To bank or not to bank: Cord Blood Stem Cell Banking in India

Is cord blood banking really useful? This question perhaps comes in every parent’s mind who get to know about cord blood stem cell bank in India. Umbilical cord blood is an extremely rich source of regenerative stem cells that can be used to treat more than 80+ diseases. They rebuild immune system after chemotherapy and are an advanced alternative to bone marrow transplant.

Clinical trials are also exploring the use of stem cells to treat more diseases, like autism, diabetes, etc. However, due to the uncertainty of its use in future, many of us don’t recognize the value of storing cord blood stem cells.

Here are few things you must consider before you take a decision.

It could be a life saver

Cord blood can morph into all kinds of blood cells which can be used to treat diseases that adversely affect blood and immune system, for example, leukemia and sickle-cell anemia. There are only a few methods available to get the stem cells for the patient, like bone marrow, peripheral circulation, etc. However, cord blood is the easiest way to match with the patients because it is collected from his/her own body, from the umbilical cord. In addition, the procedure is 100% painless and blood collected can be used by baby’s family members also.

Cord blood therapies have become more successful with time

The outcomes and success ratio of cord blood transplants have improved over past decades. Researchers and clinicians have learned more about the transplant, better matches and provide patient better supportive care. As a result, stem cell therapy has improved over time.

Future of stem cell therapy is promising

Research works are still going on to study more ways to treat more diseases with cord blood stem cells. The trails underway denote a promising future for stem cell therapy.

Your baby may not need it

Banking your baby’s cord blood is not a foolproof insurance policy. If your family has a history of certain diseases, like cancer, leukemia, and so on, the chances are high that you may need stem cells in future. However, if your family has not a history of such diseases, the chances are low that you will need it.

In between all these pros and cons of banking cord blood, remember one thing that cord blood is one-time, painless process. Even if you can’t use the preserved stem cells, you can always donate it to some needy patient.