Many parents are still unaware of the benefits of cord blood banking. As such, there are many myths that persist between prospective parents about the safety of cord blood banks and the general facts about the process. Here are some of the most common myths about cord blood banks, and some facts to dispel.
A myth that parents believe concerns autologous transplants in which the donor receives his own stem cells. Some think the own stem cells of a sick child contain the disease and that doctors would not treat someone using this method. However, tens of autologous transplants are performed each year, the treatment of children with a wide range of diseases such as myeloma and lymphoma. autologous transplants are not recommended for patients with leukemia, but a cord blood unit adapted brother would be the best option.
It is also believed that the chances of a single family member ever needs a stem cell transplant are so low that there would be no point in the blood bank cord. Since cord blood can treat over 75 different diseases today. As researchers discover more uses for cord blood, including the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and cerebral palsy, the chances of a family member receiving a stem cell transplant (70 years ) can be from 1 to 200.