Medtronic Infuse BMP Cancer Risk

Austin Kirk

By Austin Kirk
Posted December 14, 2012

ADD YOUR COMMENTS 4

In recent years, there have been increasing concerns over the risk of cancer from the Medtronic Infuse bone growth protein. The product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are evaluating the potential for Medtronic Infuse cancer lawsuits on behalf of individuals diagnosed with:

  • Breast Cancer
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Other Cancer or Tumor

Potential claims are also being investigated on behalf of individuals who experienced nerve damage, inflammation, respiratory problems and other complications following Medtronic Infuse BMP surgery, which may have been caused by excess bone growth around the spine.

To review a potential lawsuit for yourself, a friend or family member request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

Medtronic Infuse Cancer Side Effects

Medtronic Infuse Cancer Lawyers

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Medtronic Infuse is a genetically engineered protein, known as rhBMP-2, which is often implanted into the spine to encourage bone growth and fusion of vertebrae in the spine.

During spinal surgery, Medtronic Infuse is only approved for the limited use during single-level, lumbar fusions involving an anterior approach. However, the product has been widely used off-label for other types of back surgeries, which may increase the risk of complications and side effects.

Both federal and independent studies have suggested that side effects of Medtronic Infuse BMP may increase the risk of cancer, as the genetically engineered protein used in Infuse could be a cancer-causing agent.

In 2010, the FDA issued a report on a proposed Medtronic bone product known as Amplify, which also used rhBMP-2. The report found that Amplify recipients had a 5% cancer rate, compared to 1.8% for a control group. Since both Amplify and Infuse use the same protein, concerns surfaced about whether Infuse patients also showed a higher cancer rate.

In November 2011, Dr. Eugene Carragee, editor-in-chief of the Spine Journal, announced findings in a study he conducted that appeared to demonstrate a link between Infuse and increased cancer rates. The study’s findings were announced at a meeting of the North American Spine Society.

Carragee indicated that while Infuse may not be a carcinogen itself, it is tied to a higher rate of cancer among recipients and could be a cancer promoter. The findings suggested that spine surgery patients who receive Medtronic Infuse may be 2.5 times more likely to develop cancer within a year, when compared to those who did not receive Infuse during spinal surgery. The increased risk increased by a factor of five over three years.

Cancers linked to Infuse in the study included breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.

MEDTRONIC INFUSE CANCER LAWSUITS

The Medtronic Infuse lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent individuals throughout the United States who are pursuing a product liability lawsuit after experiencing nerve damage and other problems caused by excess bone growth around the spine following a fusion surgery. However, it appears that individuals diagnosed with cancer after Medtronic Infuse BMP surgery may also be entitled to pursue financial compensation.

The potential for litigation over the manufacturer’s failure to adequately warn about the Medtronic Infuse BMP cancer risk is being actively investigated and reviewed by our law firm. As part of our evaluation, we are interested in speaking with individuals diagnosed with cancer after receiving a Medtronic Infuse bone graft implant.

After providing a free consultation and claim evaluation, if it is determined that a lawsuit will be pursued for cancer from Infuse, there are no fees or expenses unless our lawyers are successful obtaining a recovery in your case.

CONTACT OUR LAWYERS ABOUT A MEDTRONIC INFUSE CANCER LAWSUIT

4 Comments • Add Your Comments

  • Lisa says:

    I had a spinal fusion to my l5-s1 vertebrae, but the surgeon entered from the back. Needless to say this has been a catastrophe for me. I do not know which kind of bone was used, I do know that the Dr. told me He would not be harvesting my bone, but it was better to use medically produced bone. I had my surgery in 2007 then in 2008 had to have all devices removed because of excessive scarring tissue they told me, it still did not work and I am left disabled, in pain each day of my life with little relief, and have went through numerous procedures to alleviate the pain to no avail. I am left basically unable to perform any of my duties, or even ride in a vehicle without the pain going to the point of being bed ridden for several days. I do receive a lot of pain medication, and it does help some.

    Posted on July 31, 2013 at 11:01 am

  • Marilyn says:

    I had a medtronic neural stimulator put in to control incontinence which it did not do but caused me pain, tremors, neurological damage, problems walking, and stomach issues that I must have a colonoscope exam because of diarrhea, cramps, pain in the stomach and pain in the legs as well. I was given antibiotics for the surgery which caused me neuropathy as well as sweats and stomach issues as well.

    Posted on April 28, 2016 at 6:34 pm

  • Elizabeth says:

    I had cervical spine done I was never told I was being given bone putty that was off label use. I had levels c4-5 c5-6 c6-7 infused with this bone putty. I’ve had rating pain since the surgery 2010 and now I’m scared to death of the increased cancer rate and bone growth.

    Posted on May 6, 2016 at 4:40 pm

  • jack says:

    Had a 2 level lumbar fusion with a posterior approach back in 2007 never returned to work was told I would be dancing in a week my 2 Drs. have several patents with medtronics at the time of surgery this procedure was not an FDA approved surgery….. n can’t sit or stand for more than 10 minute’s have had testicular pain since I came out if surgery. Gallbladder removed then while having a gallbladder attack and in the emergency room they found a TUMOR IN MY Tricusbid valve. ……… Tried a neuro stimulus unit didn’t work for me living g on pain Meds and a shut in and basically useless worst part was giving up my Badge as an environmental investigator in nyc…. someone needs to be held accountable .

    Posted on January 11, 2017 at 8:24 am

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