Cord blood banking is a powerful tool in modern medicine, offering hope to families facing severe health challenges. However, recent media coverage has raised concerns and confusion about the practice, particularly a New York Times article that presents a skewed view of the industry.
At New England Cord Blood Bank, we find it crucial to address the misinformation and provide clarity for parents considering this life-saving option.
The Value of Cord Blood Banking
Cord blood is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells, which are crucial for treating over 80 diseases, including leukemia and certain genetic disorders. The practice of banking this blood, whether privately or through public donation, ensures that these cells are preserved and available for future treatments.
Cord blood has been used in more than 45,000 transplants worldwide, underlining its importance in medical treatments.
Misleading Claims in the New York Times Article
The New York Times article highlighted the stories of four families who faced disappointment after discovering that their stored cord blood was contaminated and could not be used in clinical trials for their children.
While these cases are indeed heartbreaking, they do not represent the broader reality of cord blood banking. The article’s focus on these isolated incidents creates a misleading narrative that could discourage parents from considering this important option.
Setting the Record Straight
- Contamination Rates are Low
The New York Times article suggested a high rate of contamination in privately banked cord blood units. However, the contamination rate is actually below 10%, a figure supported by research from Dr. Kurtzberg’s team at Duke Medical Center. While any contamination is regrettable, it is a relatively rare occurrence, and advancements in obstetric practices can further reduce this risk.
- Why Some Units are Rejected
The article stated that more than half of the cord blood units from private banks are rejected from clinical trials due to “low-quality cells.” This is misleading. The primary reason for rejection is not contamination but rather the size of the cord blood units.
Clinical trials often require a large volume of cells, and many family-banked units are too small to meet these specific requirements. However, this does not mean the cells are of low quality or that the cord blood is useless for other medical purposes.
- The Role of Clinical Trials
The New York Times article did not adequately explain that the families it featured were seeking treatments for conditions like cerebral palsy and autism, areas where cord blood therapy is still under research. These trials have stringent requirements, and not every cord blood unit will qualify. Importantly, cord blood is already a standard treatment for many other diseases, where it has proven highly effective.
- The Success of Cord Blood Treatments
Despite the challenges highlighted, over 1,300 families in the United States have used privately stored cord blood for therapies. Of these, over 800 therapies were administered to the child who banked the cord blood, and over 590 were used to treat a sibling. These numbers reflect the real-world impact and success of cord blood banking, contrary to the negative portrayal in the article.
The Bigger Picture
A comprehensive rebuttal to the claims made in the New York Times article was provided by Dr. Frances Verter, founder of the Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation. In her detailed analysis, Dr. Verter emphasized that the article’s assertion—suggesting that half of the cord blood units in private banks are useless—was not only misleading but also damaging to public understanding.
Her response highlights the critical need for better communication and quality control within the industry, while also affirming the significant, proven benefits of cord blood banking for countless families.
For a more detailed analysis and rebuttal of the claims made in the New York Times article, we encourage you to read the comprehensive response by Dr. Frances Verter on the Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation’s website here.
Moving Forward with Informed Decisions
At New England Cord Blood Bank, we are committed to providing accurate information and the highest quality of service to ensure that parents can make informed decisions. While no medical service is without its challenges, the potential benefits of cord blood banking far outweigh the risks. If you have any questions or need further clarification, we are here to support you every step of the way.
