Age Limit?

Is it true that donors may not be older than 60 years of age?

[Hien K Duong, MD]

Beatrice44,

Through the National Marrow Donor Program, the upper age limit for donation is 60 years of age.  

This is a guideline in place to help protect both the donor and the recipient.  The older we get, the more likely we have medical problems that might increase our risk of complications occurring during the stem cell/bone marrow donation process.  Also, for the patient (recipient), the risk of complications of the actual transplant are higher when the donor is of older age.

The exception here is if a patient (recipient) needs a transplant and the only perfect match is a sibling who is over the age of 60 years. In these cases, we will often accept the donor as long as they are in good medical condition.

Thanks for your question.