Previously discarded at birth, the umbilical cord blood is now proven to be rich in adult stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells are the adult stem cells responsible for the creation of all blood cells in the human body. Through transplantation, hematopoietic stem cells are capable of regenerating bone marrow and immune systems destroyed by invasive treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Stem cell transplants have been successful in the treatment of many life-threatening conditions including cancer, leukemia, sickle cell disease, various forms of anemia and severe combined immunodeficiency.

Umbilical cord blood stem cells can also be utilized in the area of regenerative medicine.  New cord blood treatments have focused on regenerative medicine – where doctors use stem cells to repair damaged tissues and organs in the body.  Cord blood stem cells are showing significant potential in the treatment of conditions for which no cure presently exists, like juvenile diabetes, brain injury, cerebral palsy, etc.  For current treatments in regenerative medicine, a patient requires their own stem cells to be utilized.  With the increasing focus on regenerative medicine, it becomes more likely that a child would use his or her own stem cells in the future. 

Since the first successful cord blood transplant in 1988, cord blood has been used to save thousands of lives. Cord blood transplants have been successful in the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia and more than 70 life-threatening diseases. Umbilical cord blood use has greatly expanded, especially in the treatment of non-malignant (non-leukemia) conditions.  Transplantation of cord blood from a related donor (matched sibling) offers promising and effective therapy for many patients with non-malignant diseases.  In addition, there are many clinical trials and pre-clinical laboratory research studies for other diseases being conducted with cord blood. For example, human clinical trials are underway for Type I Diabetes and Cerebral Palsy.

Your baby’s own umbilical cord stem cells are perfectly matched to his or her immune system so there is no chance of rejection. There is no guarantee that a suitable match will be available on a public registry, especially where families of ethnic diversity or high risk groups are concerned. Parents choose family banking to ensure that the cord blood will be available if needed.

With an increasing number of families opting for family collection and storage, there will certainly be more cases of umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation in the future.   In cases where an individual cannot use their own stem cells, a sibling’s cord blood is the next best option, another reason why cord blood banking is important for all children in the family. 

By preserving your baby’s stem cells at birth you’re investing in a potentially life-saving medical treatment option, adding a significant layer of protection against future critical illness later in life.

 To date, most stem cell transplants using cord blood stem cells within the family have benefited biological siblings of the newborn. Siblings or family members may be able to use each other's cord blood stem cells for treating cancers or genetic diseases, instead of resorting to the invasive procedure of using their bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells. 

In 2008, a study* reported comprehensive estimates of the odds of a person in the U.S. receiving a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (including cord blood stem cells, bone marrow stem cells and peripheral blood stem cells {from bone marrow}). The study estimated the odds of receiving one’s own cells for transplant at 1 in 435 by the age of 70. The study estimated the odds of receiving another person’s cells (such as a sibling or another donor) for transplant at 1 in 400 by age 70. The study concluded that the overall probability of receiving a transplant by the age of 70 is 1 in 200.

Not every expectant parent will choose to store their cord blood. Lifebank believes that after receiving information about their cord blood options, expectant parents will make an informed decision, choosing the option that is right for their family.

Many families choose to bank their babies’ cord blood each year in order to have their cord blood available should they ever need it. Expectant parents choose Lifebank for their cord blood bank because they want their family’s cord blood to benefit from Lifebank’s quality processes, advanced technologies, and leadership in cord blood banking, increasing the likelihood that their banked cord blood will provide the best possible treatment outcomes in the future.

Cord blood has been used in more than 20,000 transplants to treat over 70 life-threatening diseases.

Put simply, your baby’s cord blood is the property of your baby. A baby’s parents, or legal guardians, have control of the cord blood on behalf of the baby until the child reaches the age of majority. After the age of majority, control of the cord blood transfers to the child.

At Lifebank, your family and only your family is ever given access to your baby’s cord blood. We ensure that your baby’s stem cells are reserved exclusively for your family alone.