Understanding Stem Cells: Challenges and Solutions for Donor Shortage in India

Stem Cell Basics

1. What are stem cells? Stem cells are unique cells in our body capable of developing into various cell types, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. They can be found in bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and peripheral blood.

2. What is stem cell therapy? Stem cell therapy, also known as bone marrow transplantation (BMT), is a medical treatment where healthy stem cells are provided to patients whose own stem cells have been damaged or destroyed due to diseases or treatments like chemotherapy.

3. Who needs stem cell therapy? Individuals suffering from serious blood-related or immune system diseases may require stem cell therapy, including:

• Leukaemia (a type of blood cancer)
• Thalassemia (a genetic blood disorder)
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Aplastic Anaemia
• Primary Immune Deficiency
• Metabolic Disorders

The Indian Situation

4. Why does India need more stem cell donors? India requires approximately 1 lakh stem cell transplants each year, yet only around 2,000 are performed. This discrepancy arises mainly because:

• There are only 6 lakh registered donors in India.
• Finding a match is challenging due to India’s high genetic diversity.
• Only 30% of patients find a match within their family.
• The remaining 70% depend on unrelated donors, which are hard to locate in India.

FAQs

5. How does stem cell donation work? Is it painful? No, the process is not painful or dangerous. There are two common methods:

• Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) donation: This process is similar to blood donation, where blood is drawn from one arm, stem cells are separated, and the remainder is returned to the body.
• Bone marrow donation: Conducted under general anesthesia, stem cells are extracted from the pelvic bone using a needle, and donors may experience mild soreness afterward.

6. Why is it difficult to find a matching donor in India? Due to genetic diversity, matches are more likely to be found among individuals of the same ethnic group or region. India has numerous communities with unique genetic traits, making it challenging to find matches unless more individuals register as donors.

7. Are there any myths that stop people from donating? Yes, several common misconceptions exist:

• “It’s painful or unsafe” – This is not true.
• “It affects my health permanently” – False; stem cells regenerate.
• “I may get a disease” – Not possible; the process is completely safe.

8. How can we fix the donor shortage in India? Possible solutions include:

• Awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and workplaces.
• Community education to dispel myths.
• Partnerships between hospitals and NGOs.
• Encouraging cord blood donation during childbirth.
• Free or subsidized registration drives for individuals from all communities.

9. What is cord blood and why is it useful? Cord blood is collected from a newborn's umbilical cord and is rich in stem cells. It can be stored in public cord blood banks and utilized by anyone if matched, especially when no family donor is available.

10. Is cost also a problem in India? Yes, stem cell treatment can be expensive. The costs associated with finding a donor, collecting stem cells, and hospitalization are high, making it unaffordable for many families. Government and non-profit support are crucial to make treatment more accessible.

11. Are there any organisations working in India for this cause? Yes, several notable initiatives include:

• DATRI – A not-for-profit registry assisting in matching Indian patients.
• Jeevan Stem Cell Foundation
• MARROWDONOR Registry India
• Indian Stem Cell Registry (ISCR)

12. What can we do to help? We can make a difference by:

• Registering as a stem cell donor (only a cheek swab is needed for initial matching).
• Encouraging others to donate.
• Donating cord blood during childbirth.
• Supporting NGOs working on this issue.
• Spreading accurate information to alleviate fears.

Synopsis

Stem cell therapy is a life-saving option, particularly for individuals with blood cancers and disorders like thalassemia. However, India currently faces a significant shortfall in finding matching donors due to low awareness, prevalent myths, and genetic diversity. By expanding donor registries, promoting cord blood banking, reducing costs, and increasing public awareness, India has the potential to save thousands of lives each year.