How can we optimise the donor search. V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How can we optimise the donor search pathway for Children with Leukaemia who require a a Stem Cell Transplant? An observational single centre study.
IRAS ID
325485
Contact name
Annette Hill
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Head of Governance and clinical trials
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
The purpose of this research study is to examine the effectiveness of the donor pathway for children and young people who require a Stem Cell Transplant (SCT).
A SCT involves taking stem cells from a donor and infusing Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) matched cells into the recipient after they have completed a preparative regime.
The cells should grow in the recipient and produce a new blood system. HLA matching between the donor and recipient is the most robust predictive factor for outcome after BMT. The HLA system is defined as proteins found on the surface of cells in the body that are involved in the regulation and interaction of the immune system.
Some patients will have a sibling who is HLA identical, however, unrelated donors are used in approximately 70% of patients. An unrelated donor, can be found for 30-70% of patients, the variation is due to differences in HLA type.
SCT treatment is normally required within 8-12 weeks of the patient’s diagnosis. This timeframe is sometimes challenging for patients with a more unusual HLA type, this can lead to a patient requiring further chemotherapy and supportive treatment which can contribute to additional problems until a donor is identified.
The current donor search pathways used at Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust will be analysed to establish critical timepoints, identify if any delays occurred and if measures could be implemented to optimise the search.
This pilot study will focus on paediatric patients with an Acute Leukaemia diagnosis. These patients are the largest group referred for SCT at GOSH. The nature of their treatment means there are less time point variables, thus producing meaningful data. The study will last 9 months, patients will not need any additional blood samples or appointments. The data will be collected at GOSH and will be accessed from the existing databases.REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/1126
Date of REC Opinion
23 Oct 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion