Stem cell strategy

As you report (28 May), the potential for haemopoietic stem cell transplants (commonly known as bone marrow transplants) to treat a range of conditions is enormous. The Anthony Nolan Trust currently provides life-saving stem cell transplants for leukaemia patients every day, and scientists have identified potential to treat conditions such as heart problems as well as mental illnesses. Such research further underlines the need for a UK stem cell strategy. Stem cells for transplant come from donations by adults on bone marrow registers and umbilical cord blood banked for this purpose. We are already unable to meet transplant demand from these sources within the UK and regularly import stem cells for transplant from abroad, often at great expense. As the number of transplants increases, so does our need for a fully resourced UK programme. Earlier this year the government initiated a project bringing together expertise from the Anthony Nolan Trust, the NHS and the international transplant community, to address these issues. It is vital that this work continues to build momentum. Henny Braund Chief executive, The Anthony Nolan Trust