SERVICES

Malaysian Stem Cell Registry (MSCR)

Introduction

Malaysian Stem Cell Registry (MSCR) is a database that lists volunteers who have registered to donate their blood stem cells to patients in need. MSCR is a collaboration between the Malaysian Ministry of Health (Allergy and Immunology Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research) and the National Cancer Council (MAKNA) which was established in December 2000.

In Malaysia, blood stem cell transplantation serves as a critical treatment for patients diagnosed with leukemia or thalassemia. This procedure is also essential for managing various other conditions, including lymphoma, aplastic anemia and primary immunodeficiency diseases. Typically, patients requiring a transplant are those without a compatible sibling donor, necessitating a search for a matching unrelated donor (MUD). However, the probability of finding a genetic match is significantly low and is directly proportional to the size of the donor registry. Consequently, an increase in the number of registrants is vital to improving the chances of survival for these patients.

Objectives

  • To collect data from the stem cell volunteers.

  • To give opportunities to patients who can only be treated with stem cell transplantation

  • To become a computerized data bank for reference in Malaysia/World

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The Malaysian Stem Cell Registry (MSCR) Team (Head by: Dr. Masita Arip)

Be a Match. Be a Saviour

Patients with blood cancer often undergo high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to eradicate cancer cells. While these treatments effectively destroy cancer cells, they also damage healthy cells that are vital for the body’s immune defence. Stem cell transplantation plays a critical role in restoring the body’s ability to regenerate healthy blood and immune cells, thereby enhancing immune protection and supporting recovery following intensive cancer treatment.

How to become a donor?

Online Registration

Register online by completing your details for the delivery of the registration kit directly to your home

Campaign Invitation

You may invite us to conduct a campaign at your premises, such as setting up a booth or delivering an awareness talk on blood stem cell donation.

Walk-In

You may register in person at our office located at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Setia Alam, Selangor.

Stem Cell Donation Process

Complete the Registration Form

  • Provide your personal and medical details to initiate your registration as a potential stem cell donor.

Provide a DNA Sample

  • A simple cheek swab will be collected to obtain your DNA sample for compatibility testing.

Data Entry and Registry Inclusion

  • Your information will be securely recorded and stored in the national stem cell donor registry.

Matching and Notification

  • You will be contacted promptly if your profile matches a patient in need of a stem cell transplant.

Health Screening and Counselling

  • Comprehensive medical screening and counselling will be conducted to ensure your safety and eligibility for donation.

Stem Cell Donation

  • Upon confirmation, you will proceed to donate your stem cells under professional medical supervision in a safe and controlled environment

Donor Eligibility

  • Malaysian
  • Healthy
  • Age 18-50 years old
  • Potential blood donors

Contact Info

Address:

Allergy and Immunology Research Centre,

Institute for Medical Research,

Block C, Level 1, National Institutes of Health Complex,

No. 1, Jalan Setia Murni, Section U13/52, Setia Alam,

40170 Shah Alam, Selangor,

Malaysia

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