A stem cell transplant (historically known as a bone marrow transplant) can be a game-changer for people dealing with serious blood and immune system diseases. Whether it’s blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma, a blood disorder like Myelodysplasia (MDS), a rare genetic condition, or another life-threatening illness, a transplant can offer a second chance at life.
So, who actually needs a stem cell transplant – and why is it so crucial to have young, diverse donors on the registry?
Let’s break it down.
What is a Stem Cell Transplant?
A stem cell transplant replaces damaged or diseased blood-forming stem cells with healthy ones from a donor. These stem cells are found in bone marrow, circulating blood, and umbilical cord blood. The transplant helps patients rebuild their immune system and start producing healthy blood cells again.
Some people can use their own stem cells (autologous transplant), but many need a donor (allogeneic transplant). This is why we need a big, diverse group of stem cell donors – because a match can literally save a life.
Conditions That Require a Stem Cell Transplant
A stem cell transplant is often the last resort when other treatments haven’t worked. Here are some conditions where a transplant might be needed:
Leukaemia – AML, CML and More
Leukaemia is a type of blood and cancer that messes with the production of white blood cells. In aggressive forms like AML leukaemia (Acute Myeloid Leukaemia) and CML cancer (Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia), a stem cell transplant is often the only shot at long-term survival. The transplant wipes out the cancerous cells and replaces them with healthy ones.
Lymphomas – Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin
For aggressive Hodgkin lymphoma and some cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chemo and radiation may not be enough. A bone marrow transplant (another name for a stem cell transplant) can help rebuild the immune system after intensive treatments.
Aplastic Anaemia and Other Blood Disorders
Aplastic anaemia is when the bone marrow stops making enough blood cells. Without a transplant, patients can suffer from severe infections or uncontrollable bleeding. Other inherited blood conditions, like sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, may also need a transplant if things get bad.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
MDS is a condition where the bone marrow doesn’t make enough healthy blood cells. Some types of MDS can turn into acute leukaemia, so a stem cell transplant might be the best shot at long-term survival. The transplant helps replace faulty stem cells with healthy ones, getting the blood production back on track.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that targets plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to weak bones, kidney issues, and a messed-up immune system. While chemo can help, a stem cell transplant is often needed to keep the cancer in check and improve survival.
Genetic and Immune System Diseases
Some genetic conditions, like severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) – also known as “bubble boy syndrome” – leave the immune system too weak to fight infections. A stem cell transplant can restore normal immune function and change a patient’s life.
Why Young, Diverse Donors Are Needed
Finding a match for a stem cell transplant isn’t as easy as blood type – it’s based on genetic markers called HLA (human leukocyte antigens). That means patients have a better chance of finding a match with someone from a similar ethnic background.
Right now, 85% of stem cell transplants in Australia come from overseas because we don’t have enough diverse donors. This makes it harder for Aussie patients from different backgrounds to find their match.
If you’re aged 18-35, signing up for the Australian Stem Cell Registry is one of the easiest ways to make a real impact.
How You Can Help
Signing up to be a stem cell donor is super easy – and it could save a life. Here’s how:
1. Register Online
Go to Stem Cell Donors Australia and fill out a quick form. If you’re eligible, they’ll send you a cheek swab kit in the mail.
2. Swab Your Cheek
It’s painless and takes just a few minutes. Your sample helps determine if you could be a match for someone in need.
3. Stay on the Registry
Your details stay on the registry until you turn 60, meaning you could be called to donate at any time. If you’re a match, donating is as simple as a long blood donation.
4. Spread the Word
The more people who sign up, the better the chances for patients needing a stem cell transplant. Share this blog, talk to your friends, and help us grow the registry!
Be a Legend – Save a Life
For some people with blood and cancer conditions, a stem cell transplant is their only hope. But without enough donors – especially young and diverse ones – too many people miss out on their match.
If you’re 18-35, you have the power to change that. Be a legend – sign up today.
Sign up now and help save a life.