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Q. Who needs a Donor (Allogeneic) transplant?
Answer: Approximately 75% of those needing a Stem Cell transplant have some
form of Leukemia. There are a variety of other diseases for which Stem Cell transplantation
can be a treatment option. Some of these include: Hodgkin’s Disease, Non-Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma, Aplastic Anemia, Myelofibrosis, Sickle Cell Disease, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency,
Multiple Myeloma, as well as many others.
Q. How are Donors and Recipients matched up?
Answer: When an unrelated search
for a Patient begins, there may be a number of Donors who match up with the Patient.
Some of these Donors will be asked to attend for further tests to check their compatibility
with the Patient. Around 40mls of blood will be taken from each potential Donor.
Some of this blood will be used to check the Donor’s blood’s healthiness and the
rest will be used for tissue typing to evaluate how close a match they are with
the Patient. The potential Donor who matches the Patient the closest will be asked
to donate their Stem cell. |
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Q. What happens if I am a match for someone? |
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Answer: If you are a potential match,
further testing will be required to determine if you are indeed a match. You will
be counseled & provided with more information about the donation process. You
will then decide whether or not you are prepared to be a Donor. |
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Q. How is a match determined? |
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Answer: When looking for a potential
match, six different HLA antigens are examined. HLA stands for Human Leukocyte
Antigen. These are protein molecules found on white blood cells. The more antigens
that two people share, the better the match. Siblings offer the best chance of finding
an HLA match, but there is only a 25% chance that this will happen. In fact, only
30% of those in need find a match through a family member. Being an HLA match is
independent of blood type, so it is not necessary to have the same blood type as
the recipient. These types of antigens are inherited, so matches are most likely
found within someone’s ethnic group. People in need of a transplant with unusual
or minority ethnic backgrounds often have a more difficult time in finding a Donor
than others. |
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Q. What can a Donor expect before donation? |
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Answer: Many Donors describe the pre
donation time as exciting. It requires a strong psychological commitment. A thorough
physical examination is arranged to ensure that the donation is as safe as possible
for both the Donor & the Patient. Those who pass the physical examination are
not asked to make any accommodations in diet, work or social habits before donation.
However, they are asked to refrain from taking unnecessary risk which could lead
to illness or injury during the period the Patient is undergoing pre transplant
regimen. Doctors want both the Patient & the Donor to be in best possible physical
shape for the transplant. |
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Q. Who pays for the Donor's expenses when selected for a donation? |
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Answer: The medical costs are paid for
by the Patient or Patient's Medical Insurance, as are the travel expenses &
most other non-medical costs. |
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Q. What about reimbursement & costs to me for registration as a Donor for MDR(I)? |
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Answer: You will not be paid as
a potential Donor. |
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Q. If I am a Donor for someone, when can I meet them? |
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Answer: Strict confidentiality is maintained
to protect both the Donors & Patient from any unwelcome contact. The Donor may
be told the Patient’s age, gender & diagnosis but no identifying information.
All centers have different policies regarding Patient/Donor contact. Some allow
contact if both the parties are willing immediately or after a year. Others provide
updates on Patient’s condition. Each center may decide on their own system. |
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Q. Can I be tested to see if I am a match for just one specific person? |
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Answer: When you register yourself for
MDR(I) you are committing to donating to anybody who might need your Stem cell
and not only a specific person. |
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Q. What is involved in the donation process? |
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Answer: There are two processes through
which Stem Cells may be extracted from a Donor: through a Bone Marrow harvest or
through peripheral blood apheresis. The procedure used will depend on the Patient,
the Patient’s illness and the Patient’s doctor.
a. Bone Marrow Harvest
This method is used to extract the Stem Cells directly from the Bone Marrow, the
spongy substance found inside the bones. The Donor will undergo general anesthesia
while the doctor extracts the Bone Marrow from the back of the pelvic bone. The
procedure takes approximately one to two hours and may be performed as a hospital
procedure. Your Marrow naturally replenishes itself within four to six weeks.
b. Peripheral Blood Apheresis
This method is used to extract the Stem Cells from the blood stream. The Donor must
take subcutaneous injections of G-CSF for four to five consecutive days to mobilize
the Stem Cells from the Bone Marrow into the blood stream. During the apheresis
procedure, blood is drawn out through a vein in one arm and passed though an apheresis
machine that filters out the Stem Cells. The remaining blood is returned through
a needle in the same or your other arm. This procedure generally lasts three to
four hours and may need to be repeated if not enough Stem Cells were collected the
first time. |
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Q. What is the time involvement of donation? |
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Answer: On average it can take 4-6 hours
over two weeks, which includes an information session and medical exam. |
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