About stem cells & the registry

Who does stem cell donation help?

Stem cell transplants can treat over 80 diseases and disorders, including:

• Various types of blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma.
• Bone marrow deficiency diseases such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease.
• Aplastic anemia (the lack of normal blood cell production).
• Inherited immune system and metabolic disorders.

Our bodies constantly manufacture stem cells because without them, the consequences can be life-threatening.

What are stem cells?

Stem cells, specifically blood stem cells, are found in bone marrow, peripheral (circulating) blood and umbilical cord blood. Blood stem cells are not embryonic stem cells. They are immature cells which can become:

• Red blood cells — carry oxygen though out the body.
• White blood cells — fight infection.
• Platelets — help control bleeding.

Blood stem cells are not embryonic stem cells. They come from bone marrow, circulating (peripheral) blood or umbilical cord blood. When patients need a stem cell transplant, it means that their bone marrow (stem cell factory) has failed due to an illness. Patients who undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment may also need a transplant of healthy stem cells to help heal and re-boost their immune system.

About Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry

Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry, formerly known as the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network, is dedicated to recruiting and finding healthy, committed volunteer donors for patients in need of stem cell transplants. We belong to an international network of registries comprising of over 80 participating countries, with over 38 million volunteer donors from around the world.

Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry operates according to international standards established by the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) — the international organization that promotes the ethical, technical, medical and financial aspects of stem cell transplantation. We coordinate searches in Canada, as well as other international registries, towards a single goal — helping patients get the stem cells they need.

Are you eligible to join the stem cell registry? Read more about eligibility & the registration process.

How stem cell donation works

We are with you every step of the way

It may take weeks, months or even years before you get the call to donate stem cells. Being on Canadian Blood Services’ Stem Cell Registry is a long-term commitment. If you’re found to be the best match, you will be contacted by a registered nurse who will provide you with detailed information and support throughout the entire donation process.

• You will complete a comprehensive health screening to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria to donate stem cells.
• The registered nurse then discusses the type of donation and dates requested by the transplant centre, as well as inform where (which hospital) the stem cell donation will take place.
• You are then required to attend a physical examination performed by a physician at the hospital where your donation will take place. This exam includes routine medical tests to confirm that you are healthy, free of infectious diseases and ensures that your donation will not be a risk to you or the patient.
• If you are medically cleared to donate, and willing to proceed with the donation, the transplant centre is informed and the patient then begins their pre-transplant treatments such as chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• There are two types of stem cell donations. Depending on the treatment selected for the patient, you will be asked to donate either peripheral blood stems cells (PBSC) or bone marrow.

Two types of donation by registered stem cell donors

1. Peripheral blood stem cell donation (PBSC)

PBSC are collected from circulating (peripheral) blood. Since only a small number of (blood) stem cells is released into the blood stream, a cell growth stimulating drug is administered to donors prior to the donation to dramatically increase the volume of stem cells in the blood for collection and transplant.

PBSC donors receive an injection of a drug called granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) every day for four days prior to the donation. These injections stimulate the production and release of stems cells from the bone marrow into the blood stream. Additional injection(s) may be required on the day of the donation. The stem cells are then collected using a procedure called apheresis.

Apheresis is a collection method where only the stem cells are separated and collected during donation. The remaining blood components are returned to the donor. This is a non-surgical procedure and takes approximately four-six hours. In some cases, a second donation is required the following day.

Risks are minimal

Apheresis is a common regularly used method for collecting plasma and platelet donations. Donors sometimes feel cold during the procedure, so blankets are provided to ensure comfort.

Possible short-term side effects from the (G-CSF) injections may include mild to moderate bone pain, muscle pain, headaches, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting and redness or pain at the injection site. These reactions normally disappear within 24 to 48 hours after donating. There are currently no known long-term side effects from the use of the drug.

All known risks and side effects are explained during a detailed information session completed by the registered nurse, as well as the physician overseeing the donation. If you are selected as a match to a patient and proceed with the donation, it's important to keep a list of any questions you may have and to ensure you're comfortable with the answers as you meet with the various health care professionals.

2. Bone marrow stem cell donation

Bone marrow stem cell donation is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia. The physician administering the donation uses a special hollow needle to withdraw liquid marrow from the back of the pelvic (hip) bones . The procedure usually lasts 45 to 90 minutes. The amount collected can range from 0.5 litres to 1.5 litres depending on the number of stem cells the patient needs. This is calculated based on the height and weight of the donor and patient.

Experience has shown that bone marrow donation is safe

There are some risks associated with anesthesia. These risks vary according to the type of prescribed anesthesia. Infection at the site of the bone marrow collection is very rare and can be treated with antibiotics. Nerve, bone or other tissue damage is also very rare and may require additional medical treatment.

Bone marrow donors can expect to experience fatigue after donating. Some donors have described it as a feeling of soreness and bruising where the needle was inserted — like the soreness that comes from a hard workout or a fall on ice. Donors may also experience discomfort from the breathing tube used during the procedure. These side effects usually last for a few days, though some people may experience them for several weeks. Many bone marrow donors are released from the hospital the same day they undergo the collection procedure. Most need to take several days off work and avoid strenuous activity for at least two to three weeks, which is approximately how long it takes the body to replace the donated bone marrow.

All known risks and side effects are explained during a detailed information session completed by the registered nurse, as well as the physician overseeing the donation. If you are selected as a match to a patient and proceed with the donation, it's important to keep a list of any questions you may have and to ensure you're comfortable with the answers as you meet with the various health care professionals.