Evaluation and eligibility of HLA-identical sibling donors for stem cell bone marrow donation

Overall, the number of allogeneic transplants performed world-wide has not increased dramatically over the past 5 years. However, the proportion of allogeneic transplants undertaken using peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) has risen significantly. Currently, as part of an ethically approved trial, potential donors are seen, assessed and consented by physicians not caring directly for the recipients. Thirty-five potential sibling donors were seen and assessed for their willingness and fitness to donate for 28 patients. One donor opted to give bone marrow and the rest selected PBPC donation. Seven of these donors were found to have concurrent medical conditions. Due to poor venous access, one donor was advised to donate bone marrow and two others donated bone marrow due to an underlying condition. Four others were deemed unfit for donation. Donation of stem cells from bone marrow or peripheral blood is not a risk-free procedure; careful preassessment and counselling is mandatory especially when the age of prospective patients and therefore donors is increasing.