Pennsylvania University Develops Method to Improve Cord Blood Transplants

A new method to improve cord blood stem cell transplants is being investigated by a research team at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. Offering a technique to boost the immune cells in umbilical cord blood prior to transplantation , the university’s findings could have a significant impact on stem cell therapy.  

Two weeks before performing cord blood transplants, researchers at the university thawed out the stem cells. They used this time to activate and expand the samples’ T-cells, cells which are key to helping patients rebuild their immune systems after undergoing chemotherapy.  

Four patients were involved in the university’s clinical trial, three of which experienced early engraftment. With engraftment taking place earlier than with other transplants, it narrows the window during which patients can develop complications, making cord blood transplants an even safer option.  

While the research team recognizes that their findings can help to improve cord blood transplants, they also believe that there is a need for an increase in cord blood banking and donation. They believe that more parents should take part in cord blood banking, which requires the establishment of more banks across the United States.  

Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-12/uops-psp120911.php