Stem Cell Banking

Stem cell transplants have been used for many years in order to treat serious conditions, including blood and immune system disorders, such as anaemias and autoimmune conditions, as well as certain types of cancer, including leukaemia.

Stem Cells are essentially undifferentiated cells found in the marrow in our bones, the blood in our veins and the teeth in our mouth. They have the ability to develop into multiple cell types and have been used to cure or aid a range of illnesses and diseases. They possess two distinctive characteristics that separates them from other stem cells; they have the ability to renew themselves through cell division, until the end of their life cycle. They are also able to develop into other types of cells, including red and white blood cells and nerve cells, as well as tissue, cartilage and bone.

They are essentially used to repair the body, continuously replacing other cells in order to keep our bodies working properly.

Stem cell banks provide individuals or families the opportunity to store two types of stem cells:

Haematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) are located in cord blood. HSCs can be used to treat blood and immune system disorders. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) on the other hand are located in cord tissue, as well as adipose tissue and teeth. These may be potentially able to repair or replace damaged tissues or organs in the future, however tests are ongoing.

Why Store Stem Cells?
Stem cell transplants have been used for many years in order to treat serious conditions, including blood and immune system disorders, such as anaemias and autoimmune conditions, as well as certain types of cancer, including leukaemia.
The first successful stem cell transplant was undertaken in 1988. And over the past decade, there has been over 30,000 cord blood stem cell transplants, with that number continuing to grow every single day.
As mentioned above, there has been a lot of research into how to best utilise MSCs. And as a result, developments have come on in leaps and bounds. Scientists are now looking into ways to use MSCs, which can differentiate into bone, cartilage, tendon, muscle and even nerve tissue, in the hope that one day they will be able to repair joints, heart valves and potentially damaged nerves.

Recent clinical trials and studies of stem cell transplants for repairing the heart, following heart failure or a myocardial infarction, are at the forefront of revolutionary therapeutic methods on medicine, but the most important new areas of application are the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease and Cerebral Palsy.