A Novel Method of Obtaining Donor Cells for Bone Marrow Transplantation

Up to 60% of the millions of people registered on bone marrow donor registries worldwide opt out before donation, and there is a severe lack of donors among minority groups. The primary factor for opting out and the shortage of minority donors: concern over the health risks related to bone marrow donation. This project aims to develop a way to generate the needed cells from a simple blood draw, creating a less-invasive method of obtaining donor cells for bone marrow transplants, eliminating the risks, complications, adverse health effects and donor concerns associated with bone marrow aspiration, drug-induced blood mobilization and apheresis.