Bone marrow transplants can save the lives of individuals living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), especially in cases where CLL turns into Richter’s transformation. CLL Society Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, Dr. Brian Koffman, received a lifesaving hematopoietic stem cell (bone marrow) transplant from an unrelated donor found through a UK drive for another blood cancer patient, giving him the time needed to participate in the first of three clinical trials that ultimately saved his life. In an interview with Dr. Adam Kittai, the Role of Stem Cell Transplants in Richter’s Transformation is explained in greater detail.
While CLL patients are not eligible to donate blood stem cells, their family members and friends can. The process of registering as a donor is simple. It involves a cheek swab, and participants must be between 18 and 55 years old and complete a brief health questionnaire. There are many great organizations where one can register, including Ezer Mizion and the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), formerly known as Be The Match.
Mike Peters, lead singer of The Alarm, is living with CLL, which has turned into Richter’s transformation. He is in need of a bone marrow transplant and is using this as an opportunity to inspire action, setting an ambitious goal of recruiting one million new registrants through the DKMS bone marrow registry. Through Love Hope Strength Foundation, Mike and his wife Jules raise money for cancer research. Now, they aim to amplify their impact by increasing the number bone marrow donors to support cancer patients in need. Consider becoming a bone marrow donor today, as it could save someone’s life!
