Why Bank?

Cord Blood Basics

Stem cells are immature cells that have the remarkable ability to self-reproduce into different cell types in the body. Embryonic stem cells are able to transform into a wide variation of types of cells, while adult stem cells are limited to the types of stem cells they can produce. Stem cells have two unique characteristics that distinguish themselves from other cells in the body. First, these non-specific cells can differentiate themselves by cell division even after prolonged intervals of inactivity. Second, the cells can be induced naturally or experimentally to become tissue or organ specific cells where they can replace and repair damaged tissue.

Cells isolated from umbilical cord blood at birth are rich in stem cells that also have the ability to transform into most human cell lines. These cells have become part of routine standard-of-care to successfully treat numerous blood-related disorders in addition to other life-threatening diseases. Cord Blood transplants have surpassed bone marrow as a source for stem cells with approximately 25% of all stem cell transplants coming from cord blood units.

With the rapidly advances in medical technology, banking cord blood is emerging as an increasing valuable opportunity to preserve potentially life-saving cells that are commonly discarded after birth. Experts estimate that as many as 1 in 3 individuals during their lifetime could benefit from regenerative therapy (Harris DT et al) using the application of stem cells. Currently, regenerative medicine focuses on restoring the function of damaged tissue with conditions like blood disorders, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, spinal cord injury, genetic diseases, and numerous more potentially benefitting from cord blood stem cells.

Simple and Safe

The stem cell collection process from umbilical cord blood and tissue is no medical risk and pain free to the mother and child. Blood and tissue collection occurs after safe delivery with blood collection performed by the physician and supporting team. These benefits are further highlighted when compared to bone marrow collection, which is an invasive procedure that requires the use of anesthesia, and is uncomfortable and painful.

Effective Engraftment

An important milestone associated with recovery after cord blood transplantation the presence of healthy blood-forming cells, which is known as engraftment. Compared to bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, cord blood stem cell transplantation has been associated with a higher rate of engraftment and recipients are more tolerant of mismatches in human leukocyte antigen mismatches. The less stringent matching characteristics are associated with a reduced incident of post-transplant adverse effects like Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

Rapid Treatment Availability

Stored cord blood stem cells are readily available to the recipient permitting earlier transplantation compared to unrelated bone marrow transplants. Cord blood patients received their transplantation a median of 25 days before those receiving bone marrow. There is no need to locate a donating volunteer, determine if they will actually donate, and spend time determining if they match the recipient.

Low Risk of Infection Transmission

Cord blood is rarely contaminated with diseases or latent viruses making it a safer alternative to stem cells from bone marrow and peripheral blood. Some common viruses that can be lethal to the transplant recipient include Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus. The prevalence of adults infected by cytomegalovirus in Europe and North America is estimated to range between 40 – 80%, compared to less that 1% of infants born with the virus.