The Unified Health System (SUS) has recorded an increase in the number of bone marrow cell collections in recent years. By November 2024, the total number of bone marrow stem cells destined for donation reached 431, a number 8% higher than that recorded in the entire previous year (398). In 2022, 382 stem cells were made available.
The number of new donors also increased, from 119 thousand in 2022 to 129 thousand, between January and November 2024, according to the Brazilian Registry of Voluntary Bone Marrow Donors (Redome).
“At the same time, the number of registered recipients grew significantly, jumping from 1,637 in 2022 to 2,201 in 2023 and reaching 2,060 by November 2024”, informs the Ministry of Health.
According to the ministry, the progress is due to a joint effort by the Ministry of Health, state blood centers and blood centers, by promoting awareness campaigns and registration of donors and recipients.
Furthermore, the National Cancer Institute (Inca) has contributed to the qualification of registrations, donor loyalty and support through various service channels. Inca is responsible for coordinating the technical actions of Redome – an entity that has the third largest registry of voluntary bone marrow donors in the world (the largest among those with exclusively public funding), with more than 5.9 million registered donors.
Redome app
“An important tool in the registration process is the Redome application. Through it, donors can access information about the donation, locate blood centers, pre-register and follow all the steps until definitive inclusion in the system. The app also generates a donor card”, informed the Ministry of Health.
Authorities emphasize that bone marrow transplantation is an essential procedure for the treatment of serious diseases of the blood and immune system, such as leukemia, lymphoma, marrow aplasia, immunodeficiency syndromes and multiple myeloma.
“It replaces sick or deficient bone marrow with a healthy one, being fundamental in the treatment of around 80 diseases”, says the ministry, warning that the majority of patients, however, cannot find a compatible donor in the family.
“The probability depends on several genetic and ethnic aspects, but this chance increases significantly when the donor and patient belong to the same population”, details the folder when reporting that, in Brazil, it is estimated that 70% to 75% of patients who have a compatible donor identify this donor through Redome.
How to search for donors
The first stage of the search for donor accounting is carried out among the patient’s family members. If there is no compatibility, a search begins through donor records in Brazil and abroad.
“The Redome team uses advanced technologies to cross-reference genetic information and identify potential donors, who are contacted to confirm availability and carry out additional tests”, says the ministry.
How to be a donor
Bone marrow donor candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old, but registration remains active until the age of 60. The donor must be in good health and without any impeding illnesses.
The donor must present an official document with a photo and go to the nearest blood center to collect a 10 ml blood sample for genetic compatibility (HLA) testing.
