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Diseases and Conditions Treated With Cord Blood Stem Cells

Cord blood stem cells are FDA-approved for treating dozens of serious conditions. Research is ongoing into many more. Here's a parent-friendly overview of what's established and what's still emerging.

Established uses (standard of care)

  • Leukemias: acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
  • Lymphomas: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Inherited blood disorders: sickle cell disease, thalassemia
  • Bone marrow failure: aplastic anemia, Fanconi anemia
  • Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and other primary immunodeficiencies
  • Certain metabolic disorders such as Hurler syndrome and Krabbe disease

Active research areas

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Autism spectrum disorders (early-stage trials)
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Stroke recovery in adults

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