South Asian cancer patient appeals for stem cell donors

A 35-year-old Surrey man is in urgent need of a stem cell donor match and his family is urging South Asians in B.C., especially young men, to consider donating before the end of the month — perhaps to save his life.

The man, who doesn’t want to be identified, was diagnosed in December with relapsed T-cell lymphoma, said a relative, Prabhroop Kaur Sidhu.

The man had been cancer-free for two years before having the relapse, she said.

His only hope for treatment is finding a perfect stem cell match, she said.

A drive to increase the number of South Asian donors — and to raise awareness among South Asians of the need to donate — is being held at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey on Feb. 23 and 24.

Canadian Blood Services operates the Stem Cell and Marrow Network through which it searches for donors for patients in need of stem cell transplants.

Fewer than 25 per cent find a compatible donor among family members.

The network is connected to an international network of registries of more than 23 million donors in 70 countries.

Younger donors provide better patient outcomes, and stem cells from male donors decrease the possibility of post-transplant complication, said Sidhu.

Stem cells are immature cells that develop into any cell present in the bloodstream and are used to provide a transplant to people unable to produce certain cells because of a disease or disorder.

For more information on donating, go to www.blood.ca.