The application of biologically active metal ions to stimulate cellular reactions is a promising strategy to accelerate bone defect healing. Brushite-forming calcium phosphate cements were modified with low doses of Cu^{2 +}, Co^{2 +} and Cr^{3 +}. The modified cements released the metal ions in vitro in concentrations which were shown to be non-toxic for cells. The release kinetics correlated with the solubility of the respective metal phosphates: 17–45 wt.-% of Co^{2 +} and Cu^{2 +}, but < 1 wt.-% of Cr^{3 +} were released within 28 days. Moreover, metal ion doping led to alterations in the exchange of calcium and phosphate ions with cell culture medium. In case of cements modified with 50 mmol Cr^{3 +}/mol β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), XRD and SEM analyses revealed a significant amount of monetite and a changed morphology of the cement matrix. Cell culture experiments with human mesenchymal stromal cells indicated that the observed cell response is not only influenced by the released metal ions but also by changed cement properties. A positive effect of modifications with 50 mmol Cr^{3 +} or 10 mmol Cu^{2 +} per mol β-TCP on cell behaviour was observed in indirect and direct culture. Modification with Co^{2 +} resulted in a clear suppression of cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion, metal ion doping of the cement influences cellular activities in addition to the effect of released metal ions by changing properties of the ceramic matrix.