Stem Cell Donation Explained: Your Role in Saving Lives

Stem cell donation is a powerful act that has the potential to save lives. Many people face life-threatening conditions such as leukaemia, lymphoma and other blood disorders, where a stem cell transplant could be their only hope for survival. However, stem cell donation remains a misunderstood process. By understanding what it entails and learning about the life-saving impact, you can see how your decision to become a donor could change someone’s future.

Table of Contents

• What is a Stem Cell?
• Why Are Blood Stem Cell Transplants Necessary?
• Donating Stem Cells
• The Donation Process Step-by-Step
• Does Donating Stem Cells Cause Pain?
• Save Lives with a Stem Cell Donation
• Final Thoughts on Stem Cell Donation

What is a Stem Cell?

A stem cell has the potential to develop into many different types of cells. The stem cells used to treat various blood disorders are called hematopoietic stem cells as they develop into the various cells found in blood. When a person’s bone marrow is not functioning properly due to illness, a stem cell transplant can be used as a lifesaving treatment to replace unhealthy cells with healthy blood-forming stem cells.

Why Are Blood Stem Cell Transplants Necessary?

Stem cell transplants are lifesaving for individuals with various inherited and acquired blood disorders. Common inherited conditions include Fanconi aplastic anaemia and thalassemia. Common acquired conditions include leukaemia, lymphoma and acquired aplastic anaemia.

By receiving a stem cell transplant, patients gain a new lease on life, with healthy stem cells helping to regenerate healthy blood cells in their bone marrow.

Donating Stem Cells

There are two main methods of donating stem cells: peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation and direct bone marrow extraction. The process you undergo will depend on the specific needs of the recipient.

1. PBSC donation

PBSC donation involves collecting stem cells from the donor’s bloodstream rather than directly from the bone marrow. The first successful PBSC transplant was in 1986. This is the most commonly used method today. For five days prior to the procedure, donors receive injections of medication that encourage the body to produce and release extra stem cells into the blood. On the day of donation, the donor’s blood is drawn from one arm, passed through a machine to separate out the stem cells and then returned to the other arm. The entire process takes about four to six hours and is relatively painless.

2. Bone marrow extraction

In this method, stem cells are extracted directly from the bone marrow. The donor is placed under general anaesthesia and a needle is inserted into the pelvic bone to collect the stem cells. Although this method sounds more invasive, donors typically experience minimal discomfort and are able to go home the same day. Some may experience soreness in the area for a few days, but the side effects are manageable and temporary.

The Donation Process Step-by-Step

Understanding the stem cell donation process can help ease any concerns potential donors may have. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Register as a donor

The first step is to join a stem cell donor registry. By signing up, you will be given a swab kit. Instructions are provided on how to do a cheek swab. The DNA collected via the swab will be tested to determine your tissue type. Your information is then added to the registry, and you will be notified when you are a match for any patient that requires a stem cell transplant – anywhere in the world.

2. Becoming a match

Finding a stem cell match isn’t as simple as matching blood types. It requires a close tissue match, making the search for suitable donors a global effort. If your tissue type is a match for someone, you will be contacted by the registry to begin the donation process.

3. Health screening

Before donating, you will undergo a thorough health screening to determine if you are a suitable donor. This process includes blood tests and a medical examination.

4. Donation day

Whether you’re donating through PBSC or bone marrow extraction, you will be closely monitored by healthcare professionals.  You can rest assured that both methods are conducted in a safe and highly controlled environment.

5. Recovery

After donating, most people recover quickly, with minimal side effects. PBSC donors may feel some fatigue for a few days, while bone marrow extraction donors might experience some soreness at the extraction site. Either way, the discomfort is temporary, and the impact on the recipient’s life is immeasurable.

Does Donating Stem Cells Cause Pain?

A common question from potential donors is whether donating stem cells causes pain. While any medical procedure can involve some level of discomfort, donating stem cells is not as painful as many assume. PBSC donation is akin to donating blood, and any side effects, such as fatigue or aches, are usually mild and temporary.

For those undergoing bone marrow extraction, the use of general anaesthesia ensures that the donor feels no pain during the procedure itself. Afterwards, donors may feel some soreness in the lower back where the bone marrow was extracted. However, this discomfort is short-lived and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Save Lives with a Stem Cell Donation

The incredible truth about stem cell donation is that a simple act of giving can transform a life. A stem cell transplant can mean the difference between life and death for someone with a life-threatening blood disorder. Every time a match is made, a life is saved.

Unfortunately, many patients still struggle to find a suitable tissue match. If more people join the stem cell registry, the chance of saving more lives is greater. Ethnic diversity plays a significant role in finding matches. Therefore it is crucial for individuals from all ethnic backgrounds to register as stem cell donors.

Final Thoughts on Stem Cell Donation

Stem cell donation is a unique opportunity to give the gift of life. The stem cell donation process may sound intimidating, but it is a relatively safe procedure. You have the potential to save a life through your stem cell donation.

Lenmed is dedicated to raising awareness about stem cell donation and supporting those who choose to donate. It starts by joining the stem cell registry through a simple cheek swab. If you are a stem cell match, then you have the incredible honour of saving a life through your stem cell donation.

If you would like to become a bone marrow donor and potentially save someone’s life, visit DKMS, an international non-profit organisation, to learn more about bone marrow donation, blood cancer and related disorders, and the registration process.

More Information

For more information, please contact:

Dr N Moonsamy
Discipline: Paediatric Haematologist
Hospital: Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre
Telephone: +27 31 581 2704