Generally, yes, you can potentially give your son your bone marrow, but it depends on several factors, primarily the degree of HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) matching. While a fully matched sibling is often the ideal donor, a parent is often a half-matched (haploidentical) donor, which can be a viable option.
HLA Matching and Bone Marrow Transplants
- HLA Matching: The closer the HLA match between donor and recipient, the lower the risk of complications like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
- Fully Matched Siblings: Siblings have a 25% chance of being a perfect HLA match.
- Parents as Haploidentical Donors: Parents are always at least a half-match (haploidentical) for their children.
Haploidentical Transplants
Haploidentical transplants (where the donor is a half-match) are increasingly common, particularly when a fully matched donor isn't available. These transplants often require special techniques to reduce the risk of GVHD. These techniques may include:
- T-cell depletion: Removing T-cells from the donated bone marrow to reduce the risk of GVHD.
- Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy): A chemotherapy drug given after the transplant to eliminate reactive T-cells that could cause GVHD.
When is a Parent a Suitable Donor?
A parent may be considered as a bone marrow donor for their son when:
- No fully matched sibling is available.
- A search of unrelated donor registries is unsuccessful.
- A haploidentical transplant is deemed the best option by the medical team.
Where to Learn More
Specific programs, like the Haplocompatible Donor Program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, specialize in using half-matched donors for children needing bone marrow transplants. Contacting a transplant center for an evaluation is crucial.
Important Considerations:
- Medical Evaluation: Both the potential donor (you) and the recipient (your son) will need thorough medical evaluations to determine suitability for a transplant.
- Risks and Benefits: The transplant team will carefully explain the risks and benefits of using a haploidentical donor compared to other available options.
In summary, being a parent makes you a potential bone marrow donor for your son, particularly if a fully matched donor isn't available. Advancements in transplant techniques have made haploidentical transplants a more viable and successful option. Consult with your son's medical team to determine the best course of action.
