Abstract

Cord Blood and Cord Tissue-derived Stem Cells: Bringing Transplants to the Patients

Sanja Pavlica, Scientific Associate Production, VITA 34 AG

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) from the cord blood and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from the cord tissue have different properties and may work differently to exert the therapeutical effects. Although they can be used equivalently for transplantation, different legal requirements apply according the German Medicinal Products Act (AMG). HSC are defined as blood components, while MSC are classified as tissue preparation. Therapeutic uses of stem cells are only successful when high numbers of viable cells are used, maintaining their full biological potential. Thus, in addition to the manufacturing and cryostorage, the highest quality standards have to be also implemented when transporting the stem cells to the treatment center, and in preparing them on-site. Vita 34 established its own mobile stem cell team accompanying a stem cell transplant to the patient. To date, cryopreserved cord blood units at VITA 34 have been successfully transplanted in 27 patients. The safety data have shown no serious adverse events in treated patients. Among 27 transplantations, 8 have already been used from siblings (related allogeneic), 2 from unrelated allogeneic donors and 17 by autologoues donors. The use of stem cell transplants, derived from the umbilical cord will continue to advance along with scientific progress.