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cord blood donation holds hope

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Cord Blood Holds Hope

Physicians can select from three blood-forming cell sources for their transplant patients which have comparable outcomes; marrow, peripheral blood cells (PBSC) and umbilical cord blood.   Marrow and cord blood transplants require matching certain tissue traits of the donor and patient. A close match between the patient and the donor or cord blood unit can improve a patient's outcome.

Umbilical cord blood holds hope for patients who lack a suitably matching adult donor. While a closely matched cord blood unit is preferred, clinical studies suggest the match may not have to be as close as is needed for marrow or peripheral blood transplants. This is especially promising for minority patients, whose diverse tissue types are often difficult to match. Expanding the inventory of cord blood, particularly with units from racially and ethnically diverse communities, would significantly reduce the gap in finding many patients a suitable match for transplant.

Cryopreserved and ready to use, cord blood units are prescreened and meet National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) donor eligibility guidelines and health requirements prior to storage. Transplant centers can count on the unit's quality and availability at the time of selection. A cord blood unit from a NMDP Center for Cord Blood SM can be selected and delivered to the transplant center in less than two weeks. This is important for patients whose disease stage or other health factors require that a transplant take place at the earliest possible time.

Cord blood is used more often in children or small adults because an umbilical cord holds a limited amount of blood. The number of blood-forming cells used in a transplant needs to match the size of the patient.   Doctors are trying different ways to increase the number of cells so they can use cord blood for larger patients. One method being studied is to give a patient two cord blood units.

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