Who needs a stem cell transplant?

Stem cell transplantation is used, for example, as a treatment for leukemia and other malignant blood disorders when all other options have already been exhausted.

Adult holding baby's hand.

The last chance at recovery

Stem cell transplantation is resorted to when an aggressive and malignant blood disease cannot be cured with medication and the life expectancy is short.
In a stem cell transplant, the patient’s diseased stem cells are replaced with healthy stem cells collected from a voluntary donor.

Number of patients

Every year, over 100 patients in Finland need the help of a voluntary stem cell donor. Approximately one in six are children.

Recovery rates

Among adults who have undergone stem cell transplantation, 50–70% recover, and among children, 60–90%. The recovery rate varies depending on the patient’s disease and initial condition. The most common causes of death are relapse of the disease and complications related to the stem cell transplant, such as infections and graft-versus-host disease.

A suitable donor cannot always be found

A suitable donor is found among close relatives for one quarter of patients who need a stem cell transplant. If no compatible donor is found among close relatives, a voluntary helper is sought from the Stem Cell Registry. Currently, in Finland, one in five patients does not have access to the best possible stem cell donor. The more members there are in the Stem Cell Registry, the better the chances of finding a suitable donor for every patient.

You can be a lifesaver

Check if you can join the registry
A man is looking at the camera, partially behind a tree.

Antti recovered thanks to a stem cell transplant

“The transplant I received through the Stem Cell Registry was like a plane ticket for me. You didn’t know if the plane would ever arrive, but you had to use the ticket once you had it in your hand.”

Have you received a stem cell transplant?

Could you share your experiences? Real stories are the best way to motivate more volunteers to become stem cell donors! We publish stories on Blood Service’s social media channels and website. You can write freely, and we will help shape the text if needed. You can also just provide a short background and your contact details so we can arrange a possible interview.