How do we forecast tomorrow's transfusion : The future of hematopoietic stem cell donation

Hamad, Lina and Anthias, Chloe and Machin, Laura (2023) How do we forecast tomorrow's transfusion : The future of hematopoietic stem cell donation. Transfusion clinique et biologique : journal de la Societe francaise de transfusion sanguine, 30 (1). pp. 52-55. ISSN 1953-8022

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Abstract

Over the past three decades, the field of stem cell research and development (R&D) has witnessed extraordinary progress, allowing us to envisage a future where cell therapies can be used for the treatment of diseases currently considered incurable. Contemplating such a future also requires reflecting on donors and exploring their readiness to donate hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for these purposes. In 2019, seven focus groups took place with members of the public, prospective donors, and donors as part of a project launched by Anthony Nolan (AN), a UK not-for-profit organization and stem cell donor registry. The aim of the project was to assess prospective donors’ and donors’ attitudes towards donating cells for novel treatments R&D. Participants were asked about their donation being used for the treatment of multiple recipients and quality-of-life (QoL) conditions. Some participants viewed donating for multiple recipients as beneficial and could act as a “pull factor” to encourage more donors. Others were keen to position the idea of helping multiple recipients as an “added bonus”. Some expressed worry that such donations might diminish the connection between donors and recipients and drew upon the influential power of “success stories” to encourage and motivate future donors. Most participants considered it acceptable to donate HSCs for QoL conditions. A hierarchy of illnesses formed during the focus groups, as some donors were concerned they might be asked to donate stem cells to enhance and improve the lives of ‘healthy’ people. Responses suggest that the donor-recipient relationship plays a significant role in influencing donation decisions, and that underlying the portrayal of this relationship is a power dynamic. Donors’ agreeableness to donate for QoL conditions is crucial to expand our understanding of stem cell-based therapies. Nevertheless, we must also consider how such donations might impact donor recruitment for transplant patients.