UK stem cell transplant system may put lives at risk, MPs report
5 reported
A parliamentary report has found that the UK’s stem cell transplant system may be putting blood cancer patients at risk due to inadequate infrastructure and a lack of long-term planning. The report, by the all-party parliamentary group on ethnicity transplantation and transfusion, concluded the system is not fit for purpose and is “no longer resilient, sustainable nor equitable.” It noted that in 2024-25, only 24% of stem cell transplants in the UK used a UK donor, far below the 45% target set by the UK Stem Cell Strategic Forum expert group. The report also highlighted that people from minority-ethnic backgrounds face significant health inequalities, with only a 37% chance of finding a well-matched donor compared to 72% for white patients of northern European background. The APPG has recommended the government launch a review into the stem cell system to address these issues.
What’s reported
The report was produced by the all-party parliamentary group on ethnicity transplantation and transfusion.
In 2024-25, only 24% of UK stem cell transplants used a UK donor.
The UK Stem Cell Strategic Forum expert group says the UK should have a supply of 45% of UK donors.
People from minority backgrounds have a 37% chance of getting a well-matched donor; white patients from northern European backgrounds have a 72% chance.
The APPG recommends the government launch a review into the UK’s stem cell system.
Key figures
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill and chair of the APPG
Caitlin Farrow, director of strategy and influencing at Anthony Nolan
Orin Lewis, chair of the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust
Sources: The Guardian
