September 15th 2023.
Mumbai: On this World Marrow Donor Day, experts have pointed out a major challenge in the treatment of blood cancer across India. To tackle the scarcity of compatible stem cells, citizens are urged to register with a non-governmental organisation DKMS BMST Foundation India so that people in need can benefit.
The NGO in association with Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital has facilitated three individuals Samarth, Pranjal and Shashank, to donate their stem cells. Currently, there are around 13,000 individuals registered in the organisation’s donor stem cell registry in Maharashtra, and over 90,000 registrants throughout India. But, this number is insignificant compared to the 41 million potential unrelated donors listed worldwide with stem cell donor centers and registries.
Stem cell transplantation is a process that involves the transfusion of stem cells from a healthy donor to a patient suffering from blood cancer or blood disorders like thalassemia, aplastic or sickle cell anaemia. In India, these patients face numerous difficulties while seeking treatment with stem cell transplantation due to the shortage of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA). As a result, these patients have to find a matching donor before their condition worsens.
Experts believe that there is an urgent requirement for increased awareness and support for blood cell transplantation in India from both the public and the medical community. Dr Santanu Sen, consultant of Pediatric Haematology, Oncology, and stem cell transplantation at Kokilaben Hospital, said that every five minutes, one person in India is diagnosed with blood cancer and blood disorders. He added that 70-80% of these patients look for a matching unrelated donor. However, due to the lack of a matching donor, India has one of the highest ratios of searches that do not result in transplantation.
Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS BMST Foundation India, said, “In India, there is a huge demand and supply gap in patients looking for stem cell transplants from a matching donor. Finding a matching blood stem cell donor remains a critical obstacle for Indian patients seeking life-saving transplants.” On the other hand, Dr Santosh Shetty, CEO of Kokilaben Hospital, said, “We have facilitated more than 250 lives, including several underprivileged patients, at minimal cost, enabling them to embrace a Thalassemia-free life.”
This World Marrow Donor Day brings into focus the need to raise awareness and bridge the gap between the demand and supply of stem cell transplants in India. With ample support and effort from the medical community and citizens, this goal can be achieved.
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