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Research and new methods

Umbilical cord blood: a source for transplant

Blood left in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth contains many blood stem cells. It is frozen, stored in banks and can be used for a transplant.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A newborn baby in a hospital cot, gently touched by a hand
Figure 1.A newborn: cord blood is collected after birth

01Short answer

Its advantages are that it is quickly available, needs less strict matching and may carry a lower risk of chronic GVHD. The limitation is the small number of cells, so blood counts recover more slowly and the risk of early infection is higher; sometimes two units are used. Methods for expanding the cells are being studied. The choice is discussed alongside haploidentical and unrelated donors.

02Simple explanation

Collected after birth.

Frozen.

More flexible matching.

Slower recovery.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: umbilical cord blood transplantation uses blood stem cells collected after birth.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Who it suits

Children and some adults without another suitable donor.

Stem cells
Figure 2.Stem cells — Umbilical cord blood: a source for transplant

Waiting

Recovery can take weeks; protection from infection is important.

The bank
Figure 3.The bank — Umbilical cord blood: a source for transplant

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Who it suitsChildren and some adults without another suitable donor.
WaitingRecovery can take weeks; protection from infection is important.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Cord blood bank
A place where cord blood is stored.
Engraftment
When the new cells start working.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Should we have stored our child's cord blood?

That is a separate question; discuss it with your doctor.

Why is recovery slow?

There are fewer cells.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should we have stored our child's cord blood?

  2. Why is recovery slow?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: umbilical cord blood transplantation
  2. National Cancer Institute. Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
  3. NMDP (Be The Match). About transplant
  4. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  5. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  6. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: in vitro
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: in vivo
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: animal model
  10. National Cancer Institute. Childhood Cancers
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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