Preserving umbilical cord blood, stem cells | The Final Word

Summary

Dr. Theo Cheng Tang, co-founder of Stemcord, discusses the benefits of private cord blood banking, highlighting its potential to treat various medical conditions using stem cells. He explains how stem cells, particularly from umbilical cord blood, can be stored for future use by family members, even across generations. The interview touches on the possibility of using stem cells to treat strokes, liver cirrhosis, and cancer. Dr. Tang also addresses the cost of cord blood storage and its growing importance, especially in countries like the Philippines, where Stemcord aims to expand its reach.

Takeaways

• 😀 Private cord blood banks store umbilical cord blood and tissue at birth for future use, preserving important stem cells like hematopoietic stem cells, NK cells, and T lymphocytes.
• 😀 Stem cells stored in a private cord blood bank can potentially save lives by being used for therapies in the future, not just for the child, but also for parents and grandparents.
• 😀 Stored stem cells can be used across generations, with examples like treating strokes in elderly family members using the stem cells of their grandchildren.
• 😀 Stem cells are typically administered intravenously and are naturally drawn to areas of injury, such as the brain in stroke patients or the liver in liver cirrhosis.
• 😀 Stem cells from cord blood have shown potential in treating serious medical conditions, including cancers, HIV, fungal infections, and Hepatitis B through cell and gene therapy.
• 😀 While stem cells from cord blood can be used within the family, they are more likely to match biological relatives. However, mesenchymal stem cells can sometimes be used across family lines for specific conditions.
• 😀 StemCord, founded in Singapore, is now expanding its operations in the Philippines to improve access to cord blood storage and offer these valuable stem cells to a wider population.
• 😀 Cord blood storage is critical to prevent the loss of potential therapies, as stem cells are often wasted if not stored immediately after birth.
• 😀 The cost of cord blood storage for 21 years is approximately 320,000 to 360,000 pesos (around 8,000 to 9,000 Singapore dollars), covering collection, processing, and storage.
• 😀 The contract for cord blood storage lasts 21 years, after which the ownership of the stem cells is transferred to the child, as the blood and tissue are considered the mother's property until the child turns 21.
• 😀 StemCord's expansion aims to educate people about the importance of storing cord blood to maximize the potential benefits for future generations.

Q & A

What is a private cord blood bank?

A private cord blood bank is a laboratory that collects umbilical cord blood and cord tissue at birth. These biological materials contain valuable stem cells, immune cells, and other essential cells that can be used for future medical treatments.

Why is storing stem cells from umbilical cord blood important?

Storing stem cells from umbilical cord blood is important because these stem cells have the potential to treat a variety of conditions, not just for the newborn but also for family members across generations. They are valuable for future therapies, including treating strokes, liver cirrhosis, and even some cancers.

Can stem cells stored in cord blood help family members beyond the newborn?

Yes, stem cells stored from cord blood can be used for family members beyond the newborn. For example, these stem cells can be used to treat parents or even grandparents for certain medical conditions like strokes, as shown in clinical trials.

How are stem cells administered to patients?

Stem cells are usually administered intravenously. Once injected, they naturally migrate to areas of injury or damage, like the brain after a stroke or the liver in cases of cirrhosis, where they assist in the repair process.

Can stem cells from cord blood be used to treat cancer or other serious medical conditions?

Yes, stem cells from cord blood can potentially be used in treating serious conditions like cancer. For example, researchers are manipulating stem cells to create CAR-T lymphocytes, which can target difficult cancers and infections like HIV, fungal infections, and Hepatitis B. However, these treatments are still experimental.

Can stem cells from cord blood be used by non-biological family members?

Generally, stem cells like hematopoietic stem cells require a genetic match, so they are typically used within the biological family. However, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can be used across generations or even outside the family, such as offering them to a close friend in need.

What are the benefits of storing cord blood and tissue?

Storing cord blood and tissue offers the benefit of having a readily available source of stem cells that can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions in the future. It can also be a lifesaver for family members in case of severe illnesses like strokes or certain cancers.

Why did StemCord bring its cord blood banking service to the Philippines?

StemCord expanded to the Philippines to improve access to cord blood storage services and to educate the population on the importance of storing cord blood, ensuring that families do not miss the opportunity to collect and preserve this valuable resource.

How much does cord blood storage cost in Singapore and the Philippines?

The cost of cord blood storage for a 21-year contract is approximately 8 to 9 thousand Singapore dollars (about 320,000 to 360,000 pesos in the Philippines). This covers collection, processing, and storage for 21 years.

Why is the storage contract for 21 years?

The 21-year storage period is set because before the child turns 21, the umbilical cord blood and tissue belong to the mother. After 21 years, the child becomes an adult, and ownership of the stem cells is transferred to them, allowing for a break in the contract.