Cord blood for leukemia/ lymphoma?

[Sunfishjoy]

Not sure yet what my b lymphoma diagnosis is. But a timely question has arisen in my family. Both of my daughters are pregnant and due late November. One asked if I wanted her to harvest and store her cord blood for possible use for my illness. Apparently she needs to decide by early October. Does anyone have any knowledge about this? I will also ask my doctor but would appreciate hearing what you might know. P.S. I am 68 and assume I am past the age cutoff for stem cell transplants. But I wonder if use of cord blood and tissue holds to same age rule.

Update: my doctor said it is unlikely that I would need to have a transplant do the cord blood might not be used by me.

[Jm954 Administrator]

I like this question!

Cord blood transplants have been around for quite a while and were first used for children who need less stem cells than adults. Adults receiving cord blood transplants usually have 'tandem' cord blood where two cord bloods are used. The science behind that is fascinating but it appears that one cord blood supports the other and one becomes dominant with only that one going on to produce cells indefinitely. The reason for that is poorly understood at the moment. There is less GVHD with cord blood transplants too.

But, if your daughter's baby's cord blood could be used for you is a question that only your haematologist could answer because that may not be an appropriate treatment for you. I would think that they could answer that question pretty quickly as yes or no but remember that if you were to have this treatment you would almost certainly need two anyway.

Regarding harvesting and preserving the cord blood stem cells from the new baby, your daughter would need to think about if she wanted to do it as a private venture that would benefit just her child (could be useful at a future date) or if she wishes to donate to the cord blood bank for the benefit of others. I would think there would be a fee for the collection and more for storage if she does it as a private venture.

Jackie

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

I agree that only your doctor can answer your specific question. bethematch.org (US based) and anthonynolan.org (U.K. based) both have a lot of good information about stem cell transplants. I hope your daughter will consider donating her cord blood if your doctor feels that it would not be of use for you. I followed a young man on line who's only option was using cord blood. He and my cousin were in the same transplant unit. Those of you in the US may have seen a picture of him with his mother a couple of years ago in the drive thru lane at McDonalds. He was the poster child for their Ronald McDonald House fundraisers.