The South African bone marrow registry (SABMR) in 2004

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Immunogenetics
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• The South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) was established in 1991 due to the critical need for rare Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) types, especially in patients of African ancestry.
• A significant portion of the international bone marrow registry's unique HLA types originate from SABMR, highlighting its global contribution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the underrepresentation of diverse HLA types within the SABMR donor pool.
• To enhance the probability of successful unrelated donor stem cell transplants for South African patients, particularly those of African ancestry.

Main Methods:

• The SABMR has amassed approximately 45,000 donors.
• Data indicates that 65 South African patients have received matched unrelated donor transplants, with 20% utilizing local donors.
• The registry's donor base is predominantly of Caucasian background.

Main Results:

• The SABMR currently holds about 20% of the unique HLA types in the international database.
• A substantial number of South African patients (65) have undergone matched unrelated donor transplants.
• A significant proportion (30%) of these transplants involved donors sourced locally within South Africa.

Conclusions:

• The SABMR plays a crucial role in providing rare HLA types for patients globally.
• There is a strategic imperative to increase the enrollment of Black and mixed-ancestry donors to improve genetic diversity.
• Expanding the donor pool's diversity is essential for improving transplant outcomes for all South African patients.