Psychological Impact of Haploidentical Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation on Donors

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSC) is currently one of the only curative treatments for haematological malignancies with a poor prognosis, the realization of which presupposes the identification and availability of a compatible donor. In recent years, haploidentical transplants have been developed, a reliable alternative for patients who do not have 100% compatible donors.

The development of haplo-identical transplants leads to an exponential increase in the use of intra-family donation. Intrafamilial donation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) has the advantages of lower financial cost and faster availability of the graft, thus avoiding the risk of relapse before the procedure. Nevertheless, intrafamilial donation raises clinical and ethical questions. Indeed, the psychological impact of intra-family donation on the donor cannot be overlooked. Thus, in the context of the development of haplo-identical transplants, measuring the impact of donation on donors (ascendants and descendants) will make it possible to assess the relevance of taking psychosocial aspects into consideration in the choice of donors, to assess the psychological impact of haplo-identical donation and to offer psychological support adapted to donors.