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The compatibility of relevant characteristics of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) is considered the most important criteria for selecting donors for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Current study data presented by DKMS at the DGHO Annual Meeting 2025 in Cologne, Germany, indicate that the biological age of donors has a greater influence on transplant success than previously assumed [1]. “Our results show that we need to reevaluate the established standard for donor selection,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Johannes Schetelig, Head of the Stem Cell Transplantation Unit at the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden and Director Clinical Research at DKMS. The international non-profit organization, which is dedicated to supporting people with blood cancer and blood disorders, promotes medical progress through its own research work. With its campaigns, it aims to encourage young people aged 17 and older to register with the world's largest stem cell donor database.

To strengthen the mutual understanding between donor and transplant centers, we regularly invite professionals from BMT Units to educate colleagues working with our donors about requirements on the patient side. This year, we had the honor of welcoming Eric, Director of Strategic Development for Bone Marrow Transplant and Cell Therapy at New York Presbyterian / Weill Cornell to share information about the scientific background in unrelated donor search and selection as well as the transplant journey from a patient perspective. What made Eric’s visit extra special is his deeply personal journey of survival that evolved into a professional mission to help others. We were able to witness the human connection that science alone cannot capture: meeting the donor who gave him a second chance at life!

The genetic risk of disease, not remission status, determines overall survival of patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Furthermore, there is no benefit of remission induction with standard salvage chemotherapy prior to allo-HSCT. These are the results of a recently published long-term follow-up [1] of the ASAP trial [2], which was conducted at renowned universities and clinics across Germany. The trial was financed and organized by DKMS. At DKMS we are dedicated to fighting blood cancer and recruiting stem cell donors worldwide, and are committed to advancing research and development to improve therapies in the context of hematological diseases.

Dr. Pietro Crivello, Postdoc at the Institute for Experimental Cellular Therapy, University Hospital Essen, received the DKMS John Hansen Research Grant in 2018. Find out more about his current work and his career seven years after he received the grant.

Thalassemia is a widespread genetic disorder in Vietnam, with approximately one in nine people carrying the associated gene. Each year, around 100,000 children are born with the gene, and 2,000 of them develop a severe form of the disease. Effective treatment begins with a deeper understanding of the condition and its available therapies.

The DKMS Stiftung Leben Spenden has started the new application round for the DKMS John Hansen Research Grant on August 13, 2025. Up to four exceptional research projects by young scientists from around the world will be awarded funding of up to €240,000 each over three years. The projects to be funded should focus on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell therapy for hematological diseases. Applications for the 2026 DKMS John Hansen Research Grant can be submitted until November 20, 2025.

We are proud to announce, that DKMS Registry received the certificate for Full Standard Certification from the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) during the 15th International Donor Registry Conference (IDRC) and WMDA Meetings 2025 in Québec, Canada. It is the first time that such a certificate is awarded in the context of international operations, embracing DKMS donor centers in Poland, the United Kingdom, India, Chile and South Africa. We are delighted that our safe, efficient, and reliable services have now the official certification to follow WMDA standards.

We attended this year’s meeting of the Indian Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ISBMT), held at the St John's Auditorium in Bengaluru, India. The congress, with the theme “reducing toxicity and improving survival,” turned out to be an inspiring and insightful gathering for researchers and professionals in the field of transplantation, offering special perspectives from India.

Our efforts to improve access to lifesaving therapies for patients with severe hemoglobinopathies have been featured in a recent peer-reviewed article published in Pediatric Reports.

Our newly launched BMT-Start-up Program has achieved important milestones with its initial collaborations in Vietnam and Uzbekistan. This initiative supports established and emerging centers in implementing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from matched sibling donors for pediatric patients with blood disorders – with a focus on thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Through this program, we are paving the way for more equitable access to transplantation.