Cord Blood Stem Cells Have Distinct Clinical Benefits
Today, the three primary sources of stem cells for either scientific study or
therapeutic use are: embryonic, adult (which includes bone marrow and
peripheral blood) and cord blood.
Used only experimentally in scientific study since 1998, embryonic stem cells
remain highly controversial. Although research indicates they have significant
therapeutic potential, researchers have yet to determine how to control their
growth, guide their development into specific cell types or utilize them in
human treatments.
Conversely, adult stem cells have been used in a variety of treatment areas
for more than 40 years and have proven therapeutic value. Although effective,
bone marrow stem cells are obtained in an invasive, complicated and painful
procedure and do not grow or increase as rapidly as those found in cord blood.
While the collection of peripheral blood stem cells is less invasive, these
cells have many of the same properties as bone marrow stem cells, and thus
many of the same potential limitations.
Umbilical cord blood, long considered a "waste product" of the birthing
process, is a rich source of readily-available, easily-acquired stem cells.
Cord blood stem cells have been used successfully for more than 20 years.
Currently, they are used to treat approximately 70 diseases including
immunodeficiences; genetic and neurological disorders; some cancers; and blood
disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, and aplastic
anemia. Today, physicians have performed more than 8,000 cord blood stem cell
transplants worldwide. These stem cells hold vast therapeutic promise to
address major unmet medical needs and are increasingly being used in medical
therapies to improve - and save - lives.
Cord Blood Stem Cells Result in Excellent Transplant Outcomes
The use of cord blood stem cells is quickly becoming a viable option for many
diseases previously treated with bone marrow. Cord blood stem cell treatments
differ from bone marrow stem cell treatments in three key areas: increased
tolerance of HLA-mismatching, decreased risk of graft-versus-host disease and
enhanced proliferation ability.
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-matching refers to six of the many proteins that
appear on the surface of white blood cells and other tissues in the body.
These six HLA genes, or loci, help determine compatibility between donor and
recipient. Because cord blood stem cells are immunologically "younger" than
bone marrow stem cells, a greater degree of mismatch between donor and
recipient cells is tolerable with cord blood stem cells. Conversely, bone
marrow stem cell transplants require either autologous (one's own) stem cells
or closely matched donor cells that may be difficult to obtain.
In addition, stem cells from a related donor have an even greater chance of
HLA matching. Three of the six HLA genes required for a 'match' are inherited
as a complete set from each parent, and because cord blood stem cells require
fewer matches than bone marrow, cord blood stem cells from a related donor,
such as a sibling, provide the greatest likelihood for a match. In fact,
research suggests that cord blood stem cell transplants from HLA-matched,
genetically-related sources are associated with twice the survival as compared
with cord blood stem cells from an unrelated donor.
Cord blood stem cell transplants also result in decreased rates of
graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), one of the most common and life-threatening
side effects of a transplant. This is most likely because cord blood stem
cells are less mature than bone marrow stem cells, and therefore less likely
to attack the patient's body.
Finally, cord blood stem cells are more proliferative than bone marrow stem
cells. Cultures of cord blood stem cells increase in cell number far more
rapidly than do similar cells from bone marrow.
Cord Blood Stem Cells: The Future of Stem Cell Therapy
The National Marrow Donor Program predicts that cord blood will exceed bone
marrow as a preferred stem cell source for transplants within the next year.
Given the widespread availability of cord blood, these cells will likely play
an important role in the future of stem cell therapy.
Emerging Science Shows Potential for Additional Cord Blood Stem Cell
Applications
Nearly 80 clinical trials studying the uses of cord blood stem cells are
currently registered with the FDA, and science suggesting the future potential
of cord blood stem cells is growing every day. Many scientists and leading
industry physicians believe the greatest potential for cord blood stem cells
lies in the possibility for its use in regenerative medicine - the science of
using the body's own cells to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs.
Regenerative medicine studies are underway in a variety of treatment areas
including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson's, spinal cord injuries,
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's, muscular dystrophy and liver
disease. In addition, umbilical cord blood may one day be used as a conduit
for cell-based gene therapy.
Cord Blood Registry
1200 Bayhill Drive, Suite 301
San Bruno, California 94066
http://www.cordblood.com/