Every day in clinical practice, I see the remarkable impact that stem cell therapy can have on patients with serious blood disorders. While stem cell transplantation has transformed the treatment of many life-threatening diseases, few people realise that one of the richest sources of these valuable cells is available only once in a lifetime — at the birth of a child.
For many years, the umbilical cord and placenta were routinely discarded after delivery. Today, we recognise that they contain an abundant supply of stem cells that may have important therapeutic value, both now and potentially in the future.
— Dr Mohd Haris Fadzillah Bin Abdul Rahman, Consultant physician and haematologist at Subang Jaya Medical Centre
Two Types of Cells, Countless Possibilities
Umbilical cord banking involves preserving two different biological materials, each containing distinct types of stem cells:
- Cord Blood (Hematopoietic Stem Cells): These cells are already well established in modern medicine and are used in the treatment of more than 80 diseases, including leukaemia, lymphoma, inherited blood disorders such as thalassaemia, bone marrow failure syndromes, and certain immune deficiencies.
- Cord Tissue (Mesenchymal Stem Cells): Found in the cord structure itself, these cells can build bone, cartilage, and muscle. They possess different biological properties and are being actively studied for their potential role in regenerative medicine. Clinical research is exploring their use in areas such as tissue repair, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions. While these applications remain largely investigational, they represent an exciting and rapidly evolving field of medicine.
Why Collect Stem Cells at Birth?
Stem cells obtained at birth are biologically young and have not been exposed to many of the environmental influences or age-related changes that occur later in life. They are collected immediately after the baby is delivered and after the umbilical cord has been clamped.
The collection procedure is simple, painless and poses no additional risk to either the mother or the newborn. Because this opportunity exists only once, families who wish to preserve these cells must make the decision before delivery.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Gift
Cord blood and cord tissue banking is not a necessity for every family, nor does it guarantee future treatment. However, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve a unique biological resource that may have value under specific medical circumstances.
As healthcare professionals, our role is to help parents make informed decisions based on current evidence and realistic expectations. I encourage expectant parents to discuss cord blood and cord tissue banking with their obstetrician or healthcare provider during pregnancy so they can consider whether it aligns with their family’s wishes and future healthcare planning.
Planning Ahead for Your Family
If you are expecting and would like to understand whether stem cell banking fits your family’s plans, you can explore our price plans and protection plan, or speak with our consultant team — we are happy to walk you through the process with no obligation.