What is the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)?
The
National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) is a non-profit organization that operates the Be The Match Registry, which is the world's largest and most diverse registry of potential bone marrow and blood stem cell donors. The primary goal of NMDP is to facilitate life-saving bone marrow and stem cell transplants for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers, as well as other life-threatening diseases.
How Does the NMDP Help Cancer Patients?
For many patients diagnosed with blood cancers like
leukemia or
lymphoma, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may be their best or only treatment option. The NMDP connects patients with matching donors who can provide the healthy cells they need. This matching process involves extensive genetic testing to ensure compatibility, which is crucial for the success of the transplant and the patient’s recovery.
Joining the Registry: Potential donors join the registry by providing a cheek swab sample, which is used for initial genetic testing.
Matching: If a potential donor matches a patient, further testing is conducted to confirm compatibility.
Donation: The donation process can involve either a surgical procedure to harvest marrow from the pelvic bone or a non-surgical procedure to collect peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs).
The NMDP ensures that the donation process is safe and that donors are well-informed and supported throughout.
Who Can Join the Be The Match Registry?
Most healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 44 are eligible to join the Be The Match Registry. Younger donors are preferred because studies have shown that younger cells lead to better outcomes for patients. However, people from all ethnic backgrounds are particularly needed because patients are more likely to find a match within their own ethnic group.
These transplants can also be used for other conditions such as severe aplastic anemia and certain inherited blood disorders.
Benefits: The potential for a cure or long-term remission, improved quality of life, and the ability to return to normal activities.
Risks: Potential complications include graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), infections, and the risk of the cancer returning.
The NMDP provides extensive support and resources to help patients and donors navigate these complexities.
Join the Registry: Sign up to be a potential bone marrow or stem cell donor.
Donate Financially: Contributions help fund the cost of adding new members to the registry and supporting patients and donors.
Volunteer: Get involved in community outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about the importance of bone marrow donation.
Every effort counts towards saving lives and supporting those in need.
Conclusion
The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) plays a crucial role in the fight against cancer by facilitating bone marrow and stem cell transplants. Through its Be The Match Registry, the NMDP connects patients with matching donors, providing hope and the possibility of a cure. By joining the registry, donating, or volunteering, you can help support this life-saving mission.
