What Are the Benefits of Umbilical Cord Blood?

by Sonja Sanderson

Overview

The blood in the umbilical cord is a source of stem cells, which are blood cells that can produce more specific types of blood cells like platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells. These stem cells can be used in helping treat diseases and replace the stem cells of an individual who has undergone cancer treatments. They are beneficial for many reasons.
Matching

The tissue proteins, or HLAs, found in bone marrow must be a nearly perfect match between the donor and recipient. With umbilical cord blood the match doesn't need to be as specific for the recipient's body to respond to the new stem cells received in the proper manner.

GVHD

GVHD, graft vs. host disease, takes place when the recipient's cells are attacked and damaged by the cells of the donor. This is harmful to the recipient and in worst cases may cause death. GVHD is less common when umbilical cord blood is used.
Ease

When umbilical cord blood is donated, it is a safe and harmless procedure for both mother and baby since the umbilical cord is generally disposed of after birth. Donating bone marrow, on the other hand, requires that the donor undergo a surgical procedure which may entail its own complications.
Access

Patients requiring treatment with stem cells may require these cells sooner than the bone marrow registry can locate proper matches. Finding these matches can take several months, while a blood cord unit can locate matches in about two weeks and can have the cells available almost immediately.
Variety

The March of Dimes states that some ethnic groups have a lower number of registered bone marrow donors. This can make it harder to individuals of particular racial groups to find a bone marrow match through a donor. Umbilical cord blood can be used from any racial group, which can ensure quicker treatment.