Uses for Cord Blood Archives - Банка за матични клетки

Today marks World Cord Blood Day—a day dedicated to highlighting the medical breakthrough that began 36 years ago, in 1988, with a single transplant. That cord blood transplant opened the door to a new era in medicine. Since then, stem cells from cord blood have transformed countless lives, offering hope to those battling over 80 serious diseases including leukaemia, sickle cell anaemia, lymphoma, and more.

Once dismissed as medical waste, cord blood’s potential to heal is becoming more and more recognised, with over 60,000 transplants since 1988. Today, stem cells are the key players in regenerative medicine, studied in thousands of labs and clinical trials around the world. Scientists are exploring their potential to treat conditions as varied as bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, arthritis, and even Crohn’s disease.

Yet, despite this remarkable potential, too often cord blood is still discarded after birth, lost forever. This is why World Cord Blood Day was created: to shine a light on the therapeutic power of cord blood and to encourage more families to preserve this incredible resource for the future.

As research has continued though, it is no longer just cord blood that holds such promise, but also the cord tissue and placental stem cells which hold immense potential in regenerative medicine.

Cord blood news

A lot has happened in the cord blood field since last year. Here are some news you may want to catch up on if you’ve missed them…

Researchers in China found that umbilical cord stem cells could aid in healing intestinal ulcers caused by Crohn’s disease.
A study found that umbilical cord stem cell therapy could improve ovarian function, a potentially important step towards overcoming the ‘biological clock’ of waning fertility.
A five-year-old boy with a rare genetic disorder received a life-changing transplant of cord blood stem cells that had been stored by the NHS for 15 years.
A clinical trial investigating the use of umbilical cord stem cells to treat chronic heart failure is underway.
Umbilical cord stem cells are being researched as a treatment for acute liver failure.
A new therapy could improve treatment outcomes for patients with Krabbe disease following a stem cell transplant.
A recent report by the Parents’ Guide to Cord Blood Foundation highlighted continued interest in treatments based on umbilical cord stem cells in the medical research field.
Haplo cord blood transplants, combining stem cells from a cord blood unit and a bone marrow donor, improve survival rates post-transplant and reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease.
Umbilical cord exosomes could be used in developing life-changing therapies for a variety of conditions.

How can I bank my baby’s cord blood?

If you want to save this precious resource rather than having it thrown away, both public and private banking are available options.

Public banking means the cord blood stem cells are stored in a cord bank that makes them accessible to anyone who might need them. The NHS public cord bank accepts donations if you are giving birth at one of three hospitals; the Anthony Nolan charity public cord bank accepts donations from a further five hospitals.

Alternatively, you can choose to bank your baby’s cord blood privately, storing the stem cells solely for your family’s own use. They will be ready and waiting should your baby ever need them for treatment, and could be useful for family members, too – there is a 25% chance they would be an exact match for a sibling, or 75% chance of a partial match. They are also a guaranteed partial match for parents.

Everything about our services has been tailored to provide the maximum potential benefit to parents who store their baby’s stem cells with us, such as our advanced processing technology that retains up to three times more stem cells than industry-standard processing methods, meaning full compatibility with delayed and optimal cord clamping. We are also the only UK cord blood bank to offer placenta and amnion storage.

To learn more about cord blood banking and why most UK parents choose to store with us, simply fill in the form below for a free welcome pack.

A recent study published in the Lancet journal has shown that stem cells have been used to bring about significant improvements in vision in what’s being heralded as a world first.

The stem cell treatment focused on the repair of the cornea which becomes damaged in limbal stem-cell deficiency (LSCD), a disease that can lead to blindness.

It’s hoped that these findings could have a huge impact on how those with the disease are treated and that it could underpin future therapy options for those suffering from sight loss. [1]

What is LSCD?

Limbal stem-cell deficiency (or LSCD) is a disease characterised by the loss or deficiency of stem cells in the limbus, the border between the cornea and the sclera. These stem cells are crucial to the maintenance and repair of the limbus, in addition to ensuring the continuation of its barrier function.

Problems with limbal stem cells can lead to the epithelial breakdown of the cornea resulting in inflammation, scarring and potential vision loss.

LSCD has a variety of causes ranging from genetics to acquired causes like inflammation, infection, and trauma and injury. Management of the disease differs depending on the stage of its progression.

At the early stage, managing symptoms can be sufficient to alleviate its impact on quality of life. However, more progressed instances of LSCD require surgery which usually means transplants from key parts of donor eyes. [2]

What did the stem cell study involve?

The study focused on four patients, two men and two women, aged between 39 and 72 who had all been diagnosed with LCSD in both eyes.

Researchers then derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from donated cord blood and used to fabricate corneal epithelial stem-progenitor cells. These were then cultured and transformed into a thin sheet, iPSC-derived corneal epithelial cell sheets (iCEPS).

After removing a layer of scar tissue covering the cornea in one eye in each of the patients, the iCEPS sheet was transplanted on top and covered with a contact lens to protect the graft.

Patients were then monitored continuously to determine safety outcomes for a period of two years. [3]

What were the results of the stem cell study?

Throughout the whole of the two year safety observation period no serious adverse events occurred. The transplant was accepted by the patients without rejection and without tumour formation. In fact, researchers reported that two of the patients even forwent immunosuppressant drugs.

Following the transplant, all four patients saw immediate improvements in their vision during the first year and three out of four patients experienced sustained improvements in their vision and quality of life beyond one year.

These results are hugely encouraging and the research team, based at Osaka University in Japan, hope to move to a larger scale clinical trial to verify their promising findings. [4]

What does this mean for cord blood banking?

As the results of this trial show, stem cells have huge regenerative potential and are at the forefront of medicine, with researchers still coming to terms with the breadth of their applications.

While this study focused on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells derived from cord blood, other types of stem cells can be found in the umbilical cord and placenta, such as haematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, that similarly have enormous potential in the field of regenerative medicine.

Unfortunately, the umbilical cord and placenta are often regarded as mere medical waste, meaning that these stem cells get thrown away. But by storing these stem cells in a process called cord blood banking, you can ensure that your baby always has their own stem cells available for use in future therapies.

If you or someone you know is expecting and wants to know more about the power of stem cells and how they can be stored for future use, fill out the form below to request a free Welcome Pack.

References

[1] Soma, Takeshi et al. (2024). ‘Induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived corneal epithelium for transplant surgery: a single-arm, open-label, first-in-human interventional study in Japan’. The Lancet. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01764-1. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01764-1

[2] Karakus, S. (2024, August 2). Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. American Academy of Opthalmology. https://eyewiki.org/Limbal_Stem_Cell_Deficiency

[3] Mallapaty, S. (2024, November 8). World-first stem-cell treatment restores vision in people. Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-03656-z

[4] Mahindra, A. S. (2024, November 10). Biggest Blindness Breakthrough: Japan Performs World’s First Stem Cell-treatment To Restore Vision. Times Now. https://www.timesnownews.com/health/biggest-blindness-breakthrough-japan-performs-worlds-first-stem-cell-treatment-to-restore-vision-article-115144553

Recent research indicates that umbilical cord exosomes have huge potential in the field of regenerative medicine.

In this blog we’ll explore what exosomes are, where they’re found, and how they could be used in developing new, life changing therapies for a range of conditions.

What are exosomes?

Exosomes are nano-sized particles that contain key biomolecules like proteins and lipids and travel between cells like messengers, regulating numerous biological processes including inflammatory responses.

Initially thought to be responsible for conveying waste away from cells, in recent years numerous trials and studies have explored their intercellular communicatory function and the potential this offers in a range of therapeutic applications.

Where are exosomes found?

Exosomes are produced by virtually every cell in the body, including stem cells.

Excitingly they can be derived from the mesenchymal stem cells that exist within both umbilical cord blood and umbilical cord tissue.

Due to the low immunogenicity (the likelihood of being attacked by the immune system when transplanted) of mesenchymal stem cells derived from the umbilical cord, along with their non-invasive harvest procedure and ease of expansion in vitro, umbilical cord MSC exosomes (UC-MSC-Exo) are well suited for research and potentially therapeutic purposes. [1]

What can umbilical cord exosomes do?

Below are a few examples of recent trials utilising UC-MSC-Exo in the treatment of various conditions.

Heal wounds and repair nerves

A 2022 study investigating the use of UC-MSC-Exo in treating cutaneous nerve damage and wound healing showed that exosomes have the ability to promote skin and nerve regeneration.

Studied in vitro, researchers found that UC-MSC-Exo promoted the migration and proliferation of skin fibroblasts – cells that play a key role in forming connective tissue.

Additionally, UC-MSC-Exo were also found to promote the secretion of nerve growth factors by fibroblasts, suggesting that exosomes may enhance wound healing by promoting nerve repair.

Tested in vivo in a mouse model, the study showed that the wounds of the treatment group who received UC-MSC-Exo healed faster than the wounds of the group who received a control medium.

The study concluded that UC-MSC-Exo produced therapeutic effects by promoting skin and nerve regeneration. [2]

Slow the progress of osteoarthritis

Another study from 2022 demonstrated that exosomes derived from the umbilical cord have the potential to be used as a treatment method for osteoarthritis (OA).

Using a rat model, researchers undertook a surgical procedure designed to recreate the effects of knee osteoarthritis. They then administered injections of either UC-MSC-Exo or saline solution. After 8 weeks, knee samples were taken to assess the progression of the disease.

Researchers discovered that in the knees of rats who had received injections of exosomes the progression of OA had been halted and severe damage to knee cartilage prevented.

One of the key reasons behind this, the researchers found, was that the exosomes promoted the migration and proliferation of chondrocytes – cells that make up cartilage. They also found that the exosomes helped to inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, as well as regulate immune responses; contributing factors in cartilage regeneration. [3]

Alleviate liver damage and disease

A study from 2020 showed that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were able to secrete the molecule miR-455-3p which helped to suppress inflammatory immune responses and inhibit signalling pathways in order to improve liver damage. [4]

Another study showed that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells have antioxidant effects.

A contributing factor to the progression of liver damage, oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance in free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules) and antioxidants in the liver. Oxidative stress can lead to what’s known as apoptosis – programmed cell death. [5]

By using a mouse model, researchers were able to ascertain that injections of UC-MSC-Exo inhibited apoptosis in liver injury, reversing the fallout from oxidative stress. [6]

Promote heart repair

There have been several studies indicating that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to reduce myocardial injury – damage to heart tissue.

A study from 2018 showed that UC-MSC-Exo may have the ability to promote the expression of Smad7, a protein which aids in myocardial protection by blocking certain signalling pathways.

Researchers believed this could be the mechanism underlying exosomes’ ability to inhibit apoptosis, promote angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and improve cardiac function following acute myocardial infarction. [7] [8]

Rejuvenate older stem cells

An especially intriguing study from 2020 also showed that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells could help in myocardial repair by rejuvenating the activity and function of mesenchymal stem cells in older patients.

Because heart conditions mainly affect older patients, the risk of immunogenicity associated with allogeneic stem cell transplants in helping to treat heart damage is a potential risk. This leaves autologous stem cell transplants – using stem cells from the patient themselves – as an available treatment option. However, due to age and cardiovascular risk factors, these autologous stem cells can be limited in their usefulness.

What this study found, however, is that UC-MSC-Exo have the ability to ameliorate the senescence of older mesenchymal stem cells and renew their biological activity, such as the potential to differentiate into cartilage, bone, and fat cells.

In effect this means that umbilical cord exosomes could help in restoring the regenerative capacity of mesenchymal stem cells in a range of therapies for patients who need them most. [9]

Exosomes and cord blood banking

As some of these trials demonstrate, exosomes are a hugely exciting field of regenerative medicine, and their therapeutic potential is only just beginning to be understood.

Most exciting is that these exosomes can be found in umbilical cord blood and tissue which, although usually thrown away as medical waste, can be stored so that your baby has access to their own stem cells that they can use in future therapies.

To learn more about the potential of umbilical cord stem cells and exosomes, contact our specialist team on 01444 873 950 – they’ll be more than happy to help answer any questions you may have.

In the meantime, why not fill out your details below for a free Welcome Pack containing everything you need to know about storing stem cells for your baby.

References

[1] Zhang, N., Zhu, J., Ma, Q. et al. (2020) Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord MSCs rejuvenate aged MSCs and enhance their functions for myocardial repair. Stem Cell Res Ther 11, 273. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-020-01782-9

[2] Zhu, Z., Zhang, X., Hao, H., Xu, H., Shu, J., Hou, Q., & Wang, M. (2022). Exosomes Derived From Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Treat Cutaneous Nerve Damage and Promote Wound Healing. Frontiers in cellular neuroscience, 16, 913009. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2022.913009

[3] Li, P., Lv, S., Jiang, W., Si, L., Liao, B., Zhao, G., Xu, Z., Wang, L., Zhang, J., Wu, H., Peng, Q., Li, Z., Qi, L., Chi, G., & Li, Y. (2022). Exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells protect cartilage and regulate the polarization of macrophages in osteoarthritis. Annals of translational medicine, 10(18), 976. https://doi.org/10.21037/atm-22-3912

[4] Shao, M., Xu, Q., Wu, Z., Chen, Y., Shu, Y., Cao, X., Chen, M., Zhang, B., Zhou, Y., Yao, R., Shi, Y., & Bu, H. (2020). Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate IL-6-induced acute liver injury through miR-455-3p. Stem cell research & therapy, 11(1), 37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-020-1550-0

[5] Li, S., Tan, H. Y., Wang, N., Zhang, Z. J., Lao, L., Wong, C. W., & Feng, Y. (2015). The Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Liver Diseases. International journal of molecular sciences, 16(11), 26087–26124. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms161125942

[6] Jiang, W., Tan, Y., Cai, M., Zhao, T., Mao, F., Zhang, X., Xu, W., Yan, Z., Qian, H., & Yan, Y. (2018). Human Umbilical Cord MSC-Derived Exosomes Suppress the Development of CCl4-Induced Liver Injury through Antioxidant Effect. Stem cells international, 2018, 6079642. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/6079642

[7] Wang, X., Zhao, Y., Sun, L., Shi, Y., Li, Z., Zhao, X. … Zhu, W. (2018). Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells improve myocardial repair via upregulation of Smad7. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 41, 3063-3072. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2018.3496

[8] Zhao, Yuanyuan, Sun, Xiaoxian, Cao, Wenming, Ma, Jie, Sun, Li, Qian, Hui, Zhu, Wei, Xu, Wenrong. (2015) Exosomes Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Relieve Acute Myocardial Ischemic Injury, Stem Cells International, 761643, 12 pages, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/761643

[9] Zhang, N., Zhu, J., Ma, Q. et al. (2020) Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord MSCs rejuvenate aged MSCs and enhance their functions for myocardial repair. Stem Cell Res Ther 11, 273. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-020-01782-9

Umbilical cord blood has long been recognized as a valuable source of life-saving stem cells.

Since the first cord blood transplant was carried out in 1988 for a patient with Fanconi anaemia, it’s estimated that more than 40,000 cord blood transplants have been delivered worldwide, improving countless lives. [1]

Today, new research is revealing even more potential uses for cord blood, especially in combination with other types of transplants.

One exciting development in this area is the emergence of ‘haplo cord’ transplants, which combine cord blood stem cells with haplo-identical bone marrow, offering promising outcomes and improved survival rates for patients who need stem cell transplants.

What is a haplo cord transplant?

A haplo cord transplant is a procedure that involves the infusion of stem cells from both a cord blood unit and a haplo-identical bone marrow donor.

‘Haplo-identical’ means the donor is a half-match to the patient, typically a parent or sibling.

Both bone marrow and umbilical cord blood contain haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) which can be used to treat blood cancers like acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and lymphoma.

HSCs are blood-forming stem cells, meaning that they can differentiate into different kinds of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

The transplant works by infusing a patient with these blood-forming stem cells so that the patient’s body can begin to produce healthy, rather than diseased, blood cells.

In a haplo cord transplant, the patient is coinfused with both bone marrow stem cells from a related, partially matched donor, along with donated cord blood stem cells.

Haplo cord transplants are not a new concept—they have been under study for over a decade. [2]

In 2014, a Spanish clinical trial demonstrated that the outcomes of haplo cord transplants were comparable to those of traditional matched unrelated donor transplants, putting haplo cord transplants among the frontline for allogeneic stem cell transplant options. [3]

More recently, research led by oncologist Dr. Depei Wu from Soochow University in China has provided more detailed evidence on this transplant approach.

Across trials for AML, B-ALL (B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia) leukaemia and aplastic anaemia it was found that the addition of cord blood to a haploidentical transplant resulted in significant improvements in overall survival. [4] [5] [6]

Why are haplo cord transplants important?

The most exciting and important results demonstrated by studies into haplo cord transplants have been the effect on overall survival rates.

A recent multicentre, phase 3 trial, conducted on patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), showed that those who received a haplo cord transplant had a significantly better three-year overall survival rate compared to those who only received a haploidentical transplant.

Specifically, 80.5% of patients in the haplo cord group survived after three years, compared to 67.8% in the haplo-only group. These results are encouraging for both patients and doctors, suggesting that haplo cord transplants may offer a better chance of long-term survival. [7]

In addition to the improved survival rates, other trials have found that haplo cord transplants also offer other potential advantages.

The addition of cord blood stem cells in transplants has been shown to improve immune responses by accelerating neutrophil (a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection) engraftment and platelet recovery. [8] [9]

These outcomes are critical for patients undergoing stem cell transplants, as it means reductions in the risks of infections and complications, including AML relapses.

Additionally, cord blood showed improvements in GvL (graft-versus-leukaemia) outcomes – where donor cells attack leukaemia residing in the host patient – without significantly increasing graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD) rates. [10]

The future of haplo cord transplants

While the early results are promising, there is still much to learn about haplo cord transplants.

Oncologists need to explore various factors, such as the ideal chemotherapy regimen, the role of each donor source, and strategies to minimise complications like graft-versus-host disease.

Additional randomised clinical trials are necessary to better understand the full potential of this transplant approach, however, current research suggests that for patients without a fully matched donor, the combination of cord blood and haplo-identical bone marrow could offer a new hope for survival rates and long-term outcomes.

If you’re interested in learning more about cord blood banking and how it can help in life-saving treatments like haplo cord transplants, fill out the form below to receive a free guide to cord blood banking.

References

[1] Gupta, A. O., & Wagner, J. E. (2020). Umbilical Cord Blood Transplants: Current Status and Evolving Therapies. Frontiers in pediatrics, 8, 570282. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2020.570282

[2] (2021, January 28). Haplo-Cord Transplants. Parents’ Guide to Cord Blood Foundation. https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/haplo-cord-transplants

[3] Kwon, Mi et al. (2014, December 1). Haplo-Cord Transplantation Using CD34+ Cells from a Third-Party Donor to Speed Engraftment in High-Risk Patients with Hematologic Disorders. Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Volume 20, Issue 12. 1083-8791. doi: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2014.08.024

[4] Zhou, B., et al. (2021, January 28). Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Combined with an Unrelated Cord Blood Unit for Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Results in Improved Survival Compared to Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Results of a Multicenter, Randomized, Phase III Trial. American Society of Hematology. https://ash.confex.com/ash/2023/webprogram/Paper180993.html

[5] Zhou, B., Xu, M., Lu, S., Liu, Y., Qi, L., Liu, T., Tian, H., Chen, J., Wu, D., & Xu, Y. (2022). Clinical Outcomes of B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients Treated with Haploidentical Stem Cells Combined with Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation. Transplantation and cellular therapy, 28(3), 173.e1–173.e6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtct.2021.12.010

[6] Lei, M., Zhang, Y., Jiao, W., Li, X., Zhou, H., Wang, Q., Qiu, H., Tang, X., Han, Y., Fu, C., Jin, Z., Chen, S., Sun, A., Miao, M., Liu, L., & Wu, D. (2022). Comparison of Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant With or Without Unrelated Cord Blood Infusion in Severe Aplastic Anemia: Outcomes of a Multicenter Study. Frontiers in immunology, 13, 912917. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.912917

[7] Zhou, B., Chen, J., Liu, T. et al. (2024). Haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation with or without an unrelated cord blood unit for adult acute myeloid leukemia: a multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase 3 trial. Sig Transduct Target Ther 9, 108. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-024-01820-5

[8] Kent, Andrew., et al. (2024, August 16). Outcomes of Haplo-Cord Versus Dual Cord Transplants: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis. Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Official Publication of the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtct.2024.07.021

[9] van Besien, K., Artz, A., Champlin, R. E., Guarneri, D., Bishop, M. R., Chen, J., Gergis, U., Shore, T., Liu, H., Rondon, G., Mayer, S. A., Srour, S. A., Stock, W., & Ciurea, S. O. (2019). Haploidentical vs haplo-cord transplant in adults under 60 years receiving fludarabine and melphalan conditioning. Blood advances, 3(12), 1858–1867. https://doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000200

[10] van Besien, K., Liu, H., Margevicius, S., Fu, P., Artz, A., Chaekal, O. K., … Kwon, M. (2024). Haplo-cord transplant. Realizing the potential of umbilical cord blood grafts. – A review of techniques and analysis of outcomes. Leukemia & Lymphoma, 65(10), 1384–1397. https://doi.org/10.1080/10428194.2024.2361353

Last month researchers at The Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation compiled a report about how perinatal stem cells were being employed in clinical trials from 2019 through to the end of 2023. [1]

Perinatal stem cells are those which are collected in and around the perinatal period: the period immediately before and after birth.

These include stem cells from cord blood, cord tissue, the placenta and amnion.

In this blog, we’ll summarise some of their key findings and discuss what they mean in deciding to store stem cells for your baby.

Increase in the number of perinatal stem cell trials, despite COVID-19

In their report, researchers led by Dr Frances Verter point out how clinical trials using umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in particular reached a peak in 2020 and 2021, the result of accelerated research to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

They estimate that during the pandemic (2020-2022), nearly 41% of all advanced cellular therapy trials for COVID-19 relied on perinatal stem cells.

While the number of trials declined by almost half in the years that followed – to be expected, considering the impact of the pandemic on trial numbers – the researchers found that during the two years since their last report in 2021, the cumulative number of trials for advanced cellular therapies using perinatal stem cells increased by 17%.

This shows that the number of clinical trials using perinatal stem cells has not only returned to pre pandemic levels, but has actually increased, demonstrating a sustained interest in the clinical and therapeutic application of perinatal stem cells.

(graph courtesy of The Parents Guide to Cord Blood Foundation, https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/2024-update-how-many-clinical-trials-employ-perinatal-sources-stem-cells)

Trials for stem cells derived from placenta and amnion

Dr Verter and her team also point out that there are increasingly prominent roles for perinatal stem cells derived from a variety of sources beyond cord blood and cord tissue, namely: placenta and amnion.

Of the 402 clinical trials focusing on the use of mesenchymal stem cells derived or expanded from perinatal tissues, 9% utilised either placenta, amniotic membrane, or a mixture of a number of different perinatal stem cell sources. For reference, only 4% of trials derived MSCs from cord blood.

These numbers suggest that the placenta and amnion are becoming increasingly pivotal to the development of advanced cellular therapies using perinatal sources of stem cells, with the majority of these MSC trials focusing on COVID-19, neurological conditions, orthopaedic conditions and auto-immune disorders.

Cord tissue trials outpace cord blood trials

Since their last report on the cumulative number of trials through to the end of 2021, Dr Verter and her team found that in the years since, through to the end of 2023, there were 117 new trials utilising cord tissue and 40 new trials utilising cord blood. [2]

A key source of mesenchymal stem cells – which have the ability to differentiate into other specialised cell types such as muscle, nerve, and cartilage cells – cord tissue has once again shown itself to be at the forefront of trials utilising perinatal stem cells.

Of the 402 perinatal stem cell trials using MSCs, 87% of these utilised MSCs derived from cord tissue alone.

Considering that during the period from 2019-2023, over 75% of all perinatal stem cell trials were focused on the application of mesenchymal stem cells, cord tissue continues to be a vital source of the kind of stem cells that are driving current therapeutic interest in the application of stem cells from perinatal tissues.

Wide array of medical uses for perinatal mesenchymal stem cells

Another significant finding in this report is the sheer array of diagnosis categories that perinatal mesenchymal stem cells are being trialled for.

While around 45% of trials using perinatal mesenchymal stem cells focused on how they might be applied to treat COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, as well as neurological and orthopaedic conditions, another 46% of the total number of perinatal mesenchymal stem cell trials were divided across a wide range of medical diagnoses.

These medical diagnoses spanned trials for auto-immune disorders, the treatment of different forms of wounds, liver conditions, metabolic and genetic conditions (such as Krabbe disease and Hurler’s syndrome), cancers and blood cancers, and cardio-vascular conditions.

These figures suggest not only an increase in the number of perinatal mesenchymal stem cell trials, but also a broad spectrum of possible treatment applications, making them invaluable in the development of future advanced cellular therapies.

(graph courtesy of The Parents Guide to Cord Blood Foundation, https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/2024-update-how-many-clinical-trials-employ-perinatal-sources-stem-cells)

What does this mean for cord blood banking?

If you’re considering storing stem cells for your baby, the findings of this report are encouraging.

The sustained growth in clinical trials using perinatal stem cells, even beyond the pandemic, highlights the continued and expanding interest in their therapeutic potential.

Cord tissue, in particular, stands out as a critical source of mesenchymal stem cells, which are increasingly being used in a wide range of medical applications, from COVID-19 and neurological conditions to auto-immune disorders and orthopaedic treatments.

The growing use of placental and amniotic stem cells further emphasises the value of preserving these additional perinatal tissues, providing a great chance to maximise your baby’s ability to access future treatments.

With ongoing advancements in cellular therapies and the broad spectrum of diseases being targeted, banking stem cells from your baby’s umbilical cord and placenta could offer valuable opportunities for future medical treatments that go beyond what is available today.

Your baby’s stem cells may play a crucial role in the next generation of medical breakthroughs.

If you’re interested in storing stem cells for your baby, fill out the form below to request a free Welcome Pack. It contains information that will help to shed light on the collection process, our storage services, and the future potential offered by umbilical cord stem cells.

References

[1] Verter, F., Bersenev, A., & Couto, P. S. (2024, September 10). 2024 Update: How Many Clinical Trials Employ Perinatal Sources of Stem Cells? Parents Guide to Cord Blood Foundation. https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/2024-update-how-many-clinical-trials-employ-perinatal-sources-stem-cells

[2] Verter, F. (2022, September 15). 2022 Update: How many clinical trials use cord blood or cord tissue? Parents Guide to Cord Blood Foundation. https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/2022-update-how-many-clinical-trials-use-cord-blood-or-cord-tissue

A new therapy, recently granted a UK Innovation Passport Designation, could help to improve treatment outcomes for Krabbe disease patients post-stem cell transplant.

What is Krabbe disease?

Krabbe disease is a rare genetic disorder affecting around 1 in every 100,000 births and is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme galactocerebrosidase (GALC), leading to the breakdown of the myelin in the nervous system.

The most common variant of Krabbe disease, Infant Krabbe Disease, affects children under the age of 1, and can cause muscle stiffness, seizures, and developmental delays. It is often fatal if untreated.

Approximately 85% of Krabbe disease cases are the infantile subtypes. [1]

What are the current treatment options for Krabbe disease?

Currently, the only effective treatment option for Krabbe disease is a transplant of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are found in bone marrow, peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood. [2]

By transplanting HSCs from a donor to a Krabbe disease patient, the patient’s unhealthy cells lacking in the GALC enzyme are eventually replaced by healthy red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets derived from HSCs.

These healthy blood cells can then work to populate the brain with GALC enzyme activity, reducing the breakdown of myelin and thereby stabilise cognitive function. [3]

Stem cell transplants using haematopoietic stem cells from cord blood, specifically, have been shown to be highly effective in improving neurological outcomes if the transplant is performed before the development of symptoms. [4]

While HSCT remains the only viable treatment option for Krabbe disease, it is not a cure.

It also does not combat the peripheral neuropathy occasioned by Krabbe disease, a condition affecting the nerves beyond the brain and spinal cord, leading to decline in motor function. [5]

What is the new gene therapy and how does it improve stem cell transplant outcomes?

Developed by Forge Biologics, the FBX-101 therapy works by delivering a copy of the GALC gene to cells in the nervous system, which improves myelination (the process by which the myelin sheath forms) and, crucially, motor function.

It is designed to be administered intravenously after the current standard of care, a haematopoietic stem cell transplant.

In its early phase trial, REKLAIM, FBX-101 was shown to improve motor function in all five of the patients who underwent treatment.

Building on these promising results, the Innovation Passport designation means that FBX-101 will be able to enter the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP), which accelerates both market and regulatory access in the UK. [6]

Why is newborn screening for Krabbe disease so important?

Newborn screening for Krabbe disease is crucial because the condition progresses rapidly, especially in its infantile form, and early intervention is the key to preventing severe neurological damage.

Ideally, the patient would receive a transplant within 30 days in order to have the best chance of improved neurological and transplant outcomes. [7]

Symptoms of Krabbe disease often appear within the first few months of life, and once they start, the deterioration of the nervous system is fast and irreversible.

By the time symptoms are noticeable, significant damage has already occurred, limiting the effectiveness of available treatments.

Newborn screening allows for early diagnosis before symptoms develop, enabling early intervention through HSCT, which is at its most effective if administered before significant damage to the nervous system. [8]

Could cord blood banking help?

Umbilical cord blood is a vital source of haematopoietic stem cells which can differentiate into various kinds of blood cells. These cells are crucial in the treatment of Krabbe disease, but rely on finding a donor match in order for a transplant to be successful.

If Krabbe disease runs in your family, saving cord blood for every child is probably a worthwhile investment.

If your baby does end up developing Krabbe disease, having their sibling’s stem cells in storage could make the difference in being able to access a life-saving transplant as a sibling has a 75% chance of being a partial donor match.

For more information about how cord blood banking could help with the treatment of Krabbe disease, visit our Krabbe Disease and Stem Cells page, here.

If either you or a family member or someone you know is expecting, why not download our free Welcome Pack to learn more about the benefits of cord blood banking. Simply fill out the form below.

References

[1] Isabel C. Yoon, Nicholas A. Bascou, Michele D. Poe, Paul Szabolcs, Maria L. Escolar; Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for late-infantile Krabbe disease. Blood 2021; 137 (13): 1719–1730. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2020005477

[2] Isabel C. Yoon, Nicholas A. Bascou, Michele D. Poe, Paul Szabolcs, Maria L. Escolar; Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for late-infantile Krabbe disease. Blood 2021; 137 (13): 1719–1730. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2020005477

[3] (2022, August 13). Krabbe Disease (Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6039-krabbe-disease-globoid-cell-leukodystrophy

[4] Wright, M. D., Poe, M. D., DeRenzo, A., Haldal, S., & Escolar, M. L. (2017). Developmental outcomes of cord blood transplantation for Krabbe disease: A 15-year study. Neurology, 89(13), 1365–1372. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000004418

[5] Beltran-Quintero, M.L., Bascou, N.A., Poe, M.D. et al. Early progression of Krabbe disease in patients with symptom onset between 0 and 5 months. Orphanet J Rare Dis 14, 46 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-019-1018-4

[6] (2024, March 19). Forge Biologics’ Novel AAV Gene Therapy FBX-101 for Patients with Krabbe Disease is Granted UK’s Innovation Passport Designation. Forge Biologics. https://www.forgebiologics.com/forge-biologics-novel-aav-gene-therapy-fbx-101-for-patients-with-krabbe-disease-is-granted-uks-innovation-passport-designation/

[7] Page, K. M., Ream, M. A., Rangarajan, H. G., Galindo, R., Mian, A. Y., Ho, M. L., Provenzale, J., Gustafson, K. E., Rubin, J., Shenoy, S., & Kurtzberg, J. (2022). Benefits of newborn screening and hematopoietic cell transplant in infantile Krabbe disease. Blood advances, 6(9), 2947–2956. https://doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006094

[8] Page, K. M., Ream, M. A., Rangarajan, H. G., Galindo, R., Mian, A. Y., Ho, M. L., Provenzale, J., Gustafson, K. E., Rubin, J., Shenoy, S., & Kurtzberg, J. (2022). Benefits of newborn screening and hematopoietic cell transplant in infantile Krabbe disease. Blood advances, 6(9), 2947–2956. https://doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006094

One of the questions we get asked most by expectant parents is whether or not cord blood banking is ‘worth it’.

You may have heard about it online, or through a friend, but don’t necessarily know what it entails, or what the benefits are.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know—what cord blood banking is, why it matters, the benefits, costs, and whether it’s the right choice for your family.

What is cord blood banking?

Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing the precious blood from your baby’s umbilical cord, along with other vital perinatal tissues like the placenta, cord tissue, and amnion.

These tissues are rich sources of two powerful types of stem cell: haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which both have huge therapeutic potential.

Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)

HSCs are found in cord blood, and have the ability to differentiate (transform) into all types of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This ability makes HSCs well positioned for the treatment of blood disorders like sickle cell anaemia and leukaemia.

HSCs from cord blood are already being used primarily in donor treatments for more than 80 different conditions, including blood cancers like lymphoma, immune disorders like SCID, and blood disorders like aplastic anaemia.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

MSCs are found in cord blood, cord tissue and placenta and have the ability to differentiate into many different types of cell, including cartilage, nerve, muscle, fat, and bone cells.

This plasticity makes them ideal for use in an emergent field of medical research called regenerative medicine. Excitingly, there are currently hundreds of clinical trials investigating the application of MSCs in therapies for diseases that are currently incurable, like stroke, heart failure, and Parkinson’s disease.

Why is having your baby’s own stem cells available important?

Stem cell therapy depends on the body’s immune system not rejecting the transplanted cells. When using publicly donated stem cells from a donor this means finding an HLA match (human leukocyte antigens, which are gene complexes that encode cell-surface proteins that help the immune system determine what does and doesn’t belong to the body) and using immuno-suppressive drugs to minimise the chances of rejection.

However, cord blood banking enables your baby to have their own perfectly matched stem cells ready and waiting in storage, meaning they can access therapies without the risk of rejection.

Is cord blood banking safe?

The cord blood collection process is completely safe, non-invasive, and takes place in a separate room after birth, handled by a licensed phlebotomist.

What are the benefits of cord blood banking?

Life Saving Treatments

Cord blood stem cells are a proven treatment option for over 80 life-threatening conditions. They have been used in more than 40,000 transplants worldwide, providing a vital alternative to bone marrow transplants for conditions like leukaemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anaemia.

Protection for the Whole Family

By preserving your baby’s stem cells, you’re not only protecting your child’s future health but also potentially safeguarding the entire family. These stem cells are a perfect match for your baby, with a 1 in 4 chance of being a perfect match, and a 50% chance of being a partial match, for a sibling. Additionally, there’s always a 50% chance they could be a partial match for a parent as well.

Future Potential in Medical Research

Researchers are exploring the use of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of diseases like stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Although these therapies are still in clinical trials, the potential for future applications is vast. By banking your baby’s umbilical cord and placenta now, you could unlock access to cutting-edge treatments in the future.

Why bank cord blood with Cells4Life?

Industry Leading Innovation

Our CellsPlus service uses our industry leading processing technology TotiCyte to retain 3 times the number of stem cells compared to other cord blood processing methods.

More cells in storage means more opportunities for treatments, and could make the difference between treating a child and an adult. Our CellsPlus service also means that cord blood banking is 100% compatible with delayed cord clamping for the first time.

Comprehensive Services

We’re the only UK cord blood bank offering the most comprehensive range of stem cell banking services, including cord blood, tissue, amnion and placenta banking. Saving a diverse range of cells for your baby maximises the range of treatment opportunities they’ll be able to access.

Dual location storage

We can store samples in multiple portions across two locations with SecurePlus. This means that your baby can use their samples multiple times, only using what they need and saving the rest. Dual location storage also provides the peace of mind of knowing that should anything happen at one location, their stem cells are still protected at the other.

Proven Track Record

We are the first choice for UK parents, with more UK families storing with us and over 150,000 samples in storage across our two Sussex sites.

Is cord blood banking worth it?

It’s been predicted that 1 in 3 of us will require some sort of regenerative therapy within our lifetimes. [1] Your baby might be part of the first generation to live beyond 100. Imagine the range of stem cell therapies that could become available to them within their lifetime. Saving their stem cells gives them the best chance of accessing these new and emerging therapies.

Cord blood banking is probably also worth doing if you have a history of illness in your family. Your baby’s stem cells may even end up being the key to safeguarding them, or a close family member, against life-altering conditions that remain all too prevalent; conditions like arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Your baby’s stem cells could change their life one day.

References

[1] Regenerative Medicine. Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies. https://www.aabb.org/news-resources/resources/cellular-therapies/facts-about-cellular-therapies/regenerative-medicine#:~:text=Regenerative%20medicine%20also%20may%20enable,potentially%20benefit%20from%20regenerative%20medicine.

Five-year-old Gunner Lewis-Vale from Shropshire is finally able to step outside and enjoy the summer for the first time in six months, thanks to a successful stem cell transplant from umbilical cord blood donated 15 years ago. [1] [2] [3]

Gunner’s Story

At just 17 months old, Gunner was diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis type I Hurler syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting the body’s ability to break down sugars. His family were told that without a transplant he would have only a year or two to live.

After undergoing a failed transplant using stem cells from a donor in Germany, Gunner and his family desperately sought another solution.

Remarkably, stem cells donated to NHS Blood and Transplant in 2008 were found to be a match for Gunner. Derived from umbilical cord blood, these cells had been cryogenically stored in liquid nitrogen for 15 years, ready and waiting to be used in a life-changing transplant.

In January, Gunner received the stem cell transplant, which aimed to provide him with the ability to produce the enzyme he lacked in order to break down sugars.

When the body is unable to break down sugars, these build up in what’s known as lysosomes, parts of the cell responsible for waste management. [4]

The toxic buildup of waste molecules in lysosomes can have dramatic effects, leading to the cells either dying or not being able to function properly. This in turn causes severe symptoms, including problems with the heart, hearing loss, enlarged organs, respiratory problems and hernias.

Due to the nature of the transplant, Gunner was forced to isolate for six months in order to avoid infection while his new white blood cells (derived from the cord blood stem cell transplant) were given the chance to propagate.

Six months on and Gunner is reportedly enjoying the summer months with his big sister Daisy, going to the park, feeding the ducks, and getting back to being a five-year-old boy.

Gunner’s family are elated to see his new lease of life and are helping to raise awareness of the importance of stem cell donation and the power of cord blood stem cells to change lives.

Cord blood banking and the importance of a match

Gunner’s story highlights the importance of being able to access a stem cell donor match.

Gunner was fortunate enough to find a match with umbilical cord blood stem cells that had been donated through NHS Blood and Transplant.

Storing your baby’s stem cells privately however, gives them access not only to their own perfectly matched stem cells, but also a 75% chance that they may be usable by a sibling.

As the field of regenerative medicine continues to advance, huge strides are being made in autologous stem cell treatments for genetic disorders. Autologous stem cell treatments are ones where a patient’s own stem cells are used.

Gene editing technologies like CRISPR offer huge potential in the development of autologous stem cell therapies for inherited conditions currently requiring transplants. [5]

In November last year we reported on a new autologous therapy approved by the UK regulator for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia.

Previously only treatable with a stem cell transplant from a donor, these two inherited diseases were found to be curable with stem cells taken from patients which were then edited to have the faulty, disease-causing genes removed. [6]

There are many therapies currently in development to treat inherited diseases with autologous stem cells, diseases ranging from immunodeficiencies to blood disorders and metabolic disorders. [7]

By saving your baby’s own stem cells, you could give them a better chance of accessing these therapies should they ever need one in future.

To find out more about how cord blood banking could safeguard your baby’s health, fill out your details below for a free Welcome Pack.

References

[1] Fofana, A. (2024, July 20). Boy, 5, saved by stem cell transplant. BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4ngl620j1lo

[2] (2024, July 20). Family of Shropshire boy, 5, with rare disorder given hope after umbilical cord transplant. ITV News. https://www.itv.com/news/central/2024-07-20/family-of-boy-5-with-rare-disorder-given-hope-after-umbilical-cord-transplant

[3] Lynch, N. (2024, July 20). Boy, 5, diagnosed with deadly rare condition has life transformed after stem cell transplant from umbilical cord blood. Sky News. https://news.sky.com/story/boy-diagnosed-with-deadly-rare-condition-has-life-transformed-after-stem-cell-transplant-from-umbilical-cord-blood-13181740

[4] (2022, August 17). Hurler Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24000-hurler-syndrome

[5] Qiu, Hou-Yuan et al. “Current advances of CRISPR-Cas technology in cell therapy.” Cell insight vol. 1,6 100067. 26 Oct. 2022, doi:10.1016/j.cellin.2022.100067

[6] NHS England (2023, December 8). Casgevy – how it works. Genomics Education Programme. https://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/blog/casgevy-how-it-works/

[7] Staal, Frank J T et al. “Autologous Stem-Cell-Based Gene Therapy for Inherited Disorders: State of the Art and Perspectives.” Frontiers in pediatrics vol. 7 443. 31 Oct. 2019, doi:10.3389/fped.2019.00443

This year’s World Sickle Cell Day is on the 19th June, a day to recognise and raise awareness of the disease, the millions around the world who suffer from it, and ongoing research into how treatment is advancing.

With this year’s theme being ‘we are STRONGER TOGETHER’, we thought it would be a good opportunity to highlight how cord blood transplants between siblings have emerged as a viable treatment alternative for those suffering from the condition.

Making use of sibling cord blood necessitates having it in storage and so in celebration of World Sickle Cell day, we wanted to highlight how cord blood banking could provide a lifeline for those suffering from the disease, as well as how storing cord blood for your baby could help safeguard the health of your family.

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is the name for a group of inherited blood disorders that are passed down from parents to children.

Particularly common amongst those who have African or Caribbean heritage, sickle cell disease inhibits the haemoglobin in red blood cells from carrying oxygen.

This can lead to the red blood cells in those with the condition to become misshapen, inflexible and liable to sticking together and blocking blood flow, causing tremendous pain – known as sickle cell crises – in addition to an increased risk of stroke, lung problems, eye problems and infection.

The disease gets its name from the shape of the red blood cells affected by the condition: crescent or ‘sickle’ shaped rather than discoid. [1]

What treatments are available for sickle cell disease?

Currently, treatments for sickle cell disease focus primarily on the alleviation of symptoms.

While there have been significant steps forward in recent years, including the development of the Casgevy therapy which utilises genetically engineered bone marrow stem cells from the patients themselves in lieu of a donor transplant, medicines like antibiotics and painkillers remain the most prevalent way of combating sickle cell.

There is only one known cure for sickle cell disease: a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. In these treatments, healthy red blood cells are produced by the donated stem cells, replacing the ones that are affected by sickle cell. [2]

However, difficulty in locating an unrelated donor match, in addition to the risks posed by graft-versus-host disease, hinders the ready availability of transplantation as a treatment option.

The benefits of cord blood banking for sickle cell disease

Within the last decade, sibling cord blood transplants have emerged as a viable alternative to bone marrow transplants as a treatment option for sickle cell disease.

A comprehensive study in 2017 following the success rates of sibling cord blood transplants over a period of 20 years found that of the 28 patients with sickle cell who received cord blood from a sibling, all but one are both alive and free from sickle cell disease. [3]

With a reduced risk of graft-versus-host disease, in addition to a 25% chance of a perfect match and a 50% chance of a partial match, using the stem cells from a sibling’s umbilical cord blood alleviates many of the current obstacles to obtaining a transplant to treat sickle cell disease.

Moreover, because of the way sickle cell is passed down between parents and children, if one child is born with sickle cell disease then there’s a 75% chance that a subsequent child will not have the disease, making a cord blood transplant between siblings possible. [4]

Should I store my baby’s cord blood?

Underlying the breakthroughs in treating sickle cell through a sibling cord blood transplant is one crucial detail: whether or not that sibling has cord blood samples in storage. There’s only one opportunity to save their cord blood: in the minutes after they’re born.

Without cord blood samples in storage, availability to stem cell transplant treatments for sickle cell, and other blood or inherited conditions, becomes more difficult as it’s harder to find a suitable match.

Ensuring that you save cord blood for every child maximises opportunities for treatment, particularly in instances where a sibling transplant could provide a cure for conditions requiring an HLA match, like sickle cell disease.

Additionally, with the emergence of the aforementioned Casgevy therapy and ongoing trials exploring the possibility for autologous stem cell treatments for sickle cell disease, saving your baby’s stem cells means that they have improved access to cutting edge therapies using their own cord blood samples. [5]

Storing cord blood for every child is the only way to ensure that they have improved access to the benefits of cord blood banking.

If you want to learn more about how storing cord blood for your baby could provide protection for their health and the health of their siblings, fill out the form below for a free Welcome Pack.

References

[1] (2024, April 22). What Is Sickle Cell Disease? National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sickle-cell-disease

[2] (2022, November 30). Overview: Sickle Cell Disease. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sickle-cell-disease/

[3] Rafii, Hanadi et al. “Family cord blood banking for sickle cell disease: a twenty-year experience in two dedicated public cord blood banks.” Haematologica vol. 102,6 (2017): 976-983. doi:10.3324/haematol.2016.163055

[4] Autosomal Recessive: Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tay-Sachs Disease. University of Rochester Medical Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=P02142&ContentTypeID=90

[5] (2024, March 19). Clinical Study of BRL-101 in the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. ClinicalTrials.gov. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06287099

World Cancer Day takes place this year on 4th February. A day of global unity, dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, World Cancer Day also plays an important part in dispelling myths about cancer, in addition to promoting early detection and prevention.

This year’s World Cancer Day theme is ‘Close the Care Gap’, referring to the gap between the level of care received by privileged vs underprivileged cancer patients.

On this significant day, we’re invited not only to reflect on the impact of cancer but also asked to consider how care outcomes for a cancer diagnosis could be improved.

One such way is through cord blood banking, which is already being used in over 80 treatments, including for leukaemia.

In this blog, we will delve into the importance of cord blood banking and how it is offering hope in the fight against cancer.

Understanding Cord Blood Banking

Cord blood banking involves the collection and preservation of the residual blood from the newborn umbilical cord following birth.

This precious resource contains powerful stem cells that can develop into various specialised cells, such as the ones in hair, skin, organs, blood and the nervous system.

Their unique abilities to self-replicate and differentiate positions them at the forefront of regenerative medicine, a branch of medicine that makes use of stem cells’ potential capacity to repair, renew and regrow cells and tissues to treat a range of diseases. [1]

The Benefits of Cord Blood Banking

Cord blood stem cells are the approved therapy for over 80 diseases, including leukaemia, neuroblasts, and certain genetic disorders.

Their relative naivety and plasticity when compared to stem cells derived from other sources makes them some of the purest and most powerful forms of stem cell available.

Cord blood stem cells are a 100% match for your baby, meaning that they can be used in therapies without risk of rejection. They also have a good chance of being a perfect match for siblings and a partial match for family members, offering a safer and more accessible option for transplantation.

A painless and non-invasive procedure, cord blood collection is safe, non-invasive and poses little to no risk to the mother or baby.

As medical research advances, the potential uses of cord blood stem cells continue to expand.

Researchers are exploring their use in regenerative therapies that seek to harness the power of these stem cells in order to combat diseases that are currently incurable, including some forms of cancer. [2]

Promoting Cord Blood Banking on World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day provides an ideal platform to educate expectant parents and the general public about some of the most pioneering research happening to combat cancer, amongst them: cord blood banking.

Understanding the potential lifesaving impact of this resource is the first step in motivating more families to consider this option.

World Cancer Day reminds us of the global challenge posed by this disease, but it also presents an opportunity to promote hope and innovative solutions.

Cord blood banking is one such solution that has the potential to save lives and help in the battle against cancer.

Sarah’s Story

For eight year old Sarah, for instance, cord blood banking was the last hope she had after both chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant proved ineffective in the treatment of her acute myeloid leukaemia. [3]

A form of cancer that attacks the monocyte or granulocyte cells, naive progenitor white blood cells from bone marrow, acute myeloid leukaemia predominantly affects children and young people.

Chances of a full recovery are rarely good.

Having undergone a bone marrow transplant from her brother, Sarah initially showed promising signs of recovery, until the cancer returned.

Rounds of emergency chemotherapy were required to try to keep the cancer at bay, but it continued to return.

Seeing no other option for Sarah, doctors at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital offered her a pioneering stem cell transplant using donated cord blood.

Incredibly, thanks to this treatment Sarah and five other children who also participated in the trial, are now in remission; their access to a healthy, happy life restored to them.

Although this transplant was the result of donation, privately banking cord blood stem cells means that your baby always has access to their own perfect donor match: themselves.

This drastically reduces the risk of rejection should they ever need to access a therapy in future like Sarah’s.

With thousands of clinical trials currently underway to explore the potential uses for umbilical cord blood stem cells in a range of regenerative treatments, storing these precious cells the day baby is born could safeguard their future for years to come.

For more information about the power of cord blood banking, download your FREE Welcome Pack below.

Sources

[1] Weiss ML, Troyer DL. Stem cells in the umbilical cord. Stem Cell Rev. 2006;2(2):155-62. doi: 10.1007/s12015-006-0022-y. PMID: 17237554; PMCID: PMC3753204.

[2] Devi S, Bongale AM, Tefera MA, Dixit P, Bhanap P. Fresh Umbilical Cord Blood-A Source of Multipotent Stem Cells, Collection, Banking, Cryopreservation, and Ethical Concerns. Life (Basel). 2023 Aug 23;13(9):1794. doi: 10.3390/life13091794. PMID: 37763198; PMCID: PMC10533013.

[3] BBC (2023, June 20). Leukaemia: Umbilical cord blood transplant saved my daughter – mum. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-65960349

Older Posts

Stem Cell Blog

Yet, despite this remarkable potential, too often cord blood is still discarded after birth, lost forever. This is why World Cord Blood Day was created: to shine a light on the therapeutic power of cord blood and to encourage more families to preserve this incredible resource for the future.

As research has continued though, it is no longer just cord blood that holds such promise, but also the cord tissue and placental stem cells which hold immense potential in regenerative medicine.

Cord blood news

A lot has happened in the cord blood field since last year. Here are some news you may want to catch up on if you’ve missed them…

Researchers in China found that umbilical cord stem cells could aid in healing intestinal ulcers caused by Crohn’s disease.

A study found that umbilical cord stem cell therapy could improve ovarian function, a potentially important step towards overcoming the ‘biological clock’ of waning fertility.

A five-year-old boy with a rare genetic disorder received a life-changing transplant of cord blood stem cells that had been stored by the NHS for 15 years.

A clinical trial investigating the use of umbilical cord stem cells to treat chronic heart failure is underway.

Umbilical cord stem cells are being researched as a treatment for acute liver failure.

A new therapy could improve treatment outcomes for patients with Krabbe disease following a stem cell transplant.

A recent report by the Parents’ Guide to Cord Blood Foundation highlighted continued interest in treatments based on umbilical cord stem cells in the medical research field.

Haplo cord blood transplants, combining stem cells from a cord blood unit and a bone marrow donor, improve survival rates post-transplant and reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease.

Umbilical cord exosomes could be used in developing life-changing therapies for a variety of conditions.

How can I bank my baby’s cord blood?

To learn more about cord blood banking and why most UK parents choose to store with us, simply fill in the form below for a free welcome pack.

A recent study published in the Lancet journal has shown that stem cells have been used to bring about significant improvements in vision in what’s being heralded as a world first.

The stem cell treatment focused on the repair of the cornea which becomes damaged in limbal stem-cell deficiency (LSCD), a disease that can lead to blindness.

It’s hoped that these findings could have a huge impact on how those with the disease are treated and that it could underpin future therapy options for those suffering from sight loss. [1]

What is LSCD?

Problems with limbal stem cells can lead to the epithelial breakdown of the cornea resulting in inflammation, scarring and potential vision loss.

LSCD has a variety of causes ranging from genetics to acquired causes like inflammation, infection, and trauma and injury. Management of the disease differs depending on the stage of its progression.

At the early stage, managing symptoms can be sufficient to alleviate its impact on quality of life. However, more progressed instances of LSCD require surgery which usually means transplants from key parts of donor eyes. [2]

What did the stem cell study involve?

The study focused on four patients, two men and two women, aged between 39 and 72 who had all been diagnosed with LCSD in both eyes.

Researchers then derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from donated cord blood and used to fabricate corneal epithelial stem-progenitor cells. These were then cultured and transformed into a thin sheet, iPSC-derived corneal epithelial cell sheets (iCEPS).

After removing a layer of scar tissue covering the cornea in one eye in each of the patients, the iCEPS sheet was transplanted on top and covered with a contact lens to protect the graft.

Patients were then monitored continuously to determine safety outcomes for a period of two years. [3]

What were the results of the stem cell study?

Throughout the whole of the two year safety observation period no serious adverse events occurred. The transplant was accepted by the patients without rejection and without tumour formation. In fact, researchers reported that two of the patients even forwent immunosuppressant drugs.

Following the transplant, all four patients saw immediate improvements in their vision during the first year and three out of four patients experienced sustained improvements in their vision and quality of life beyond one year.

These results are hugely encouraging and the research team, based at Osaka University in Japan, hope to move to a larger scale clinical trial to verify their promising findings. [4]

What does this mean for cord blood banking?

As the results of this trial show, stem cells have huge regenerative potential and are at the forefront of medicine, with researchers still coming to terms with the breadth of their applications.

While this study focused on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells derived from cord blood, other types of stem cells can be found in the umbilical cord and placenta, such as haematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, that similarly have enormous potential in the field of regenerative medicine.

If you or someone you know is expecting and wants to know more about the power of stem cells and how they can be stored for future use, fill out the form below to request a free Welcome Pack.

References

Recent research indicates that umbilical cord exosomes have huge potential in the field of regenerative medicine.

In this blog we’ll explore what exosomes are, where they’re found, and how they could be used in developing new, life changing therapies for a range of conditions.

What are exosomes?

Exosomes are nano-sized particles that contain key biomolecules like proteins and lipids and travel between cells like messengers, regulating numerous biological processes including inflammatory responses.

Initially thought to be responsible for conveying waste away from cells, in recent years numerous trials and studies have explored their intercellular communicatory function and the potential this offers in a range of therapeutic applications.

Where are exosomes found?

Exosomes are produced by virtually every cell in the body, including stem cells.

Excitingly they can be derived from the mesenchymal stem cells that exist within both umbilical cord blood and umbilical cord tissue.

What can umbilical cord exosomes do?

Below are a few examples of recent trials utilising UC-MSC-Exo in the treatment of various conditions.

Heal wounds and repair nerves

A 2022 study investigating the use of UC-MSC-Exo in treating cutaneous nerve damage and wound healing showed that exosomes have the ability to promote skin and nerve regeneration.

Studied in vitro, researchers found that UC-MSC-Exo promoted the migration and proliferation of skin fibroblasts – cells that play a key role in forming connective tissue.

Additionally, UC-MSC-Exo were also found to promote the secretion of nerve growth factors by fibroblasts, suggesting that exosomes may enhance wound healing by promoting nerve repair.

Tested in vivo in a mouse model, the study showed that the wounds of the treatment group who received UC-MSC-Exo healed faster than the wounds of the group who received a control medium.

The study concluded that UC-MSC-Exo produced therapeutic effects by promoting skin and nerve regeneration. [2]

Slow the progress of osteoarthritis

Another study from 2022 demonstrated that exosomes derived from the umbilical cord have the potential to be used as a treatment method for osteoarthritis (OA).

Using a rat model, researchers undertook a surgical procedure designed to recreate the effects of knee osteoarthritis. They then administered injections of either UC-MSC-Exo or saline solution. After 8 weeks, knee samples were taken to assess the progression of the disease.

Researchers discovered that in the knees of rats who had received injections of exosomes the progression of OA had been halted and severe damage to knee cartilage prevented.

Alleviate liver damage and disease

A study from 2020 showed that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were able to secrete the molecule miR-455-3p which helped to suppress inflammatory immune responses and inhibit signalling pathways in order to improve liver damage. [4]

Another study showed that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells have antioxidant effects.

A contributing factor to the progression of liver damage, oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance in free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules) and antioxidants in the liver. Oxidative stress can lead to what’s known as apoptosis – programmed cell death. [5]

By using a mouse model, researchers were able to ascertain that injections of UC-MSC-Exo inhibited apoptosis in liver injury, reversing the fallout from oxidative stress. [6]

Promote heart repair

There have been several studies indicating that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to reduce myocardial injury – damage to heart tissue.

A study from 2018 showed that UC-MSC-Exo may have the ability to promote the expression of Smad7, a protein which aids in myocardial protection by blocking certain signalling pathways.

Researchers believed this could be the mechanism underlying exosomes’ ability to inhibit apoptosis, promote angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and improve cardiac function following acute myocardial infarction. [7] [8]

Rejuvenate older stem cells

An especially intriguing study from 2020 also showed that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells could help in myocardial repair by rejuvenating the activity and function of mesenchymal stem cells in older patients.

What this study found, however, is that UC-MSC-Exo have the ability to ameliorate the senescence of older mesenchymal stem cells and renew their biological activity, such as the potential to differentiate into cartilage, bone, and fat cells.

In effect this means that umbilical cord exosomes could help in restoring the regenerative capacity of mesenchymal stem cells in a range of therapies for patients who need them most. [9]

Exosomes and cord blood banking

As some of these trials demonstrate, exosomes are a hugely exciting field of regenerative medicine, and their therapeutic potential is only just beginning to be understood.

Most exciting is that these exosomes can be found in umbilical cord blood and tissue which, although usually thrown away as medical waste, can be stored so that your baby has access to their own stem cells that they can use in future therapies.

To learn more about the potential of umbilical cord stem cells and exosomes, contact our specialist team on 01444 873 950 – they’ll be more than happy to help answer any questions you may have.

In the meantime, why not fill out your details below for a free Welcome Pack containing everything you need to know about storing stem cells for your baby.

References

Umbilical cord blood has long been recognized as a valuable source of life-saving stem cells.

Since the first cord blood transplant was carried out in 1988 for a patient with Fanconi anaemia, it’s estimated that more than 40,000 cord blood transplants have been delivered worldwide, improving countless lives. [1]

Today, new research is revealing even more potential uses for cord blood, especially in combination with other types of transplants.

One exciting development in this area is the emergence of ‘haplo cord’ transplants, which combine cord blood stem cells with haplo-identical bone marrow, offering promising outcomes and improved survival rates for patients who need stem cell transplants.