Top 10 FDA-Approved Treatments Using Cord Blood Stem Cells
Cord blood stem cells are a type of cell that can be collected from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby at the time of birth. These cells have the ability to regenerate and differentiate into various types of cells in the body, and they have been used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases and conditions. Currently, cord blood is FDA-approved for treatment for over 80+ conditions and diseases.
In this deep dive, we will discuss the top 10 ways that cord blood stem cells are being used. If you, or someone in your family, has a history of any of these illnesses, cord blood banking can be a resource that may benefit your growing family in the future.
Top 10 illnesses that are FDA-approved for treatment by cord blood stem cells:
1. Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Cord blood stem cells have been used to treat leukemia by replacing damaged bone marrow cells with healthy ones.
2. Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that affects the lymph nodes and other immune system tissues. Cord blood stem cells have been used to treat lymphoma by replacing damaged immune system cells with healthy ones.
3. Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia is a condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Cord blood stem cells have been used to treat aplastic anemia by replacing damaged bone marrow cells with healthy ones.
4. Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped and break down easily. Cord blood stem cells have been used to treat sickle cell anemia by replacing damaged bone marrow cells with healthy ones.
5. Thalassemia
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to produce fewer red blood cells and hemoglobin. Cord blood stem cells have been used to treat thalassemia by replacing damaged bone marrow cells with healthy ones.
6. Inherited Metabolic Disorders
Inherited metabolic disorders are a group of rare genetic conditions that affect the body’s ability to process certain nutrients. Cord blood stem cells have been used to treat some inherited metabolic disorders by replacing damaged cells with healthy ones.
7. Immune Deficiencies
Immune deficiencies are conditions that affect the body’s ability to fight infection. Cord blood stem cells have been used to treat some immune deficiencies by replacing damaged immune system cells with healthy ones.
8. Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body. Cord blood stem cells have been used to treat some autoimmune disorders by replacing damaged cells with healthy ones.
9. Neurodegenerative Disorders
Neurodegenerative disorders are conditions that cause the deterioration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Cord blood stem cells have been used to treat some neurodegenerative disorders by replacing damaged cells with healthy ones. This can help to slow the progression of the disorder.
10. Heart Disease
Heart disease is a broad term that refers to a variety of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Cord blood stem cells have been used to treat some forms of heart disease by replacing damaged cells with healthy ones. This can help to improve blood flow to the heart and reduce the risk of further damage.
It’s important to note that cord blood stem cells are not recommended or approved for every illness or condition. The use of stem cells is a newer medical advancement that can be used in conjunction with standard medical practices. It is also worth noting that cord blood stem cell treatments are still considered experimental (clinical trial) for many conditions and are not widely available. It is always important to consult with a medical professional before making any decisions about treatment options.
Gaining Access To Cord Blood Stem Cells
Access to cord blood stem cells for medical treatment typically involves several steps. First, the patient or their family must identify a source of cord blood stem cells, such as a public cord blood bank or a private cord blood bank. If using a public cord blood bank, the patient’s healthcare provider will request a matching cord blood unit from the bank. If using a private cord blood bank, the patient or their family will typically arrange for the collection and storage of cord blood stem cells in advance of any medical need.
Once a matching cord blood unit has been identified or stored, the patient’s healthcare provider will work with a transplant team to determine the best course of treatment. This cord blood stem cell transplant will depend on the patient’s medical needs and the availability of a suitable donor. For many approved treatments, the transplant process typically involves high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation to kill off the patient’s existing bone marrow or immune system, followed by infusion of the donor’s cord blood stem cells to help rebuild the patient’s blood and immune systems.
It’s important to note that the use of cord blood stem cells in medical treatment is also subject to regulatory oversight and may require approval from the patient’s healthcare provider, transplant team, and regulatory agencies such as the FDA. As such, access to cord blood stem cells for medical treatment may not be available to everyone and should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
What Does This Mean For You?
Overall, cord blood stem cells have proven to be an essential resource in the treatment of a wide range of illnesses and conditions. Through ongoing research and development, scientists and medical professionals are exploring new ways to harness the potential of cord blood stem cells for even more effective treatments. While access to cord blood stem cells for medical treatment is subject to regulatory oversight and may not be available to everyone, it is an important consideration for those facing serious illnesses or conditions.
By staying informed about the latest advances in cord blood stem cell research and treatment, we can continue to improve outcomes and help more people benefit from this promising technology.
Resources:
National Institutes of Health. Cord Blood Stem Cells.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Cord Blood Banking for Potential Future Transplantation. Pediatrics. 2017;139(1):e20163889. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-3889
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Cord Blood: What You Need to Know.
Be the Match. Cord Blood Basics.
Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation. Medical Uses of Cord Blood.
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