New trends in umbilical cord blood transplantation.
Since the first report of a successful umbilical cord blood transplantation in 1988, there has been great interest in the use of cord blood as an alternative stem cell source to treat cancer and genetic diseases. More than 4000 cord blood transplantations have been performed worldwide. In this review, the scientific rationale for this therapy, as well as related preclinical studies, cord blood banking issues, and ethical concerns, will be addressed. Results of studies in both pediatric and adult transplantation will be discussed. Finally, new indications for cord blood use and emerging technologies will be addressed.
Ballen
Karen K
KK
Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Blossom St, Cox 640, Boston, MA 02114, USA. kballen@partners.org
D001771:Blood Banks; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D036101:Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000639:trends*; D046148:Donor Selection; D006801:Humans