Additionally, a cord blood transplant does not have to be a perfect match for the patient. This is because the immune cells in umbilical cord blood are less mature than those in adult bone marrow. This has particular relevance for persons of ethnic or racial minorities, adopted children and others with rare tissue types who may have a harder time finding a transplant match. Patients receiving cord blood stem cells rather than bone marrow stem cells are at lower risk for complications from graft versus host disease (GVHD), a life-threatening immune response to the transplant process. There is also a lower risk of infectious disease transmission from transplant when using umbilical cord blood stem cells compared to bone marrow stem cells.(3)

Family members may benefit from private banking, as there’s a stronger chance of a suitable match for the baby’s siblings, parents, grandparents and other blood relatives compared with the use of stem cells from a public registry. In fact, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that the 1-year survival rate for patients treated with cord blood stem cells from a relative was 63%—compared with only 29% from unrelated donors, and that number increases if the transplant recipient is using his or her own stem cells.(4)

Stem cells from umbilical cord blood and the placenta from a family member also offer the advantage of time. Cord blood stem cells have already been collected and thus are readily available for the patient; simply confirming compatibility between the stem cells and the patient, transporting the cells to the patient’s location, and thawing them are necessary for the transplant. For bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells, a compatible donor must be identified, which may take months if it is even possible. Cryogenically preserved cord blood stem cells may be successfully transplanted after up to 10 years or more in storage.(5)

If a transplant is ever needed, what should my family do to prepare for the transplant process?

Should your child or another family member ever require a cord blood stem cell transplant, it is important to prepare for treatment by working with your healthcare team. A good way to begin is by making a list of questions and concerns to discuss with the transplant doctor. Possible questions include:
- Do you recommend a transplant using the patient’s own stem cells or those from a donor? Why?
- What are the treatment goals – a long-term remission, a cure, or to alleviate symptoms?
- Are there potential side effects or complications that make this treatment risky?
- How can side effects or complications be prevented or alleviated?
- What is the anticipated length of treatment and hospitalization?
- Are there activities that the patient should avoid during treatment?
- After the transplant occurs, what are the next steps in treatment and recovery?

In addition to talking to your healthcare provider, you can request that your insurance carrier provide a transplant insurance case manager who can answer coverage issues. Assistance may be available to patients who do not have insurance coverage. Patients also may be eligible for government healthcare programs or other forms of financial help.

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