Why Store Stem Cells?

In recent years, 'stem cell therapy' has become a popular and widely discussed topic with debates and discussions about stem cells appearing in magazines, television, radio and on the Internet.

Stem cell therapy holds great promise for treating and perhaps one day curing many diseases.   

For those who are already suffering from a disease that stem cells can treat, storing stem cells may have a personal importance and relevance. For others, it is likely that at some point in their life, they or a loved one will be affected by a disease that stem cells can treat.

The potential for stem cells to replace damaged cells and tissues is an exciting one. Stem cells are currently being used to successfully treat more than 70 diseases including leukemia, anaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other cancers, and impaired immune systems.

Numerous clinical trials using stem cells are also underway around the world to address heart disease, cerebral palsy, diabetes, lung disease, liver disease, and other serious ailments.

"I would like to see umbilical cord and tissue stem cell storage available for every pregnant woman. It really is a simple process that can be a life-saver. The future applications of these cells could be widespread"

Dr Peter Hollands, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, University of Westminster