ViaCord | Cord Blood Banking + Research

ViaCord: Now on YouTube

For another great way to stay in touch, check out ViaCord on YouTube! You can view, share, rate and comment on a variety of videos that focus on the protective value of cord blood. Just visit www.youtube.com and search on ViaCord.

2008: Another Great Year for Cord Blood Advances

2008 proved to be another tremendous year in cord blood advances. Here is a quick look back at some exciting highlights:

• The number of life-threatening diseases that are now being treated by cord blood stem cells continued to grow. Today over 70 diseases, including a wide range of cancers, genetic diseases, immune system deficiencies, and blood disorders can be treated using cord blood stem cells.
• This year promising advances were made that may someday help people with severe spinal cord injury. In animal models, cord blood stem cells have been shown to reduce the size of injury, promote neural tissue growth and improve motor function.1
• One area that gained considerable attention is research being done in the use of cord blood therapies to treat neurological disorders. In particular, there has been strong media coverage around an ongoing clinical trial that is showing early potential success in using cord blood therapy to help children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), a neurological condition that affects body movement and muscle coordination. You can read more about the Leshins and the Miskins, two families who have children participating in this trial.
• Another clinical trial that received some media attention in 2008 is a trial using cord blood stem cells to treat Type I (or Juvenile) Diabetes. This past summer, ViaCord Connections heard from Darla Lindenmayer, whose son, Spencer, has seen health improvements while participating in this exciting trial.
• Research efforts using cord blood stem cells to treat cardiovascular disease also broadened in 2008. In November, cardiologists at the University Hospital of Munich noted they believe they are 5-7 years away from transplanting new heart valves, which are derived from the child's own cord blood, into a child with a faulty heart.2

In addition to research and clinical breakthroughs, there has been more awareness generated around cord blood. Increasing awareness not only helps educate parents about the life-saving potential of cord blood, it also increases interest in new research and clinical trials.

• In 2008, there were legislative activities in states such as Washington, which passed a bill that encourages healthcare providers to better educate their patients about the value of cord blood. It also aims to get cord blood information into the hands of expectant parents during the early stages of pregnancy, so families have enough time to make an informed decision. This type of legislation helps raise awareness about cord blood banking and increases options for expectant parents.
• A study also proved the positive effects of "Sickle Cell Sabbath," a program which aims to educate congregations of predominantly African-American churches about sickle cell disease and the benefit of cord blood donations, which successfully treat sickle cell anemia. The study found this program has led to a 60% increase in first-time blood donations within this faith community.3