NHS rule change means more people can donate stem cells

The eligibility criteria for women to become stem cell donors is set to be broadened in an effort to increase the number of potential donors on the UK register.

Health officials hope the move will widen the pool of potential stem cell donors, thereby improving the chances of finding a match for patients requiring potentially life-saving treatment.

The move also aims to decrease dependence on imported stem cell donations, which can cost between 50 per cent and 100 per cent more than those collected within the UK.

READ MORE: GP points out key difference in symptoms between Covid variant and flu

From Monday, when the rule change takes effect, white women aged between 17 and 40 will be eligible to join the NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry.

Currently, only men aged between 17 and 40 or women of the same age range from Asian or black backgrounds, or those of mixed ethnicity, were permitted to join.

White women aged between 18 and 40 were allowed to join the register before 2016. This was halted for several years but the rules are now being altered to once again permit this group, as well as 17-year-old white women, to sign up.

An individual's details remain on the register until they reach their 61st birthday.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) stated that the change has been implemented due to increasing evidence suggesting that younger donors contribute to better transplant outcomes.

Sarah Caddick, a finance administrator from Dudley who joined the register at 18 after losing a friend to leukaemia, welcomed the changes enabling more women to donate. She donated her stem cells in March this year.

"I lost a friend to leukaemia when I was young and have always wanted to give something back," the 33-year-old said. "I was ecstatic when, 14 years after signing up to the NHS Blood and Transplant British bone marrow register, I got the call to say I was a match for somebody in need."

She added: "Like most donors, I donated via my blood stream it was really similar to giving blood and was so simple. Allowing all women to join means that so many more people can register."

NHSBT said it requires approximately 30,000 new registrations annually for the bone marrow register. It said the average age of people on the register is increasing every year and currently stands at almost 44.

However, 72 per cent of donations are from those under 40 due to higher transplant success rates, and only 35 per cent of the registered donors are under 40.

Frank Goodman received a stem cell transplant at Manchester Royal Infirmary eight years ago to treat acute myeloid leukaemia The retired lorry driver was told that without treatment, he would have a life expectancy of around six months.

“It’s emotional knowing that but for the generosity of a stranger, I wouldn’t be here today and I wouldn’t be able to see my children and grandchildren grow up,” the 77-year-old said. “I’m one of the lucky ones who had a match on the register, but not everyone gets that chance.”

Guy Parkes, head of stem cell donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We’ve launched this ambitious new campaign target, asking 30,000 people to join our stem cell register this year, to help find a match for the increasing number of people needing stem cell transplants every year and to reduce the country’s reliance on seeking donors from abroad, which can be expensive for the NHS.

“There is always a need for more stem cell donors and so we’re thrilled to now be able to welcome all women aged 17 – 40 to the NHS stem cell donor registry, too.

“Growing research has shown that donor age is an important factor when it comes to transplants, so we’re urging everybody under 40, male or female, to think about signing up.

“Registering to be a potential stem cell donor through NHS Blood and Transplant is really easy – once you’re signed up, there’s nothing to do, until you are found as a match and then donation is safe and easy.

“We would urge all eligible blood donors to say yes to stem cell donation and ask about signing up to the register at their next appointment – your stem cells could help to save a life.”