Overview of transplant activity in Europe

This report summarizes current transplant activity in Europe. It is based on the activity survey of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT). Introduced in 1990, the survey captures the annual numbers of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) by indication, donor type and stem cell source from each individual European transplant team. Supplemented by demographical data and economical factors, team density and transplant rates can be calculated, and the impact of economics on HSCT rates can be assessed. As documented in the present analysis, in the year 2002, a total 20207 HSCT were performed on new patients in Europe by 586 teams in 39 countries: 6915 being allogeneic and 13 292 autologous HSCT. The main indications for allogeneic HSCT were leukemias, lymphoproliferative disorders and non-malignant diseases; main indications for autologous HSCT were lymphoproliferative disorders, solid tumors and leukemias. The main source of stem cells were peripheral blood (96%) for autologous, peripheral blood (62%) and bone marrow (38%) for allogeneic HSCT. On the basis of its completeness, the EBMT activity survey presents a rapid description of the status quo, assessment of trends and determination of factors influencing transplant rates. As such, it provides up-to-date information for patients, treating physicians and health-care officials.