April 2009 - Posts

• Research Results: A Child’s Own Stem Cells Can Change Course of Type 1 Diabetes

  Posted: Apr 24, 2009

  A study published in last week’s issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that people with type 1 diabetes who received stem cell transplants using their own stem cells (autologous transplant), were able to go as long as four years without needing insulin treatments.    In addition to bone marrow stem cells collected from peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood stem cells have demonstrated the ability to alter the course of type 1 diabetes. Cord blood stem cells have successfully differentiated into insulin-producing cells in vitro and offer advantages over other stem cell sources. When compared to bone marrow and peripheral blood, cord blood is an ideal source of stem cells for use in these emerging type 1 diabetes therapies because it: • is immediately available; • involves a non-invasive collection process that presents no risk to the individual; • is easily available for a patient’s own use if stored at a family bank; • has a demonstrated clinical safety and efficacy; • is capable of giving rise to insulin-producing cells; • has a higher cell proliferation rate;  • has cellular/tissue reparative capabilities.   Data from a clinical trial being conducted at the University of Florida was first presented at the American Diabetes Association in 2007. The trial is examining the use of autologous cord blood stem cells to neutralize the body’s immune attack on the pancreas and prevent the destruction of existing insulin-producing cells – without compromising the immune system via chemotherapy or radiation. Patients were given intravenous (I.V.) infusions of their own cord blood stem cells and then evaluated to measure how much insulin they were making on their own, their blood sugar levels, and the function of key immune system cells.   Preliminary observations from the trial suggest that autologous cord blood stem cell infusions may safely slow disease progression and help to preserve insulin production in children with type 1 diabetes. Researchers are now recruiting patients for phase 2 of the study. They will be investigating whether a single intravenous infusion of a child’s own cord blood stem cells followed by one year of daily vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acid supplementation can preserve beta cell function in children with type 1 diabetes. Have feedback? Tags: cord blood, regenerative medicine, stem cells, umbilical cord blood, newborn stem cells, University of Florida, Journal of the American Medical Association, Diabetes, JAMA

• “My Brother Saved My Life”

  Posted: Apr 17, 2009

  Joseph Davis Jr., was diagnosed in his second year of life with sickle cell anemia, a serious and potentially life-threatening blood disorder. Doctors initially told his parents that he might not live past his teens.  The family searched for a stem cell donor, but couldn’t find a match anywhere in the world.  Fortunately, the family got a second chance when Joseph received a transplant of newborn stem cells from his younger brother Isaac’s umbilical cord blood.  Today, Joseph’s doctors say he is cured.         This month’s issue of Dallas Child magazine features the story of the Davis family in a comprehensive, thoughtful article that also highlights the benefits and potential future uses of cord blood stem cells.   The Davises were able to bank younger son Isaac’s cord blood at no cost through CBR’s Designated Treatment Program which was the first program to offer free cord blood banking to families with a medical need.  The Davis Family has made educating others about cord blood banking their new mission in life.  They are open about sharing their story because they want to help expectant parents - just like them - who have a family history of a disease that may be treated with cord blood stem cells IF they save them.  Because Isaac’s cord blood stem cells were a perfect match for Joseph, he is not only cured, but he does not suffer any of the medical complications that can occur if the stem cells are not a close match and the body rejects them. Today, Joseph Jr. is proud to say, “My brother saved my life.”  Isaac thinks it’s pretty cool, too. Have feedback? Tags: cord blood, stem cells, Joseph Davis Jr., Dallas Child, sickle cell anemia, Designated Treatment Program, umbilical cord blood, newborn stem cells

• "Why I Stored My Baby's Cord Blood"

  Posted: Apr 06, 2009

  Momlogic is a popular online resource that offers parenting tips, health resources, news and perspectives for moms “who want to know a little bit about a lot of things, but have very little time.”  It’s where we discovered a blog post from a first-time mom named Jenny about her decision to bank her baby’s cord blood with Cord Blood Registry. In her post, Jenny provides an overview of the medical value of cord blood stem cells, the related costs for family banking and the reasons she made the decision to preserve her child’s cord blood stem cells.  As Jenny writes, “Knowing that these cells are available and could save my child's life was all the evidence I needed. And for me, you can't put a price tag on that peace of mind.” We believe all expectant parents should be educated about the value of cord blood stem cells so they can make an informed decision about the one-time opportunity to preserve them.  We thought Jenny’s concise, thoughtful perspective  and “mom logic” was important to pass along.  You can read her complete post here. Have feedback? Tags: cord blood, stem cells, family banking, Momlogic