Stem Cell Banking: Meaning, Purpose & Benefits

Stem cell banking is the process of collecting, preserving, and storing stem cells for future use. For the first time in 2014, the Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center at UCSD Health System announced a clinical trial to evaluate the safety of using neural stem cells for treating patients with spinal cord injuries.

Later, the same successful trial showcased the impressive life-saving capabilities of stem cells and promoted their usage for treating blood-related disorders and cancers.

Currently, stem cells can help treat over 80 blood-related diseases, with already 50,000+ transplants happening every year. Let us look at more details about this major breakthrough in medical science.

What Are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are special types of cells that can turn into many different types of cells in the body. They can make more of themselves through cell division and differentiate into specialised cells, such as blood cells, nerve cells, or muscle cells.

Multiple types of stem cells include:

1. Embryonic stem cells: Derived from embryos at a very early stage of development.

2. Adult stem cells: These are found in various body tissues, such as the bone marrow.

3. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): These are artificially derived from adult cells by genetic reprogramming.

Stem cells can be used in regenerative medicine to replace cells that have been lost or damaged due to disease or injury.

How Do Stem Cells Work?

When stem cells are transplanted into the injury site, they help regenerate blood vessels and tissues that ultimately heal the wound.

For example - In the case of a patient with a spinal cord injury.

Stem cells could be collected from the patient's bone marrow or a donated source and then transplanted into the injury site. These cells then begin to divide and differentiate into the specific cell types needed to repair the damaged spinal cord. This could include cells that form new blood vessels, cells that produce the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve cells, and cells that form the supportive structure of the spinal cord.

As the stem cells differentiate, they begin to form new tissue. They also release growth factors and other molecules that help repair and regeneration. Over time, this process can lead to significant improvements in the patient's ability to move and feel, as well as improvements in their overall quality of life.

This is just one example. Stem cells are currently being researched for many diseases and injuries.

What Is Stem Cell Banking?

The process of stem cell collection at birth, preservation and storage for future use is called stem cell banking. The cells are typically collected from sources such as umbilical cord blood, bone marrow, or adipose tissue (body fat).

They are then cryopreserved at extremely low temperatures (-196°C). This allows the stem cells to be stored for long periods and retrieved whenever needed.

One can opt for private and public banking. Private banking means for personal use. Public banking is when stem cells are stored in a bank for use by anyone who needs them.

What Is The Purpose Of Stem Cell Banking?

The basic purpose of stem cell preservation is to preserve the cells for future use in case they are needed for medical treatment. The stored stem cells can be used to treat the person from whom they were originally collected. They can also be used to treat a family member who is a match.

The last updated report of the National Cord Blood Program in 2019 shows over 40,000 cord blood transplants worldwide, with an estimated 80-90% success rate. It’s surely working for most people and is a safe deposit for the future.

What Are The Benefits Of Stem Cell Banking?

The list of stem cell preservation benefits is huge. Some common advantages are worth noting.

4. Medical treatment: Stored stem cells can treat various medical conditions, such as cancer, genetic disorders, and immune system disorders.

5. Personalised medicine: These cells can help treat the person from whom they were originally collected or a family member who is a match. This allows for personalised medicine. Here, treatments are tailored to the individual's specific needs and genetic makeup.

6. Time-saving: If a person or family member needs a stem cell transplant, readily available preserved cells can save precious time that would otherwise be spent searching for a suitable donor.

7. Cost-effective: Stem cell banking can be cost-effective in the long run. It eliminates the need for repeated collection and storage.

8. Research: Stored stem cells can be used in medical research. They can help in improving treatments and finding cures for various medical conditions.

Although stem cells have many benefits, they are not without challenges. Always ensure to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. It's always recommended to have a detailed consultation with a qualified healthcare professional to evaluate the suitability of stem cell banking for you or your family.