Stem cells have been one of the most controversial and promising medical discoveries. It has been identified that stem cells could be a cure not only for cancer but also for other numerous medical conditions. A lot of medical research is being undertaken regarding this and it has been showing a lot of promise so far. Stem cell is a precursor cell of different blood cells. Transfusion of stem cells have been helpful as it is a progenitor cell, it can repopulate with the needed blood cell. It has also been proven to facilitate the healing process on tissues that have been damaged like cardiac and vascular tissues. This stem cell is richly available in umbilical cord blood.
Prior to the discovery of stem cell availability in the umbilical cord blood, stem cells were being harvested through the bone marrow. That process of harvesting is invasive and painful that it can pose a threat to the health condition of the donor. Another problem is the increased possibility of host-graft incompatibilities. Then there was a very controversial embryonic source of stem cell. Stem cells were being harvested from a growing embryo causing harm to the growing fetus. This has caused a lot of noise from the conservatives as it violates several pro-life ethical issues. A lot of medical research projects on this had been on drawback due to ethical problems.
Then in 1988 the first umbilical cord blood transfusion took place. The umbilical cord is found to be a rich source of stem cells. Once the cord is cut during delivery of the baby, umbilical cord blood is collected. This process of harvesting or collecting does not impose any harm to both baby and mother. There are no ethical issues associated with this process. Several medical research on this has been undertaken without any setbacks. Research results have been showing a lot of promise for curing numerous diseases. It could be the most important medical discovery of our time.
Another very important advantage of umbilical cord blood transfusion is that there are lesser chances of developing host vs. graft incompatibilities compared to bone marrow stem cells. This is a very important milieu for accessibility of available cord blood to those who need it. Fewer if not none at all problems related to incompatibilities is a concern. It has been predicted that by the year 2015 there will be an average of 10,000 umbilical cord blood transfusions worldwide.