Simply, it is the replacement of diseased marrow with marrow from a healthy
donor infused into a patient’s vein just like a blood transfusion. Within two to
three weeks the transplanted marrow/stem cells begin to produce normal cells.
Is marrow/stem cell transplantation a proven technique?
Twenty-five years ago marrow transplants were done only as a patient’s last
hope Today, thousands of lives are saved every year..
Which diseases can be treated by marrow transplant?
Over 50 diseases including the leukemias, aplastic anemia, severe combined
immune deficiency, sickle cell anemia and radiation poisoning are treated by
marrow transplant.
What are the actual chances of finding a suitable marrow\stem cell donor?
The odds are 1 in 20,000 of identifying an unrelated compatible marrow donor..
much higher, however, for patients of minority heritage.
Are donors matched only against American patients?
No, the patient could be anywhere in the world. Many, many American patients
have
found donors from International donor sources.
Who can become a marrow / stem cell donor?
You must be between 18 and 60 years old, have no history of hepatitis, heart
disease, cancer or AIDS, possess a positive attitude and pride in wanting to
become a donor, and sign a consent form allowing the Registry to include
your HLA tissue type in its confidential files for future matching.
And it only takes a simple laboratory test to get started?
Once the consent form is signed, YES, it’s that simple..Upon receipt of your
HLA type from the laboratory that information is entered into the master
donor panel and assigned a coded ID number to protect your
confidentiality.
How is the test sample
collected?
A cell sample is obtained
by using buccal (cheek/mouth) swabs. Kits
containing the swabs and detailed instructions are provided to donors.
What does the initial HLA testing cost?
It costs the Registry $75 to test and enroll a new donor. If a donor cares to
donate all or part of that cost the donation is acknowledged for tax purposes
as allowed under law.
How do I know if I am a match?
If you are found to be a possible match with a patient we will contact you
immediately and give you the option of proceeding to the next level/s of
testing to insure final HLA compatibility with the patient.
Who pays for these tests? Not you - the patient or his/her medical insurance does.
What happens if I am a match?
If the match is confirmed the transplant can be scheduled but only with your
legal consent after in-depth counseling and a thorough physical examination.
Okay, now tell me how my marrow is collected?
Two procedures are available for marrow collection.
1. Peripheral blood stem cell collecction…..You are given small injections
of Neupogen/Filgrastin for 3 to 5 days to force your marrow to overproduce
marrow or stem cells which are then released into your circulating blood. The
stem cells are collected by removing blood from a vein in your arm, passing it
through a filter system which collects the stem cells and returns the remaining
blood to you…a 4 to 5 hour procedure. 2. Bone marrow harvest ….You are given light general anesthesia so that
you feel nothing during the procedure. Only 2% to 3% of your marrow is
withdrawn from the large crest of your hip bone through special sterile needles ..
a 30 to 45 minuteprocedure. You may go home the same day or the next day.
