The
National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating bone marrow and stem cell transplants. It operates the Be The Match® Registry, which connects patients with
donors willing to donate bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) to help treat various forms of
cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma.
For many cancer patients, especially those suffering from blood cancers like
leukemia and lymphoma, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may be the best or only treatment option. The NMDP helps these patients find a suitable donor match, which is crucial for the success of the transplant. A well-matched donor can significantly increase the chances of remission and long-term survival.
Healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 44 are encouraged to join the registry, as younger donors generally provide better outcomes for patients. Donors are required to undergo a health screening and provide a cheek swab sample for tissue typing. Once registered, they may be called upon to donate if they are found to be a match for a patient in need.
There are two primary methods of donation:
bone marrow donation and peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation. Bone marrow donation involves a surgical procedure under anesthesia, where marrow is extracted from the hip bone. PBSC donation, on the other hand, is a non-surgical procedure that involves taking blood from the donor, separating the stem cells, and returning the remaining blood to the donor. Both procedures are generally safe, though they may involve some discomfort and recovery time.
Matching is based on human leukocyte antigen (
HLA) typing, which is more complex than matching blood types. HLA markers are proteins on most cells in the body, and a close match between donor and recipient HLA markers reduces the risk of complications such as graft-versus-host disease (
GVHD). The Be The Match Registry uses this information to find the best possible match for patients.
While bone marrow and PBSC donation are generally safe, they do carry some risks. Bone marrow donation may involve short-term pain and recovery time, while PBSC donation can cause flu-like symptoms due to the medication used to stimulate stem cell production. Despite these risks, many donors find the experience rewarding, knowing that they are potentially saving a life.
If you are unable to donate, there are other ways to support the NMDP. Financial contributions help fund the cost of adding new members to the registry and support patients with transplant-related expenses. Additionally, spreading awareness about the importance of marrow donation and encouraging others to join the registry can make a significant impact.
Conclusion
The National Marrow Donor Program plays a vital role in the fight against cancer by providing life-saving transplants to patients in need. Whether through donation, financial support, or advocacy, everyone has the opportunity to contribute to this crucial cause. By working together, we can offer hope and a second chance at life for those battling cancer.
