fractures. However, studies suggest that up to 85 percent of procedures using BMP are for off-label uses.
The use of BMP has the potential to promote the growth of cancer cells or have an adverse affect on the immune system, which was why the committee would not endorse off-label use, especially in treatment for the cervical spine, according to the report.
Read the MedPage Today report on off-label use of BMP.
Read other coverage on BMP use:
- Study: 85% of BMP Procedures Between 2002 and 2007 Used for Off-Label Applications
- Spine Surgery Research Update: Biologics in Spine Surgery
- FDA Panel Votes to Recommend Approval for Medtronic's Amplify Spine Device