Donor selection for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Assessment of the priorities of Canadian hematopoietic stem cell transplant physicians

Abstract

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation is applied in the management of cancer. It involves myeloablative chemoradiotherapy followed by infusion of donor stem cells. The characteristics of the donor stern cells influences transplant outcomes which itself, is dependent on the donor characteristics. The purpose of this thesis was to explore preferences over donor characteristics. A systematic review was performed to identify all donor characteristics associated with outcome. Eight traditional and 5 non-traditional characteristics were identified. The results of the review were used to inform a survey of the Canadian Bone Marrow Transplant Group which primarily includes transplant physicians. An online survey and conjoint analysis of Canadian Bone Marrow Transplant Group members was performed to define relative importance of donor characteristics. Canadian Bone Marrow Transplant Group members, including transplant physicians caring for adults strongly indicate preference for donors related to recipients (HR 2.97) over the donor's age, gender and cytomegalovirus compatibility.