Stem cells have the power to save and change lives

Stem cells are the body’s “master cells” because they are the building blocks of organ tissue, blood, and the immune system. Stem cells from bone marrow were first used to regenerate blood and immune cells for patients who had received chemotherapy for cancer. In the late 1980s, doctors started using cord blood stem cells to treat diseases that had previously been treated with bone marrow transplantation. Today, cord blood stem cells are successfully being used and saving many lives. And they are also being researched in an exciting new area of medicine called regenerative medicine, where scientists are using cord blood stem cells in experimental treatments for brain injury and juvenile diabetes.

Are cord blood stem cells different from other stem cells?

Yes, cord blood stem cells are biologically younger and have unique qualities and advantages compared to other stem cell sources like bone marrow:

There is less risk of complications when used in transplants.¹
They are immediately available, and early treatment can minimize disease progression.²
Freezing them "stops the clock" and protects them from environmental damage, age, and common viruses that will impact the stem cells in our bodies over time.³
Collection of cord blood is simple, safe, and painless.

Cord blood stem cells are not embryonic stem cells and are not controversial.

What types of stem cells are found within the umbilical cord?

Newborn stem cells can be found in cord blood and the umbilical cord itself (cord tissue). These are noncontroversial sources of valuable stem cells that are collected after the umbilical cord has been cut and would otherwise be discarded.

Cord blood is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells, which create the blood and immune system.
Cord tissue is a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells, which create structural and connective tissue.

References:
1. Rocha V, Wagner JE, Jr., Sobocinski KA, et al. Graft-versus-host disease in children who have received a cord-blood or bone marrow transplant from an HLA-identical sibling. Eurocord and International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry Working Committee on Alternative Donor and Stem Cell Sources. N Engl J Med. 2000;342(25):1846-1854. 2. Pazdur R, et al. Cancer management: a multidisciplinary approach. 1998. Second edition. 3. Behzad-Behbahani A, Pouransari R, Tabei SZ, et al. Risk of viral transmission via bone marrow progenitor cells versus umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow transplantation. Transplant Proc. 2005;37(7):3211-3212.

Banking cord blood does not guarantee that the cells will provide a cure or be applicable for every situation. For inherited genetic conditions, the child will not be able to use his or her own stem cells. A matched sibling's stem cells would be the first choice. Ultimate use will be determined by the treating physician. Treatment for brain injury and juvenile diabetes is experimental and currently requires the use of your own cord blood. Medical treatments using family banked cord tissue are in early research and are not available today; there is no guarantee that therapies will be developed in the future.

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