Stem cell therapy has revolutionised modern medicine, offering hope for patients with a variety of life-threatening and debilitating conditions. Cord blood stem cells, collected at birth and stored for future use, have been successfully used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, particularly those related to blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and neurological conditions. Research is ongoing into a number more conditions, and new discoveries are continuously being made.
Here, we explore the key conditions that stem cells are currently used to treat, treatments that could transform or even save your child’s life.
Blood Cancers and Disorders
Acute Leukaemia
Acute leukaemia is a rapidly progressing cancer that affects white blood cells. It includes Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). Stem cell transplants are a critical treatment option, replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells to restore normal blood cell production.
Chronic Leukaemia
Unlike acute leukaemia, chronic leukaemia progresses more slowly. Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) are the most common forms. Stem cell transplants can be used when conventional therapies fail, providing patients with a potential cure.
High-Risk Solid Tumours
Certain aggressive solid tumours, such as neuroblastoma, can be treated with high-dose chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant. This approach helps regenerate healthy bone marrow after intensive cancer treatment.
Hodgkin & Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system. In cases where chemotherapy and radiation fail, stem cell transplants offer a promising alternative, replenishing the immune system with healthy cells.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
MDS is a group of disorders caused by dysfunctional bone marrow that leads to abnormal blood cell production. Stem cell transplantation is currently the only potential cure for patients with severe forms of MDS.
Genetic Blood Disorders
Aplastic Anaemia
Aplastic anaemia occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. Stem cell transplants are a life-saving treatment, restoring normal blood cell function.
Beta Thalassemia
This inherited blood disorder reduces haemoglobin production, leading to severe anaemia. A stem cell transplant is the only curative treatment, helping patients avoid lifelong blood transfusions.
Diamond-Blackfan Anaemia
A rare bone marrow disorder, Diamond-Blackfan Anaemia affects red blood cell production. A stem cell transplant can provide a permanent cure by replacing defective bone marrow.
Fanconi’s Anaemia
Fanconi’s Anaemia is a genetic disorder that leads to bone marrow failure. Stem cell transplants are the most effective treatment, preventing complications such as leukaemia and organ failure.
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease causes abnormal red blood cells that lead to pain, organ damage, and strokes. A stem cell transplant is currently the only known cure, replacing diseased cells with healthy ones.
Neurological Conditions
Traumatic Brain Injury
Stem cell therapy is being explored as a treatment for traumatic brain injuries, with early research suggesting potential benefits in repairing damaged neural tissue and improving recovery outcomes.
Cerebral Palsy
Studies have shown that cord blood stem cells may help children with cerebral palsy by reducing inflammation and promoting brain repair, potentially improving motor function and cognitive abilities.
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE is a severe birth complication caused by oxygen deprivation. Stem cell treatments have shown promise in reducing brain damage and improving neurological function in affected infants.
HSV Encephalitis & NMDA Receptor Antibody Encephalitis
Both conditions involve brain inflammation and immune system dysfunction. Research into stem cell therapy is ongoing, with potential benefits in reducing neurological damage and supporting recovery.
Immune System Disorders
Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)
CGD is an inherited immune deficiency that prevents white blood cells from fighting infections. Stem cell transplantation can offer a permanent cure, restoring normal immune function.
Histiocytic Disorders
These rare disorders affect the immune system and can damage organs. Stem cell transplants provide a potential treatment for severe cases.
Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (LAD)
LAD is a rare immune disorder that prevents white blood cells from responding properly to infections. Stem cell transplantation is the only curative treatment available.
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)
Often referred to as “bubble boy disease,” SCID is a life-threatening condition that severely weakens the immune system. Stem cell transplants can restore immune function, allowing affected children to lead normal lives.
Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
This rare genetic disorder affects the immune system and blood clotting. A stem cell transplant is the only curative option, helping patients avoid severe infections and bleeding complications.
Metabolic and Genetic Disorders
Krabbe Disease
A rare neurological disorder that affects the nervous system, Krabbe disease can be treated with early stem cell transplantation to slow disease progression.
Hurler Syndrome
Hurler Syndrome is a severe metabolic disorder caused by enzyme deficiencies. Stem cell transplantation can help prevent organ damage and improve quality of life.
Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD)
MLD affects the nervous system and leads to severe neurological decline. Early stem cell transplants can delay symptoms and slow disease progression.
Sanfilippo Syndrome
This condition causes progressive neurological deterioration. While no cure exists, stem cell therapy is being explored as a potential treatment to slow progression.
Hunter Syndrome
Another metabolic disorder, Hunter Syndrome leads to severe developmental delays. Research is ongoing into the potential benefits of stem cell transplantation.
Stem cell therapy continues to advance, offering hope for patients with a wide range of life-threatening and chronic conditions. As research progresses, the number of treatable conditions is expected to expand, making cord blood banking an invaluable investment in future healthcare.
If you’re considering storing your child’s cord blood stem cells, it could be a life-changing decision, ensuring access to potential treatments should they ever be needed. Find out more on our website or contact us today!
