In the family: cord blood banking and genetic matching

Stem cell transplants can be a beacon of hope in modern medicine, particularly for families facing certain serious health challenges. One of the most promising sources of these vital cells comes from umbilical cord blood, which may hold significant potential for babies and their immediate family members.

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are remarkable cells with the potential capability of developing into various types of tissues in the body. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), found in umbilical cord blood and other sources, can transform into blood and immune system cells. HSCs can be used in the treatment of many different conditions. When considering cord blood banking, many families focus on how these cells can potentially treat the baby or their immediate family.

The role of newborn stem cells in stem cell transplants

One advantage of cord blood banking is the possibility of using the sample for a stem cell transplant. Currently, there are more than 80 conditions that can potentially be treated by a stem cell transplant.¹ Either the patient's own stem cells or stem cells from a matched donor are used in a transplant, depending on the specific condition being treated. In cases where a child develops a medical condition requiring a stem cell transplant, there are a number of factors that must be considered, including the most appropriate source of cells to be used for the procedure. In some cases, cord blood may be used as the source of stem cells.

Understanding stem cell matching

For a successful stem cell transplant, a close genetic match between the donor and recipient is critical. This is where the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system comes into play. HLA proteins help the immune system recognize self from non-self; thus, finding a stem cell donor with a similar HLA type to the patient is essential for reducing the risk of certain complications like failure to engraft or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).²

The chances of finding a compatible match are the highest between immediate family members. Full siblings have a 75% chance of being at least a partial genetic match to one another, and biological parents are always a partial match to their children. By banking a baby’s cord blood sample, families create an opportunity for future treatments that could benefit not only the child but also their siblings and parents.

Cord blood banking: A potential family resource

Cord blood banking involves collecting and storing umbilical cord blood immediately after childbirth. This process is simple and non-invasive for the mother and baby. The cord blood is a rich source of HSCs, and long-term cryopreservation of cord blood is not known to negatively impact its use in a stem cell transplant.³

Families may have the option of donating cord blood to a public bank or preserving it at a private bank. Public banks accept donations that could potentially be used for any patient in need, while private banks store cord blood for exclusive use by the family, as long as it is for an FDA-approved use or an appropriate clinical trial. It is important to understand if donation is an option at the delivering hospital, consider the associated costs with private banking, and determine the most appropriate choice for your family given your individual circumstances.

How newborn stem cells can help family members

One of the standout benefits of cord blood banking is the potential for using these cells in a stem cell transplant for a full sibling of the baby. For instance, if an older sibling is diagnosed with leukemia or another hematological disorder, the newborn's cord blood may be an HLA match. Privately-banked cord blood would be rapidly available which can minimize delays in treatment.⁴ Additionally, cord blood stem cells may have a lower risk of certain transplant complications like chronic graft versus host disease as compared to stem cells from adult sources.⁵

Moreover, research is ongoing into using cord blood in the emerging field of regenerative medicine to treat a wide range of conditions. Cord blood has been evaluated in regenerative medicine for hypoplastic left heart, type 1 diabetes, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, and hypoxic neurological injury.⁴ As advancements continue, the applications for cord blood stem cells could broaden, making preservation a potentially important investment for families.

All in the family

Expecting parents should educate themselves on cord blood banking options, given the currently established uses and potential future uses of these powerful stem cells. By understanding how these stem cells can potentially benefit the baby and immediate family members, parents can make informed decisions that are best suited for their family. The possibility for future health interventions makes this an exciting field. By exploring the option of cord blood banking, expecting parents can take proactive steps toward a potentially healthier future.