Unrelated Donor Selection for Stem Cell Transplants using Predictive Modelling

Abstract

Unrelated Donor selection for a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant is a complex multi-stage process. Choosing the most suitable donor from a list of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matched donors can be challenging to even the most experienced physicians and search coordinators. The process involves experts sifting through potentially thousands of genetically compatible donors based on multiple factors. We propose a Machine Learning approach to donor selection based on historical searches performed and selections made for these searches. We describe the process of building a computational model to mimic the donor selection decision process and show benefits of using the proposed model in this study.