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Stem Cells
Netcells Cryogenics
Contact Details:
Clare Snell
+27 (0)11 697 2900
+27 (0) 84 664 4646
info@netcells.co.za
www.netcells.co.za
Physical Address:
International Business Gateway
Cnr of New and Sixth Road
Midrand
2194
Johannesburg
Overview
What are stem cells:
Stem Cells are the body’s master cells, which have the ability to differentiate and specialize into all cells that make up the human body (skin, tissue, blood, organs, muscle, bones, nerves etc).
Where are stem cells found?
After conception, a sperm and egg fuse to form on single human cell. This cell then begins to divide to form a group of cells known as stem cells as all the organs of the body will stem from them. These stem cells are classified as embryonic stem cells and research on these cells is what has made stem cells so controversial … the termination of a potential life to obtain stem cells in the interests of medical and scientific research.
Stem cells are also abundant in the umbilical cord and placenta, which makes the collection of umbilical cord blood at birth a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, free of moral, ethical or religious concerns considering that the umbilical cord and placenta would otherwise be discarded.
Stem cells are also found in adults in peripheral blood, bone marrow and adipose (fat) tissue. Stem cells are active in maintaining and repairing our tissues. Traditionally, bone marrow has been utilized for transplants in life-threatening illnesses such as leukaemia. The problem with a bone marrow donor, is that it is extremely difficult to find a suitable HLA-type match (1 in 40,000). There is also a risk of rejection even where a match is found. Stem cells collected from the umbilical cord provide an exciting solution, considering they are autologous (from your own body) and there is no chance of rejection.
What illnesses can stem cells treat?
The main use so far has been for over 43 blood related diseases, such as blood cancer like leukaemia and lymphoma; blood disorders like aplastic anaemia, Thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia, Fanconi’s anemia; disorders of the immune system and metabolic disorders.
Significant research is being undertaken worldwide in stem cell therapies. To date there has been varied successes in the treatment of spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, heart tissue regeneration, corneal reconstruction, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cartilage, tendon and bone repair.
Who can use the stem cells?
Stem cells represent a perfect match for the baby whose cord blood stem cells have been collected. There is also an excellent possibility that the stem cells will be a suitable match for a sibling (1 in 4) or a parent (1 in 8). In fact, the majority of stem cell transplants to date have been used for siblings.
Statistics:
Although exact statistics are not available, about 8,000 – 10,000 stem cell transplants have been performed worldwide, primarily in the USA, Western Europe, Japan and Australia. The number of transplants is increasing and adults now account for about one third of all recipients. Two thirds of transplants are in patients with leukemia and about a quarter in patients with genetic diseases.
Real-life treatments:
The first cord blood transplantation was performed in France in 1988. A six year old boy from North Carolina with severe Fanconi’s anaemia received cryopreserved umbilical cord blood from his younger sister. Today he is healthy and has had no further manifestations of the disease.
The Hashami couple from Abu Dhabi were devastated when they found out their daughter Amnah was suffering from Thalassaemia Major. This is a genetic disorder that reduces the haemoglobin content in red blood cells resulting in severe anaemia due to the accumulation of iron in the body, following repeated transfusions. Although she was on treatment maintenance, the family were desperate for a cure. The couple went on to have a second baby.
With the help of Dr Shahina Azam at the Corniche Hospital, in Abu Dhabi, the umbilical cord stem cells from their new daughter, Momima, were collected and stored in preparation for a stem cell transplant at San Matteo Hospital in Italy. At the age of three, Amnah received the life-saving transplant of stem cells from Momima’s umbilical cord blood.
Today, Amnah is a healthy nine year-old, who has a very special bond with her five year-old sister. Three years ago, Steven Knox, a male nurse from Darlington, became the first British adult to be cured of leukaemia using a transplant of stem cells from a new-born baby, not even related to him.
What are the chances of you needing the stem cells?
Hopefully you will never need them. Since umbilical cord storage is relatively new, long-term statistics are not available. With all the current research into stem cells, it is likely however that retrieval will increase in the future, as more diseases become treatable through stem cell therapy.
Collection procedure:
Parents are provided with a collection kit prior to the birth, which is taken to the bedside during delivery. After the birth, once the baby has been safely delivered, the physician clamps the umbilical cord (with the placenta in utero or delivered), places a needle into the umbilical cord vein and the blood is drained by gravity into a sterile collection bag. It is a completely painless procedure and only takes a couple of minutes.
The blood is then couriered in a special temperature controlled kit to the laboratory in Midrand, Gauteng. The laboratory follows international guidelines and is currently undergoing accreditation by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). On receipt, the laboratory processes the blood and the stem cells are separated out and cryogenically stored in bags in vapour liquid nitrogen at -196°C.
Cost:
R13,900 as a once-off payment which includes 20 years storage. There are no annual charges and no retrieval costs. A R2,500 non-refundable deposit is required and the balance of R11,400 is only payable upon successful storage. We also offer payments plans. Please contact us in this regard.
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