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Research and new methods

Haploidentical transplant: a half-matched relative

A haploidentical donor is a relative whose HLA type matches by half: a parent, a child, and often a brother or sister. This has made a transplant possible for many patients who had no donor.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A smiling mother and her son hugging
Figure 1.Parent and child — a possible half-matched donor

01Short answer

Everyone inherits half of their HLA genes from each parent, so a parent and child are almost always a half match. In the past, such transplants carried a very high risk of GVHD and rejection. Approaches such as cyclophosphamide given a few days after the transplant reduce reactive donor T cells and, in many cases, have brought results close to those with a matched donor. The choice depends on the disease, age and the centre's experience.

02Simple explanation

Half-matched.

From the family.

Found quickly.

Special prevention.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: a donor can be a relative; matching is assessed by HLA.

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?

Advantages

A donor is found quickly and more cells can be collected if needed.

A family tree
Figure 2.A family tree — Haploidentical transplant: a half-matched relative

Risks

Infections, GVHD and graft failure.

Protection
Figure 3.Protection — Haploidentical transplant: a half-matched relative

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
AdvantagesA donor is found quickly and more cells can be collected if needed.
RisksInfections, GVHD and graft failure.
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

Haploidentical
Half-matched.
Post-transplant cyclophosphamide
A method of GVHD prevention.
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

Who can donate?

A parent, child, brother or sister; the team chooses.

Is it worse than a matched donor?

In many cases results are similar; your doctor will assess your situation.

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. Who can donate?

  2. Is it worse than a 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: informed consent
  7. NIHR. Be Part of Research
  8. NHS. Clinical trials
  9. Cancer Research UK. Find a clinical trial
  10. Indian Council of Medical Research. Clinical Trials Registry – India
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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