Researchers at the Stowers Institute of Medical Research have found another way to expand/multiply blood-forming, adult stem cells from umbilical cord blood. The discovery increases the potential of a single stem cell sample in treating more conditions.
Eight-year-old Hamad, from the United Arab Emirates, was cured of sickle cell disease using his younger brother’s cord blood stem cells. His life changing treatment demonstrates the importance of collecting and storing your child’s umbilical cord blood at birth for potential use in the future.
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a prevalent type of cancer in older adults. It is currently treated with intensive chemotherapy and forms of supportive care that lead to 40-60% of patients experiencing complete remission; eliminating signs of cancer. However, most patients relapse, resulting in a 5-year overall survival rate of about 10%.
The parents of 4 year old Apratim Dey Singha of Kolkata, India, stored their son's cord blood stem cells at birth. They have now used Apratim's cord blood sample in a clinical trial to help treat his autism.
