DKMS Global Impact Report 2023: A Beacon Of Hope For Blood Cancer Patients

DKMS, a leading global organisation in the fight against blood cancer, has unveiled its first-ever Global Impact Report, showcasing remarkable strides made in 2023. The report highlights a transformative year that combined scientific innovation, expanded donor outreach, and a commitment to equity in healthcare.

Expanding the Global Reach

In 2023, DKMS’s donor pool exceeded 12 million potential donors, spanning seven countries across five continents. The organisation facilitated over 8,300 stem cell transplants in 60 countries, offering life-saving hope to patients.

Notably, DKMS provided 409 individuals from medically underserved regions such as India and South Africa access to vital stem cell donations through its international aid programs. To further enhance its capabilities, DKMS inaugurated three new collection centers in Germany and Chile, ensuring a streamlined process from donor registration to transplant.

Innovative Breakthroughs in Stem Cell Therapy

Among the report’s key highlights is the launch of the DKMS Stem Cell Bank in Germany, the first facility worldwide to store cryopreserved Adult Donor Cryopreserved Units (ADCUs). These units, available within 72 hours, significantly boost survival rates for patients in critical need, enabling each donation to potentially save two lives.

Three Pillars of Hope

With blood cancer diagnosed every 27 seconds globally, stem cell transplantation often remains the only lifeline for survival. However, access to treatment varies by region. DKMS’s approach rests on three core pillars:

• Boost Stem Cell Donations: By expanding its diverse donor pool.
• Improve Access to Transplantation: Focusing on disadvantaged regions.
• Advance Research and Development: Through pioneering work in cell therapies.

A Global Vision for Patient Care

“What began as a private initiative in Germany in 1991 has become a global leader for blood cancer patients,” remarked Dr. Elke Neujahr, Global CEO of the DKMS Group. With operations in Chile, Germany, India, Poland, the US, the UK, and South Africa, DKMS is bridging the gap in global healthcare.

The organisation’s Life Science Lab in Dresden plays a pivotal role, conducting up to 7,000 HLA typings daily and supporting worldwide medical research through its Collaborative Biobank.

Dr. Neujahr expressed optimism for the future: “In 2023, we made record progress. By 2030, we aim to provide 12,000 people annually with a second chance at life through stem cell donations. With our dedicated team and supporters, I am confident we will achieve this goal.”