The 2024 EBMT activity report: crossing one million HCTs and 20,000 CAR-T. A landmark in cellular therapy

In 2024, the EBMT activity survey surpassed one million HCTs reported since 1990, a major milestone in cellular therapy. That year, 47,204 HCTs (21,023 allogeneic, 26,181 autologous) were reported in 43,791 patients across 688 centres in 53 countries. Compared to 2023, HCT activity decreased (-1.1% overall, -3.9% autologous), while allogeneic increased ( + 2.6%) to the highest annual activity to date. CAR-T therapy reached 6,082 patients ( + 24.5% vs 2023), surpassing 20,000 since 2018. Main indications for allo-HCT were myeloid (62%), lymphoid malignancies (~24%), and non-malignant disorders (~17%). For auto-HCT were plasma cell disorders (59%), lymphomas (22%), and solid tumours (~6%). Unrelated donors (56%) increased ( + 5%), while HLA-identical siblings (25%) and haploidentical (19%) remained stable. Cord blood use continued decreasing (-6.2%). Paediatric HCT activity decreased slightly (-1.7%; -1.9% allogeneic, -1.1% autologous). CAR-T therapy expanded (lymphomas remaining the leading indication (70%), followed by multiple myeloma (18%,) and ALL (8%). Autoimmune diseases indications increased by 67%). Overall, transplant and CAR-T activity steadily increased, with pandemic-related declines mitigated by safety measures, reflecting systems resilience and variable country contributions. From 2025, the EBMT survey will capture adult and paediatric activity separately, establishing a comprehensive database to monitor trends, inform practice, define clinical needs and assess equitable access.