The use of Progentix TCP (beta-tricalciumphosphate) as a bone substitute in defects originated from curettage of benign bone tumors

The human body is not capable of repairing bone defects above a certain size by
itself. This is only possible when the defect is filled with a temporary
substance. Currently, autologous bone is the golden standard for filling
defects originated from curretage of benign bone tumors. Often patients have
longlasting pain at the donorsite (the site where autologous bone was taken).
Progentix BV has recently developen a novel b-tricalciumfosfate, which has the
property to actively induce bone formation by attracting patient-own stemcells
and stimulating the osteogenic differentiation of these cells.
Our hypothesis is, that Progentix TCP is at least as good a bone substitute as
autologous bone, while at the same time, the occurance of pain at the donorsite
is diminished.

In patients with benign bone tumors, the defect originated from curretage of
the tumor, will be filled with Progentix TCP. The bone regenerative capacity of
Progentix TCP will be compared to the capacity of autologous bone (the golden
standard). When Progentix TCP indeed has the same qualities as autologous bone,
the harvesting of autologous bone and the accompanying complications can be
prevented in the future.

In a pilot study ten patients will be treated with Progentix TCP after
curretage of a benign bone tumor. After 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and
2 years X-rays will be made to determine whether the bone defect is filled with
patient-own bone by means of "creeping substitution".

Following curettage of the benign bone tumor the defect will be filled with
Progentix TCP. So, a surgical intervention will take place.

Possible delayed closing of the bone defect via creeping substitution with
living patient-own bone.