Stem Cell Preservation: Overview, Benefits, Cost, Pros & Cons

Stem cell preservation involves collecting and storing stem cells for future medical use. These cells have the potential to develop into various cell types and can be used in treating a range of diseases and injuries. The process typically involves extracting stem cells from sources like umbilical cord blood or bone marrow, then freezing and storing them for later use.

What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are a special type of cell with the remarkable ability to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. They serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.

There are several types of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, which are derived from embryos, and adult stem cells, which are found in adult tissues. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are another type, created by reprogramming adult cells to revert them to a stem cell-like state.

Stem cells have generated a lot of interest in the medical field due to their potential to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, heart disease, and more. However, there are ethical considerations surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells, as their extraction typically involves the destruction of human embryos.

What are cord blood stem cells?

Cord blood stem cells are a type of stem cell found in the blood of the umbilical cord and placenta of newborn babies. These stem cells are highly valuable because they have the ability to develop into various types of cells within the body, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

They are particularly valuable because they are considered to be more flexible and adaptable than other types of stem cells, such as those found in bone marrow. Cord blood stem cells can be collected immediately after birth and stored for future use in medical treatments, such as treating certain diseases and disorders like leukemia, lymphoma, and certain genetic disorders. This process is known as cord blood banking.

What is cord blood stem cell preservation?

Cord blood stem cell preservation, also known as cord blood banking, is the process of collecting and storing the blood found in the umbilical cord after childbirth. This blood is rich in stem cells, which are the building blocks of the blood and immune system.

Cord blood stem cells have the potential to develop into various types of cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. They can also be used in medical treatments to replace damaged cells, treat diseases, and even regenerate tissues.

The process of cord blood preservation typically involves collecting the cord blood shortly after birth, processing it to extract the stem cells, and then storing them in specialized facilities known as cord blood banks. These stem cells can be preserved for many years, allowing families to access them if needed for medical treatments in the future.

Cord blood stem cell preservation is often considered a valuable investment in a child's future health, as it provides a potential source of stem cells that may be used to treat a variety of conditions, including certain cancers, blood disorders, and immune system disorders.

What is umbilical cord?

The umbilical cord is a vital structure during pregnancy that connects the developing fetus to the placenta. It serves as the fetus's lifeline, providing essential nutrients, oxygen, and removing waste products. The umbilical cord typically contains two arteries and one vein encased in a gel-like substance called Wharton's jelly, which provides protection and flexibility. After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, separating the baby from the placenta.

What is umbilical cord blood?

Umbilical cord blood is the blood that remains in the placenta and umbilical cord after childbirth. It's a rich source of stem cells, which are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into various types of cells in the body. These stem cells are particularly valuable because they can be used in medical treatments to replace damaged or diseased cells in patients suffering from various illnesses, including certain cancers, blood disorders, and genetic diseases. Collecting and storing umbilical cord blood after childbirth is becoming increasingly common for future medical use, either for the child or for compatible family members.

Benefits of stem cell preservation

Stem cell preservation, often referred to as stem cell banking, offers several potential benefits:

• Future Medical Treatments:

Stem cells have the remarkable ability to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. Preserving these cells can provide a reservoir for future medical treatments. They hold promise for treating a wide range of diseases and conditions, including leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers, as well as autoimmune diseases and spinal cord injuries.

• Personalized Medicine:

Stem cells preserved from an individual can potentially be used for personalized medical treatments. This is particularly important for conditions where finding a suitable donor match is difficult, such as with bone marrow transplants.

• Regenerative Medicine:

Stem cells have the potential to regenerate damaged tissues and organs. Preserving stem cells may facilitate advancements in regenerative medicine, allowing for the repair or replacement of diseased or injured tissues.

• Insurance for the Future:

Preserving stem cells can be viewed as a form of biological insurance. While they may not have immediate applications, advancements in medical research and technology may unlock new uses for stem cells in the future.

• Family Health:

Stem cell banking can benefit not only the individual but also their family members. Preserving stem cells can provide a genetic match for siblings or other relatives who may require stem cell therapy in the future.

• Peace of Mind: 

Knowing that stem cells are preserved can provide peace of mind for individuals and families, offering a sense of security in case of future health challenges. 

• Ethical Considerations: 

For some individuals, preserving their own stem cells may be preferable to using stem cells derived from embryos or other sources, addressing ethical concerns surrounding certain types of stem cell research. 

Overall, stem cell preservation holds significant promise in the fields of medicine and biotechnology, offering potential benefits for both individuals and society as a whole.

What is the cost of stem cell preservation in India?

The cost of stem cell preservation in India can vary depending on several factors such as the type of stem cell preservation service provider, the duration of storage, and any additional services offered.

Process of cord blood stem cell preservation in India

Cord blood stem cell preservation in India follows a general process similar to that practiced worldwide. Here's an overview:

1. Consent and Information:

Parents decide to preserve their baby's cord blood stem cells and receive information about the process, benefits, and costs from a cord blood bank or healthcare provider.

2. Collection:

During childbirth, after the baby is born and the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, a healthcare professional collects the blood from the umbilical cord using a cord blood collection kit provided by the cord blood bank. This process is painless and does not pose any risk to the baby or mother.

3. Transportation:

The collected cord blood is then transported to the cord blood bank's laboratory under controlled conditions to maintain its viability.

4. Processing and Storage:

At the laboratory, the cord blood undergoes processing, which involves separating the stem cells from the other components of the blood. The stem cells are then stored in cryogenic tanks at very low temperatures, typically around -196°C (-321°F), to preserve their viability for long-term storage.

5. Testing and Quality Control:

Before storage, the cord blood sample is tested for various infectious diseases and undergoes quality control procedures to ensure it meets the standards for storage and potential future use.

6. Storage and Maintenance:

The preserved cord blood stem cells are stored securely in the cord blood bank's facility. The facility is equipped with backup systems and stringent security measures to ensure the samples remain viable and protected.

7. Access and Retrieval:

If needed in the future, the stored cord blood stem cells can be retrieved from the bank for medical use. This could be for the treatment of the child or a compatible family member in case of certain medical conditions, such as blood disorders, immune deficiencies, or certain types of cancers.

It's important for parents to research and choose a reputable cord blood bank that follows strict protocols for collection, processing, and storage to ensure the best possible outcome for potential future use. Additionally, they should consider factors such as accreditation, experience, and track record when selecting a cord blood bank in India.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Stem Cell Preservation

Advantages -

Here is a list of points that describe the importance of stem cell banking:

• Stem cells can aid in treating a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer and a few metabolic and immunologic conditions.
• Leukaemia, immunodeficiencies, some cancers, sickle-cell anaemia, and a few metabolic disorders are among the illnesses that may be treated with cord blood.
  
• Furthermore, there are several ongoing researches to discover the potential of stem cells in treating different diseases and developing a treatment to utilize stem cells effectively.
• Stem Cell preservation benefits children but can also benefit the parents and siblings because there is a high chance of being a perfect match for a stem cell transplant.
  
• During emergencies, you can easily access the cord blood stem cells instead of waiting for a perfect donor for bone marrow transplantation.
  

Disadvantages - 

• Adults in need of a transplant will need stem cells from several donors because cord blood does not contain a lot of stem cells.
• Stem cell banking is not an immediate process; you must schedule your appointment months before your delivery date.
  
• Private cord blood banking is expensive and may charge various fees for collecting, testing and annual fees for storage.
  

Why you should preserve baby stem cells?

Preserving baby stem cells, typically collected from umbilical cord blood, is valuable for several reasons:

• Medical Benefits:

Stem cells are unique in their ability to develop into various types of cells in the body, making them valuable for treating a wide range of diseases and medical conditions. Preserving these cells at birth ensures that they are available for potential future medical treatments for the child or their family members.

• Regenerative Medicine:

Stem cells have the potential to regenerate and repair damaged tissues and organs. Preserving baby stem cells opens up possibilities for regenerative medicine therapies, which could be essential in treating conditions like spinal cord injuries, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.

• Family Health:

Preserving umbilical cord blood stem cells not only benefits the child but also their biological family members. Since they are a genetic match, these stem cells can potentially be used in treatments for siblings, parents, or other relatives who may require stem cell therapy.

• Low Risk, Non-invasive Procedure:

Collecting stem cells from umbilical cord blood is a safe and non-invasive procedure that poses no risk to the baby or the mother. It's typically done immediately after birth, during the routine process of umbilical cord clamping and cutting.

• Future Advances in Medicine:

Medical research and technology are continually advancing. Preserving baby stem cells ensures that they are available for potential future breakthroughs in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. What might not be treatable today could become treatable in the future with advancements in medical science.

Overall, preserving baby stem cells is an investment in the future health and well-being of the child and their family, offering potential medical benefits and opportunities for innovative treatments that may arise in the years to come.

How long stem cell can be preserved?

Significant advances in stem cell storage technology have made long-term umbilical cord preservation and cord blood collection safe and efficient. Studies indicate that frozen stem cells can retain their viability and potency for over 20 to 25 years when appropriately stored.

The aging process of cells is effectively halted by cryopreservation at temperatures around -170 °C. Proper storage conditions are essential for maximizing the longevity of viability.

Cell viability may be affected by factors such as the condition of the storage container and temperature fluctuations over extended periods. Additionally, advances in cryopreservation techniques may aid in extending the storage duration. Researchers continue to monitor stem cells frozen for more than 25 years to determine if and when their therapeutic potential diminishes.

Best Stem cell bank in India

Choosing the best stem cell bank in India can depend on various factors including reputation, services offered, accreditation, technology, pricing, and customer reviews. Here are a few well-known stem cell banks in India:

Cryoviva Biotech: 

Cryoviva is one of the largest stem cell banks in India, offering umbilical cord blood and tissue banking services. They are known for their state-of-the-art facilities and high standards of quality.

LifeCell: 

LifeCell is another prominent stem cell bank in India, offering umbilical cord blood and tissue banking as well as menstrual blood banking. They are known for their comprehensive services and strong customer support.

StemCyte India 

StemCyte is a global stem cell company with a presence in India, offering umbilical cord blood banking services. They are known for their extensive experience in stem cell transplantation and research.