Expectant parents now have the option to save
their baby's "cord blood" (blood from the umbilical cord)
immediately following birth. This cord blood can be transplanted
into individuals whose blood has been damaged by diseases such
as leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia. Saved
cord blood is a perfect match for the baby it came from, and can
also be useful in treating relatives of the baby. What cells should
be harvested from the cord blood to best treat patients with blood
diseases?
