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Research and new methods

What is new in donor choice

In the past a transplant needed a fully matched brother or sister or unrelated donor. Today a donor can be found for almost every patient.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Black-and-white close-up of a donor's arm during blood donation
Figure 1.Donation

01Short answer

HLA matching is central, but the donor's age and sex, blood group, CMV status and any patient antibodies against the donor are also considered. Newer options are a half-matched relative (haploidentical), a partly matched unrelated donor and umbilical cord blood. Special medicine schedules after the transplant lower the GVHD risk and have made these options safer. The transplant team decides which donor to choose.

02Simple explanation

HLA matters.

Age matters too.

Half-matched is possible.

The team chooses.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: in an allogeneic transplant, the donor's HLA type should be as close as possible to the patient's.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Who can donate

Brothers, sisters, parents, children and registry donors.

Matching
Figure 2.Matching — What is new in donor choice

Waiting

A registry search can take weeks.

The registry
Figure 3.The registry — What is new in donor choice

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Who can donateBrothers, sisters, parents, children and registry donors.
WaitingA registry search can take weeks.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

HLA typing
Checking tissue match.
Donor registry
A database of volunteer donors.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Should my relatives be tested?

The team will say who should be checked.

What if there is no matched donor?

A half-matched donor or cord blood may be possible.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should my relatives be tested?

  2. What if there is no matched donor?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
  2. NMDP (Be The Match). About transplant
  3. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  4. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  5. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: bioinformatics
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: microscope
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: eligibility criteria
  9. World Health Organization. International Clinical Trials Registry Platform
  10. National Cancer Institute. Patient Safety in Clinical Trials
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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