Umbilical cord stem cell

Over 70 diseases can already be successfully treated with hematopoietic (blood) stem cells and around 15 diseases are treated with non-hematopoietic stem cells. Considering ongoing experiments and clinical trials, the number of therapeutic applications is expected to increase in the future. These are some of the results an expert panel presented after the first ITERA consensus meeting on the use, efficacy and medical applications of umbilical cord stem cells. Eight of the leading scientists and clinicians from the field of stem cell research and stem cell therapy united in the course of the fourth ITERA workshop on October 14 and agreed on a consensus addressing six fundamental issues.

Umbilical stem cells can be easily obtained, stored for many years and are readily available

Umbilical cord stem cells can be obtained after the delivery of a child. All eight experts consented that the isolation of umbilical cord stem cells is harmless, easy and without risk for the mother or the child. They can be stored for many years and are immediately available when needed, possibly also for therapies that are still to be developed. Umbilical cord stem cells can potentially be used on the child itself (autologous use) or on a related family member or unrelated patients (related or unrelated allogeneic use). "Umbilical cord and the cord blood are the most easily accessible source of stem cells and are mostly uncompromised from environmental or ageing influences. They are considered to be more vital and in some cases have shown to be more powerful in treatments as compared to stem cells from other sources," said Colin McGuckin, Professor of Regenerative Medicine at Newcastle University and member of the consensus board.

Storage can be provided by so called private/family banks or, in some countries, by public banks. Both forms of banks have their specific merits. A more modern approach, so called public-shared banking, might offer a good solution to fulfil the needs of individuals as well as the general public, so the expert panel agreed.

The consensus will serve as guidance for clinicians and the public to support well-informed decision-making.