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SAN BRUNO, Calif., Sept. 28 — Two groundbreaking studies that show promise in using stem cells to treat
kidney cancer and leukemia are adding fuel to one of the fastest growing
health care industries, private cord blood banking.
Cord Blood Registry, the
nation's largest family bank of umbilical cord blood stem cells, is
reporting their highest revenue quarter on record and is fielding a sharp
increase in information requests from physicians, expecting parents, and
childbirth educators, says Stephen Grant, the company's vice president of
corporate communications.
"The study gives additional proof to the emerging value of banking umbilical
cord blood stem cells and adds to a long list of successes for stem cell
treatment."
In the September issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers from the
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute report findings that increase
support for proponents of cord blood banking. In a study of 19 patients with
advanced kidney cancer, one of the most deadly types of cancer, more than
50 percent experienced complete or partial tumor regression after receiving a stem
cell transplant from a matched or closely matched brother or sister.
Traditionally, the success rate in treating this type of cancer is less than
20 percent.
The study gives additional proof to the emerging value of banking umbilical
cord blood stem cells and adds to a long list of successes for stem cell
treatment. Families who bank their newborn's cord blood stem cells at
birth — the only time the cells can be collected — feel they may benefit
from the stem cells if the child or another family member develops certain
cancers, blood disorders, or immunodeficiencies. Stem cells are the "master"
cells that develop into other types of tissue. Recent discoveries suggest
these cells may one day enable patients to regenerate nerve tissue, grow new
brain cells, or even repair damaged heart tissue.
Compared to stem cells from bone marrow which usually require a perfect 6
out of 6 HLA match to be successful, umbilical stem cells are immature and
have proven successful in transplants between siblings that are only "half"
(3 of 6) HLA matches. Families with cord blood in the bank have immediate
access to stem cells that are likely to be a successful match.
Another advancement for cord blood banking appears in the current Journal of
Clinical Oncology where researchers report that infants with acute leukemia
can benefit from autologous stem cell transplants (using their own stem
cells). It was previously thought that stem cells from a child who develops
leukemia at an early age would contain cancerous cells and could not be used
to treat that same child. In the study, 26 infants received stem cell
transplants (18 were autologous) and 60% remain disease-free after five
years.
This new information raises further doubt about the American Academy of
Pediatrics' position announced last year that private cord blood banking is
"unwise." Many experts have questioned the policy, claiming the Academy is
disregarding the current and future possibilities that cord blood stem cells
may offer. "These studies reveal the tremendous potential of umbilical cord
blood stem cells and are only a glimpse at what the future may hold," says
Grant. "The AAP statement does not reflect this potential and undermines
parents' ability to get accurate information from their doctor to make an
informed decision for their child and family."
More than 20,000 babies have their cord blood stem cells entrusted to Cord
Blood Registry. For more information visit the Cord Blood Registry Web site or call
toll-free (888) 267-3256.
Source: Cord Blood Registry
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