From 17 February 2026, DKMS will start registering potential stem cell donors from the age of 16. Everyone on the DKMS stem cell donor register under the age of 18 will be ‘pre-registered’; they will be available for potential matching with patients needing a stem cell transplant, and can go on to donate from their 18th birthday. DKMS decided to lower the ‘starting’ age for registering donors because studies show that younger donors are more likely to donate for patients with blood cancer and blood disorders, and the registration outcome is better when young donors are chosen.
