Potential Benefits of Cord Blood Explained

LA Times Features NMDP's Cord Blood Program

The National Marrow Donor Program^® (NMDP) Registry offers several transplant options for patients with leukemia or other life-threatening blood diseases. Last year, the NMDP launched its cord blood program and facilitated its first cord blood stem cell transplant.

"The NMDP provides a single point of access for all sources of blood stem cells used in transplants," says Dr. Dennis Confer, chief medical officer for the NMDP. "Now, one Registry is able to search its own database and provide physicians with information on multiple stem cell sources for life-saving transplants," says Dr. Confer.

On May 14, the Los Angeles Times is featuring the NMDP's cord blood program. The story features Kathy Welte, NMDP's program manager for cord blood, Dr. Dennis Confer, NMDP's chief medical officer and Dr. John Wagner of Fairview-University Medical Center in Minneapolis. Dr. Wagner also serves as a member of the NMDP Board of Directors.

Umbilical cord blood is rich in blood stem cells that can mature into red and white blood cells and platelets. These immature cells, when used in a transplant, can mature into healthy marrow and offer a cure to patients with leukemia or other life-threatening blood diseases.

Stored umbilical cord blood units may reduce the time required to bring a patient to transplant. A cord blood transplant can save time, which is of the essence for a searching patient. Because cord blood is collected from a baby's umbilical cord after birth and then frozen, it is immediately accessible. Cord blood can also offer patients more flexibility and may be especially helpful for patients who otherwise could not find a suitable donor. For more information, see the Cord Blood Donation FAQs.

The complete feature article can be viewed on the Los Angeles Times Web site.