OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network Training Guide
What is OneMatch all about? OneMatch is a Canadian Program that matches and coordinates the collection of stem cells from potential donors to help save the lives of patients any where in the world who need a stem cell transplant. Recruits and maintains the Canadian database of potential stem cell donors.
What are stem cells Immature cells that can become: Red blood cells (carry oxygen) White blood cells (fight infection) Platelets (help to stop bleeding) Stem cells can be collected from bone marrow, from our circulating blood (also known as peripheral blood) and umbilical cord blood.
Why Network Exists 25% of patients will find a match within their own family 75% of patients need stem cells from an unrelated donor At any given time, OneMatch is searching for matches for over 800 Canadian patients 4 6
What diseases are treated with stem cell transplants? Variety of diseases and disorders including more than 80 blood-related diseases like: Leukemia Aplastic Anemia Inherited immune system and metabolic disorders
How are stem cells given to the patient? The patient receives chemotherapy and/or radiation to destroy the diseased cells The donated cells are transfused directly into the blood stream The donor s cells travel to the marrow and begin to function and multiply 6 15
How are stem cells donated Stimulated Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Donation Stem cells in your circulating blood (peripheral blood) are collected using a procedure called apheresis In most cases, donor is given daily injections a few days prior to collection to stimulate growth of stem cells. Blood is drawn through a needle. The stem cells are separated from the rest of your blood, and remaining blood is returned back into your body through another needle. This method is used the majority of the time 85%
How are stem cells donated Stimulated Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Donation Blood is drawn through a needle. Remaining blood is returned back into your body through another needle The stem cells are separated from the rest of your blood
How are stem cells donated Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation Surgical procedure performed under anesthesia. Special needle is use to withdraw liquid marrow from the back of your pelvic bones. After donation, you ll likely feel some soreness where the needle was inserted. Donors describe it as similar to the discomfort after hard exercise or a fall on the ice. This method is used less frequently - 15% of the time
Bone Marrow Stem Cell Collection
How are stem cells donated Umbilical Cord Blood Blood from a baby s cord is collected after the child is born. Umbilical cord blood is then stored using a technique called cryopreservation (freezing the stem cells until they are to be used)
What diseases are treated with stem cell transplants? Variety of diseases and disorders including blood-related diseases such as: Leukemia Aplastic Anemia Inherited immune system and metabolic disorders
What do you mean by a match? Our immune system is responsible for removing things that do not belong (e.g. infections). To identify what does not belong in our system we have markers that are as unique as our fingerprints. These genetic markers make up our Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system. HLA genetic markers are located on the outside of our white blood cells (which help us fight diseases). We need to match the donor and patient s HLA markers to donate stem cells.
What do you mean by a match? HLA markers are inherited from your parents. Same parent siblings (Brothers and Sisters) have 25% chance of matching each other. When there is no family match, patients need to find an unrelated donor. Some HLA markers are only found within specific ethnic backgrounds such as people from the Aboriginal and Black communities..
Is there a matching donor for every patient who needs a transplant? Even with millions of donors on registries worldwide, a perfect stem cell match isn t always available. Some patients can have uncommon HLA markers that may be very difficult to match.
How can we help find matches? Recruit: Males, 17-35, and Ethnically Diverse
Transplant Doctors want male donors! WHY? Males have higher cell counts which improves post-transplant engraftment and potentially reduces donation complications such as graft vs. host disease (GVHD). Studies show that female donors (with or without history of pregnancy) may increase risk of chronic GVHD in male patients. Ethnically diverse registry will increase the likelihood that patients of mixed or ethnic backgrounds will find matches easier.
Age Composition of OneMatch Female 17-35 21% Female 36-60 41% Male 36-60 26% Male 17-35 12% Ethnic Male 17-35 5% Caucasian Male 17-35 7%
Ethnic Composition of OneMatch Database 19
Age 17 to 35 Pre-screening Good general health Will help all patients Provide a tissue typing sample using a buccal (cheek) swab. Valid Provincial Health Care Coverage Answer no to any question: Not eligible to register.