When it comes to umbilical cord blood transplantation, everyone is familiar with it. In recent years, this method has been widely used by many medical enthusiasts. Through research, it has been found that umbilical cord blood contains abundant hematopoietic stem cells, making it the third source of hematopoietic stem cells. Currently, non blood related umbilical cord blood transplantation is mainly carried out. So, is umbilical cord blood transplantation better or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation better?
To compare the advantages of these two methods, let's first take a look at the pros and cons of umbilical cord blood transplantation.
There are many advantages to umbilical cord blood transplantation. Umbilical cord blood contains abundant stem cells and is an important source of hematopoietic stem cells. Using umbilical cord blood as a raw material is safer and higher than using bone marrow, because the virus carrying rate in umbilical cord blood is very low. In addition, the probability of developing transplant related diseases is also lower than other methods. In addition, umbilical cord blood has high immune tolerance and can tolerate differences in the addresses of two lymphocyte antigens, allowing for transplantation and increasing the chances of transplantation. Umbilical cord blood can be collected and refrigerated for convenient use, shortening the search for stem cells without delaying the condition.
Although there are many advantages, there are also many disadvantages. The number of stem cells contained in one unit of umbilical cord blood is limited, which is usually not enough for the weight of minors. This means that autologous reserves, if used for growing individuals, may be insufficient and require seeking help from public banks or other means. The time required for umbilical cord blood transplantation will be longer, which increases the risk of infection. Due to the fact that the requirements for umbilical cord blood typing are wider than those for bone marrow typing, and not as strict as those for bone marrow typing, there may be an increase in later recovery problems after successful blood typing.
Therefore, whether it is umbilical cord blood transplantation or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, it should be based on the individual's actual situation. As long as it is beneficial for the patient's recovery, any approach taken is good.
