Regenerative Medicine: Cord Blood is Critical

Researchers are sometimes using donated cord blood to conduct extensive medical research (not all donations are used for research, each public program is different in this regard). Privately banked cord blood may also be used for research (only with the parent's permission, of course). In these instances, the privately banked cord blood might be used during a clinical trial for the child or family member who banked it originally.

The results of this research have been striking — many specialists believe the potential of cord blood stem cells is limitless.

Perhaps the most promising area of research is regenerating damaged tissues and organs with cord blood. Regenerative medicine encompasses a number of innovative medical therapies that will enable the body to repair, replace, restore and regenerate damaged or diseased cells, tissues and organs. Cord blood stem cells are proving to have remarkable regenerative properties.

Currently, landmark trials are underway in regenerative medicine that are investigating treatments for diseases like juvenile diabetes and cerebral palsy using autologous transplants, or one’s own cord blood stem cells. Early results have been promising, and final results from these clinical trials are expected to generate more interest in cord blood stem cell treatments for a number of diseases.
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• Brain injury:  Stem cells from a child’s own umbilical cord are expected to bring about improved outcomes for anoxic brain injury at birth, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injury. (Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg recently discussed breakthroughs in this area on our Share the Science series.)
  
  
• Juvenile diabetes:  Studies being conducted among children with this disease are finding improved insulin production through treatment with autologous transplants. (We are following clinical trials in this area closely. For example, learn about this study in Australia.)
  
  
• Heart disease:  Results from a 2005 study suggest the potential for cord blood stem cells to improve outcomes in human patients following heart attack. (We spoke with Dr. Curtis Cetrulo, Sr. about this and other innovative uses of cord blood, watch this fascinating interview here – specifically designed for parents!)
  
  
• Corneal regeneration:  Cord blood stem cells could provide a future therapeutic option for individuals with disorders of the ocular surface, according to recent studies.
  
  

Cord blood stem cells have also shown potential to treat several other diseases/conditions and research is showing great promise in these areas:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Autism
• Cerebral Palsy
• Lupus
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Parkinson’s disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke
• Liver disease

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