Diseases Treated with Cord Blood

More than 70 different diseases have been treated with cord blood stem cells. These diseases range from cancers of the blood to many types of anemia to immune system disorders and more. Some of these disorders can be treated with the patient’s own cord blood. Others are best treated with cells derived from the stem cells of a matching donor, such as a sibling or other relative.

Leading researchers all over the world are working to expand the number of medical miracles stem cells make possible. Many scientists consider the potential of stem cells to be virtually boundless. Revolutionary treatments involving stem cells regularly make headlines.

The following are just a few of the diseases and conditions that can be treated with cord blood stem cells:

• Leukemia - The most common cancer in children, leukemia strikes thousands of children each year. Thanks to treatments like stem cell transplantation, more children beat leukemia than ever before.
  
  
• Sickle Cell Anemia - This inherited disease affects more than 70,000 Americans. Severe cases of this devastating form of anemia can be treated with transplants.
  
  
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma - A cancer affecting the organs of the immune system, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is surprisingly common. The American Cancer Society estimates that people have a 1 in 50 chance of developing it in their lifetimes.
  
  
• Hodgkin’s Disease - The most common cancer in people between the ages of 10 and 30, Hodgkin’s disease can be treated with one’s own stem cells or those of a matching donor.
  
  
• Inherited Disorders - A number of inherited disorders can be addressed with the help of stem cells from the cord blood of a matching donor, such as a sibling or other relative.