How Are Cord Blood Units Being Utilized? Releases at a Private Newborn Stem Cell Bank in the United States [ID: 1377085

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cord blood preservation allows individuals future access to cord blood for stem cell transplants as well as infusions via regenerative medicine clinical trials for a wide range of indications. Although many obstetric providers are involved in the collection process, there are knowledge gaps pertaining to the actual utility of a unit, including the condition being treated and autologous (self) versus allogeneic (donor) use. METHODS: Data on cord blood releases at a private newborn stem cell bank from 1993 to 2021 were analyzed. Releases were separated into transplant versus regenerative medicine use. Releases were then categorized by clinical indication as well as autologous versus allogeneic use. RESULTS: One hundred eight releases were for transplant medicine and 568 releases were related to use in an experimental regenerative medicine application. Of the units released for stem cell transplants, 48% were used for treatment of a blood disorder, followed by 42% for malignancy. For regenerative medicine, brain injuries (51%) and developmental disorders (44%) were the most common indications for release. Most transplant medicine releases were for allogeneic use (93%), whereas the opposite was true for regenerative medicine releases, with 80% being for autologous use. CONCLUSION: Use of a cord blood unit is determined by the treating physician and considers many factors. There are misconceptions surrounding who in the family may be able to use a sample and under what circumstances. Encouraging education on newborn stem cell preservation options and the potential future clinical utility is key to ensure patients can make an informed decision prior to birth.