Thousands of donations, fewer than 2% used. Why cord blood transplants are so rare

If it weren’t for a stem cell transplant, Tristan Ford would not be here today. Born with Griscelli syndrome, a rare genetic condition that could have been fatal, Tristan received a life-saving cord blood transplant as an infant. Thanks to the generosity of a stranger who donated their baby’s cord blood to the national public bank, Tristan is now a happy and healthy four-year-old.

Cord blood, collected from the umbilical cord of newborn babies, is a rich source of stem cells. These cells have the ability to develop into various types of cells in the body, making them valuable for treating a variety of conditions, including blood cancers, immune disorders, and metabolic disorders. In Tristan’s case, the cord blood transplant helped to replace his faulty immune system with healthy cells, allowing him to thrive.

Despite the potential benefits of cord blood transplants, the use of donated units remains relatively low. Out of nearly 4,700 units banked in the national public bank, only 86 have been used so far. The cost of establishing and maintaining the bank was significant, with contributions from provincial governments and fundraising efforts by Canadian Blood Services.

Dr. Matthew Seftel, the medical director of stem cells at Canadian Blood Services, emphasizes the importance of cord blood transplants for patients who are difficult to match with donors. While cord blood transplants are rare, they can be life-saving for those in need.

One reason for the low utilization of cord blood units is the limited amount of blood collected from the umbilical cord. This makes cord blood transplants most suitable for children, rather than adults who may require larger quantities of cells. Additionally, advances in cancer treatment, such as CAR T-cell therapy, have provided alternative options for some patients.

Private cord blood banks offer parents the option to store their child’s cord blood for personal use, at a cost. However, the likelihood of using these samples is low, as the child may not be able to use their own cells if they develop a condition that requires a transplant. Private banks often market the potential future uses of cord blood cells, despite the experimental nature of many of these treatments.

Experts like John Dick, a senior scientist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, advocate for the importance of public cord blood banks, which provide a diverse range of stem cell donors. Donating to the public bank can benefit a wider range of patients in need of transplants.

In the case of the Ford family, Tristan’s successful transplant was made possible by a stranger who donated their baby’s cord blood. This act of kindness saved Tristan’s life and serves as a reminder of the power of stem cell donations. By supporting public cord blood banks and considering donation, more lives like Tristan’s can be saved.