Why Preserve Stem Cells?

Five Reasons to Store Umbilical Cord Blood and Cord Tissue

• 1

• Young cells with ability to regenerate

  Stem cells from the umbilical cord blood are young and unexposed to the external environment. These stem cells are capable of differentiating and regenerating into different types of cells in the human body. They have the potential to treat life-threatening diseases including blood-related and oncological disorders. 3654 clinical trials are in progress across the world around the application of stem cells for the treatment of various diseases. ^[1]In India there are 31 ongoing clinical trials that delve into the usage of stem cell therapy for curing diseases. ^[2]

• 2

• Treats blood disorders

  Cord blood stem cells are used in treating over 80 blood diseases including Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia and forms of cancers such as Leukemia and Myeloma. It is estimated that over 27 million babies are born with blood disorders globally. Reports show that around 10,000 to 15,000 infants born in India suffer from thalassemia and sickle cell disease.^[3] According to the WHO report of 2008, nearly 100,000 children were diagnosed with thalassemia in India and it further indicates that this number is rapidly rising.^[4]These patients need routine blood transfusions during episodes of crisis - all through their lives. Cord blood stem cells hold the power to cure such diseases effectively.

• 3

• Life saver for the entire family

  Your baby's stem cells can protect it and your family from a number of diseases. Despite 13 million volunteer donors registered globally, Asian patients find it difficult to find the right match.^[5] It is reported that around 5 out of 10 Caucasians, who need a stem cell transplant, may find a perfect match.^[6] This number drops to 1 out of 10 for Asians, especially Indian patients who have a more diverse HLA type.^[7] By saving your baby's stem cells you are not only creating a safety net for the baby but also the entire family who can use these stem cells for treatments. These cells will be readily available when required. This ensures that in situations of crisis, you wouldn't have to spend days or months finding a donor.

• 4

• Future of emerging research

  Scientists and researchers around the world are constantly studying the usage of umbilical cord blood and tissue stem cells for the treatment of life-threatening diseases. Currently researchers are studying the effects of these cells on spinal cord injury, brain injury, heart disease, type 1 diabetes, Cerebral Palsy, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Diseases that are considered to be incurable today could soon be treated with these magical cells. These cells have opened doors to a number of possibilities and have instilled a sense of hope in the medical field.

• 5

• One for the family

  Cord blood stem cells are genetically unique and exclusive. If your family has a history of complex diseases, like: Alzheimer's disease, Arthritis, Asthma, Heart disease and stroke, chances of your children inheriting them are higher. These life-threatening diseases can be cured with cord blood. All the more reason why you should opt for preservation of cord blood stem cells.