Would you use a stem-cell bank?

Question

Would you store stem cells from your child to guard against future disease?

Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson is set to launch a company which will let families bank and store stem cells from their child's umbilical cord.

Some believe the cells may be used in the future to treat conditions such as Parkinson's disease and cancer.

A handful of UK companies already offer such a service - but obstetricians and midwives say there is "insufficient evidence" to recommend the practice.

Answer 1

This is a proven science with measurable benefits for all of humanity - so yes, no problem with it.

If I had a child who needed something like that right now, then naturally I'd be saying I'd have signed up. Many people don't ever think that something devastating could happen to them and when it does they see things differently.

I do hope it will be a success and if it saves one life it will be worth it.

Answer 2

In the United States they have many commercials on T.V concerning storing stem cells from your childs umbilical cord.They say it can possibly help not just that child but another child of yours as well as family members.
I looked into it and though I like the idea of the POSSIBILITY to help in a future instance with a child/ren or family member and though in the long run its worth it.What they fail to mention is the cost and I assure you its quite expensive.AT least out here in the states that is.$500.00 a month is alot of money and money I just can't afford...
If I could afford it I would do it yes because they make discoveries and breakthroughs every day with this particular science....
In the end I donated the cord blood in hopes that it would afford someone out there a chance.Thats all you can ever really hope to offer...

Hope That Helps,
M.G

Answer 3

I would use a stem-cell bank. When I have children I would like to save the umbilical cord cells. I believe in the near future they will have a medical break through and I will use any method to save the people I love.

Answer 4

As a pediatrician, I would not store stem cells (or cord blood as it is often called) in a private bank, nor would I encourage most people to do so. Below I have a link to the American Academy of Pediatrics' newest policy statement about cord blood banking. Though stem cells are a great resource in a number of instances, they do not currently hold the promise of curing most diseases that are mentioned on cord blood banking sites. There are very few instances today where cord blood banked from a child can be used to help that child.

For example, most sites use childhood cancers and other genetic diseases as examples where cord blood can be helpful. In reality, doctors cannot use a child's own cord blood to perform a stem cell transplant because the child's cord blood contains the same genetic disease that the transplant is trying to cure (if you have terrible sickle cell disease and want to cure it with a stem cell transplant, your cord blood cells have the same genetic condition and cannot cure your sickle cell). You can only be cured with cord blood cells from someone who does not have the gentic condition. Similarly, if you have a childhood cancer, your cells likely predisposed you to develop the cancer in the first place. I am not aware of a transplant doc who would take the chance and transplant in that case.

There are some VERY rare cases where the cord blood that you (or your parents) have banked for yourself can be helpful. There is a condition known as aplastic anemia that can be caused by environmental factors (chemicals, radiation, infections). If your bone marrow is irradicated by any of these things, your stored cells can be used to repopulate your bone marrow and cure the disease.

As far as Parkinsons and other adult cancers, there is no evidence at this time that stem cells can be used for these conditions. There is minimal research in using cord blood to treat some adult cancers, but in these cancers, the cord blood used in the research is from cord blood banks, not from the patient him/herself. In addition, while it may be possible to use cord blood to cure some adult conditions in the future, there is no evidence that banked cord blood cells are good for >20 years.

So, what's a parent to do. The cord blood banks make it seem like if you do not bank your child's blood, you are not doing EVERYTHING to keep your child safe. This is not the case at all. You are putting money in the pockets of cord blood banks, but not necessarily helping your child. A better option is to donate the cord blood to public cord blood banks (the second link is to a resource to help you find public banks accepting donations). This cord blood is available to whoever needs it, making your baby's birth an opportunity to save another child's life.

A caveat to all of the above would be that families with children with a genetic or malignant (cancer) condition may consider cord blood banking as full siblings of the patient may be good matches for the patient. This would apply to a very small fraction of the public. If you have any questions about whether this would apply in your situation, discuss it with your doctor.

Answer 5

Of course I would use it if and when it becomes available.

This is the Science and the Medicine of this century.

Regarding the non-availability of sufficient evidence.......Well it is a bit similar to the time when Christopher Columbus was sailing west for the first time

Answer 6

absolutely! just think of what medical miracles could be achieved by using stem cells to try and cure thigns like parkinson's disease etc. i'd like to know that it was my contribution that was able to save someone and give them mroe years with loved ones. although, i guess you would have to be careful about them illegally using your cells for cloning!

Answer 7

YES I WOULD!! YOU HAVE TO SAVE THE PEOPLE THAT YOU LOVE!! I BELIEVE THAT SOMEDAY THAT WILL HAPPEN! WITH ALL THE RESEARCH OUT THERE THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN!