DKMS is an international non-profit organization that recruits stem cell donors to combat blood cancer and other blood disorders, offering a life-saving chance for patients worldwide. Every 27 seconds, someone receives a blood cancer diagnosis, highlighting the urgent and ongoing need for compatible donors. Many patients, approximately 70%, do not have a suitable donor within their own families, making unrelated donors crucial for their survival.
Joining the DKMS Registry
Becoming a potential stem cell donor with DKMS begins with a straightforward registration process. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 who are in general good health and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) under 40 are typically eligible to register. Certain health conditions, such as HIV, active autoimmune disorders, or insulin-dependent diabetes, prevent registration to ensure the safety of both the donor and the patient.
The initial registration is simple, involving an online sign-up. After a brief health questionnaire, a swab kit is sent to the prospective donor’s home. It contains three sterile cotton swabs for collecting a cheek sample. These samples are mailed back to DKMS for analysis, adding the individual to the global registry of potential donors.
Finding a Match
Once a cheek swab sample is returned, it undergoes Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) tissue typing in a specialized laboratory. HLA markers are proteins on cells that the immune system uses to distinguish self from non-self, and a very close match between donor and patient is crucial for a successful transplant.
The complexity of these genetic markers means finding a compatible donor can be challenging. This underscores the importance of a large and diverse donor registry to improve patient chances.
If a potential match is identified, DKMS contacts the donor to confirm their willingness to proceed. This is followed by a comprehensive health questionnaire and a blood test for confirmatory typing. This analysis verifies the HLA match and screens for infectious diseases, ensuring donor and patient safety. The time from initial match notification to confirmed suitability can vary, sometimes taking up to 12 weeks depending on the patient’s urgent medical needs.
The Donation Procedures
There are two primary methods for donating stem cells, with the choice determined by the patient’s medical team based on their specific needs. Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) donation is the more common method, accounting for approximately 80% to 90% of all donations.
For this procedure, donors receive daily injections of a growth factor called Filgrastim for four to five days before donation. This medication stimulates the bone marrow to release more stem cells into the bloodstream.
The PBSC collection itself is an outpatient procedure similar to donating plasma. Blood is drawn from one arm and passed through an apheresis machine, which separates the stem cells before returning the remaining blood components to the other arm. This process typically takes between four and eight hours, and donors can usually go home the same day. Temporary side effects from the Filgrastim injections may include flu-like symptoms, bone or muscle aches, and headaches, which usually subside shortly after the donation.
The less common method is bone marrow donation, used in about 10% to 20% of cases. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring the donor experiences no pain during the collection.
Stem cells are collected directly from the liquid marrow within the pelvic bone (iliac crest) using a special syringe. This outpatient procedure typically lasts one to two hours, with most donors discharged the same day or after an overnight stay.
Donor Recovery and Impact
Following a stem cell donation, donors experience a recovery period, the length of which depends on the donation method. For PBSC donors, recovery is generally swift, with most individuals resuming normal activities within one to three days. Any mild flu-like symptoms or body aches from the growth factor injections usually resolve within 48 hours after the procedure.
Bone marrow donors typically require a slightly longer recovery time, ranging from five to ten days. Donors may experience localized soreness, bruising, or stiffness in the lower back or hip area, along with some fatigue. While discomfort is common, it is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.
The body naturally replenishes the donated stem cells or bone marrow within a few weeks to a few months. DKMS provides ongoing follow-up and support to ensure the donor’s well-being throughout their recovery.
A stem cell donation offers a chance at life for patients battling blood cancers and other life-threatening blood disorders. For many, a stem cell transplant is the only viable treatment option after intensive chemotherapy or radiation. The donated healthy stem cells engraft in the patient’s bone marrow, restoring their ability to produce healthy blood cells and rebuild their immune system. This can lead to sustained remission and a renewed opportunity for life.