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Cord blood versus MUD for transplant?
A BMT has been recommended by a specialist at the Dana Farber in Boston (an MDS center of excellence) for my brother, Karl. His RARS became RAEB II in Sept. He was started on Dacogen and had one cycle but they felt he should have a BMT before his RAEB became AML (for reasons that are unclear). My sister was a full match, raising all of our hopes, but then was told she couldn't donate because of the meds she has been on for her rheumatoid arthritis. So they are now searching for either a cord blood match or bone marrow from an unrelated donor. I was not there when this was explained but I assume that cord blood would be a PBSCT rather than a MUD BMT. Does anyone know what the difference in success rates are for this?
Also they have 2 cats, 2 dogs and a 2 year old grandchild that spends a lot of time with them. Will they have to be away from the home after my brother comes home and for how long?
I know these are all questions for his case manager and doctor but they are hard to contact and I don't want to play phone tag.
I would appreciate any feedback/info.
Martha
sister to Karl, age 49, dx w/RARS June 2005, stable on wkly Procrit until Sept. '07 when progressed to RAEBII. No symptoms other than fatigue.
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