The Role of the BSBMTCT Data Registry
Introduction
Stem cell transplantation (SCT) is an increasingly important treatment modality in patients with haematological malignancies and, in many diseases, represents the only curative option. Technological improvements over the last two decades have reduced the toxicity of both autologous and allogeneic transplantation at the same time as enhancing their ability to deliver curative therapy. As a result the number of patients in whom SCT is indicated has steadily risen in the last two decades and this has resulted in a significant increase in the number of transplants performed in the U.K
Collection of accurate clinical data is a pre-requisite for the delivery of high quality clinical care, and the British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (BSBMTCT) has made the establishment of a U.K Transplant Registry a priority since its inception in 1995. The primary objective of the BSBMTCT Registry was to define the role and monitor the outcome of treating patients within the UK and Ireland by any technique involving the use of allogeneic or autologous haemopoietic stem cells. In the last decade not only has the number of transplants reported to the Registry increased by more than 50% but there has also been a very substantial increase in the complexity of the data requested by national and international transplant bodies and Commissioning Authorities.
Prompt reporting of transplant data to the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) is now a core requirement for successful accreditation with JACIE (an IOG requirement for all transplant centres). Increasingly it has been recognized by Commissioning Authorities that such data is also required if SCT is to be commissioned on a rational basis.
Functions of the BSBMTCT Registry Office
The BSBMTCT Registry Office currently has a number of core functions: