"Let's tackle blood cancer!" This Sunday, at the matches in Stuttgart, Cologne, Munich, Berlin and Duisburg, there will be DKMS stands in the stadiums where spectators can register as stem cell donators. This can be a life-saving measure.

Why is the topic important? 

For many people with blood cancer, a stem cell transplant is the only chance of a cure if chemotherapy alone is not enough. The donator's stem cells are infused directly into the patient's bloodstream. After the diseased body has absorbed the new stem cells, they settle in the bone cavities and build up a completely new blood system there so that the patient can become healthy again.

Every 27 seconds someone is diagnosed with blood cancer. A donation can save lives, and that’s why the ELF wants to raise awareness among as many people as possible and inform what it's all about.

What does it mean to register?

A cheek cell sample is collected at registration. The sample is tested for the HLA characteristics and added to the global donor pool. Doctors can then search the registry and find a matching donor for their patient by comparing the patient’s HLA to the donor’s.

How does a stem cell donation work?

Peripheral stem cell donation
In about 90 percent of the cases the stem cells are taken from the bloodstream. The donor is administered the growth factor G-CSF for five days. This drug increases the number of stem cells in the peripheral blood, which are then obtained directly from the blood using a special procedure. The donation takes 4-8 hours on one or two consecutive days. No surgery is necessary, you can usually leave the clinic the same day. This procedure has been used at DKMS since 1996. During the administration of the drug, flu-like symptoms may occur. Long-term side effects are not known according to the current state of research.

Bone marrow donation
In this method, bone marrow is taken from the donor under general anaesthesia using a special syringe from the iliac crest. Two small incisions in the area of the rear pelvic bone are usually sufficient. The resulting wounds are so small that they only require a few stitches or often no stitches at all and heal quickly. The removal is performed in the prone position and takes about 60 minutes. With bone marrow donation, the risk is essentially limited to the anesthetic. About 5 percent of the bone marrow is taken from the iliac crest. Usually, the donor's bone marrow regenerates completely within 2 to 4 weeks. Local wound pain can occur, similar to a contusion. Only in rare cases can there be pain that lasts longer. The stay in the hospital lasts three days in total. In most cases, as a precautionary measure, a sick note is taken for a few days.

The type of withdrawal depends on the health condition of the patient. A donor should be prepared to use both methods.

What is DKMS?

DKMS is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer. They raise awareness and recruit potential stem cell donors to help blood cancer patients all over the world. Since 1991 they have registered more than 12 million potential life savers around the world given access to more than 115,000 second chances at life. So please help to tackle blood cancer and register as a stem cell donor at dkms.de/ELF.

Where can I do the registration?

This Sunday, there will be the possibility during the ELF games in München, Berlin, Stuttgart, Cologne and Duisburg.

How can I do the registration?

On site at the stands or you can simply order a free registration set at dkms.de.