Cord Blood Stem Cells a perfect cure for Leukemia

Posted on September 26, 2016September 27, 2016 by admin

Cord Blood Banking allows you to preserve your newborn baby’s cord blood and use the stem cells found in it in future if a need arises. These stem cells can be used in the treatment of more than 80 diseased conditions. More conditions continue to be researched due to ever increasing stem cell preservation benefits.

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a cancer of blood cells, which involves multiplication of malignant White Blood Cells (WBCs). These abnormal cells do not function in the same way as normal WBCs, they continue to grow, divide and accumulate very quickly eventually crowding out the normal blood cells leading to difficulty in fighting infections, controlling bleeding, and transporting oxygen.

Symptoms

Tiredness, easy bruising, and susceptibility to infections are the major symptoms. Acute leukemia requires fast and aggressive treatment.

Prevalence of Leukemia in India

In low- and middle-income countries more than 250,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year have limited access to curative treatment, and only about 25% survive. An estimated 67,870 deaths have resulted from blood cancer in 2015. According to a report from National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP), in India cancer is the 9th common cause of death among children between 5 to 14 years of age.

Table 1: Childhood Cancer Incidence in India (AAR: Age-adjusted rates of incidence) (Data source: NCRP report)

Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplant – Cure for Leukemia

Normal blood cells develop from stem cells that have the potential to regenerate and form many cell types. Cord blood for transplants is collected from the umbilical cord after a newborn baby is delivered. The stem cells from this cord blood are extracted in a Cell Processing Centre and preserved in -196ᵒ C liquid nitrogen tanks for future use.

Stem cell transplants which use the patient’s own stem cells are called “autologous transplants”. One can even use donor stem cells, they may come from either a related or unrelated matched donor, and this is called an “allogeneic transplant”. Most transplant physicians would not want to use a baby’s own cord blood to treat his or her leukemia. This is because donor stem cells might better fight the leukemia than the child’s own stem cells. Considering the high prevalence of leukemia, cord blood stem cell preservation benefits and curative uses of cord blood stem cells, it is evident that cord blood stem cell banking is important. Babycell understands that every family should stand a chance to treat their children, to help such patients Babycell has a Sibling Program. In case you have a child diagnosed with a

blood disorder your next baby’s cord blood stem cells can be used to cure your child under this Babycell collects, processes and stores your upcoming child’s cord blood stem cells free of cost for 5 years. Due to stem cell preservation benefits and development in technology it can definitely create a healthier, disease free society. Expecting parents must ensure that they opt for cord blood stem cell banking of their upcoming baby as this is one time opportunity. Babycell achieved its ISO certification in the first year itself; by the second year of operations they received GMP, GLP and GCP certifications. Babycell also provides value added services like new born screening (NBS), CFU assay- to test the ability of stem cells to differentiate, HLA testing, Father’s wellness program and more.

Fast facts about childhood cancer and stem cell transplantation

Cancer is the 9th common cause of death among children between 5 to 14 years of age in India
More than 250,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, Out of which there are 50,000 new childhood cancer cases in India Of these, 30-40% are leukemia and lymphomas, 20% are brain tumours and 1% retinoblastomas (eye cancer)
Only about 25% survive as they have limited access to curative treatment
An estimated 67,870 deaths have resulted from blood cancer in 2015
Prevalence of childhood cancer has doubled in last one decade. In 2006 childhood cancers were 2.5% of the total number of cancer cases and today, they add up to 5.5%. Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai alone treats 2,000 new pediatric cancer cases annually.

Current Treatment for childhood cancer

Current treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy. These are expensive and a temporary solution with a chance of disease relapse.
Often a combination of Chemotherapy and Stem Cell Transplantation offers a 100% cure for childhood cancers.

Stem Cell Transplantation

A stem cell transplant can take a few days or months to complete. The process begins with treatment of high doses of chemotherapy, this treatment goes on for a week or two. Once it is successfully done, patient is allowed to rest for a few days
Patient then receives the stem cells through an IV catheter. This process is like receiving a blood transfusion. It takes 1 to 5 hours to receive all the stem cells.
After receiving the stem cells, patient is set for a recovery phase. During this time the stem cells received to start making new blood cells.

Till date 1 million stem cell transplants are done worldwide, more than 50% have been performed in children

Reference

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Childhood-cancers-double-in-a-decade/articleshow/18411692.cms
http://www.cankidsindia.org/incidence-of-childhood-cancer.html
http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/stem-cell-transplant

Stem Cell Banking and importance of HLA

Posted on July 12, 2016 by admin

Cord blood, which contains powerful stem cells, comes from a newborn’s umbilical cord and is collected immediately after birth. Once the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut, the remaining blood in the umbilical cord is drawn into a collection bag, which is then processed and preserved at -196 degree Celsius.

What makes cord blood cells different?

Cord blood stem cells are biologically younger and are more adaptable compared to adult stem cells from other sources like bone marrow. When saved, they have unique qualities and advantages:

Comparison of Stem Cell Sources	Newborn	Adult	Embryonic
Ability to differentiate into various cell types	✓	✓	✓
High proliferation capacity	✓		✓
Low risk of tumor formation	✓	✓
Low risk of viral contamination	✓		✓
Capacity for autologous transplantation	✓	✓
Established / proven treatment in human patients	✓	✓

Stem cells can heal the body, promote recovery, and offer an enormous amount of therapeutic potential. Preserving cord blood stem cells “stops the clock” and protects the stem cells from aging and being exposed to environmental factors and common viruses that can decrease their function.

The effectiveness of cord blood stem cell therapy depends on many factors, with one of the most important being stem cell matching. Doctors determine stem cell matching based on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) markers. Passed down from parents to their children, these markers act like cell fingerprints, letting the immune system know which cells belong in the body and which cells are foreign to it. If a patient’s HLA markers exactly match those of the new stem cells being introduced, the patient’s body will readily accept the cells. If the HLA match is close but not perfect, chances are still favorable that the patient’s body will accept the cells. By storing cord blood from each child, parents can increase the chance of finding the best source for a match.

HLA means Human Leukocyte Antigens, which are found on the surface of various types of nucleated cells in the human body. In the human anatomy, they are akin to an “identity card”, inherited from one’s parents and could distinguish “self” and “nonself”, through which the wholeness of an individual can be maintained. Briefly, there are 6 HLA types: A, B, DQ and DR. Out of which A, B and DR play a critical role during cord blood transplants.A cord blood transplant is just as effective at curing patients with only a 4 out of 6 match (67% match) between donor and patient whereas for bone marrow transplant the patient and donor must match at all 6 parameters (100% match). The best potential for an HLA match is within the family. Each person inherits one A, B, DR antigen from each parent. Thus, we have 2 HLA-A antigens, 2 HLA-B antigens and 2 DR antigen which make up total 6 anitgens. In case of a Cord Blood Transplant 4/6 is a suitable match.

When an unrelated donor is sought the number of potential HLA combinations becomes so enormous that finding the patient’s exact HLA type may seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. HLA helps to understand the acceptance and recovery after transplantation on two factors

Engraftment – Engraftment occurs when the donated cells that were transplanted begin to grow and make new cells.

Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)-A post-transplant complication, GVHD occurs when the immune cells from the cord blood (the graft) attack the patient’s own immune cells.

Considering the benefits of cord blood stem cells, need of stem cell banking and importance of HLA at the time of preservation, it is recommended for to-be parents to wisely choose a stem cell bank that provides HLA Typing service at the time of preservation. Saving your child’s cord blood is an investment towards your family’s future health; thus, its benefits cannot be measured in financial terms. However, if one must make economic justifications, the cost of storing cord blood and tissue pales in comparison to the many expenses associated with raising a child today, such as the cost of child care and education. The potential return on investment in stem cell banking is paramount as it can save the lives of your loved ones.

Umbilical cord blood banking in India is emerging at very high pace and parents are realizing the potential of cord blood in curing previously incurable diseases. To know more about stem cells and umbilical cord blood banking in India visit – www.babycell.in

Tests and Services To Look Out For While Opting For Stem Cell Banking

Posted on July 12, 2016September 27, 2016 by admin

There are a number of things that need to be kept in mind while opting for stem cell banking such as cryopreservation facility, location, cost, collection and transportation facility. Over and above the basic services one must also ensure they choose a stem cell bank is transparency in providing the complete detailed reports of all the tests performed such as sterility, CD34 cell count, viability CFU, HLA Testing and more.

Stem cell banking benefits:

Storing these cells can help you treat over 80 diseases including cancers, blood disorders, and immune disorders. Stem cells also have the ability to rebuild cardiac tissue, repair damage due to stroke or spinal cord injuries, reverse the effects of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and much more. As a result, cord blood banking is worth spending for. Below is a list of tests and services you must look for:

Sterility Test: Sterility Test detects any kind of aerobic and anaerobic microbial contamination in the cord blood and cord tissue. Helps to ensure micro-organism and contamination free cord blood and cord tissue which can be used in future transplantation.

Stem Cell Count: Stem cells happen to be Mono-Nuclear Cells or MNC: when you look at them under a microscope there is only one nucleus. Unfortunately, one of the most difficult aspects of stem cell biology is that you can’t identify a stem cell just by looking at it. There are other types of blood cells which are also MNC, such as nucleated red blood cells. The only proof that a cell is a stem cell comes from how it behaves when it multiplies. Stem Cell Count test is done to determine the number of stem cells in the isolated fraction of cord blood cells. Stem Cell Count aids the hematologist in determining the treatment plan for stem cell transplantation.

CFU: Stem cells have the ability to differentiate, but how do you evaluate this ability? The answer to this is CFU test. This test is a two-week lab test that lets you estimate the cell potency. In the CFU test a small portion is observed under controlled conditions to see if stem cells differentiate to form colonies. Earlier it used to be a subjective measure, but recently it has been standardized with technology to image the cells and count colonies in the image. During the test it takes 14 days for colonies to grow, therefore it is advised to perform the test at the time of preservation. As per US. Dept. of Health and Human Services and their prescribed guidelines CFU evaluation is a must at the tim

e of preservation as it determines potency, differentiation capacity and actual utility of stem cells. Babycell™ is the only stem cell bank in India that performs the CFU assay at the time of preservation and provides the test results along with client’s Cryopreservation Certificate.

HLA testing and its importance:

HLA means Human Leukocyte Antigens, which are found on the surface of various types of nucleated cells in the human body. In the human anatomy, they are akin to an “identity card”, inherited from one’s parents and could distinguish “self” and “nonself”. Briefly, there are 6 HLA types: A, B, DQ and DR. Out of which A, B and DR play a critical role during cord blood transplants. A cord blood transplant is just as effective at curing patients with only a 4 out of 6 match (67% match) between donor and patient.

The best potential for an HLA match is within the family. Each person inherits one A, B, DR antigen from each parent. Thus, we have 2 HLA-A antigens, 2 HLA-B antigens and 2 DR antigen which make up total 6 anitgens. In case of a Cord Blood Transplant 4/6 is a suitable match.

Engraftment – Engraftment occurs when the donated cells that were transplanted begin to grow and make new cells.
Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)-A post-transplant complication, GVHD occurs when the immune cells from the cord blood (the graft) attack the patient’s own immune cells.

Haemoglobinopathy Test:

Haemoglobinopathy is a condition that involves an abnormality in the structure of haemoglobin. An investigation of a hemoglobin disorder typically involves tests that determine the types and amounts of hemoglobin present in a person’s sample of blood. Information from the test, along with results from routine tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and blood smear, aid in establishing a diagnosis of Hemoglobinopathies.

With this test, you can detect the disorders and arrange a treatment accordingly.

So the next time you are looking for a reliable stem cell banking in India or anywhere in the world, keep the above services in mind. They will definitely help you choose the right stem cell banking service that lets you make the most for your loved ones.

To know more read –

http://www.babycell.in/our-services/core-services.php
http://parentsguidecordblood.org/en

World Thalassemia Day | Stem Cell Therapy

Posted on May 13, 2016May 13, 2016 by admin

Here’s an infographic that explains how stem cell therapy has a cure for Thalassemia.

Now that we all know how stem cell therapy serves as the best possible cure for Thalassemia, we should make a point to spread awareness about this to our family and friends.

Successful Cord Blood Transplants of 2015 – Transformation in Healthcare

Posted on April 7, 2016April 7, 2016 by admin

Major healthcare transformations and preventive medicine developments were witnessed in 2015. Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplants have been increasingly researched and proactively brought to use for curing a large number of diseases which were initially not treatable.

Successful Cord Blood Transplants of 2015

The life of a seven-year-old Emirati boy, Zayed Al Hammadi, was saved by cord blood stem cells

Zayed was diagnosed with beta thalassaemia major, a severe form of an inherited blood disorder that requires regular transfusions and does not have a permanent cure. Cord blood stem cells were donated by his three-year-old brother Mohammad. His condition was deteriorating fast and the family was given their last chance of hope thanks to the storage of Mohammad’s umbilical cord blood which was preserved at his birth. At present, stem cell transplant is the only known cure for beta thalassaemia major. A detailed Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing that is done to match a potential donor and recipient, showed the siblings were compatible. Zayed underwent a cord blood stem cell transplant. Since the transplant, he has returned back home, made a full recovery and no longer manifests any signs of disease. Kenneth R. Cooke, managing director, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who carried out the surgery, said: “Stem cell storage really can change lives and to see such a positive outcome with Zayed’s case shows just what is possible. I would always recommend families to store their child’s cord blood whether they know of any possible health issues or not, as it can be used in the future for their benefit and that of other family members”.

Stannington toddler suffering from massive brain tumor undergoes a successful cord blood stem cell transplant

Little Joseph Fawcett battled back from a massive brain tumor which almost claimed his life. Courage knows no bounds for the three-year-old who has undergone 11 bouts of intensive chemotherapy and a cord blood stem cell transplant in order to fight back to health. His parents are today looking forward to a family Christmas, knowing they have come a long way from that heartbreaking day their son was diagnosed. Luckily, against the odds, Joseph’s treatment started working and he no longer has any signs of the tumor. Now the lively three-year-old is looking forward to Christmas at home with his parents and younger brother, William.

Shanghai Baby Girl Returns Home after Successful Stem Cell Treatment

Zhao Jiaxin is back in her parents’ arms yesterday after being released from the hospital in Shanghai. The baby earlier underwent cord blood stem cell therapy at Fudan University’s Children’s Hospital to treat a bowel disease. The stem cells were extracted from umbilical cord blood provided by a donor.

The dearth of available treatment options and proven results of cord blood stem cell transplants, make the need for Cord Blood Stem Cell Banking evident. Babycell is one of the best and largest service providers of cord blood stem cell banking. Along with stem cell preservation, Babycell also provides value added services like antenatal care newborn screening (NBS), CFU assay- to test the ability of stem cells to differentiate, HLA testing and more.

World Autism Awareness Day

Posted on April 2, 2016April 14, 2016 by admin

What is Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism is a complex developmental disorder affecting social, language and behavioral skills. It usually appears in the first 3 years of life.

Symptoms of Autism

The symptom visibility ranges from medium to severe. Early signs of autism in children include:

Unusual Visual Fixation
Abnormal repetitive behavior
Lack of age appropriate sound development
Delayed intentional communication
Decreased interest in interaction

Here’s a brief description of early signs in infants –

People with ASD also have aspects of other conditions, such as:

A learning disability.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Tourette’s syndrome or other tic disorders.
Epilepsy.
Dyspraxia.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Generalised anxiety disorder.
Depression.

Autism has emerged as the leading cause of child mortality worldwide. Currently 10 million children are Autistic and 6 children out of every 1000 have Autism in India. Also 1 to 1.5 per cent autistic children are between age two and nine in India. The prevalence rate of autism in India is 1 in 250. Autism accounts for higher incidences in males: One in 4,000 boys to one in 6,000 girls. Up to 20 per cent of boys with autism have the condition. Till date Autism has no cure, and there is an increase in number of cases year on year.

Cord Blood Stem Cells offer the ray of hope

Infusion of umbilical cord blood stem cells can stimulate repair of nervous system to improve language and behavior skills. FDA Approved Phase I Clinical Trial at Duke University, US involves infusing patients diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder with their own cord blood stem cells. 25 children of age 2-4 years have already been successfully treated using their own cord blood stem cells

Human derived umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy: New therapeutic weapon for cardiomyopathy

Posted on March 25, 2016April 7, 2016 by admin

What is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is disease of the heart muscle in which the heart muscle becomes infected, enlarged, thick, or rigid.

Current Treatment

Treatment options can only manage cardiomyopathy or reduce risks and they depend on the type of cardiomyopathy the patient has, the severity of the symptoms and complications, age and overall health. Current treatment options cannot completely cure the disease. Treatments may include:

Heart-healthy lifestyle changes
Medicines
Surgery and implanted devices

The main goals of current treatments cardiomyopathy include:

Controlling signs and managing symptoms so that patient can live as normally as possible
Managing any conditions that cause or contribute to the disease
Reducing complications and the risk of sudden cardiac arrest
Stopping the disease from getting worse

Cardiomyopathy incidences in India

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have emerged as the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In India, 1.7-2.0 million deaths are attributed to CVDs annually. The South Indian region, which is home to one‑fifth of the total population of India, accounts for ~25% of total CVD-related deaths in the country. It is estimated that by 2030, death linked to cardiovascular complications will rise to 17.9 million in India alone, which is approximately 10 times the CVD-related mortality in the US. Prevalence of cardiomyopathy is reported to be higher in the South Asian population as compared to Western population. In India cardiomyopathy accounts for about 15-20% of sudden cardiac deaths.

Umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy to treat Cardiomyopathy

With a focus on recent advances that highlight the vascular potential exhibited by umbilical cord blood stem cells, new found study proves the efficacy of umbilical cord stem cells in the cure of cardiomyopathy. Umbilical cord blood stem cells have a significant potential to regenerate into cardiac muscle cells. Potential mechanisms of umbilical cord blood stem cells and amelioration of IDCM myocardium, consideration of these issues show that umbilical cord blood stem cells are conceivably new therapeutic agents for this complex and elusive human disorder. Indeed umbilical cord blood banking can create a healthier society.

Cord blood stem cell therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy: Preclinical studies have demonstrated that cord blood stem cells:
(i) Inhibit myocardial inflammation
(ii) Inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis
(iii) Stimulate angiogenesis
(iv) Display therapeutic activity in models of dilated cardiomyopathy

Clinical studies have demonstrated the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to inhibit post-infarct remodelling, as well as potently block inflammatory processes in graft versus host and Crohn disease. Case report of a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy treated with intravenous allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells and expanded umbilical cord blood CD34 cells who underwent a profound clinical improvement.

Reference:
· http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21641354
· http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18549704

Cord blood for transplants is collected from the umbilical cord after a newborn baby is delivered. The stem cells from this cord blood are extracted in a Cell Processing Centre and preserved in -196ᵒ C liquid nitrogen tanks for future use.

Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Process

Considering the incidences of cardiac diseases, life threatening complications of cardiomyopathy and high potential of umbilical cord blood stem cells; make the need for umbilical cord blood banking in India evident. Babycell is a service provider of umbilical cord blood banking in India. Babycell achieved its ISO certification in the first year itself; by the second year of operations they received GMP, GLP and GCP certifications. Babycell also provides value added services like new born screening (NBS), CFU assay- to test the ability of stem cells to differentiate, HLA testing, Father’s wellness program and more.

Eight-year Old receives a Life Saving Stem Cell Treatment

Posted on March 7, 2016April 7, 2016 by admin

This is a story of Veena who was cured of Thalassemia by using umbilical cord stem cells.
Veena was detected with Thalassemia major since her birth. Veena’s parents always wanted her to live a normal life like other children. They visited a lot of doctors and pediatricians. Their lives revolved around appointments, medication and the constant worry of her condition getting worse.

While on the lookout for alternate solutions to her therapy, they came across stem cell banking therapy that had a cure for a myriad of disease, Thalassemia being one of them. This led them to Babycell’s center.

The doctors suggested her family to have another child and bank the new-born child’s cord blood stem cells which will help them cure Veena’s condition. Dr. Vijay Ramanan (Hematologist) was the specialist appointed to take this procedure ahead. The team executed the process smoothly with conscious moves at every step and the operation went as it was anticipated.

Veena’s transplant has been successful and has changed her life forever. She now lives a normal life just like others kids, playful and full of life. The best part about this transplant is that she is now free from all the machines and transfusions she was previously dependent on. She is living a healthy life with no worries, and a future full of surprises and ambitions.