What is a haploidentical ​blood or marrow ​transplant?

A haploidentical (half-match) blood or marrow transplant (BMT) is a type of allogeneic transplant that uses healthy blood-forming cells from a donor who is a 50% genetic match, often a parent, child or sibling. This type of transplant is commonly used when a closely matched donor isn’t available. Haploidentical transplants have made it possible for more patients to receive a potential cure. They can be used to cure or treat forms of blood cancers and diseases, such as acute myeloid leukemia and sickle cell disease.

Understand the transplant process

A haploidentical, or half-match, donor shares exactly half of their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) markers with the patient.

• Parents are always a half-match for their children and children are a half-match for their parents.
• Siblings have a 50% chance of being a half-match.
• Extended relatives like cousins, aunts or uncles are less likely to be a half-match.

Because haploidentical donors are usually immediate family members, this option makes BMT possible for more patients who do not have a close match in their family or on the NMDP Registry^SM.

Learn what it means to be a family donor

As you consider haploidentical transplant it’s important to ask your doctor:

• What are the risks and benefits of transplant from a haploidentical donor compared to other types of donors?
• How much experience does this transplant center have performing half-match transplants?
• What are the typical results for patients at this center who have had a transplant from a half-matched donor?
• Is there a haploidentical transplant clinical trial that I could join?
• Which family member would be my half-matched donor? What does that person have to do?
• What’s the difference between a haploidentical and autologous transplant?

Making the right treatment choice starts with the right questions. To help you feel informed and empowered, we’ve put together a list of questions to ask your transplant team.

View more treatment questions

Your insurance may cover some or most of your transplant costs, but it’s important to know the details. When considering a haploidentical transplant, ask your provider:

Does my health insurance policy pay for:

• An allogeneic transplant from a haploidentical donor?
• Care in a haploidentical transplant clinical trial?
• My family member’s bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell collection?

Understanding your coverage upfront can help you plan with more clarity and confidence.

Questions to ask your insurance provider

If you feel overwhelmed understanding insurance and costs during the haploidentical transplant, process there’s help available. NMDP^SM patient navigators can help you understand transplant costs.

Visit NMDP’s Patient Support Center to access resources for you and your loved ones, including education and one-on-one emotional support, group support and more.