Insights + interviews
Expanding Horizons in Marrow Transplantation: BMDP Symposium Paves the Way for MMUD and Haplo Solutions
The Bone Marrow Donor Programme (BMDP) hosted its Beyond the Perfect Match Symposium in March, uniting experts in marrow transplantation to explore cutting-edge alternatives that offer hope to patients unable to find fully matched donors.
The spotlight was on Haploidentical (Haplo) and Mismatched Unrelated Donor (MMUD) transplants—innovative approaches that promise life-saving treatments amidst Singapore’s unique challenges in donor matching.
Singapore’s rich ethnic diversity often limits the availability of fully Matched Unrelated Donors (MUD), making MMUD and Haplo transplants indispensable in expanding access to medical care for patients in need.
Breakthroughs in MMUD and Haplo Transplants
Insights from global clinical data (2017-2023) underline the growing success of MMUD transplants, redefining options for patients without a perfect match.
Key advancements include:
- Improved survival rates: MMUD transplants in the United States show promising first-year survival rates of 72 to 84 percent.
- Safer techniques: Innovations like Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide reduce complications and enhance accessibility. Locally, Singapore’s Haplo-2017 protocol continues to deliver effective outcomes.
- Critical for ethnic minorities: MMUD transplants have emerged as a lifeline for communities with limited donor availability.
- Comparable success: Recent studies reveal MMUD transplants may rival—and even exceed—the effectiveness of Haplo transplants, broadening treatment possibilities.
Charting a New Path in Singapore’s Protocols
Following the symposium, leading transplant physicians convened to deliberate the integration of MMUD transplants into Singapore’s medical protocols.
As the nation faces limitations in its MUD donor pool, the adoption of MMUD transplants—alongside MUD and Haplo treatments—could transform lives. Discussions also addressed the financial implications, emphasising the need for cost management and potential subsidies to ensure accessibility.
Advancing Patient Care and Outcomes
For BMDP, the mission is clear: every patient deserves a chance at life-saving treatment. With a commitment to expanding donor options, the organisation continues to champion alternative transplant pathways.
Charles Loh, Chief Executive Officer of BMDP, explained: “Whether through MUD, Haplo, or MMUD, every patient deserves a life-saving transplant. By growing our donor registry and supporting new medical protocols, we can offer hope to more families.”
Transforming Care with Collaboration
Renowned experts at the symposium shared their insights into the transformative power of MMUD and Haplo transplants:
- Dr Bronwen Shaw, Chief Scientific Director of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (US), highlighted that MMUD transplants are becoming increasingly viable thanks to advancements in Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. “Given Singapore’s diverse population, MMUD transplants must be considered as part of its protocols,” she emphasised.
- Dr Lim Zi Yi, Medical Chairman of BMDP, advocated for proactive solutions: “The reality is that not every patient in Singapore will find a perfectly matched donor. By adopting MMUD transplants, Singapore could lead Asia in expanding life-saving treatments.”
- Dr Koh Liang Piu, Senior Consultant at National University Cancer Institute Singapore, noted the success of Haplo transplants through the Haplo-2017 protocol, which has already transformed over 100 lives. “Introducing MMUD transplants will further widen access and improve outcomes,” he said.
The Beyond the Perfect Match Symposium 2025 marks a pivotal step in reshaping marrow transplantation in Singapore, offering hope to patients who previously had limited treatment options.
Pictures: Credit BMDP
