Mumbai Cancer Survivor’s Stem-Cell Transplant Highlights Need For More Donors Across India
Mumbai, September 10, 2026: Around 11,000 potential stem-cell donors are registered in Mumbai, while Maharashtra has 40,101, as efforts to expand the donor pool gain importance amid the growing need for stem-cell transplants. Across India, DKMS, an international non-profit stem-cell donor registry, has registered around three lakh potential donors, but more registrations are needed to improve the…
Mumbai, India, September 10, 2026 - An impressive 11,000 potential stem-cell donors are currently registered in Mumbai, complementing Maharashtra's 40,101 donors. As awareness of the importance of stem-cell transplants grows, DKMS, an international non-profit donor registry, has registered over three lakh potential donors nationwide. However, more registrations are needed to improve patients' chances of finding a suitable match.
Mumbai cancer survivor Sayli Rane's story exemplifies the critical need for more donors. After receiving a stem-cell transplant in 2021 from an unrelated donor in Ahmedabad, Rane has remained disease-free for five years. She initially registered with Datri, an Indian stem-cell donor registry, before joining DKMS, where she found her life-saving match.
DKMS reported that 300 donors registered with the organization have successfully donated stem cells, offering patients a second chance at life. The organization collaborates with several hospitals in Mumbai to support patients requiring transplantation. Donor registration and matching involve adults aged 18 to 55 in generally good health. A compatible donor is identified based on Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) typing when a patient requires a transplant.
With over 1.1 lakh new blood cancer diagnoses and 10,000 children born with thalassaemia in India each year, DKMS emphasizes the need to expand donor awareness and registration. The NGO marks a significant milestone by having performed 1,000 paediatric stem-cell transplants, primarily benefiting children with severe inherited blood disorders like thalassaemia. DKMS contributed to the transplantation costs for more than 820 children.
Dr Elke Neujahr, Global CEO of DKMS, highlighted the transformative impact of these transplants on 1,000 children and their families. Collaborating with local partners, DKMS aims to build sustainable solutions for patients in the country and raise public awareness about stem-cell donation's life-saving potential.
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