Prospective Donors’ Perspectives on Hematopoietic Cell Donation for Cell and Gene Therapy Research and Development

Abstract

Aim: To explore prospective donors' attitudes and perceptions toward donating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for novel treatments research and development (R&D). Methods: A survey was launched by Anthony Nolan (AN) to assess prospective donors' willingness to donate HSCs for novel therapies R&D, and their degree of comfort with the AN collaborating with and receiving payment from external organizations. Results: Most participants (87%) were willing to donate for novel treatment R&D and were comfortable with AN collaborating with external organizations and receiving payment (91% and 80%, respectively). Conclusion: Results reveal an overall positive response toward donating HSCs for R&D. These findings can support stakeholders and policymakers in outlining donation practices that uphold donors' safety and welfare.

Remuneration of donors for cell and gene therapies: an update on the principles and perspective of the World Marrow Donor Association

“…Currently, there is no evidence to support the notion that donors are less likely to donate for CGT compared to direct patient treatment. Although studies on the effect of financial rewards in incentivising donations of other SoHO demonstrate inconsistent results across different populations [ 47 – 49 ], preliminary evidence in Canada and the UK suggests an overwhelming willingness among registered prospective donors to voluntarily donate stem cells and other types of tissues for CGT [ 50 , 51 ]. Participants viewed donations for CGT as an opportunity for them to benefit the wider good by helping multiple recipients as opposed to one [ 52 ].…”