The need for new donors is great, particularly when it comes to young people and those of non-European origin. Among patients of non-European origin, only three out of ten manage to find a matching donor.
Younger stem cell donors generally provide better treatment results for patients. Therefore, the age span is now 16-35 years to register. But you cannot donate stem cells until you turn 18.
The hope with the lowered age limit is that the registered individuals can quickly be activated as donors as soon as they become of age.
Stem cells are primarily used in the treatment of leukemia and about 30 percent of all patients with life-threatening diseases lack a matching donor.
The Tobias registry currently includes approximately 254,000 registered donors.
