Information about The stem cell registry
A suitable stem cell donor is sought among the members of the Stem Cell Registry for patients who need vital treatment, for example due to leukemia.
What diseases are treated with stem cell transplantation?
Stem cell transplants can be used to treat several serious blood disorders. The most common are various types of leukemia, myeloma, and lymph node cancers. For many patients, the transplant is the last treatment option.
There is not always an alternative
Without a transplant, the patient will not survive. Among adults, 50–70% recover with a stem cell transplant. For pediatric patients, the recovery rate is as high as 90%.
Only 2% get to donate
Each year, about 150 patients in Finland need a stem cell transplant. Around one in six of them is a child. Only about 40–60 registry members are selected to donate annually. The tissue type must match the patient’s exactly – that’s why every new member is important.
Voluntary helpers – from Finland and around the world
The stem cell registry has over 80,000 volunteers in Finland and more than 42 million worldwide. Each of them is ready to help an unknown patient.
More men are needed
70% of the registry members are women, but over 60% of selected donors are men. Men often provide more stem cells, and they are less likely to have life circumstances (e.g., pregnancy, breastfeeding) that prevent donation.
Young people are extremely important
Stem cells collected from young donors lead to better treatment outcomes. That’s why new members are especially sought among young, healthy individuals. You can join the registry between the ages of 18 and 35 and remain a member until the age of 56.
Donors recommend it
97% of those who have donated would be very likely to recommend the experience to their friends – and the rest would likely recommend it too. For many, donating stem cells is one of the most meaningful acts in their life.
There are two ways to donate
About 80% of transplants are collected from the bloodstream, and 20% from the bone marrow. The patient’s illness and age determine which method is chosen.
International cooperation
Stem cell registries work closely together worldwide. Stem cell grafts are exported from Finland abroad, and most Finnish patients – up to 75% – receive their graft from another country.
Because the graft is literally vital, it is always transported personally by a courier. The graft must reach the patient within 72 hours of collection.
Over 30 years of life-saving work
The Finnish Stem Cell Registry was established in 1992 and is part of the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service.
Frequently asked questions
Last modified: 27.11.2025