Cord blood stem cells are used to treat more than 80 medical conditions such as a broad range of genetic diseases, cancers, and blood disorders. The medical procedure involves infusing the stem cells into the bloodstream of the patient. In the body, the cells heal and repair damaged cells and tissues. A successful transplant ensures a healthy new immune system. There have been discussions about who is eligible to use the cord blood stem cells. Is it the baby, parents, or other siblings? Well, all of them can undergone the cord blood cell treatment. However, this depends on the disease being treated, and it is also up to the doctor to make such a decision. There are two types of stem cell treatment:
Allogenic use ( sibling)
Most of the diseases that require this form of treatment are genetically inherited. Generally, there treatment need a donor transplant from a family member. As a matter of fact, studies show that treat that use cord blood from a sibling are twice as successful as compared to non-relative member. Presently, there are more than 300 families who have benefited from cord blood treatment, and transplant.
Autologous use (your baby)
When you store your baby’s cord blood, you baby or you will have access the stem cells that are ideal genetic match. Certain forms of cancers such as neuroblastoma require autologous treatment. Ongoing medical treatments are using a baby’s own stem cells for conditions such as cerebral palsy and autism. Today, there are more than 350 people who have used their cord blood and about 45 percent were from regenerative medicine research.
Used in the treatment of more than 80 diseases today
Cord blood stem cells can be used to treat more than 80 diseases per day. Unlike in the past, todays diseases such as diabetics, genetic diseases and different strains of cancers can be treated using cord blood.