Fewer than 11% of Bulgarians perceive malignant diseases of the blood as controllable and even treatable. Less than 50% of Bulgarians have heard about the progress in the treatment of these diseases, with 16% considering innovations in combating them as essential. This is indicated by the results of a sociological study on the theme "Malignant diseases of the blood - prevalence, attitudes and awareness of the population". The study was conducted within the framework of the information campaign "Life with malignant blood diseases is possible" in the period July 15-24, 2019 among 1000 Bulgarian adults.
"Malignant diseases of the blood are treatable. It is time for people to stop considering them deadly," says the Chief Coordinator of the Expert Council on Clinical Hematology.
In the past, a stem cell transplant was more commonly called a bone marrow transplant because the stem cells were collected from the bone marrow. Today, stem cells are usually collected from the blood, instead of the bone marrow. For this reason, they are now often called stem cell transplants.
By joining the registry you are taking the first step to being the cure for patients with blood cancers like leukemia and other marrow diseases. It is also a commitment to take the next step if a patient needs you to donate your cells for a life-saving bone marrow transplant.
Joining the registry requires a sample of cells, usually collected by swabbing the inside of your cheek. They use this sample to compare specific protein markers, known as human leukocyte antigens (HLA) with HLA markers of patients who need a bone marrow transplant.
Doctors search a registry to find donors with HLA markers that match those of their patients. These searches happen on behalf of patients every day, so the most important thing you can do as a registry member is staying committed.
When a registry member matches a patient, there are several steps before donating. These steps are meant to ensure donation is safe for both the donor and the patient.
Once approved to donate, the patient’s doctor will request one of two donation methods: peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) or bone marrow. The patient’s doctor chooses the donation method that’s best for the patient.
How donated cells help patients?
A healthy blood system is always making new blood-forming cells. These are necessary for survival. If the body begins making diseased cells or not enough healthy cells, a bone marrow or cord blood transplant may be the best treatment and only potential cure.
During transplant, the donor’s healthy blood-forming cells are put into the patient’s bloodstream. These donated cells move through the patient’s bloodstream and settle in the bones. This is where the donated cells will produce new blood-forming cells.
Each patient needs a donor who is a close HLA match. This is different than blood type. Since HLA is part of your unique DNA, every person who joins the registry gives patients hope for a cure. It’s also why there’s a need for more people to join. The closer the background of the people is the bigger chance the patients have finding a match.
You may never be identified as a match for someone, or you might be one of a number of potential matches. But you may also be the only one on the registry who can save a patient’s life. The most important thing you can do is stay committed and respond if contacted.
In Bulgaria you can register following this LINK.