The ‘Holy Grail’ of stem cell therapy – umbilical cord blood and tissue storage – launched in our country in July. New Zealand manager of Cell Care, Kellie Rogers, explains the basics of what’s known as ‘the next chapter in organ transplantation’.
UMBILICAL STEM CELLS ARE NOW USED IN TREATING OVER 80 DISEASES. WHAT MAKES THEM SO SPECIAL?
Cord blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a baby is rich in pristine, powerful stem cells that have been used in therapy for more than 30 years. They contain regenerative, immunomodulatory properties and secrete neurotrophic, angiogenic, anti- inflammatory and other growth factors and cytokines.
Historically, the uses have been for life-saving treatments for conditions such as leukaemia and blood cancers, solid tumours, immune disorders and metabolic diseases. In 2008, the number of approved indications was 33. By 2018, this has risen to 84. It is clear that the potential use of stem cells from cord blood are increasing rapidly.
Now, New Zealand families with a medical history of genetic, blood, metabolic or immune disorders, some forms of cancer, or who are simply looking to safeguard their family’s future, have access to Cell Care’s leading technology and services in this area.
WHAT DOES THE PROCESS OF COLLECTING AND STORING STEM CELLS LOOK LIKE?
People who are expecting a child can enroll online or chat to our client services team over the phone. Once enrolled, a collection kit is then sent to their home. A mum-to-be will then need to bring the kit to the hospital when she is ready to give birth.
It’s the midwife’s or obstetrician’s job to collect cord blood and tissue after the birth of the baby. It’s a quick and painless procedure and involves zero risks for both mother and child.
Once the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut, blood is taken from the cord in a sterile collection bag. Cord tissue is collected after the delivery of the placenta.
Finally, our courier team will expedite the kit to our laboratory where the cord blood and tissue is processed and cryogenically stored for future use, if and when required. Parents receive an SMS once the collection kit has arrived at the lab and then a certificate once the cord blood and tissue have been processed.
Stem cells can then be couriered to any hospital in the world, should the need arise. It’s a free service we offer to all our clients.
IS IT SOMETHING KIWIS ARE SHOWING INTEREST IN SO FAR?
Definitely! Expectant parents here are really excited to have an affordable and reliable option when it comes to stem cell storage. The Cell Care group is one of the most accredited cord blood banks in the world. We have stored cord blood and tissue stem cells for more than 150,000 families.
We continue to raise awareness and are going to have a presence at all of New Zealand’s Baby Expos for parents to come and talk to our midwives and customer service team. We have also partnered with some antenatal classes to provide information and the opportunity to ask questions.
STEM CELL THERAPY IS STILL QUITE A NEW AND UNKNOWN AREA. ARE YOU TAKING ANY STEPS IN DISCOVERING NEW OPPORTUNITIES CORD BLOOD AND TISSUE PROVIDE IN MEDICINE?
We invest in umbilical cord stem cell research and clinical trials. Cell Care sponsors world-leading trials in cerebral palsy and type-1 diabetes, invests in cord blood expansion technology, and finances research in the use of cord tissue-derived cells.
AND WHAT IS YOUR PARTICULAR ROLE IN CELL CARE?
It’s providing educational support to healthcare professionals, as well as updates on the latest international research and clinical trials. I make sure that healthcare professionals have a well-balanced conversation with expectant parents about their options and help them make an informed decision.
I thoroughly enjoy working with the team at Cell Care who are all so enthusiastic about this cutting-edge technology and are great people. Working in this company is honestly so rewarding!