Stems Cells Found in Umbilical Cord Blood Can Treat Life-Threatening Diseases
June 5th 2010 -
Patients with a variety of blood diseases like leukemia and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma now have a new option for obtaining the necessary stem cells to treat their conditions. Previously, bone marrow transplants were the only source of donated stem cells, and the process of collection and transplant were both known to be painful. Now, stem cells from babies’ umbilical cords can be used to collect stem cells, presenting a painless option for both the donor and the recipient.
The list of diseases that cord blood stem cells can help treat currently contains over 75 entries, and it continues to grow as scientists devise new ways to apply these stem cells to other conditions. Cancers like leukemia, retinoblastoma and neuroblastoma are all treatable with stem cells obtained from cord blood, as are immunodeficiencies like Omenn’s Syndrome and Reticular Dysplasia. In addition, such bone marrow failure syndromes as Fanconia Anemia and Kostmann’s ,as well as blood disorders such as sickle-cell anemia and Lesch-Nyhan disease are treatable, as well.
Today, researchers all over the world are looking for new ways to apply this technology. Patients with Cerebral Palsy are undergoing clinical trials with cord blood stem cells, and many have seen successful results for restoring some brain functions. Similar results have been seen with patients who have suffered from strokes. In the future, it is expected that cord blood stem cells will be used to treat an even wider range of diseases and brain injuries.
Tags: blood diseases, stem cells, umbilical cord blood
