StemLife attends Cord Blood Transplantation Conference in Biopolis, Singapore (2)

A couple more interesting points made at the conference:

Prof. Takahashi presented a few slides on the use of umbilical cord blood stem cells in regenerative medicine. He showed data indicating that precious Mesenchymal stem cells found in UCB would deplete in number over time prior to freezing. Freshly collected umbilical cord blood has decent numbers of mesenchymal stem cells, important in regenerating bone, cartilage and other tissue. However, after 20- 25 hours, no mesenchymal stem cells could be isolated for differentiation and tissue formation.

This point reaffirms StemLife's policy of getting the unit to the lab for processing within 24 hours no matter where the cord blood is collected from. We invest much energy and time in ensuring that this logistics policy is adhered to, for the benefit of our clients in the future (never know when those Mesenchymals will be needed!).

Dr. William Hwang of the Singapore Cord Blood Bank (SCBB) was generous in sharing his data, and highlighted that the reason why umbilical cord blood was a good source was partly due to the Bone Marrow collection procedure's association with a risky 0.27% rate of mortality (i.e. 27 patients out of 100 patients!). Thus, umbilical cord blood would be a much less riskier source from which to obtain stem cells. He also pointed out that the SCBB could target the ethnic minorities in Singapore and serve their needs. In their hands, cord blood stem cell engraftment took 5-6 weeks in adults and a futher 5-6 weeks to obtain the equilibrium for immune stability. Another piece of good news, the SCBB also aims to support the stem cell transplantation program for Systemic Lupus Erythmatoses (SLE) which is already being conducted in Singapore. SLE patients take note.

The SCBB is a "public" bank but is supported and funded by charitable organizations, not government funding thus far (although they have expressed the liking for more governmental support). However they collaborate closely with government transplant centres which offer their services to the public. And yes, Singaporeans will still have to pay for cord blood stem cell units if they need them. How much? Check with your transplant centre.