If you’ve ever wondered how stem cell donors are matched with patients who need a transplant, you’re not alone. It’s a fascinating and life-saving process that can give people with blood cancer, like chronic myeloid leukaemia or hodgkin lymphoma, a second chance at life.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how donor matching works, why ethnicity matters, and how you can help by joining a registry.
What Makes a Good Stem Cell Match?
A good match is all about compatibility, and the key to this is something called human leukocyte antigens (HLA). These are proteins found on the surface of most cells in your body. Your immune system uses HLA markers to recognise which cells belong in your body and which don’t.
For a stem cell transplant to work, the donor and patient need to share as many HLA markers as possible. The closer the match, the lower the risk of complications like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), where the new stem cells attack the patient’s body.
Why Does Ethnicity Matter in Stem Cell Matching?
Your HLA markers are inherited, meaning you’re more likely to find a match from someone with a similar ethnic background. Unfortunately, Australia’s stem cell registry doesn’t yet reflect the country’s full diversity. That’s why patients from certain backgrounds – including Indigenous, Asian, Middle Eastern, and African communities – have a harder time finding a match.
Currently, over 85% of stem cell donations for Australian patients come from overseas registries. Expanding the local donor pool is crucial to ensuring more people can find life-saving matches close to home.
How Do You Get Matched as a Stem Cell Donor?
1. Join the Registry
Signing up is easy – if you’re aged 18-35, all you need to do is register online with Stem Cell Donors Australia and provide a cheek swab sample. Your HLA markers will be analysed and added to the donor database.
2. Searching for a Match
When a patient needs a transplant, doctors search the registry for a donor with compatible HLA markers. The more markers that match, the better the chances of a successful transplant.
3. Confirming the Match
If you’re identified as a potential match, further testing is done to ensure compatibility. This usually involves a blood test.
4. Donation Process
If you’re a confirmed match, you’ll be asked to donate stem cells in one of two ways:
- Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Donation (PBSC): This is the most common method and is similar to a long blood donation.
- Bone Marrow Donation: In rarer cases, stem cells are collected from the bone marrow under general anaesthetic.
The Impact of Donor Matching
For people battling blood cancer and other serious conditions like other blood disorders, such as aplastic anaemia, finding a donor can mean the difference between life and death. The more people who join the registry, the better the chances of every patient finding their perfect match.
Common Myths About Stem Cell Donation
1. “Does donating stem cells hurt?”
The most common method, PBSC donation, feels similar to giving blood. You might have some temporary side effects like fatigue or mild bone pain from the medication used to boost stem cell production, but the process itself is straightforward and painless.
2. “Do I have to undergo surgery to donate?”
Most donations (about 90%) are done through PBSC, which is a non-surgical procedure. Only a small percentage of cases require a bone marrow donation, which is done under anaesthetic so you won’t feel a thing.
3. “Can I still donate if I have a busy schedule?”
Yes! The initial registration process is quick and easy, and if you’re a match, the donation process typically takes a few hours in a single day.
4. “What if I change my mind?”
You can always opt out, but if you do, it’s best to let the registry know as soon as possible so they can look for alternative donors.
Why More Young Donors Are Needed
Younger donors, particularly those aged 18-35, provide the best outcomes for patients. Their stem cells are more effective and lead to higher survival rates post-transplant. By joining the registry while you’re young, you increase the likelihood of being selected as a match and making a real impact.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re aged 18-35, joining the registry could be the most important thing you ever do. Sign up today and be the reason someone gets a second chance at life.