Although cord blood therapy is still a relatively new medical treatment (the first successful transplant came in 1988), it has become an essential regenerative treatment. It holds even more promise for the future. Doctors now use cord blood in treating more than 80 illnesses, and, as an obstetrician can tell you, research continues into using cord blood for many additional diseases.
Currently, there are more than 1,000 clinical trials for medical applications of cord blood and more than 5,000 trials testing stem cell applications. Cord blood is used to treat autoimmune and metabolic disorders, solid tumors and cancers, blood diseases and more.
Autoimmune Diseases
In those with an autoimmune disease, the body attacks its tissues and organs. It can happen in a single organ or throughout the body and leads to organ damage and disorders that include multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and more.
Blood Disorders
Blood disorders, which include sickle cell anemia and several additional types of anemia, are the result of an imbalance in body cell structure. These conditions can be fatal when they lead to blood clots, swelling, and excess bleeding.
Cancers
Cancer is a condition characterized by an uncontrollable division of abnormal cells that can invade and damage healthy cells and tissues. Cord blood therapy is a treatment for various forms of leukemia and cancers that include:
- Ewing sarcoma
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Neuroblastoma (solid tumor)
Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic diseases can cause constant pain, weight loss, and seizures. In some instances, these disorders are extremely dangerous. Cord blood is used to treat patients with conditions such as Hunter syndrome, Hurler syndrome, Krabbe disease, and Tay-Sachs disease.
Contact Us for More Information
The future of cord blood therapy looks bright, with ongoing testing for neurological disorders such as autism and cerebral palsy, heart disease and more. If you would like more information about cord blood donation or treatment, Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group can help. Contact our office at 949-829-5500 today!