The scientific journal Cell Transplantation has 2 studies that have explored umbilical cord blood stem cell treatments for lung and heart disorders.  Both studies were conducted using animals so they are very preliminary, but they offer great potential for future treatments.

In one study, researchers investigated the therapeutic benefits of transplanting human umbilical cord blood (UCB) mensenchymal stem cells (MSC) into newborn laboratory rats with oxygen-deprived lung injury.  They found that the cells have a protective effect against hyperoxia-induced lung injury, likely due to anti-inflammatory effects.  These results might eventually lead to the discovery of treatments for hypertoxic neonatal lung disease, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature human infants.

Another research team examined the potential therapeutic role of umbilical cord mononuclear cells (UCMNC) for the treatment of congenital heart defects. They found that the transplants enhanced diastolic properties, most likely through blood vessel growth.  The study found that UCMNC transplants are “feasible and safe” and seem to “positively influence the diastolic properties of the RV under chronic volume overload.”

While these studies are very preliminary, they demonstrate the potential for the future of cord blood stem cells.  Visit M.A.Z.E. Cord Blood to learn more about cord blood banking or call (914) 683-0000.

M.A.Z.E. Cord Blood Laboratories is on Facebook.  Stop by and visit our Facebook page and become a fan.  Our Facebook page is a great way to keep up with the latest about cord blood banking, what’s happening with M.A.Z.E. Cord Blood and what the scientific community is learning about cord blood stem cells.

A recent study conducted at the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota discovered that transplantation of 2 units of cord blood significantly reduces the likelihood of recurrence of leukemia.

This finding may change treatment protocol for patients who are at high risk for recurrence of leukemia and other cancers of the blood and bone marrow.

The study examined 177 patients who were treated with cord blood transplants.  The average patient age was 16.  Eighty-eight patients were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 89 were treated for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

The analysis demonstrated that that patients in first or second remission from leukemia had a significantly lower likelihood of recurrence if they were transplanted with 2 units of umbilical cord blood than if they were transplanted with one.  Using 2 units of cord blood will allow nearly all patients suffering from leukemia to be treated using cord blood.

According to the author of the study, Dr. Michael Verneris, “Given that adult patients were more likely to receive 2 UCB units and that they tend to have more aggressive leukemias, we think that the lower relapse rate with 2 UCB units is remarkable.”

Last year, we worked closely with a family that had banked their baby’s cord blood with M.A.Z.E.  The cord blood was needed for a transplant in a clinical trial to potentially treat cerebral palsy.  Read about the family and the results of the cord blood transplant for cerebral palsy treatment.

Choosing a cord blood bank is a difficult decision.  There are so many different cord blood banks and many of them make different claims.  How do you differentiate between those claims that are important for your cord blood processing and storage and those claims that sound good in marketing materials?

While we, of course, believe that our claims are the valid ones, it would be helpful for expectant parents to have an unbiased source for this type of information.  I recently discovered a great chart that was put together by the Parents’ Guide to Cord Blood Foundation.  This chart is similar to our cord blood banks comparison chart, but even more comprehensive.  Check out the Parents’ Guide to Cord Blood Foundation to learn more about cord blood banking, your options and the different cord blood banks.