The results of a Phase 1 clinical trial in multiple myeloma patients indicate that total body irradiation using a technique that focuses radiation on the bone marrow is a safe and effective way to prepare the bone marrow for stem cell transplantation. By focusing the radiation on the bone marrow, the researchers were able to limit damage to organs in the body and reduce resulting side effects.

Total body irradiation is commonly used prior to stem cell transplantation to destroy cancerous cells in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is then repopulated …