Lifeblood to lead national stem cell donation service

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood said a decision by the Australian Government for Lifeblood to lead Australia’s national stem cell donation service will further strengthen donor recruitment and help more patients who need a stem cell transplant. 

Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cornelissen AM said access to stem cells is critical for many Australian patients, including those with blood cancer, aplastic anaemia, sickle-cell disease, and combined immunodeficiency. 

“For many patients, a stem cell transplant can be their best chance of survival. We look forward to further advancing the number of suitable donors for Australian patients, which we hope will increase their chances of finding the right clinical match.”

“As an organisation we are uniquely placed to use our extensive national footprint to connect with potential donors, hospitals and communities across Australia. 

“We are committed to working with state and federal governments to grow and diversify the number of stem cell donors in Australia.”

“A continued focus will be recruiting more donors aged 18 to 35, particularly young men whose stem cell donations improve patient outcomes and survival and lower the risk of medical complications post-transplant.” 

“Another focus will be donors from ethnically diverse backgrounds, as people are far more likely to match with someone who shares a similar ethnic background. The registry, just like our blood service, needs to reflect the full diversity of Australia. Patients from underrepresented communities face a significantly harder search.” 

Under the transition, Lifeblood will manage the stem cell registry, search and matching services (within Australia and internationally), and coordination with Australian hospitals to provide stem cell donations for patients. 

Australia’s stem cell donor registry is part of a wider international network of registries and receives requests for patients overseas. Greater diversity is expected to support patients internationally, as well as locally.  

Lifeblood acknowledged the work of Stem Cell Donors Australia, who currently oversees the registry, and said it would work closely with the organisation as well as government, hospitals and the donation community to ensure a smooth transition. 

Stephen Cornelissen thanked Stem Cells Donors Australia for the strong foundations they have built. 

“Stem Cell donors and recipients remain at the forefront of our thinking at all times, and we are committed to continuity of services with no gaps in the life-saving support provided for either stem cell donors or recipients.” 

“We will be working with them to ensure we retain their specialist expertise and achieve a smooth transition for donors and patients now and into the future.” 

People aged 18 to 35, who are in good health, can register their interest in becoming a stem cell donor at a Lifeblood donor centre.