Stem cell transplant for blood cancers: mother vs unrelated donors

This study compared the effectiveness of stem cell transplant from a mother donor compared to an unrelated donor in the treatment of cancers of the blood. Researchers found that mother donors could have some better outcomes but with an increased risk of a reaction to the transplant.

Cancers of the blood often involve the bone marrow. This is where many blood cells are made in the body, from stem cells. Treatment often involves a donor stem cell transplant. It is best if this is from a sibling or a relative. However, many patients receive transplants from unrelated donors. It is not known if donor stem cells from the mother are more effective than unrelated donors in the treatment of blood cancers.

135 patients with cancer of the blood were included in this study. 92 patients received a transplant from their mothers. 43 patients received a transplant from unrelated donors. Patients were followed up for an average of 24-27 months.

Survival after 2 years was similar among mother-donors (74.8%) and unrelated donors (72.9%). Higher rates of graft vs. host disease (GVHD; the transplant attack the patient's body) were seen in the mother-donor group (43.5%) than the unrelated group (14%). After 2 years, the rate of relapse (signs of cancer returning) was significantly lower in the mother-donor group (7.6%) compared to the unrelated donor group (20.9%).

The study concluded that mother-donor stem cells may be as effective as unrelated donors with lower rates of relapse. The authors suggest that mother-donors would be suitable for patients without an identical sibling donor.

This study is limited by a small sample size. Also, the two groups were not equal. This might affect the results.