What Diseases Can Cord Blood Treat?

As newborns reveal the miracle of life upon their arrival, they also bring endless healing potential for the future. The blood collected from their umbilical cords holds growing promise in best treating numerous diseases, but only when it is held within the best cord blood banks.

Researchers continue to advance the possibilities for cord blood that is collected and stored though public and private banks at birth. It’s rich in red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. But most importantly, it contains young stem cells. That youthful advantage means those stem cells have the best ability to differentiate into other cells and to replicate. When it comes to transplants, the best cord blood banks can deliver the best options to improve quality of life, and even to save lives.

Cord blood’s stem cells have been used to treat disease in over 45,000 transplants to date. Increasing numbers of people around the globe are turning to the best cord blood banks for trusted storage of their babies’ cord blood. While PacifiCord offers the latest technology, they have nearly 20 years’ experience providing the best cell banking service to over 110,000 public and private clients.

When parents store their baby’s cord blood through one of the best cord blood banks, like PacifiCord, they open up the best in future options, should misfortune fall. The list of diseases that are treatable through transfusion has already surpassed 80 disorders and continues to grow. This lengthy list can be broken down into four groups: malignancies, metabolic disorders, immune and blood-related diseases.

Malignancies

Doctors continue to develop new ways to use cord blood transfusion to treat the presence of cancerous cells and their ability to spread within the body while destroying tissues. Malignant cells grow fast and are often resistant to treatment, but the best cord blood banks offer nature’s solution, in addition to other new technologies. A few of the many cancers currently being treated with cord blood include various types of Leukemia, Hodgkin’s Disease, and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Metabolic Diseases and Disorders

When metabolism fails, essential substances within the body, including proteins and amino acids, become imbalanced. Imbalances can affect any bodily function, such as brain function or maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Researchers are working to better understand the complex nature of metabolic disorders and have already discovered numerous diseases that are treatable using the best cord blood banks. Just a few of many include Infantile Ceroid Lipofucoscinosis, Krabbe Disease, and Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria.

Immune Deficiencies and Disorders

Disorders that weaken the immune system often lead to increased infections, as well as to other health problems. Research is underway to identify advanced treatments that can boost the immune system and enhance the quality of life for those struggling with immune deficiency. Fortunately, in many cases, the best cord blood banks and transplant centers offer restorative benefits with rapid recovery for many of these disorders, such as Reticular Dysgenesis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Thymic Dysplasia.

Blood Cell Defects

Disorders that cause problems with red or white blood cells or platelets impair the critical formation and function of each. Clot formation, oxygen delivery to organs and tissues, and the body’s ability to fight infection can all be impacted. The list of blood cell issues being treated with cord blood transplants by the best cord blood banks is lengthy and includes Osteopetrosis, platelet diseases, and Myelofibrosis.

Healing today, and for the future

Note that research is ongoing. Most research is under clinical trial and/or awaiting FDA approval. Not all treatments are covered by health insurance. In addition to the lengthy list of diseases that are already treatable thanks to the best cord blood banks, doctors see great potential in its role as a regenerative medicine for the future and the possibilities for treating more diseases, including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, and more.

Reviewed by Paul V. Holland, MD