Cord Blood Stem Cells
Scientists and medical experts are continuously discovering the many benefits of cord blood stem cells that are capable of rebuilding essential components of human blood, immune system, and bone marrow. Scientifically called the “hematopoetic stem cells,” these cord blood or umbilical stem cells are immature cells that rapidly develop and multiply then later on separate to become different types of cells. When these stem cells divide, they become white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets, just to name a few.
Cord blood stem cells vs. bone marrow
It has been discovered through years of research and studies that cord blood stem cells provide some important advantages over bone marrow, the essential element of the human bone that is used for the treatment of many diseases. For one, stem cells from the mother's cord blood are much easier to obtain than bone marrows. Cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord and the placenta of the mother at the exact same time of delivery. On the other hand, bone marrow extraction requires a surgical operation that uses anesthesia that sometimes causes post-operative pain and poses a small risk to the donor.
Cord Blood Stem Cells Advantages
A wider range of patients can take advantage of the benefits of cord blood stem cells . They can be stored and transplanted into a family member of the donor, to an unrelated recipient, or even to the donor himself. However, the blood of the donor should be a match to the recipient's. Special tests will be conducted by cord blood banks in order to determine if a certain cord blood unit is suitable for the patient.
Cord Blood Stem Cells Use
Currently, cord blood stem cell transplants are mainly used to regenerate blood and the immune system of a patient who is diagnosed with diseases such as cancer, leukemia, and other immune system disorders. Chemotherapy patients and those that are treated with radiation to destroy cancer cells also benefits from cord blood stem cells. Since this technological breakthrough for cancer patients fights cancer cells, several stem cells can also get affected. Therefore, cord blood stem cell transplant is recommended for cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments.
During the transplant, the cord blood stem cells travel to the patient's bone marrow. This is where they will regenerate and multiply to develop different cell types including blood cells and immune cells for the patient's faster recovery and better health.
Evolution of use
Today, medical experts are finding more and more encouraging and effective uses for the cord blood stem cells. Besides being able to treat many different diseases including cancer and leukemia, it was recently discovered that these stem cells can now offer cures for diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Cord blood stem cells have also demonstrated the ability to transform into blood vessel cells. This can help in the treatment of patients with heart diseases.