Are odds better if sibling is transplant donor?

[Lori Patrick]

Hi all. Do you know if there are less complications and better odds of successful end result if your sibling is a perfect donor? Neither of us have any chromosone abnormalties. (spelling is wrong!) I'm hopeful to be doing the transplant before the year is out. Thanks to all! Lori

[Neil Cuadra]

From what I've read, for the best outcomes the order of preference is:

1. Identical sibling, e.g., twin brother or sister
2. Perfectly matched sibling
3. Perfectly matched unrelated donor
4. Partially matched sibling
5. Partially matched unrelated donor

but #3 vs. #4 probably depends on the particular circumstances, and in all cases the degree of mismatch is a factor.

I assume that sibling donors produce the best outcomes, all other things being equal, because they are more likely to match you in ways that the tests don't cover. But whatever the reason, researchers draw their conclusions by studying the statistics and factoring in age, the stage and seriousness of the disease, and other factors that affect the success of transplants.

[Lori Patrick]

Does anyone know how many days of chemo will be needed - didn't know if brother being match would lessen chemo required. I so dread the chemo.

[Neil Cuadra]

It's usually pretty short. My wife had 2 days of chemo (cyclophosphamide) and it didn't make her sick at all.

[Lori Patrick]

Neil, Thank you for the comment! I hope it is a short time and not as sickening as my chemo prior! How is your wife? I see that she has been through a transplant and you are the caregiver. I'd welcome any information you can share. Thanks. Lori

[Neil Cuadra]

Lori,

Thanks for asking.

I'll let my wife speak for herself. See her Twelve Years Since BMT thread.

[Flamingo Jim]

Lori, I have pretty much the same diagnosis as you and I had a perfectly matched sibling donor. Going on day +66 now and I have not had any complications. Look at my blog at wordpress to get an idea of what I had, your transplant will probably be similiar...good luck!

[Lori Patrick]

Great!!!! Thank you for responding Jim. I had already read your blog but it is now bookmarked! So, update it once in a while so I know what is happening! I go for my bmb Thursday to see if I am in remission. Then we shall see what the schedule is. My doc seemed very optimistic that I am in remission by looking at the blood under the microscope. I suppose I will know something next week..... waiting again! Best get used to that huh? I hope and pray that my treatment goes as smoothly as yours. Yesterday I was reading on here of people who didn't make it due to viral attacks.... I was getting depressed. Your blog and other comments on here have cheered me up!

Again, Thank YOU. I will put you in my prayers. Lori

[Flamingo Jim]

Thanks...hope yours goes smoothly also