Stem cells are among the therapies to take over the next frontier in medicine. They are thought to have great therapeutic potential in not only being able to replace damaged or dysfunctional cells, but also rescue them and deliver therapeutic proteins as they have been engineered to do so. Stem cells recovered postnatally from the umbilical cord, including the umbilical cord blood cells, amnion/placenta, umbilical cord vein, or umbilical cord matrix cells, are a readily available source of cells that are capable of forming many different cell types (i.e., they are “multipotent”).

Stem cell therapy is under ongoing research. After many years and publications, the results are promising for safety and efficacy. More evidence based clinical trials and long term studies before overall guidelines and safety protocols can be developed. Dr. Green will review the individualized risks, benefits, and alternatives and together with the patient will determine whether Stem Cell Therapy is a reasonable option. As always the top concerns are safety and efficacy.

People who may benefit from cord stem cells are

• Osteoarthritis

• Spinal cord injuries

• Type 1 diabetes

• Parkinson's disease

• Smyotrophic lateral sclerosis

• Alzheimer's disease

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Burns

• Cancer

Resource Links

Background, processing, and application

Role in Regenerative Medicine

Overview