What is Cord Blood?
Cord blood is the blood that remains in the placenta and umbilical cord after childbirth. It is a rich source of
hematopoietic stem cells, which can differentiate into various types of blood cells. These stem cells can be used in the treatment of various blood disorders and cancers.
What are Cord Blood Transplants?
A cord blood transplant involves using stem cells from umbilical cord blood to replace diseased or damaged bone marrow. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients with
leukemia,
lymphoma, and other types of blood cancers. The goal is to restore the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells.
How is Cord Blood Collected and Stored?
Cord blood is collected immediately after birth. The process is safe and painless for both the mother and baby. The collected blood is then sent to a cord blood bank where it is processed and cryopreserved for future use. These banks can be either public or private, offering different options for
cord blood banking.
It is easier to collect and store compared to bone marrow.
Lower risk of GVHD.
Immediate availability from cord blood banks.
No risk to the donor, as it is collected after birth.
The amount of stem cells in a single cord blood unit may be insufficient for larger patients.
There is a potential for delayed engraftment compared to bone marrow transplants.
Limited availability of matched cord blood units.
Risks associated with the procedure are similar to those of other stem cell transplants, including infection and complications from the chemotherapy or radiation therapy used to prepare the body for the transplant.
Conclusion
Cord blood transplants represent a significant advancement in the treatment of certain types of cancer. With ongoing research and improvements in technology, their role in cancer treatment is expected to grow, offering hope to many patients who otherwise have limited treatment options.
