ADVANTAGES
​of CORD BLOOD vs BONE MARROW

For more and more patients, cord blood is being used as the preferred source of stem cells instead of bone marrow. The reasons for this choice by doctors will vary as each case is different. Cord blood has several distinct advantages over bone marrow:
  • Cord blood is easier to collect, store and access quickly for a transplant. 
  • Research has shown that in stem cell transplants where only one cord blood unit is used there is significantly less risk of GvHD (Graft versus Host Disease) for patients versus those undergoing a bone marrow transplant. In transplants where two cord blood units are used the risk of acute GvHD is comparable to bone marrow and other methods (read more about this research here). 
  • Recent studies have shown that there is less risk of a relapse for certain diseases if cord blood is used (read about it here). 
  • Logistically, cord blood can be shipped easily and made available in days. This has become particularly important during the COVID-19 crisis. 
  • When combined with early newborn screening, a cord blood transplant can be made available very quickly in the treatment of Krabbe Disease, a deadly leukodystrophy for which timing is critical.
  • In addition, the majority of cord blood units currently stored around the world was collected and stored prior to the 2020 pandemic which means that these particular units are naturally "COVID free." 
  • Cord blood is easier to match than bone marrow. Watch this video to learn about HLA matching: