Australia is experiencing a significant shortage of registered stem cell donors, with approximately 1,000 people currently waiting for a suitable match to treat serious conditions such as blood cancer. The Leukaemia Foundation highlights that younger Australians could play a crucial role in addressing this urgent need.
According to Bill Stavreski, head of research at the Leukaemia Foundation, stem cell transplants can often be the only viable treatment for individuals suffering from conditions like leukaemia or lymphoma. He noted that patients facing long wait times for donor matches endure detrimental health consequences. “The majority of unrelated donors for Australians who are having a stem cell transplant or waiting for a stem cell transplant are relying on overseas donors,” Stavreski stated. “The current number of people registered, at approximately 65,000, is just not enough.”
Need for Increased Awareness and Participation
While many countries have established stem cell donation programs in schools, hospitals, and workplaces, such initiatives are largely absent in Australia. Stavreski pointed out that over 2,000 stem cell transplants occur annually, yet the nation is heavily dependent on international donors. “Unfortunately, we’re relying too much on overseas donors. There are also cases where donors cannot be found,” he explained.
Stavreski emphasized the importance of encouraging all Australians to consider becoming donors, particularly focusing on the 18 to 35 age group. He remarked, “Young Australians are really the key part here in terms of stem cells; the healthiest and most populous stem cells are when you are between 18 to 35.”
Demystifying Stem Cell Donation
There are several misconceptions surrounding the process of stem cell donation. Many potential donors may hold outdated beliefs about its invasiveness. “In the past, the stem cells were taken from the hip bone. That’s no longer the case; there isn’t the pain that comes along with it,” Stavreski clarified.
Current methods of obtaining stem cells are significantly less invasive. “It is quite simple. It is like donating blood from one arm. The blood will come out, a machine will separate the cells, and the remaining blood will go through to the other arm. It only takes 30 to 60 minutes for the entire process,” he added. “You don’t need any other needles or any anaesthetic.”
Ancestry is also a vital factor in the effectiveness of stem cell treatments. Currently, most registered donors are of Western European descent, which can disadvantage patients from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous Australians. “It’s important that the stem cells are a match. If it’s not a perfect match, the transplant cannot happen,” Stavreski stated. “We need donors from all ancestries to truly reflect the population in Australia.”
The Leukaemia Foundation continues to advocate for increased participation in the donor registry, particularly from younger individuals, to ensure that all patients can access the life-saving treatments they need.
