The Facts about Cord Blood
Dear Future Mom and/or Dad, All of us at CorCell would like to give you a big CONGRATULATIONS on your new baby! Now that you are expecting, you have probably heard about saving your baby s cord blood from your friends, your family or (hopefully!) your doctor. But what is cord blood, and more importantly, why should you save it? There is a lot of information, and misinformation, about this amazing source of stem cells. We hope that our Facts about Cord Blood ebook will help demystify cord blood for you. Best Regards, CorCell
About CorCell: CorCell is a private Cord Blood Banking Program based out of Las Vegas, NV. We have been saving baby s umbilical cord blood since 1995 because we strongly believe in the healing power, both current and future, contained within umbilical cord blood. Families trust our commitment to quality, which is why over 25,000 of them bank with us. If you would like to learn more about how cord blood stem cells can potentially save your baby s life, please call us at anytime at 888.882.2673. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Visit our blog Visit our website
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Intro to cord blood.5 The history of cord blood. 11 How cord blood is used in medicine......16 The future of cord blood..28 Cord blood banking options. 35 Cord blood myths....44
CHAPTER 1: Intro to Cord Blood
Cord Blood Stem Cells The umbilical cord connects the baby to the placenta and provides vital nutrients throughout the pregnancy. When a baby is born, the remaining blood in the umbilical cord contains a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells, and the surrounding cord tissue is a potent source of mesenchymal stem cells. 99% of umbilical cords are thrown away at birth 8 Page 6
What is a Stem Cell? Stem cells are the building blocks of the body. Your skin, nerves, bones and joints were all built by stem cells during development. There are two types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Cord blood contains the latter. Page 7
Types of Stem Cells Embryonic stem cells are the earliest type of stem cell. Human embryos reach their embryonic stem cell phase 4-5 days after fertilization, and the collection of these stem cells results in the destruction of the embryo. This raises ethical issues concerning their use. CorCell does not store these stem cells. Adult stem cells are found in the body after development. They replenish dying cells and regenerate damaged tissues. Adult stem cells can be found in the umbilical cord, placenta, and bone marrow. Umbilical cord blood contains Hematopoietic Stem Cells that produce cells of the blood system. Page 8
Hematopoietic Stem Cells The gold within Cord Blood Hematopoietic stem cells are the building blocks of the body s blood and immune systems. They are commonly found in bone marrow as well as cord blood. These cells can differentiate into: Bone Cartilage Cells for Blood Vessels Blood Cells Muscle Cells Nerve Cells Page 9
So what does this mean? Cord blood stem cells have the potential to rebuild and repair bone cartilage, muscle cells, red blood cells, white blood cells, nerve cells and more. The most common treatments using Cord Blood are: Cancers Blood Disorders Metabolic Disorders Immune Diseases With stem cells on the forefront of medical advances, this list is expected to grow. Page 10
CHAPTER 2: The History of Cord Blood
Cord Blood Timeline 1974: Cord blood identified as a source of stem cells 1983: Proposed use of umbilical cord blood as an alternative source of stem cells as opposed to bone marrow 1988: First cord blood transplant 1990: First use of cord blood to treat leukemia 1992: First private and public cord blood banks 1993: First cord blood transplant from unrelated donor 1995: The CorCell program is founded 1997: Studies show a higher survival rate when using cord blood cells from a relative 1 1998: Cord blood transplant successfully treats sickle cell disease 2001: Cord blood is shown to be an alternative to bone marrow for adults needing a stem cell transplant 2003: Cord blood stored in 1985 (15 years) proven to be viable for use in transplant. Page 12
Cord Blood Timeline Part 2 2004: Pluripotent stem cells found in cord blood, meaning it can possibly used for diseases that are not of the blood system. 2005: Doctors initiate clinical trial use of cord blood stem cells to treat stroke, cerebral palsy, brain damage 2005: 6,000 cord blood transplants performed worldwide 2006: Studies reveal that only 1 in 3 expectant mothers is aware of cord blood banking 2 2006: Estimated 7,000-8,000 cord blood transplants performed worldwide 2008: 12,000 cord blood transplants performed worldwide 2008: Odds of needing a hematopoietic stem cell transplant using one s own cells estimated to be 1 in 400 2009: CorCell relocates to Las Vegas, NV to provide superior service to customers. 2011: More than 30,000 cord blood stem cell transplants performed worldwide Page 13
The First Cord Blood Transplant The first cord blood transplant was performed 1988 to treat a patient diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia, complicated by Aplastic Anemia. The patient s unborn sibling was found to be an HLA match, and this sibling s cord blood was collected and frozen at birth. The patient received low doses of irradiation and received a transplant of the sibling s cord blood stem cells. The transplant rebuilt the patient s blood system and was a success. Since then, over 30,000 cord blood transplants have been performed. Today, cord blood hematopoietic stem cells can be used to treat over 80 diseases. Page 15
CHAPTER 3: How Cord Blood is used in Medicine
Currently, over 80 Diseases Treated with Cord Blood Acute Leukemias Chronic Leukemias Myelodysplastic Syndromes Stem Cell Disorders Myeloproliferative Disorders Phagocyte Disorders Platelet Abnormalities Plasma Cell Disorders Plasma Cell Disorders Lymphoproliferative Disorders Inherited Metabolic Disorders Histiocytic Disorders Inherited Erythrocyte Abnormalities Inherited Immune System Disorders View Full List Page 17
Transplant Medicine: Treatments Available Metabolic Disorders Krabbe Disease Hurler Syndrome Blood Cancers Leukemia Lymphoma Myeloma Immune Disorders SCID Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Blood Disorders Sickle Cell Anemia Aplastic Anemia anconi Anemia) Solid Tumors Neuroblastoma Page 18
The Two Types of Transplants Autologous Transplant A stem-cell transplant using ones own stem cells such as those found in cord blood. Allogenic Transplant A stem-cell transplant using blood from a donor, such as a sibling or unrelated donor. Page 19
Why Doctors Use Cord Blood Cryogenically frozen Cord Blood can still be used after 25 years in years in storage and may be useful indefinitely Using one s own cord blood guarantees a 100% match. If using a donor, cord blood may not have to be as close a tissue match required for a bone marrow or peripheral blood transplant. Cord blood units are frozen, stored and ready to use. Finding an unrelated marrow or peripheral blood donor may take too long, and minorities have a much lower chance of finding a match within public cord blood banks. The stem cells in cord blood are attracted to areas of injuries by signals given off by the cells inside of the body. Page 20
Who can use cord blood stem cells? Your Baby Because it is his/her own stem cells, your baby is the first person who can benefit from banking their cord blood. It is important to know that some genetic diseases cannot be treated with one s own stem cells because the cells themselves are coded with the genetic problem. Page 21
Who can use cord blood stem cells? Brothers and Sisters Siblings have a high chance of being a match when it comes to cord blood transplants. Siblings have a 25% chance of being a perfect match, a 50% chance of being a 50/50 match, and a 25% chance of not being a match. A 50/50 match is usually enough for most cord blood transplants. Page 22
Who can use cord blood stem cells? HLA Matches Learn more about HLA matching here. When two people who share the same HumanLeukocyteAntigens, their tissues and Cord Blood are compatible with each other. Page 23
Stem Cell Transplants There are an estimated 15,000 patients in need of a stem cell transplant every year. Up to 40 percent of them cannot find a match 3 Page 24
Diseases that Destroy Bone Marrow Diseases such as: Non-Hodgkin s lymphoma Hodgkin s lymphoma Leukemia Multiple Myeloma Aplastic Anemia All destroy bone marrow, which is essential for your blood and immune systems. The diseased bone marrow is destroyed using radiation and/or chemotherapy. From there, stem cells are transplanted, and they rebuild the host s bone marrow and blood systems. Page 25
Other diseases that require chemotherapy, such as cancer, may also require a cord blood stem cell transplant because blood cells are destroyed. Learn More about Transplants Page 26
Cord Blood Infusions For some treatments, a Cord Blood infusion is used. Because of stem cell s ability to find and repair damaged tissue, Cord Blood is infused into the body. The cells find the site where the damage is and go to work. Page 27
CHAPTER 4: The Future of Cord Blood
2013: Cord blood is used in over 500 clinical trials for future therapies. Including: Page 29
AUTISM 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with Autism in the United States 4 Evidence suggests that in some children, autism may be caused by a dysfunctional immune response that may affect normal development of the nervous system. 6 The stem cells found in umbilical cord blood may be able to regulate this immune deficiency.
Brain Injury Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of disability and death in children and adolescents nationwide. Every year, 564,000 children are treated for brain injuries in the Emergency Room, and 62,000 children with brain injuries are hospitalized. 5
CEREBRAL PALSY Leading cause of childhood onset disability The use of Cord Blood in Cerebral Palsy cases have been very promising. Check out some success stories below: Cord blood reverses Cerebral Palsy in Colorado Girl First Successful Treatment of Pediatric Cerebral Palsy with Autologous Cord Blood: Awoken from a Persistent Vegetative State Umbilical Cord Blood Therapy Potentiated with Erythropoietin for Children with Cerebral Palsy
DIABETES 15,000 children are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every year. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body s own immune system destroys and attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Due to Cord Blood s ability to rebuild the immune system, it has been seen as a potential therapy for the disease. As of 2012, stem cells from Cord Blood successfully re-educated the immune system of patients afflicted with type 1 Diabetes so that the pancreas could once again produce insulin. You can read about it HERE
And More Medicine evolves at a rapid pace, and the research into future stem cell therapies is promising. For more information about current Cord Blood clinical trials, visit CLINICALTRIALS.GOV
CHAPTER 5: Cord Blood Banking Options
Private Banking vs. Public Banking Private Banking: Banking a baby s umbilical cord privately means that the stem cells are stored for the family s future use. A kit provided by the private bank is provided, the cord blood is collected by the doctor, midwife or nurse and is stored in the private facility. Public Banking: Banking publically means that the baby s umbilical cord blood is donated to a public bank. The family voluntarily gives up all rights to the cord blood for the public good in case an unrelated person needs a cord blood transplant. Page 36
Advantages of Private Banking 100% match for baby It s the baby s own stem cells. The baby will not have to rely on waiting for a donor match to get a stem cell transplant. This is especially important for minorities who may not find a match in a public bank. Family access Parents may be able to access their baby s cord blood should the baby or a family member need treatment. As stated before, transplants among family members have the highest success rate. Future therapies The stem cells are stored away and can be used for future therapies because the family retains control of the stem cells. Customer service The private company can be contacted at anytime regarding the banked stem cells. Page 37
Disadvantages of Private Banking It s not free Cord blood banking costs between $1,000 and $2,000 to process followed by a yearly storage fee of around $125 a year. However CorCell, however, offers extremely flexible payment plans to meet a family s budget. Families can choose their own monthly payment. Click here for a quote. Page 38
Certain Genetic Disorders Some genetic disorders cannot be cured using one s own cord blood because the genetic defect that caused the disorder remains in the stored cord blood. However If a sibling doesn t have the disorder, then their stem cells may be able to be used to replace the defective genes in their sibling. Page 39
Advantages of Public Banking It s free The cord blood is donated for a good cause. It can save a another person s life The blood doesn t go to waste The stem cells found in cord blood are very valuable, but cord blood is discarded in 99% of births. 8 Page 40
Disadvantages of Public Banking Rights to the stem cells are given away The stem cells go to the public, and there is no guarantee that the child will be able to use his or her own stem cells should the need arise. No guaranteed match Up to 40% of the 15,000 people who need a stem cell transplant every year cannot find a match. 3 This number is even worse for minorities, who have an even lower chance of finding a cord blood match. Page 41
The Majority of Collected Cord Blood is Thrown Away 7 Public banks test the blood extensively to ensure that it meets the requirements necessary for transplant, such as regulatory and volume requirements. Because of this, public banks will throw away between 70 and 80 percent of the collected samples. The cost of storing these stem cells also contributes to the high discard rate. However This is not entirely bad since the stem cells are being held to transplant standards, which are more strict than in a private bank. Page 42
No Cord Tissue (Mesenchymal Stem Cell) storage The medical community has realized the potential of a second type of stem cell found within the umbilical cord. These adult stem cells, or Mesenchymal Stem Cells, are found in the cord tissue and can build different cell types than cord blood. CorCell offers cord tissue stem cell storage alongside cord blood for expecting families. Learn more about Cord Tissue stem cells here Page 43
CHAPTER 6: Cord Blood Myths
Myth 1: Stem cells have no practical use today. Fact: As established from evidence, stem cells derived from cord blood have been used since 1988 to successfully treat patients with often incurable diseases. Page 45
Myth 2: Cord blood collection and delayed cord blood clamping do not go together. Fact: It is possible to collect cord blood in such situations. CorCell does not recommend any healthcare provider change their birthing practices. Page 46
Myth 3: Our family does not have a history of illness and won t need cord blood Fact: Over 1 million people have been treated using hematopoietic stem cells. Experimental treatments in the regenerative fields are compelling reasons for storing your baby s cord blood. Page 47
Myth 4: Banking cord blood privately can be up to $15,000 Fact: Banking umbilical cord blood ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 for processing depending on the bank and averages $125 dollars per year. This price continues to fall as cord blood banking becomes more mainstream. CorCell not only has the best pricing, but we believe that banking should be affordable for every family, which is why we offer Flexible Payment Plans Based on Your Budget. Page 48
Did we miss something? Please feel free to call us at 888.882.2673 if you have any questions about cord blood and/or cord tissue banking. Our trained team of cord blood specialists is always more than happy to assist! Page 49
Save on Cord Blood Banking with CorCell Insurance Partners: You may be eligible for preferred pricing depending on your insurance. Find out more here. Military: We recognize the service and sacrifices military families make for our country and freedom. Police and Firefighters: We regard the service and sacrifices police and firefighters with high esteem. Multiple Births: If you are expecting more than one baby, we offer special pricing. Page 54
Cord Blood 888.882.2673 If you re interested in learning more about how cord blood can protect your family, call us at 888.882.2673. Enroll Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Visit our blog Visit our website
Know someone who is expecting? Share your knowledge of Cord Blood and receive a referral check from us! Referral Rewards Program *Referral must enroll in the CorCell program to receive discount Page 56
REFERENCES 1. Gluckman E, Rocha V, Boyer-Chammard A, et al. Outcome of cordblood transplantation from related and unrelated donors. N Engl J Med. 1997;337(6):373-381. 2. Harris DT. Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. 2007 Sep;7(9):1311-22. 3. Cord Blood Transplantation. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. http://www.fhcrc.org/en/treatment/treatment-research/cord-bloodtransplantation.html 4. Autologous Cord Blood Stem Cells for Autism. Sutter Health Neuroscience. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01638819 5. Head or Brain Injury. Boston s Children s Hospital. http://www.childrenshospital.org/health-topics/conditions/head-or-braininjury 6. Mother s Immune System Might Play Role in Certain Cases of Autism. MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_138532.html 7. Why is Cord Blood Banking so Expensive? Parents guide cord blood. http://parentsguidecordblood.org/newsletter_archive/newsletters_2012-09.php#cord_banking_cost 8. New Postpartum Trend: Mailing in Your Cord Blood. Time Magazine. http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2004122,00.html
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