Cord Blood Clinical Trials

With existing success in treating many disorders and diseases, researchers are using cord blood to test treatments for a broad range of other conditions. Many of these conditions are life-altering or even deadly, making finding a treatment that much more important.

Clinical trials for cord blood treatments

Treatment options for families with stored cord blood grows every year. Patients that need a stem cell transplant can receive therapy for over 80 different diseases, but researchers constantly improve old treatments and establish new ones. The following list shows current clinical trials researching cord blood treatments.

Clinical trials are split into five sections, based on the type of disease. These include:

  • Neurological Disorders
  • Autoimmune Disorders
  • Heart Disorders
  • Inherited Disorders
  • Other Diseases

Neurological disorders

Neurological disorders, like autism and hearing loss, can cause significant difficulties in the affected person’s life. Researchers are currently testing treatment of these serious conditions using umbilical cord cells in human patients. These clinical trials are testing treatments for:

  • Autism
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Hearing Loss
  • Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
  • Spinal Cord Injury

Autoimmune disorders

Disorders of the immune system cause the body to attack its own cells, often leading to fatigue and constant fevers. Over time, certain autoimmune conditions can be deadly. While cord blood therapy is already available for many immune system diseases, researchers are testing new treatment options. Current and upcoming clinical trials include treatment for:

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Graft-Versus-Host Disease
  • Kidney Transplants
  • Lupus
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Scleroderma
  • Cardiovascular Disease

Heart disorders

Heart conditions can lead to nausea, weakness and constant sweating. While rare, certain heart conditions may be fatal. Researchers are launching clinical trials for several heart conditions, which include:

  • Congenital Defects
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
  • Grow Vascular Graft
  • Ischemia (not enough blood being supplied to the heart)
  • Critical Limb Ischemia
  • Compartment Syndrome
  • Ischemic Stroke
  • Ischemic Heart Disease
  • Cardiac Repair
  • Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)
  • Cardiomyopathy

Inherited disorders

Inherited diseases, including anemia and thalassemia, can have a broad range of symptoms from fatigue to weakened bones or joints. Many inherited conditions become dangerous over time. However, researchers are testing new treatments using cord blood. Clinical trials include treatments for:

  • Adrenoleukodystrophy
  • Chronic Granulomatous Disease
  • Fanconi Anemia
  • Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
  • Sickle Cell Diseases
  • Thalassemia
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
  • Alveolar Cleft Palate Repair
  • Knee Cartilage Repair

Other diseases

There are many other diseases not covered by the above categories that are still dangerous over time. These conditions may cause fatigue, rashes and flu-like symptoms. Treatment may be possible with cord blood cells, and researchers are enrolling patients in clinical trials for the following diseases:

  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
  • Epidermolysis Bullosa
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Lysosomal Storage Disease

Researchers are continuing to find new ways to use cord blood. Learn more about current and future treatments for cord blood here.