News & Events

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.