Summary of Transplantation Results 2008

Summary of Activity and Transplantation Results of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation in 2008

Recently, a report summarizing the activity of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation in the year 2008 was published on the subject of hematopoietic stem cells in general and an additional report detailing cord blood transplants. Following is the group’s updated data:

The first report includes over 30,000 hematopoietic stem cell transplants from 45 European and other countries, including Israel. The majority of these transplants were done, treating cancerous illnesses of the blood, such as various types of leukemia and lymphatic cancers. The ratio of treatment for genetic diseases is on the rise and is proving the necessity of these transplants for saving the sick. It’s worthwhile to note that in 2008 there’s a general rise of transplants in comparison to previous years. The main reason for the rise in transplants stems from wider public awareness as well as the availability of donors, especially non-related donors. Another important statistic is the highest number of transplants taking place in Israel, relative to its population. (848 transplants per 10 million residents compared to the average 293 in all other participating countries in this survey).

Over 780 of the above transplantations were made with units of cord blood as the source for the hematopoietic stem cells – a source which is taking more of a central role in this medical field. Cord blood transplant data show a 21% rise since 2007.

When looking at cord blood transplant statistics it’s important to note a few factors. Nearly all cord blood transplants (93%) are done from non related (not related to the family of the recipient patient) donations and this fact is especially glaring when looking at treating genetic illnesses where the stem cell transplants are essential for the patient survival. Nearly all cord blood transplants are made with units obtained from public cord blood banks and not from private banks. Another important fact, from all the cord blood transplants above, in all of the countries participating in this survey, no autologous transplants  (transplants by the patient's own stem cells) were done. This fact contradicts all the private banks’ promoting advertisements and goals for preserving cord blood for own use. It’s also important to note that as of today, no transplants with a cord blood source have been made to treat non-blood related diseases either cancerous or genetic).

In recent years a lot of research has been invested in using multipotent stem cells, particularly mesenchymalstromal cells that aren’t hematopoietic, for other treatments such as regeneration of tissues that get destroyed by disease such as heart tissue and cardiovascular blood vessels, specific neurological diseases and more. While some clinical tests have been made, this cell source is still being under studies for more definite findings.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantations in Israeli Hospitals during 2008: 

Click on the following links to see the original reports:

EBMT
Transfusion Apheresis Science